A car is always a source of pride and joy. It is a symbol of achievement for most and being precious, you want to take good care of your car. When you buy a car, you need to consider storing your vehicle and if you do not have a garage, you can always opt for options like free parking space in front of your house or a renting garage space.
Both these scenarios mean having your car out of sight or exposing it too much of sudden weather changes. Another option is having a carport.
What is a Carport?
A carport is a covered structure which offers limited protection for the vehicle in the sense that the structure is open from the four sides with just a roof to cover any direct contact with rain and sun. It is very much like a canopy. Carports are generally made of metal- like steel, tin or aluminum- or wood in colder climates. You can even get plastic carports which are light and make relocating or dismantling easier. These structures are either attached to the house or are free standing and you can use plastic sheets or retractable doors for covering the side, and unlike garages, carports are not permanent structures.
Carports
Since carports are structures, albeit temporary, you need to consult your local authority with regards to any building permits and fees that would be required in order to build a carport on your property. A carport is way cheaper and easier to maintain as compared to garages and many households are now opting for carports instead of a permanent structure.
Perks of having a Carport
One of the best features of having a carport is that you can build one yourself from scratch or you can get one online and install it all by yourself, which is not the case with a traditional garage. The wide range of designs and structural benefits which are provided by carports is making it a huge success. When you are planning to get your carport, you need to keep in mind what sort of structure would complement your house and will an addition of an attached carport be better or should you opt for a free standing structure. You also need to consider about the walls and should you require covering all sides or letting it be open and provide better ventilation and access for your car. Though it is suggested that you get a professional to do your first carport, you can always choose to get your kit out and work on it all on your own.
In that case, you need to read the instruction manual and keep all the tools like tape measure, rubber mallet, ratchet and socket set, utility knife and adjustable wrench handy. Usually, an average carport takes about 4 to 5 hours to construct which might be longer given the condition in which you are working.
Carports
Nowadays when you buy a do-it-yourself carport kit, you find that it is almost ready for self-assembly. These kits consist of structural support beams like the trusses and ports, galvanized bolts and screws, roofing sheets which are cut as per your requirements, additional decorative items as per your choosing and a step by step instruction guide for installing your carport. The only thing missing is that you need to clear the area where you intend to build your carport and you need to level that place and add flooring as per the ground. A carport is hassle free and easy to maintain and given the hectic lifestyle, it is a better choice for people who are always rushing in their life.
