 | Portable Carport: $350-$500 |
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 | Canopy Carport: $80-$2,000 |
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 | Aluminum or Steel Carport: $700-$5,000 |
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| Carports can be lightweight, temporary cloth or vinyl canopies stretched over aluminum frames, semi-permanent wood or metal structures, or permanent constructed additions to a home or garage. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Lightweight canopy-style carports cost less than $1,000; heavier and more permanent canopy carports cost $1,000 -$2,000; metal kit-built carports cost up to $5,000; a permanent carport structure constructed by a general contractor can cost up to $6,000. Carports that include only a frame and a canvas roof usually cost the least; adding walls and doors to the carport increases the price of any type of carport.
- Portable carports cost $350 -$500. Retailers including Sears and Amazon sell portable carports.
- Canopy carports cost $80 -$2,000. Single-car canopy carports typically cost $80 -$300. Medium-size canopy carports cost $300 -$1,000. Large canopy carports designed to accommodate up to 6 cars or shelter RVs or semi-trucks cost $800 -$2,000.
- Aluminum or steel carport kits cost $700 -$5,000. Simple one-car carport kits cost $700 -$1,000. Two- and three-car carports cost $1,700 -$3,500. Two- and three-car carports with additional bracing cost up to $5,000.
- Permanently-constructed carports, usually made of wood and attached to a home, can cost $2,600 -$6,000 or more, including materials and labor by professional contractors working for $65 -$80 per hour. DoItYoursefl.com explains how to build a carport.
What should be included: | - A portable carport should include the fabric or vinyl canopy, the carport frame, assembly hardware required to put the carport together, an anchoring kit and assembly instructions.
- A canopy carport should include a metal frame, the canvas or vinyl canopy, assembly hardware, an anchoring kit and assembly instructions.
- A metal carport kit should include the carport frame, assembly hardware and assembly instructions. Not all metal carport kits include the roof. Be sure to check the specifications and the parts list before purchasing a kit.
- A permanent wood carport constructed by a contractor should be built to the homeowner's specifications, including concrete slab foundation, roof, paint and any needed electricity or plumbing.
Additional costs: | - Portable and canopy carports often need additional anchoring cords and stakes, or bungees, even though some anchoring straps are usually included with a canopy-style carport. These items cost $10 -$40.
- A concrete pad can improve the function of a carport, keeping it clean and level, and improving the look of the space. An HGTV video shows DIYers how to pour a concrete pad suitable for a carport, which can save the expense of having a contractor do it for about $70 per hour.
- In many cities and counties, a carport is considered a building addition and may require permits before construction can begin. Building permit costs will vary widely depending on the city or county, from $25 in rural counties in the West and Midwest to $50 -$150 in the East and South, up to $320 or more in California.
Discounts: | - The simplest canopy carports can be assembled by most homeowners following the included instructions in 1-3 hours, depending on the size of the carport and the number of people assisting in the installation.
- A skilled DIYer can avoid the cost of a contractor for a carport kit or custom permanent carport construction project. Amazon offers a selection of books that can guide an amateur builder.
Shopping for a carport: | - Handymanamerican.com describes factors to consider when planning a carport that will be attached to or near a home.
- Measure carefully before purchasing a canopy carport, carport kit, or plans for a permanent carport construction.
- Before erecting any permanent or semi-permanent carport, check with local building authorities to be sure that a permit is not required to build the proposed carport. If a permit is required, obtain it before beginning any construction.
- When selecting a contractor, ask for references and check the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated May 2011 |
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