How to Build a Carport

Want to know how to build a carport? 

Before jumping in head-long to your project, think about getting the right design. The best advice I can give you is to be simple, yet keep in the same style as your house. Take lots of photos of both your house and carport with designs that you like. You can create a view of the finished project by mocking something up on your computer. Once you have your plans you will need to get permission from your local building authority to build your carport. You will need to take in your plans as well as a material manifest.

The more proactive authorities will provide approval over the counter, but be prepared to wait a number of weeks. The carport footings are the foundatio upon which your carport is built. The required depth will be specified by your building authority, and detailed in your design. Once you footings have been dug to that depth, then you must arrange with your local authority to have them inspected prior to pouring the concrete. If you intend to sit your posts direct into the concrete, The alternative is to use metal stirrups that get pushed in after the cement is poured.  Be careful here, these are likely to shift and will need support as well.

It is most likely that the posts of your carport will be either wood or steel. The posts now need securing to the metal stirrups if not already sunk into the cement. It always pays to give the cement in the fottings a few days to cure first before any sort of load is put on them by the construction. Once the posts and supports go up you can begin to see your carport coming to life. These beams form a solid foundation for your roofing structure. Metal sheeting a strong lightweight choice for roofing material. Your local authority may require you get a plumber to fit these sheets. My final word is make sure you put on your guttering first.

#####So there you have it - how to build a carport!