When it comes to protecting your vehicles from the elements, metal carports are a great option. They provide a strong, durable structure to shelter your vehicles from rain, snow, and other damaging weather conditions. Our steel carport kits are particularly popular among homeowners due to their affordability and durability. Because they are prefabricated, they are easy to assemble and install in very little time. Although we recommend having a professional install your carport kit, it is possible to do it on your own since all of our kit’s components are pre-cut and pre-drilled for easy assembly.
However, if you are not experienced with do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, it may be best to leave the installation of your carport kit to a professional. Before you make that decision, the following are a few things to consider.
Pros of a DIY Metal Carport Kit
The following are a few of the advantages of assembling your steel carport kit yourself:
- Save Money: Assembling your metal carport kit yourself can save you money since you won’t have to pay for a professional’s labour costs.
- Easy Assembly: Our metal carport kits come with detailed instructions. Additionally, because they are prefabricated metal buildings, assembly is a lot easier to do on your own than it is to build a carport from scratch.
- Personal Achievement: There’s something incredibly satisfying about assembling and installing a structure of any kind on your own. You’ll have a sense of pride that you successfully completed the job.
- Learn New Skills: Assembling your carport kit is a great way to acquire new skills. You’ll be able to learn the basics of construction and gain some valuable experience in DIY projects.
Cons of a DIY Metal Carport Kit
Although there are a few benefits to installing a steel carport kit on your own, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well. These include the following:
- It May Take Longer: A professional will have the experience, tools, and skill set necessary to assemble your carport kit quickly and correctly. If you are inexperienced with DIY projects like this one, it could take you longer than anticipated to complete the installation.
- Inaccurate Assembly: If you assemble your carport yourself, there is a chance that you could miss something or make an error — especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with DIY projects. This could be a disaster if your carport were to fail due to an incorrect assembly.
- Safety Hazards: Depending on the size and weight of your carport, installing one can be dangerous for inexperienced DIYers. That’s why it’s important to take safety precautions such as wearing protective gear, using appropriate tools, and following instructions correctly. Without the necessary experience, you may not be able to install your carport safely.
Starting Your DIY Carport Kit Project
Planning Your Carport
The first step to building a carport is planning. If you’re ordering a metal carport kit, then you’ll need to figure out exactly how big it needs to be to suit your needs. How big is the vehicle you plan to park in it? How many vehicles do you need to park in it? How tall do you need the carport to be? In addition to figuring out the dimensions, you’ll want to make sure you have space on your property to install it.
Learning Local Regulations
Before you can order a metal carport kit that suits your needs, you’ll need to make sure your project abides by local building codes and regulations. You may also need to obtain the proper permits if required by your local municipality. After that, you’ll be ready to order the kit and begin assembling it.
DIY Carport Process
The following are the steps you’ll need to take when assembling your carport kit:
- Foundation: You’ll need to make sure the ground is level and prepare a foundation or pad that meets local building codes. Although a carport does not require a foundation, it is recommended for added stability and security.
- Understanding the Components: Once your foundation is set, you’ll need to make sure you understand the instructions and all of the components that come with your carport kit. You don’t want to begin assembly without understanding how each piece fits together and what the purpose of each piece is.
- Structure Formation: Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the individual components, go over the instructions to determine how they combine to create the overall structure of the carport.
- Base Installation: Begin by installing the base. The base is what will connect the entire structure with the foundation. The base is typically installed with the use of anchors.
- Uprights: The next step is to install the uprights. The uprights connect the base railings to the top to create the carport’s structure.
- Roof: Finally, the roof can be installed. The roof is made up of prefabricated panels that come with your carport kit.
Should You Invest in Professional Installation of Your Carport Kit?
Although our metal carport kits can often be easily assembled, you may want to consider hiring a professional for the installation if you are not sure of exactly what you’re doing. This will ensure that your carport is built correctly and safely.
Our Carport Kits are Made Using Galvalume Plus Steel
Our metal carport kits are customizable to suit your needs and are an excellent choice to add protection to vehicles, boats, or outdoor items. Due to their prefabrication, they are easy to assemble on your own should you choose to DIY your installation. For information about our metal carport kits, reach out online or call us at 1-877-870-8676 today. Alternatively, feel free to check out our Sister Company (Future Buildings) website here.
Also Read:
- Steel Carport Buying Guide for First-Time Buyers
- Carport vs. Garage: Which is the Best Option for You
