convert carport into garage?

[ranger_dood]

How hard is it to convert a carport with a good roof, into a fully enclosed garage?

I am very interested in purchasing this house, which only has a 1 bay carport - http://realtor.com/Prop/1071195936

Would anything have to be done to the roof, or could the roof line stay as-is? This wouldn't be an immediate project, but one I'd like to plan for the future. I'm not even sure I'll be making an offer on this particular place

[hitek]

Dang...you can't even buy a postage size lot around Atlanta for that much money!

Kind of hard to tell by the one photo I saw....I would not spend much money doing that. Either put a real garage there or maybe just enclose the front and put double swing barn style doors on the front. I am not sure you could put an overhead door there...but maybe.

[dans30]

First you need to determine if it is a legal structure. Check with the county tax office and see if the carport is listed as an improvement and was inspected. It probably was added without a permit and thus could cause problems later.

[Bib Overalls]

That car port does not look very substantial and the floor/slab is at grade which means you will have water intrusions during rain and dampness thereafter. Most apraisors would not add value to the basic structure. Adding walls and a door, if you can get it permitted, would give you more utility but would not add value.

A new construction attached garage will cost about half of the stated purchase price. And the house itself will almost certainly need some work. Factoring in the additional cost of all this you have to ask two questions. Can I afford it? And will I be able to get my investment out if I sell?

[motofly196]

hey Ranger Dood...

I haven't been on this site too much, just returned from Iraq. I had a house in Hawaii with a car port extremely similar to the one you're interested in. If you have some basic skills, it isn't hard to convert it. I would recommend ensuring the roof is sound before starting, because corrugated steel (these days) can end up being more than all the wood you'd need x2! I framed out the low side (mine was a lean-to like yours). And then sheeted it with 3/4 CDX, but you could get by with 1/2 plywood and vinyl siding (pretty cheap). Then frame out the back, I added a 3' personnel door, but you could make it solid if you wanted also. I made barn doors, take close measurements that they'll line up when closed. I used vinyl cove base (in the tile section of Home Depot) on the edges of the doors to keep water/ dirt out. I used a clasp style lock on it for my Nova....it was cramped, but it worked! Good luck!!! I would consider this temporary, and in the meantime, start saving for a real garage. I'd also recommend checking with your building codes, you'll probably need a permit if you intend for it to be permanent.!!!!

Scott

[Blue]

It's probably doable, but the first thing that strikes me is this: It's a 43,000 dollar house. Assuming its in a neighborhood of other 43,000 dollar houses, it's probably kind of a rough part of town. If you do enclose the carport and put tools out there, make sure you can lock the place up tight! IT would suck to do all that work only to get the place broke into.

[ranger_dood]

Originally Posted by Blue

It's probably doable, but the first thing that strikes me is this: It's a 43,000 dollar house. Assuming its in a neighborhood of other 43,000 dollar houses, it's probably kind of a rough part of town. If you do enclose the carport and put tools out there, make sure you can lock the place up tight! IT would suck to do all that work only to get the place broke into.

It's not in _too_ bad of a neighborhood, but the reason I'm considering this is because I have a motorcycle that I'd like to keep out there, and don't want to risk it getting stolen. Chances are, my tools would still stay in the house. Plus, I just think it would look nicer as a real garage.

I'm in a rural area, which contributes to the low price. Also, it's an old house, that does need some interior work. No, it's not the best part of town, but it's only 2 blocks from both the police station and the local High School, so it can't be _all_ bad

[73super]

Yeah, just close in the front, add swing doors and you're good to go. Sure you can go crazy with codes and permits, but since you own the house already (or will soon), and you want a quick fix.. it wouldn't take much to make this more secure. I do agree that later you might want to add something more substantial, but this will work.

[ranger_dood]

Moving along towards making an offer on this house... The inspector I bought in says the carport roof should be done within 2 years. I'm thinking that'll be a grand time to put a true garage on, plus put siding on that side of the house, and the garage. That side of the house is the only side that does not yet have aluminum siding.

If I end up getting the place, I'll be sure to keep you all updated

[Rookie33]

I just did this, but the roof was completely removed and I added a series of pre fab trusses. The major part of the "car port" structure that was used were the 6x6 posts that were the structure of the perimeter walls. The other point to keep in mind is local building code regulation. Be aware of any windows and doors that open in to the car port area. Since the area would now be enclosed you would potentially need to fill in windows and replace the doors with fire proof types with auto closers. That is what I needed to do. I will try and post some before and after pics of my garage as soon as I figure out how to....i'm a newbie

[timchin1]

Hey, did you happen to get those pics? I'm interested in having my carport converted. If you had this done through a contractor, would you mind telling the cost? thanks.

[jay50]

Originally Posted by timchin1

Hey, did you happen to get those pics? I'm interested in having my carport converted. If you had this done through a contractor, would you mind telling the cost? thanks.

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