Month: December 2019

When you start a new project on your property, you probably aren’t focused on the long-term value of that work. Mostly, you’re thinking about the improved function of your property once the job is done. For instance, you’ll have more covered space after you add a carport, allowing you to park out of the elements and store more items. However,it’s also smart to consider what this kind of project will mean to the value of your home and property. So, how much value does a carport add to a home?

An affordable metal carport from American Carports, Inc. is a great investment for your property. Use our Build & Price Tool to fully customize your carport, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

Make a Logical Addition

When we talk about adding value, we’re really referring to increasing the appeal of your property in the eyes of potential buyers. After all, a property–or anything else–is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. With that in mind, make sure your carport addition makes sense given the other features and location of your home.

For instance, if you live on a relatively small lot in the city, adding a carport suitable for a large RV might not be the best choice. The market for large RVs doesn’t overlap much with the market for a small home in the city, so finding the right buyer down the line could be tough. On the other hand, a small carport for a city dweller to park their family sedan out of the weather could be a great selling point.

It Needs to Be High-Quality

A low-quality carport isn’t going to add any value at all to your property. In fact, it might even reduce the perceived value in the eyes of a buyer, since they may soon need to replace or remove that old, worn-out carport. This is why it is important to buy from a respected supplier like American Carports, Inc. When you buy from us, you’ll receive a durable carport that will stand the test of time.

The Math is Complicated

It’s virtually impossible to assign a dollar amount that a carport could add to the value of your property, simply because there are so many variables at play. Not only do you need to add a quality carport that makes sense for your market, but you’ll also need to place it smartly on the property, so it fits nicely with the surroundings. And, even if you do everything right, you can’t control the market and what buyers will be looking for when you do decide to sell. So, while it is easy to see that a carport can add value to your home, it’s harder to say just how much you will gain in the end.

Cover Your Legal Bases

Many people skip over some of the legal requirements, like filing for a permit when they erect a carport. This can be a particularly costly mistake when you decide to sell. As you go through the process of selling your home to another individual, things like permits will be carefully checked. If you don’t have everything you need for the carport that was added, you’ll be left with a headache and an expensive hassle. Deal with the legal side of this project upfront so nothing comes back around later to get in your way.

Ongoing Care

Finally, it’s important to point out that your carport is only going to add value if it remains in good condition as the years go by. Buying a quality product from American Carports, Inc. is a great start, but it’s up to you to take proper care of the structure moving forward. Fortunately, metal buildings like our carports are relatively low maintenance, so it should be easy to keep in good shape. Treat your carport well, and it will offer years of trustworthy service in return.

Now is the Time!

While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how much value a carport adds to your home, it often offers a great return on your investment. If you’re ready to add a carport to your property, use our Build & Price Tool to fully customize your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote! We look forward to serving you.

Owning a boat can be a ton of fun when you’re out on the water. However, when it comes to storage, it’s not all fun and games. In fact, there’s quite a bit of work involved in storing a vessel the proper way. To keep your boat in great condition all year long, consider these essential home boat storage ideas.

An affordable metal carport or garage from American Carports, Inc. provides the perfect storage solution for your boat. Use our Build & Price Tool to fully customize your structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

Two Types of Boat Storage

It’s important to differentiate between the two types of boat storage. First, there’s summer storage, which will accommodate the boat in between uses. Then there’s long-term winter storage, assuming you live in a climate where the winter months make boating a no-go.

For summer storage, you’ll want to have a safe, secure place to park your boat, such as a carport. Getting this kind of structure is one of the most essential home boat storage ideas on our list! A carport will shield your craft from rain and tree debris when it’s not in use. In addition, parking your boat under a covered structure will make it easier to hitch it up and head out whenever you have time—which is the point of owning a boat in the first place!

Winter storage is not so simple. Sure, you’ll want to park your boat in a protected spot, but there’s a little extra work and maintenance involved. Let’s take a look at some keys to proper winter storage.

Prep Work for Winter Storage

There’s a variety of prep work that will need to be completed before you put your boat in storage for the winter season. However, it’s important to note that the list below is only a partial accounting of what you may need to do. The specific requirements of your boat will depend on the make and model. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual for instructions. With this in mind, most boats often need the following:

• Fresh antifreeze. This is a particularly important step in cold climates.However, even those in relatively moderate climates will want to add fresh antifreeze to their craft, as it will prevent it from freezing during the long winter months. As mentioned above, it is important to do this in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Disconnect the battery. If you keep your battery connected all winter long, it’s likely you’ll return to your boat in the spring only to find it completely out of charge. Keeping the battery hooked up will slowly drain it all winter, even if the electronics on the boat are shut off.
• Fill the gas tank. It’s also a good idea to keep your gas tank full during the winter. This will prevent condensation from building up and potentially causing rust. You may also be able to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas to keep it in good condition while it sits throughout the season.
• Cover it up. Finally, if you own a boat cover, use it to protect the interior from the elements. This is an important step even if you are going to park your boat under a carport or other structure. The interior of your boat will be in much better shape when spring rolls around if it has been protected by a cover throughout the winter.

The Wrap Option

Above, we mentioned that using a boat cover is a good way to protect the interior. However, some boat owners decide to take it a step further and opt for shrink-wrap. The advantage of shrink-wrapping is that it provides excellent protection from moisture, performing much better than a standard boat cover.

So, what’s the downside? The cost, of course. Shrink-wrapping your boat is a rather expensive form of protection. In addition, you will need to have it done fresh every winter, as the wrapping doesn’t carry over from one year to the next. Generally speaking,this is a service that is best left for large, expensive boats, where the importance of protecting the vessel is amplified and the cost of shrink-wrapping is justified.

Order a Carport for Your Boat Today!

At American Carports, Inc., we offer high-quality, affordable metal structures for a variety of purposes. If you need a reliable home storage solution for your craft, our carports and garages are perfect for the job. Plus, you can use our Build& Price Tool to fully customize your structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote! We look forward to serving you.