FAQ

The questions we hear most, answered straight. Deeper detail lives in the linked policies. Still stuck? 1-877-275-7048 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM Eastern).

Ordering & pricing

How does ordering work if there’s no online checkout?

You reserve your building online (or design it in 3D), then a specialist calls to confirm your configuration and final state-based price and takes a deposit — typically 10%–30% — by phone. No card is ever charged on the website. Your confirmation email is your deposit receipt, your order is processed within 3 business days, and installation can’t be scheduled until you reply to that email. (Terms §3–4)

Why do prices change when I select a different state?

Buildings are produced by regional manufacturers, so pricing and lead times are set per state. Always select your installation state for accurate pricing.

Is the price on the site really the whole price?

Displayed Carport Builder pricing is the total turnkey price for standard installation. Not included: state/local sales tax, optional certified engineered plans, mobile-home/helical anchors where required, and build-over fees — each is quoted before your deposit is processed. (Shipping Policy §4)

How long is my quote valid?

30 days. Steel prices move; after expiry we’ll re-confirm pricing before taking a deposit.

Is ordering directly from a manufacturer cheaper?

No — we sell at manufacturer pricing, and one specialist coordinates your quote, engineering, delivery, and installation across our regional partners.

Can I finance my building?

Yes — monthly financing and rent-to-own are available for qualifying customers, and applying doesn’t affect your credit until approval. (Financing Options)

Cancellations & changes

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. Within 3 days of your order confirmation you get a full deposit refund — email orders@steelandstud.com in writing. After 3 days (before plans are sent), your deposit converts to a credit toward another Steel and Stud building, good for 3 years. Once plans are sent, deposits are non-refundable if a permit is denied for reasons unrelated to the plans. Cancellations within 72 hours of a scheduled installation are non-refundable, and custom-sized-unit deposits are non-refundable. (Return Policy)

What if my installation takes way longer than quoted?

Installation delays aren’t a cancellation basis, but there’s a Lead-Time Refund Guarantee: if we exceed the upper bound of your quoted regional window by more than 14 calendar days without a documented force-majeure cause, you can request a full deposit refund in writing. (Shipping Policy §12.2)

Can I change my order after paying the deposit?

Yes, before production. Revisions that increase the price require an additional deposit; if a revision reduces the price, the deposit difference is applied as a processing fee. (Return Policy)

Delivery & installation

How long until my building is installed?

Typically 4–8 weeks from deposit to installed (~85% within 6 weeks); mountain/western regions run 6–10 weeks. The clock starts when your deposit clears and we’ve received a photo of your prepared site. (Shipping Policy §2)

Do you install in my state?

We deliver and install in all 48 contiguous states (not AK/HI/territories). A physical installation site is required — no P.O. boxes; oversize structures (over 40 ft wide or 60 ft long) in remote ZIPs may carry a freight surcharge, quoted before your deposit is processed. (Shipping Policy §1)

Is installation really included?

For tubular steel buildings, delivery and professional installation are free within the 48 contiguous states. DIY cold-formed kits are quoted separately for delivery (or factory pickup) with optional professional installation — and self-installers get a 5% discount in most states. (Shipping Policy §4)

What do I need to do before installation day?

Have the site level within 2–3 inches of true level, keep 4 feet of clearance on every side, ensure access for a pickup truck towing a 20-ft trailer, have permits/HOA approvals in hand, and call 811 at least 3 business days ahead to mark buried utilities. If the crew arrives and the site isn’t ready, they can install as-is with documented limitations or reschedule with a return-trip fee. (Shipping Policy §6)

What size concrete pad do I need?

Pad specs vary by model — contact us before pouring so we can confirm slab dimensions, anchor-bolt placement and embed depth, and whether your local code needs a footing or thickened edge. (Shipping Policy §6.1)

How will I know when the crew is coming?

Four touchpoints: confirmation email within 3 business days of deposit; manufacturer welcome call within ~14 days; scheduling confirmation 1–4 business days before installation; arrival window confirmed ~24 hours ahead. Silence between the welcome call and scheduling is normal. (Order Tracking)

Permits & engineering

Do I need a permit?

Usually yes for structures over ~120 sq ft — rules are local, and permits, zoning, and HOA approvals are the customer’s responsibility before ordering. Generic engineered plans are available in most states for a fee; certified plans are always required in CO, ID, MT, ND, NE, SD, UT, and WY. (Shipping Policy §8)

What’s a “certified” building?

One engineered and anchored to rated wind/snow loads per stamped plans. Certification is only valid with the specified foundation and anchoring; standard Carport Builder prices are for non-certified buildings.

Warranty & after-sales

What warranty is included?

14-gauge frames: 30-day workmanship warranty. 12-gauge frames: 30-day workmanship plus a 20-year limited rust-through warranty (normal use and maintenance). 29-gauge panels carry the manufacturer’s warranty per the document supplied at installation. Snow/ice load is the owner’s responsibility. Full matrix, exclusions, and the 5-minute photo claim process: Warranty.

What if something’s wrong at installation?

Walk the building with the lead installer before the crew leaves and note visible issues on the completion form. Concealed issues: report within 30 days with photos to orders@steelandstud.com. (Warranty)

How do I track my order?

Six stages from Reservation Received to Installed — live in My Account, or see Order Tracking.

Privacy & communications

What happens to the details I type into the quote form?

They’re used to prepare your quote and follow up by email or a live phone call. Our site also uses analytics and session-replay tools that record how the site is used — including form entries — so if your submission errors out after you press Submit, we can recover the request you meant to send. Details and opt-outs: Privacy Policy and Your Privacy Choices.

Will you spam me if I request a quote?

No. You’ll get your quote and reasonable follow-ups by email or phone; every marketing email has an unsubscribe link, and “please don’t call” is honored within 10 business days. We don’t send marketing texts.