Author: clickgiant

How Long Do Steel Buildings Last?

How Long Do Steel Buildings Last?

When you consider adding a new building to your property – whether for residential or commercial purposes – one of the key considerations for the project is the longevity of the structure. If you can expect the building to have a long and useful lifespan, it will be easier to see the value it will provide compared to the financial investment you have to make. 

How to Build a Workshop for a Mechanic

How to Build a Workshop for a Mechanic

In addition to a nice collection of tools, a great workshop space is something that every mechanic should have. A good workshop is necessary to get the job done properly and to get it done day after day throughout the year. While plenty of types of buildings can technically be used for a workshop, building one properly from the start will give you a far better experience. 

Best Paint for a Metal Storage Building

Best Paint for a Metal Storage Building

If you are picturing a metal storage building as a drab, boring gray box on your property, you need to take a fresh look at what can be accomplished with these structures. Through the use of creative design, along with some great paint, you can have a metal storage building that is as attractive as it is functional. 

Fresh paint is the way to go if you have a worn-down old metal building that could use a new lease on life. In this post, we will take a closer look at paint for metal storage buildings. Painting metal doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult, but it does work a little differently than painting wood. 

Of course, if you don’t yet have a metal storage building on your property, turn to American Carports, Inc. for help. By working with us, you can add a nice structure to your property that will be useful for many things, and there will be no need to paint it because we can customize it before it is installed. Get started today with our Build & Price tool, or contact us to learn more. 

It Starts with Surface Prep

Just taking a can of paint out to your old metal storage building and rolling some won’t yield great results. The issue with painting directly over existing painted metal is that the surface will be too smooth to accept the new paint properly. Most likely, your new paint won’t adhere very well, won’t go on evenly, and will quickly peel away after it dries. If you want to get good results from this fresh paint job, you must take the time to prep the surface properly. 

As a starting point, clean the entire structure with soap and water, much like you would wash a vehicle. With that job done, you can use some sandpaper to rough up the surface and prepare it to accept paint. You don’t want to be too aggressive with this step, so use light grit sandpaper and go over the surface lightly. Also, it’s a good idea to use a primer after you have sanded so you can be sure the coat of paint you apply will have the best possible chance to stick and look great. 

Picking the Right Paint

It’s critical to pick out a paint that has been formulated for use on metal surfaces. Fortunately, these types of paints are easy enough to find, as recommended surface materials will be listed right on the can. If you visit a large home center, you can browse the paint section for a bit and find some products that are meant for metal. Alternatively, you could go to a specialty paint store, and the employees there can point you in the right direction. 

For metal that lives outdoors, consider going with an oil-based paint. Applying oil-based paint can be a little trickier than water-based, but you’ll usually get a tougher finished product ready to stand up to the environment. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry than water-based varieties, so plan that drying time into your process. 

Watch the Weather

Painting outside means paying close attention to the weather forecast. First and foremost, you want to make sure there is no threat of rain on the day you hope to paint. If rain is forecast – even just a little bit of rain – wait to do this project on another day. You’d hate to go through the trouble of applying a new coat of paint to the structure only to have a quick rainfall ruin your efforts before that paint has had time to dry. Also, extreme temperatures (in either direction) will make things more difficult. You want to look for a “just right” day with mild temperatures and dry skies. 

Is It Time for a New Building?

While a fresh coat of paint is certainly the quickest solution, you might find as you get started on this project that you need a new building, not just a coat of paint. With a new structure, you can design it to make sure it fits perfectly in the space and serves your current needs – not whatever your needs were when the building was first constructed. Before you start painting, make sure that going ahead with a paint job is truly the best course of action.  

We’re Here to Help

You can get great results when painting a metal storage building by picking out the right paint and taking your time with the project. To order a new building that will be beautifully painted when it arrives, contact American Carports, Inc. for more information about our products. We’d love to serve you!

Metal Storage Buildings for Businesses

Metal Storage Buildings for Businesses

For some businesses, there can never truly be enough storage. Just when it seems like you might finally have enough space for the supplies and products that you want to keep on hand, something else comes up, and your current solution becomes packed to the limit. Managing the storage battle is an ongoing challenge, but you might be able to turn the corner and get it under control with the help of a durable metal building from American Carports, Inc. 

There is a lot to like about using metal buildings for business storage, and we’ll outline some of those key points below. When you are ready to start this project, be sure to reach out to our team or check out our Build & Price tool to get started on your own. Either way, now is the time to put the wheels in motion and start working on a building that will help your business grow and thrive for years to come. 

Why Go With Metal Storage Buildings for Business?

As you think about adding a new storage building to your commercial property, you might think first about using wood as the building material of choice. To be sure, plenty of great buildings have been constructed with wood, and there are some advantages to using this material. However, when you take a closer look, the many benefits offered by metal are simply too much to ignore. 

What will you gain when you opt for metal? Consider the following –

  • Durability. Metal structures are incredibly durable, and you can count on getting excellent performance from yours for years to come. This is particularly true when you work with a trusted supplier like American Carports, Inc. on this project. 
  • Low-maintenance. Not only will the building last for a long time, but you’ll need to do very little along the way to keep it in good condition. This means you can keep significant maintenance costs from piling up on your budget, leading to a lower overall cost of ownership over the lifespan of the building. 
  • Flexibility. There are designs that are possible with a metal building that simply can’t be achieved easily with wood construction. The overall light weight of metal compared to wood means you can do things with the design of your metal building that wouldn’t be structurally sound with a wood version. 
  • Save money. Perhaps the most exciting point of all for a business owner is that a metal building can be significantly cheaper than a similar wood structure for a couple of reasons. First, metal tends to be more affordable than wood, so the materials cost should be lower. Also, construction is quicker with metal, meaning the labor costs of having the building completed are reduced. 

Careful Customization is Key

To get the performance you desire out of a new metal building, it’s important to customize it strategically from the start. Working with American Carports, Inc. will give you the opportunity to fully customize your order so the finished product fits nicely in the space you have available and serves your storage needs. 

One customization point to consider is the kinds of doors you want to include in the design. If large items are moved in and out of storage in this building, multiple big, roll-up doors will make a lot of sense. Also, if you or others spend time in the storage building regularly, adding some windows could make it more enjoyable. 

Trust a Proven Partner

There are plenty of businesses out there that are willing to sell you a new metal storage building for your business. Unfortunately, not all of them are going to deliver products that are up to your quality expectations, and you might not feel like you got your money’s worth in the end as a result. If you take on this kind of project, be sure to work with American Carports, Inc., as we have a proven track record of success in this industry. With a long list of satisfied customers to our credit, you can be sure the building we deliver will not only be exactly as you ordered, but it will be ready to stand the test of time. 

Now Is the Time

Are you ready to get started on this metal building project? Whether you already know what you want to create or are just in the initial stages, our team will be happy to help you bring together a plan that serves your needs. Thank you for taking the time to consider American Carports, Inc., and we look forward to working with you soon!

4 Considerations When Adding a Garage to a House

Considerations When Adding a Garage to a House

Adding a detached garage is an excellent option if you live in a home without a garage – or, if you have an attached garage but simply need more space. There are many benefits to this type of addition, and the uses for your new space are virtually endless. Let’s use the space below to talk about four of the key considerations to keep in mind.

Having the right partner for this job is a key piece of the puzzle, but fortunately, you’ve already found the team you need. American Carports, Inc. has built quality detached metal garages for many past customers and we are ready to do the same for you. Utilize our Build & Price tool to explore design options and features, and take a moment to contact us if you have any questions. Don’t wait any longer to get started!

#1 – Determine the Right Size

Perhaps the single most important part of this project is figuring out exactly how big this new garage should be. At first you may consider building the largest structure your space can hold, but that plan can backfire. You might not like the finished product if your new garage is so big that the land feels cramped and crowded.

As you plan your layout, remember that you will need to leave space to move around the outside of the garage, pull vehicles in and out, and more. Take the time to mark off any area you are considering using for a garage with some stakes and string so you can see how the footprint will look in real life and decide if you need to make any adjustments.

#2 – Location Matters

If you have a large piece of property to work with, you might have several different sites on your property that could serve nicely for a new garage. If that is the case, you’ll need to weigh a couple of different factors when making your final choice.

On the one hand, you could opt to keep the garage pretty close to your house for convenience. With the garage only a few steps away, you can always head out there when you need something or want to work on a project. Proximity is a big deal for those who plan to use their garage frequently.

However, any noise you make in the garage will be easily heard in the house when you park yourself so close. Should you have plenty of loud activities planned for the garage, consider placing it further away on a part of the property where that noise won’t bother anyone.

#3 – Do You Need Power?

With a detached garage, you’ll have to decide whether or not you want to connect the new building to a power source so it can be wired up with lights, outlets, and more. Obviously, it’s nice to have power in the space, but an additional cost comes with taking that step. If you are only going to use the new garage for storage and nothing else, you might be able to get by without adding electricity. Of course, the matter of where you are going to place your garage will also play into your decision on power, as wiring up the garage will be far less expensive if it is placed close to the house.

#4 – Following the Rules

Whenever you add a new structure of any kind to your property, you need to ensure it meets all of the relevant zoning regulations for your area. Unless you live in a particularly rural area, you’ll probably need to have a permit for the job, and it will have to fall within certain limitations that govern things like the overall size of the building, setback rules from the property line, and more. As you might imagine, getting ahead of these issues and doing your research in advance is far better than trying to solve problems later on when you find out that you broke a rule.

Build Your Garage Today

No matter what uses you have in mind for your new detached garage, our garages are always durable, attractive, and affordable. So reach out today to put this process in motion. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

 

 

How Much Value Does a Garage Add to a House?

How Much Value Does a Garage Add to a House?

When done right, adding a garage to your property can add significant value to a house. In this post, we’ll look at how much a garage might add in terms of value, and we’ll also talk about how you can ensure the garage you select meets your expectations.

First and foremost, you’ll want to work with the right company to get good results from your garage project, and that company is American Carports, Inc. We have everything you’ll need to create a beautiful new detached garage, and it all starts with our Build & Price tool. Explore customization options in that tool, and contact us directly if any questions come up.

How Much Value Does a Garage Add to a House?

Sadly, there is no way to answer this question with any kind of concrete figure. There are just too many variables involved to say that the new metal garage you add to your property will boost its value by a certain number of dollars or a certain percentage. Moreover, real estate markets are dynamic and forever changing, so what applies in one situation or circumstance simply might not be relevant in another.

But we can say this – adding a garage to your property will almost certainly have a positive impact on the home’s value. It’s hard to imagine a situation where the addition of a quality metal garage from American Carports, Inc. will lead to your property being worth less to prospective buyers. Whether that impact will be big or modest will depend on many things that are simply out of your control.

Make Sure It’s Useful

If you want to give yourself the best possible chance to enjoy a positive return on your investment when you eventually sell your new garage along with your property, you need to make sure it is going to have value to add for buyers. Generally speaking, that means making this new garage as versatile as possible. If you design it so it only really functions for your current needs, potential buyers probably won’t share those needs and they might look at the garage as more of a hassle than a benefit.

So, there is a fine line that you’ll want to walk with regard to customizing your structure. We make customization easy here at American Carports, Inc., so you can pick and choose the features you want to include in your design, along with basic elements like the footprint and height of the building. As you work on customizations, however, remember what future owners might want to do with the space and avoid doing anything too specific or limiting that might make it hard for others to use.

Consider Aesthetics

As you get started with this project, your primary aim is likely to make your property more functional. You may not currently have enough storage space for your needs, or you might want a garage where you can work on projects. It’s fine to start with the practical side of things, but aesthetics should enter the equation at some point, as well.

On the aesthetic side, you’ll want to make sure nothing about the new garage clashes or contrasts too dramatically with the existing house. You don’t have to match the paint colors perfectly – that might be nearly impossible, anyway – but you should consider how the two buildings will look together. To play it safe, consider using neutral, muted colors on your new garage so you don’t create an eyesore that prospective buyers won’t want to deal with later on.

Build Your Garage Today

You are unlikely to want to install a garage on your property purely for the sake of future resale value. Most likely, this project will be driven primarily out of the desire to have a useful garage space available for storage, projects, and more. With that said, if you create a garage with the help of American Carports, Inc., it can be useful to you in the years to come and also help you get more money in a sale. Turn to our team today to get started!

Who Makes the Best Metal Carports?

Once you’ve decided to build a metal carport on your property, the next decision is who to work with on this project. You’ll need to work with a carport provider you can trust, and none compare to what American Carports, Inc. has to offer.

Below we highlight the reasons why you should trust us with this important project. When you’re ready to take the first step, head over to our Build & Price tool to experiment with what is possible by working with us. To get help, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.

A Focus on Customization

The best metal carport is going to be the one that fits your needs perfectly. If you are forced to pick from predesigned options, you won’t get exactly what you want. After all, what are the odds that the carport company just happened to design something that is precisely what you had in mind?

With American Carports, Inc., that isn’t a problem. Our company emphasizes customization, so our customers can get exactly what they need. When the project is finished, and your new carport is in place on your property, it should precisely match up with the vision you had at the start. No one should have to compromise on this type of project, and you won’t need to when you work with us to create a new metal structure.

Delivery and Installation are Included

Once you have created a custom design that is right for your needs, and our in-house engineers have certified that design, we’ll get to work creating the components that will make up the carport. We have a detailed process in place to ensure that we produce accurate, quality components for each part of the building.

We also include delivery and installation with all our orders, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. The metal components will be delivered carefully to your property, and an experienced and knowledgeable team will construct the building. So forget about having to sort out shipping logistics or find a contractor – just order from American Carports, Inc., and know that you are in good hands.

Impressive Warranty Coverage

One of the big selling points for a metal building is the durability that such a structure can be expected to deliver. The nature of metal as a material tends to offer it impressive longevity, and it doesn’t even require much maintenance along the way to make that happen. So, when shopping for a carport or some other type of structure for your property, metal is appealing because of how long it lasts.

But we don’t ask you to take our word that these buildings will last a long time – we stand behind that word with warranty protection to cover your investment. That warranty is good for twenty years on 12-gauge materials, so you can look forward to many years ahead of reliable performance out of this structure.

Financing Options Make It Easy

While our buildings are competitively priced and more affordable than you might expect, we still want to offer some of the best financing options around. That’s why we have partnered with three companies to present financing solutions – RTO National, GreenSky, and Heartland. Explore these options and find a financing package that meets your needs and lets you get started on this project immediately.

Build Your Metal Carport Today

As you can see, there are many advantages to working with American Carports, Inc. On top of everything we discussed above, you’ll also enjoy a friendly experience when working with our team, who will make sure this is a win from start to finish. So, take a moment to design your own carport today, and let’s bring this vision to life! Contact us now.

 

Trailer Theft Prevention & What You Need to Know

A lock outside of a detached metal garage being used for trailer theft prevention.

One of the great things about owning a trailer is the convenience that it can provide. Once you have the proper hitch on your vehicle, you can back up into position, attach the trailer, and be on your way. But of course, if it’s that easy for you to tow your trailer away, it would be just as easy for a thief to do the same thing.

Trailer theft is a problem that can be addressed by taking steps to make it more challenging for someone to take off with your property. This article will highlight some tips that are easy to implement to keep your trailer safer starting immediately.

But remember, among the best trailer theft prevention methods is parking your trailer within a secured garage space. By locking the door between the would-be thief and the trailer, you’ll be making it much more difficult for you to be a victim. If you’d like to add a metal garage or shed to your property for trailer storage, American Carports, Inc. is the perfect partner for that project. Explore our Build & Price tool to discover the possibilities and receive a free estimate for your project!

Understanding the Strategy

The idea behind securing your trailer is to make it as difficult as possible for a potential thief to steal the trailer from your property. That isn’t to say that you are making it impossible, as there is no 100% guarantee someone won’t try. But if you make it hard enough, the thief will likely move on to look for an easier target.

If your trailer is parked outside on your property with no theft prevention measures, any steps you take to secure it will be a big move in the right direction. Unfortunately, too many trailer owners get overwhelmed by the many security options on the market and wind up doing nothing. Don’t make that mistake – even small steps can make a big difference.

Lock Up These Two Key Components

To secure your trailer, two primary areas should grab most of your attention – the hitch and the wheels. So let’s discuss each of those below.

The hitch

Without access to the hitch, a thief will be stuck in their tracks and be forced to move on. So, adding a hitch lock is a logical first step for trailer security. These products come in various shapes, sizes, and prices, so you can shop around for one that fits your needs. Even a basic model is better than nothing, as you’ll be putting a barrier between the hitch socket and whatever vehicle the thief was planning on using to tow the trailer away.

The wheels

Just as the trailer isn’t going anywhere if the thief can’t access the hitch, it also won’t go anywhere if the wheels won’t turn. Wheel locks are another accessory you might want to pick up and install on your trailer when it isn’t in use. Between a lock on one of the wheels and a lock on the hitch, a thief would have to work hard to succeed.

Both items discussed above are relatively small and can be stored away easily while using the trailer. But, of course, you’ll need to keep the keys close at hand so you can remove the locks when the time comes to put the trailer in motion again.

Parking Indoors Has Many Benefits

We already mentioned that parking your trailer inside of a garage is one of the best security steps you can take for your trailer. If you park the trailer inside a locked garage and then add a lock on the hitch or wheel, you’ll have a setup that most criminals will pass up to look for an easier target.

It should be noted, however, that having indoor parking for your trailer is not just about security. That might start out as your primary motivation, but you’ll soon realize that parking inside protects your trailer from the weather and gives you a place to perform maintenance comfortably. Depending on the design of your garage or shed, you might also be able to use it for storage purposes, aside from just trailer parking.

American Carports Has You Covered

We hope you enjoyed this guide on trailer theft prevention. While no single system or method is perfect when it comes to theft prevention, your best bet is to layer a few different techniques to make it as hard as possible for your trailer to be stolen.

And remember, if you’d like to add a metal garage or shed to your property for trailer storage, American Carports, Inc. is the perfect partner for that project. Explore our Build & Price tool to discover the possibilities, and contact our team if you have any questions along the way. Again, thank you for visiting our blog, and we hope to help you soon!