Cars are one of the most significant investments homeowners make. A house will always stand as the best investment you can make for your family and your identity as well, but the car is equally important. That is the reason protecting it is crucial for your treasured machine to remain functional and attractive each day. Building carports is usually the best alternative to a garage as it is inexpensive and easy to build. A carport is a covered space for parking your car, and it is usually attached to the house. The structure is not completely covered by walls making it the primary difference with a garage.
Most people do not know how to build a carport. There are two ways you can develop a carport on your property. One way is to convert an existing low-lying house and customize it into a carport while the other alternative is to build a new one.
Carports are a great way of remodeling your home. They make use of additional space on your property and provide alternatives to various elements of an ideal home. Having a carport will have huge advantages that include:
Ø Protection from destructive elements such as the sun, snow, rain, wind, debris and dust
Ø Car safety as it will be parked closer to the house
Ø Deterring burglars who would find it discouraging to enter the car port and steal it
Ø The structure can also be used for other purposes such as storage
Ø A carport will increase the value of your home in case you need to sell it
Building a carport is not complicated and can follow the do it yourself steps outlined below that will guide you to build your own carport.
Material to have
- Hammer and Drill
- Hole digger
- Concrete mix and sheet roofing
- Nails, roofing screws, and bolts
- Saw and Screwdriver
- Carpenter's square
- Rafters and bearers
- Joist hangers and post
Step 1: Planning
Knowing how to build carport is not the only requirement. Embarking on the project will require ample planning as the structure you bring to the compound a permanent structure. You will have to check and ensure the local building codes are not being violated, and ensure you secure a permit if need be. Remember to look out if the area you want the structure to stand on does not have water or gas pipes installed underneath. Furthermore, you will need to have clear measurements so that your car can fit, and make considerations for a future automobile as you may end up changing cars, or adding new ones.
Step 2: Marking
The area you plan to build carport should be marked precisely to minimize chances of correction. This is also important as it will guide you through the process of purchasing materials. You can use a string and stakes to mark out the area. Whitewash is also an excellent resource to use when doing the markings. Measure the diagonals once you have marked to ensure it is square.
Step 3: Setting the Posts
Digging the holes should be done carefully to ensure they are of the same depth and width. The post holes need to be at least 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide. Mix concrete as per the manufacturer's recommendations and pour it into the post holes. You should also set up a stirrup bracket at the center of every concrete pad. The posts should have a clearance of at least 3 inches from the ground to the bottom of the post. After ensuring the brackets are level, give the concrete time to dry, usually two days. Place the posts in the brackets and cut notches that are 2 inches by 6 inches at the top of each post for the bearers.
Step 4: Bearing Beams
After planning the correct angles for the carport's roof, the next step is to cut precise beams that fit the length of the carport. Next is setting the beams into the notches that you formed at the post tops. Attach the bearing beams using galvanized coach bolts. If your plan was to attach the carport to the main house, you have to install an extra bearing beam and ascertain it is parallel to the first beam.
Step 5: Installing Rafters
Measure and cut the ideal number of rafters to use on the roof. Attach the rafters between the bearing beams, while giving a 3 feet spacing between adjacent rafters. You can use galvanized nails to attach them to the beams
Step 6: Attaching the Roof
You will need to have measured and cut the roof according to the size of your carport. You can see some cool carport roof designs here. The roofing should be attached at the top of both the rafters and the bearers. Do not forget to make use of rubber washers when fitting the roof to prevent water from leaking in. Additionally, ensure the roof has some clearance beyond the frame for snow run-off and rain.
Having a carport on your property has numerous advantages. This should aid in making a decision on whether to build a carport or not, as the benefits far outweigh the cons.
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