How to Design a Carport

A carport space can protect a vehicle, but it can also provide shelter when you're getting into the house during bad weather. It's good to place a carport near a home's side or back entrance, so moving into the house is fast and convenient. A carport offers almost as much protection for a car as a garage, if the roof area is sufficient. A double-car carport can actually add market value to a home if it's constructed to blend well with the home's architecture. Consider constructing a carport out of wooden framing and a standard roof that will complement the house.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tools
• Sketch pad
• Graph paper

Instructions

1. Measure the yard space that can be used for a carport. Allow a double-car space, if possible, that will measure at least 22-by-22 feet. Sketch a roof area that complements the home's roof lines. Don't design a carport that looks too large in relation to the house. Never build a carport that stands out as over-sized, or it can detract from your property value.

2. Sketch various roof lines for the carport to see what works best. Draw a carport with a number of roof types that range from A-frame to a hip roof, with four sloping sides.

3. Use graph paper to design all aspects of the carport. Draw it in relation to the home's roof and height, since all dimensions between the home and carport should look well-proportioned. The carport's roof should ideally harmonize with the home's roof in texture and color, so consider adding ½-inch plywood and asphalt shingles to a wood frame structure. Choose a metal roof, a tile roof or a roof of cedar shakes to match the home's roof color as closely as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk with homeowners to see what they like or don't like about their carports. Consider building a storage space at the back of a carport as a tool shed, since adding this during construction will be relatively simple.

• Don't forget that you'll need to route electricity to the carport for light fixtures.

• Avoid building a carport without gutters, downspouts and splash blocks, since rain can easily deteriorate the foundation of a carport and destroy the investment within a few years.

References

• Remodeling My Space: Factors to Consider When Building a Carport
• Handy American: Carport Project Vs. New Garage Construction
• Fixr: Cost to Build a Carport

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Build Easy: Single Carport Free Plans
• YouTube: How to Build a Carport