Compared with something more complicated – like a house – it’s easy to look at a carport and think that you could just build on yourself. After all, with just a roof and four legs, how hard could it be? In this article, we are going to dive into the discussion of whether you should build or buy your next carport.
The Reality of Building a Carport
While it’s true that carports are relatively simple in design, that doesn’t mean they are easy to build. Unless you have the right experience and plenty of equipment, you are likely to find this to be a difficult and time-consuming process. And, in the end, you may not be happy with the quality of the building you are able to produce.
First, you will need to design a carport that is structurally sound and able to stand up to the elements. That alone is a notable challenge. When you work with American Carports, Inc., you can have your custom design certified by a qualified engineer so you know that it is ready for the conditions it is going to face. Seek out the help of an engineer when building your own carport gives you the confidence that your carport will be built to last.
Once you get over the design hurdle, there is still the practical side of the build to consider. Can you do the work safely? Do you already own all of the tools required to complete the project? Will you be able to do the work at a level that allows the structure to pass code requirements in your area? There are many factors to consider and many people will find that they don’t have the right answers.
What Will You Gain?
A good way to think about this debate is to consider what you stand to gain from building your own carport. What do you hope to accomplish by doing this project on your own? For most people, the answer to that question is found in cost savings. And while it’s always tempting to save some money, you might be disappointed in just how much you can save with this approach.
As an individual, you may need to pay more for materials than a company that buys in bulk, and it might be necessary to spend on some tools to get through the job. At the end of the project, you may end up paying the same amount – or even more – for a carport that doesn’t reach the standards of quality you would have enjoyed with buying a quality carport.
Another common motivation for building a DIY carport is to have the ability to add the exact features that you want to see in the structure. That’s understandable, but you can clear that hurdle in other ways. Specifically, if you work with American Carports, Inc., you’ll be able to use the Build & Price tool to design your new carport precisely to your specifications. Far from being stuck with a stock building that has limited features, you can add countless options to make sure this new carport is exactly what you had in mind.
Lastly, you might be motivated to build your own carport simply because of the satisfaction that comes with taking on a challenge and completing it successfully. While we can appreciate that ambition, you might want to direct your DIY enthusiasm toward other projects. There are plenty of jobs you can take on around the house and on your property that don’t come with the potential struggles that are presented by trying to build a carport.
Choosing the Right Partner
Should you decide to buy a new carport for your property, American Carports, Inc. is here to serve you. Our Build & Price tool makes it easy to customize your carport with features like a roll up garage door or windows, and you’ll get a free quote for your project so you’ll know the price up front. Feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions.
