How Can I Turn Metal Carport Into Garage?

Kunal Singh
June 12, 2022
4:45 am

Can I Turn a Carport Into a Garage?

Yes, You Can!

Converting a carport into a garage can be a great way to add extra space to your home. Before starting the conversion project, it would be best to consider several things, so make sure you understand the process and the associated costs.

Wondering if it's possible to turn a carport into a garage?

You’re not alone! Many people are interested in this topic, and for a good reason. Converting your carport into a garage can be a great way to add extra storage or living space to your home without breaking the bank.

But before you get too excited, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of converting your carport into a garage and tips on making the most out of your new space. So, whether you’re just starting to think about it or you’re already in the process of doing it, read on for all the info you need!

What is a Carport, and why would I want to convert it into a Garage?

A carport is an uncovered parking space, typically attached to the side of your home. They’re usually cheaper and easier to build than a full-fledged garage, so many homes have them. Carports can be attached to the side of a house, or they can be standalone structures. They are typically made of metal or wood and have a roof, but they can also be made with canvas or other materials.

However, carports offer very little protection for your vehicles from the elements. This? Were you combined with the fact that they’re often small and cramped? It can make them less than ideal for parking your car or storing your belongings.

Of course, there are some things you need to consider before starting any construction project.

3 Things to Consider Before Converting Your Carport Into A Garage

1. Cost

The cost of converting a carport into a garage will vary depending on several factors, such as the size and location of the carport, the materials you use, and whether or not you need to hire a professional. Also, consider the labor and material costs, the electrical service, and the carport structure you want.

On average, you can expect to spend between $5000 and $10000 on the garage project. This may seem like a lot of money, but it’s important to remember that this is an investment in your home rather than to cut costs. After a successful conversion, it will add value to your property, but it will also make your life easier, save money in the long run and give you a more comfortable place to park your car or store your belongings like your lawn equipment, and electrical boxes.

2. Permits

Another critical thing to consider before starting any construction project is whether or not you need a building permit. You will need a license to convert your carport into a garage in most cases. The best way to find out is to contact your local building department or city hall and ask about the specific requirements for your area.

Checking with Your Local Municipalities
Check Local Building Codes and HOA Regulations

It’s also worth mentioning that, even if you don’t need a permit, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional before starting any construction project. and check the property line. This is especially true if you’re not experienced in construction or if the project is complex. if there is a case the carport conversion project will be paused, please request a new building permit to continue the construction process.

3. Design

Design is one of the most important things to consider when converting a carport into a garage. This is because the design will determine how functional your new space will be and how much it will cost to build.

It would be best to consider a few things when designing your new garage.

First, you need to decide how much space you need. And what kind of garage do you want? Is it a garage attached or a detached garage? This will depend on how many vehicles you want to park in the garage or your vehicle shelter and whether or not you want to be able to store other things, like tools or sporting equipment. Always plan ahead.
Second, you need to think about the layout of the space. This includes where the doors will be located and how much wall space you need for shelves or cabinets. With the help of your concrete contractor, decide if the floor and garage walls will be a pour concrete or slab surface.
Finally, you need to decide what kind of carport roof you want or if you don’t want to change your existing roof. Also, consider the carport’s roofline carports are usually built with either a gable roof, an inverted V-shape, or a shed roof. The most common type of metal roof for a garage is a gabled roof, but there are other options, like a flat roof or a shed roof.

You’re ready to plan your new garage once you’ve considered all of these things. If you’re unsure where to start, a few resources can help, like books, magazines, and online tutorials.

Assuming you've considered all the above, you're ready to plan your carport conversion!

The first step is to decide what kind of garage you want. Do you need a single-car garage, metal garage, attached garage, or will a metal two-car garage suffice? What about the ceiling height? How much wall framing space do you need for shelves or cabinets?

Once you’ve decided on the basics, it’s time to start thinking about the details. What kind of doors do you want? Where will they be located? What type of flooring do you want? How will you light the space?

Materials And Subcontractors

You will need various materials and subcontractors for your carport to garage conversion. To start with, this carport conversion project.

You will need a foundation.
You will also need a concrete slab, bricks, mortar, and cinder blocks
Doors
Windows
Drainpipe
Insulation
Nails and screws
Windows
Roofing materials (if needed)
Garage door
Plywood

Insulation for garage door and walls
Lumber
Particleboard or drywall
Siding
Excavation concrete (if required)
Insulated wire
Metal conduit
Electrical boxes
Switches
Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians

Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials and subcontractors, you can begin transforming your carport into a garage.

Step-by-Step Process of Convert Metal Carport To Garage

Preparing The Site

Rather than preparing it by yourself, it’s more promising that you hire a professional and let them draw your plans.

Why? Because these professionals will assist you in planning the overall layout, which contains the opening part for your doors and windows.

Also, they respect the setback distances framed by your municipality.

Installing or Updating The Foundation

Now that you’re done with your preparations, you might know or will get to know that your turn carport into garage can be done without even digging the foundation.

But wait, For this to happen, you must ensure that your land is stable, along with a splendid drainage facility.

Adding Walls And Securing The Metal Panels

After updating the foundation, you need to erect your wall frames with 2 X 6’s with a distance of 16 inches (ce`ntre to centre is imperative).

Installing The Garage Door

Before installing the door, validate that you check this requirement:

An adequate slope on the verge of your garage door for proper drainage.

Adding Windows And Doors

After deciding the type, it’s time you add those for the openings and windows of your style.

Roofing Considerations And Updates

You need to get your roof examined by the contractor or by an engineer if you ain’t planning to replace it. If it’s in proper condition, there’s no need to replace it, but if the state is catastrophic, you may have to remove it entirely.

Insulating The Space

Once all the installation and consideration are in place, it’s time you need to insulate your garage. It’s a wise move that sidesteps the loss of heat. Depending upon your interiors, install wood furring strips.

Finishing Touches

Now this factor is subjective as the exterior of your garage may vary. But try to blend it up with the exterior of your home. Besides this, consider some security measures as it’s a dwelling that accommodates your belongings like:

Install sturdy locks on all doors
Alarm system to defend against robbery.
Security cameras for surveillance.
Motion sensor lights.

Pros and Cons of Converting A Carport Into A Garage

Advantages of converting a carport to a garage

One of the main advantages of converting a carport into a garage is the increased security it can provide. A garage door can deter would-be thieves and vandals and protect your vehicle from inclement weather.
Another advantage is the increased value it can add to your home. A garage is typically seen as a more desirable feature than a carport, so if you plan to sell your home in the future, a garage may help boost its value.

Disadvantages of converting a carport to a garage

Converting a carport into a garage can be pretty expensive, depending on the size of the space and the materials you use.
Another disadvantage is finding a suitable location for the new garage can be challenging. If your home doesn’t have enough space on the property, you may need to get creative with your design.

Despite the disadvantages, converting a carport into a garage can significantly add value and security to your home it can also give you a comfortable garage. With careful planning and help from a professional, you can create the perfect space for your needs.

How much does it cost to convert a carport into a garage?

According to Angi, a website connecting consumers with service providers, the average cost to convert a carport into a garage is between $8,000 and $10,000. However, the actual price of the project will vary depending on the size of the structure and the materials used. If you want to cut costs, you can rent tools as an option.

For example, your costs will be higher if you have a more oversized carport or want to use high-end materials. Additionally, you will save on labor costs if you choose to do the work yourself. However, it is essential to note that this complex project requires building permits and inspections in most cases. It is generally best to leave the work to a qualified contractor.

By considering all of these factors, you can better understand what it will cost to convert your carport into a garage. So, if you’re thinking about transforming your carport into a garage, get estimates from multiple contractors before making a decision. You can also contact your designer to decide what is a perfect garage design for you, if it is an enclosed carport, if it has an automatic garage door, or a standard garage door opening.

Therefore here are the estimates regarding the same:

Size

Garage Size	Average Cost
Single Car	$9,000 - $12,000
Two-Car Garage	$18,000 - $23,000
Three-Car Garage	$24,000 - $42,000

Drywall And Insulation

Square Foot	Cost of Insulation
A Square Foot	$1 - $3
4 Foot by 8 Foot Panel	$8 - $12

Reuse

You can complete your carport conversion using the same slab & roof, but only when the original structure is rescued.
In terms of expenses, the average amount you can be levied is close to $6,000.

Windows

Installing a single window unit (standard size) could cost you around $200 – $1,300. Factoring in the labour charges, it will go around $150 per window (extra) or $40 an hour.

Electricity

If you’re installing a new outlet, then it runs from $75 – $500.
Or if it’s a new lighting fixture, it’ll cost around $75 – $125.
It’s recommended that you add more than one outlet to save yourself from these extended electrical chords immediately needed for pumping tires, supplying additional power to tools, or for further appliances.

Roofing

If you replace your garage roofing, then it’ll cost you around $1,000 – $2,000.

Does Converting a Carport to a Garage add value?

While the answer may vary depending on your location, converting a carport into a garage can add value to your home. A garage is typically seen as a more desirable feature than a carport, so if you plan to sell your home in the future, a garage may help boost its value.

There are a few things to keep in mind;

First, as mentioned above, the cost of converting a carport into a garage can be expensive.
If you are not planning on staying in your home for a long time, you may not see a return on your investment.
Additionally, if you live in an area where most homes do not have garages, your home may not be valued differently.

Ultimately, it is essential to speak with a real estate agent in your area to get a better idea of how converting a carport into a garage will impact the value of your home.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know everything you need about converting a carport into a garage, it’s time to get started! Just remember to take your time, plan carefully, and consult with a professional if you need to. With a little effort, you’ll be able to turn your carport into the garage of your dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth converting the existing carport to a garage?

The answer may vary depending on your location, but converting a carport into a garage can add value to your home.

Can a metal carport be converted into an enclosed garage?

Yes, a metal carport can be converted to a garage. However, the process will be more complex and costly than converting a wooden carport into a garage.

Is a carport cheaper than a garage?

In most cases, a carport is cheaper than a garage. However, the actual cost will depend on the size of the structure and the materials used.

How long does it take to convert a carport into a garage?

The length of time it takes to convert a carport into a garage will vary depending on the size of the structure and the project’s complexity. However, it will take several weeks to complete the work in most cases.

Do I need a permit to convert carport to garage?

Yes, you need a permit to convert a carport to a garage.

What is the difference between carport and garage?

The primary difference between your garage and a carport is that a garage is made with enclosed solid walls, at least one door and a roof. On the contrary, carports are made with a simple structure with an overhead cover.

How much does it cost to turn a carport into a garage in 2023?

If we consider the foundation, it costs approximately between $18,000 – $23,000. To get the precise price you can contact our sales representative.

What ceiling height is needed for a garage conversion?

The minimum ceiling height you need to convert metal carport to garage is 7’6″. Also, the concrete foundation must be 6 inches high.