One of the three most common assets that someone has is their home, car, and appliances. The home, unfortunately, is about the only one of the three that does not depreciate. Some vintage cars and classic autos hold their value and appreciate as they grow older and rarer. But the cars that the vast majority of the people drive loose value as they age and get higher in mileage. Carports are an economical way to help limit some wear and tear on a vehicle and selecting a carport plan that fits your needs is a good way to start.
Carports can be purchased as fully built models, carport kits, or simply carport plans. When a fully built model is bought, sometimes it will be delivered on a flat bed car hauler. Then it is slowly lowered from the tilt bed onto the ground. Carport kits are fully precut and ready for assembly. Carport plans are available for the do-it-yourself home owner. When plans for building are purchased they typically detail what type of foundation is required. They also lay out what kind of material and what thickness is intended to be used with a specific plan. Carport plans also should tell you the pitch roof, width, length, and height of the structure.
For all carports it is best to build them on a cement pad. First the ground surrounding the site should be leveled. A machine such as a back hoe is commonly used for this. Next a thin layer of gravel, about four inches thick, should be evenly spread over the entire area. Also leaving about six inches of gravel beyond the carport foot print allows for drainage away from the carport.
After the site is prepared then a four inch thick pad of cement should be poured. Concrete work is labor intensive and easily blemished. It may be best for the homeowner to pay a cement contractor to come in and pour the slab. Anchor bolts should be sunk into the cement to attach the carport to. Consulting the plans will tell the builder how far apart and how frequently an anchor bolt will be needed. Larger building will require more than smaller ones.
After the anchor bolts are in place and the cement cured, then the superstructure can be put into place. Lengths of wood or metal are cut and screwed or bolted into place. Once the uprights are in place then the roof structure is installed.
After the superstructure is completed then the roofing and siding can be attached to the carport. Carport plans are available for various size, height, and width carports. So taking the money to invest in a plan will help to insure the structural integrity of a carport.