You’re about to learn exactly what you need to know before hiring a carport builder!
Asking yourself how you can protect vehicles without having to pay for a garage?
Building a carport is one of the best home improvement investments you can make. They keep your cars sheltered from the harsh elements and they instantly increase curb appeal. What many people don’t realize is that adding a carport to your property can actually increase its value by 1-5%.
But here’s the thing…
If you don’t hire the right builder, it can become a costly nightmare.
Cheap carports fall apart due to subpar construction. Untrustworthy builders take your money and never finish the job. Low-quality materials rust or degrade after just a couple years.
Finding the right carport builders doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need to know what to look for. Here is everything you need to know before hiring a carport builder:
What you’ll learn:
- Why It’s Important To Choose The Right Builder
- Red Flags To Avoid
- Questions You Should Always Ask
- Comparing Quotes Like A Professional
Let’s get started.
Why You Need To Choose the Right Carport Builder
Okay so a carport seems pretty straight forward. Four posts and a roof section.
How difficult could it be?
One would think this, but let me tell you…
With carports, it’s all about attention to detail. Poor measurements lead to alignment problems. Low-grade metal oxidizes quickly and weakens your structure. Expert installation is needed to properly anchor your build.
Not only do carports have to support the weight of snow, they also have to withstand wind. Plus they’re exposed to sun UV rays and precipitation.
You wouldn’t let just anyone take care of your roof would you? You need to hire professionals that know what they’re doing. The same logic applies to carports. By working with local carport builders you can ensure your new addition was built up to code.
According to Houzz, 45% of homeowners said that “finding the right professionals to execute my project was my most tried challenge”. Hiring the wrong builder can lead to big problems.
It doesn’t take much to turn a nice carport into a rusted pile of junk.
- Poor construction can lead to collapses during inclement weather.
- Improper anchoring techniques reduce the lifespan of your carport.
- Low-grade steel can rust and wear thin in a short period of time.
- Permit issues could cause your carport to be fined or forced to dismantle.
Take your time finding local professionals that have a solid reputation.
Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Builder
There are some homeowners that will trust just about any contractor that walks through their door. If you give someone your hard-earned money, you should be able to trust that they will do what they say.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Avoid hiring these contractors:
- They don’t have a physical address or website
- They ask you to pay the full amount upfront
- They’re not willing to provide you with a written contract
- They pressure you into making quick decisions
- They don’t have any references or examples of past work
One thing most people don’t think about…
Make sure they’re licensed and insured. Hire who if your contractor gets in an accident on your property you’re liable! When thinking about prices always remember the true cost.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Now that we know who you shouldn’t hire, let’s talk about what questions you should ask before hiring a carport builder.
Simply asking these questions can help you weed out the bad apples.
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you provide liability insurance and workers comp?
- Will you pull permits for this job?
- What kind of warranty do you provide?
- Could I see some references from past customers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process as well. A reputable builder should have no problem walking you through their proposed timeline from start to finish.
Ask about material options, site preparation, foundation requirements, and anything else on your mind.
If they avoid your questions or give vague responses, they’re probably going to cut corners when building your carport.
Request a detailed estimate as well. You want everything in writing so there are no surprises later on.
Comparing Quotes
You’ve now asked multiple companies detailed questions about your project. It’s time to compare quotes.
Customers typically receive 2-3 quotes before hiring a contractor. Don’t be that 6% who only call one person!
When comparing make sure to examine:
- The different materials they are using
- Their labor costs
- Hidden fees
- Warranty
Just because one builder is $500 cheaper than the rest, doesn’t mean they will give you better value.
A well constructed carport can last for decades if you take care of it. You could be setting yourself up for future expenses by choosing the cheapest builder.
Carport Materials and Design
Carports can come in many different materials and styles.
Here’s some things to consider when designing:
Materials
- Steel – Steel is affordable and strong. If you want something that will last make sure it’s galvanized steel.
- Aluminum – Aluminum doesn’t rust like steel and is ideal for beach areas.
- Wood – While wood is a classic look you’ll have to maintain the structure. Wooden carports should be attached or fully covered.
Roofing
- Flat – If you live in an area that doesn’t receive rain or snow, then a flat roof will do just fine.
- Sloped – Sloped roofs are better for high precipitation areas.
- Peak – If you want to build a roof that drains water efficiently then a peaked carport is your best bet.
Size
Make sure you have enough room to open your car doors. If you’re wondering how big you should make your carport, just measure your vehicle and add a few feet.
Permits and Building Regulations
Speaking of permits, you’ll most likely need one to build a carport.
Here’s what could happen if you don’t obtain a permit.
- You could get fined by the local government
- They’ll make you take down the carport
- You could have problems when selling your home
- If you file an insurance claim they could deny it
Hire a contractor that will pull the proper permits for you. Ensure everything is up to code before they start building.
Wrapping It Up
Investing in a carport is just as important as hiring the right builder to do the job.
Remember…
Do your research when looking for local builders. Ask tons of questions about their process and expect them to do the same. Compare quotes and look for the best value.
A carport should last a long time with proper maintenance. Don’t be afraid to spend money on a quality carport. You’ll thank yourself every time you don’t have to wipe down wet rain spots.