Turning a Carport Into a Garage
Turning a carport into a garage is a great way to add more space to your home. But there are some things that you need to keep in mind before you get started.
Make sure to check with local authorities and your HOA before starting the project. Doing this will help ensure that you comply with all the requirements and avoid costly fines or repairs later on.
Determine Your Needs
If you love DIY projects and have a lot of tools, you might want to fully enclose your carport into a workshop with a large garage door for over-sized equipment. This will add value to your home and make it easier for you to take on various projects and tasks.
If the roof of your carport is in good shape and has solid support beams, it may be possible to convert it into a garage. However, it’s a good idea to have a contractor or structural engineer come in and perform a thorough assessment of the structure before you start adding walls and shingles.
They will check whether the existing structure can withstand the weight of a garage and also ensure that the concrete slab is strong enough to hold the weight of a vehicle or two. This will help you to avoid potential issues that may cause costly repairs later on.
Decide on a Design
Carports have a roof but no sides, making them cheaper to build than garages. They are also often constructed in tight spaces or where building permits are not required. Garages, on the other hand, have four walls and a roof and match the style of your home.
A garage is a great way to keep your car safe from harsh weather conditions and from being stolen. Many people also use them to store lawnmowers, tools and other equipment.
If you’re looking for an affordable option to protect your vehicle from the elements, consider a fabric-covered tarp garage. These structures are made from a metal frame covered with heavy-duty tarps that can be tensioned or tightened. They’re also called hoop buildings or tarp sheds. They’re ideal for storing large equipment or bulk inventory.
Create a Budget
Turning a carport into a garage is an investment. You will likely spend a minimum of $10 per square foot in materials, depending on the size and type of garage you want to build.
In addition to the cost of constructing walls and flooring, you will need to consider the costs of electricity and plumbing. You will also need to add a window for light and ventilation.
If the roof on your existing carport is in good condition, it may be possible to re-shingle it during the conversion and skip the cost of installing new walls. However, you should have a professional examine the roof to make sure it can support the weight of a garage. Also, you should check whether the roof respects the setback distances framed by your local zoning regulations.
Get Permits
Whether or not you need a permit depends on your city’s regulations and whether or not your HOA requires a homeowner to get one. This is a significant undertaking and you’ll likely need to comply with more stringent municipal standards than those applied to carports.
If the new garage will share a wall with your house or have living space above it you’ll need to follow fire safety regulations, including a one-hour fire-rated wall or ceiling and a fire-safe door between the home and garage.
You’ll also need to ensure that you or your builder is adhering to all zoning laws and that the structure isn’t too close to your property line. Getting in violation of these laws can lead to extra inspections, fines and possibly the need to tear down the project.
Start Building
Carports do provide some shelter from weather, but they lack security and the enclosed walls of a garage. If you’re considering converting your carport into a garage, it’s important to know how much the project will cost. According to Angi, the average price to convert a carport into a garage is about $9,000 and can include costs such as framing lumber, windows, doors, siding materials, a garage door, entry door, electrical service upgrades, dumpster fees and permits.
First, have an expert inspect the existing structure. If the tiled or shingled roof is in good condition and the corner support posts are sturdy, there’s a high chance that walls can be added to turn it into a garage. However, if the posts are damaged or leaning and/or undersized, it won’t be possible to convert the structure into a garage until significant structural improvements are made.
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