A steel carport is a standalone structure with open sides that protect vehicles from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and wind. Millions of people in the U.S. buy these steel structures to protect their cars, RVs, tractors, bikes, and belongings. These weatherproof shelters for automobiles can be utilized in various ways beyond just parking vehicles.
But it requires a significant investment!
Whether you want to use the space to protect your vehicle from snow, plan to use it for extra storage apart from your vehicle, make it safe for livestock, or utilize it as a suitable space for Yoga and exercises, the budget is the main concern to install a metal carport.
It should meet your current and future needs because spending frequently on carports is not pocket-friendly. Moreover, this is a fixed structure that can’t be easily installed and removed.
Therefore, you need to be cautious when purchasing a steel carport to ensure your investment delivers the best value. Through this blog, we have helped you decide to buy a carport. Let’s figure out how.
Things to Know Before You Purchase a Steel Carport
Here are crucial points to consider when purchasing a metal building. This will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget.
Assess Your Vehicle and Carport Size:
Consider your vehicle and carport size before deciding on a purchase. First, measure your vehicle and determine the appropriate size of the carport accordingly. Consider not only the length and width of the carport but also its height so that in the future, you can also store RVs, Tractors, and other large vehicles. A good height will provide enough clearance to add a roof rack.
Examples of carport sizes for some common car styles.
- Compact car – 12×20
- Standard sedan – 12×24
- SUV and Pickup Truck – 14×30
List Your Needs to be Clear:
Until you clearly understand the type of carport you need, metal carport installers will have difficulty providing a structure that meets your requirements. So, analyze your needs and ask yourself, “Why do I need a metal carport?” “How will I use it?” “What am I going to park in the carport?”
Is it just for parking, or will you also use it for storage? Knowing the specific needs helps to find the right size, design, and features of the carport. So, make a detailed list of all your requirements, down to the smallest details.
Ensure Enough Installation Space:
Ensure you have adequate installation space for a carport on your property. The carport should not be too far from your house; otherwise, it can be difficult to maintain and protect the building and vehicle. Consider the space for the carport near your home.
The area should be level and clear of installation obstacles. If installers have more difficulties moving back and forth to bring steel parts to the location, it can be considered extra work and increase the overall cost of metal building installation.
Get a Permit for Carport Installation:
Getting a permit is one of the most important steps to consider when purchasing a steel carport. Many areas need permits to install a building if it is a permanent structure. Talk to local authorities and learn about laws and regulations for installing a building in the location you have chosen.
Different regions have different rules for installing carports, garages, and various external buildings. Ignoring these rules can result in fines, delays, and carport removal. So, check with your municipality to find out any regulations on the location or installation laws. Many metal building providers also help their clients to get the permit.
Check the Compatibility of the Location:
Here, compatibility means the suitability of the location and soil for steel carport installation. Some soils require additional foundation work. If you also live in this type of location, work on making the soil suitable for steel structure installation.
Consider drainage in the area. An improper drainage system can lead to water pooling around the base, which is not good for the building’s stability. Also, check weather conditions because steel thickness and foundation robustness are important in extreme weather conditions.
Assess Carport Customization Options:
One type of carport is not suitable for everyone. Before you purchase a metal building, check the customization options provided by the manufacturer. Some metal building dealers provide customization options like adding side walls, building color and dimensions, roof style, and additional features like windows and doors.
Be sure to check these options before you make a final decision. For this, check the top metal building providers in your location and compare their services. You can explore the section below to understand it in more detail.
Easy Ways to Finding a Steel Carport Builder in 2025
Once you have researched your needs and assessed your location, it’s time to find the best steel carport manufacturer for your project. This is also an important step to consider for better ROI.
- Find the Top 5 Carport Providers: Start by researching the top 5 carport providers in your area. These providers often know what type of buildings people need in their area and offer a wide range of customization options. Well, it depends on how many companies you want to check.
But to save time and narrow your focus, we recommended only 5.
- Compare Features, Budget, and Services: Now, compare the features, carport prices, and services offered by these five metal builders. This way, you can decide which company is the best according to your needs. Some manufacturers offer additional features like reinforced roofing for snow load and side walls for added security.
So, company services may vary, but you must know your requirements.
- Evaluate Carport Customization Options: This is one of the crucial points when buying a metal building. Look into specific customization options like building size, color, design, and additional features. Moreover, wall options such as half walls or closed, with a gable option for the ends.
Think of how you want to use your carport in the future, other than just parking a vehicle.
Your Carport Investment: Make It Count
Purchasing a steel carport is a significant investment and takes time, as you must consider many things. So, buy a building after considering the 7 things mentioned above. Assessing vehicle size, understanding the benefits of steel carports over wood, and considering customization options and others are all crucial to making the best decision. Moreover, choosing a reliable metal building installer is an essential step.
Find top carport providers and compare their services, features, and your budget. Also, check whether they let you adjust building design, color, and features and provide after-sale support.
Take the time to purchase wisely, and your steel carport will serve you for years to come.
