talk to me about carports

[alinc100]

Hi All,
Thinking of expanding the garage/shop by adding an 18ft x 21 ft x 7~8ft (at low sides/soffit)metal carport in front of my garage.My garage is currently stuffed full and I work on my car/truck in the driveway.Never in 13 years has a car been in my garage. I have a woodworking shop set-up with a large table saw that would never allow a car in the garage.
I have very briefly been looking at the metal carports ,seen just about everywhere in the $1000-$1700 range.My thought is the wife could park under it for the majority of the time,protection from rain,snow,sun light,etc.

I can use it as shaded workspace for mechanical work ,woodworking,as a poker room or even a outdoor dining area.
Winters here in SE MI are harsh,with snow and such.
I am in a larger city(Dearborn) and have not checked out codes/building dept as of yet.
I have a full concrete driveway and would anchor appropriately.

The carport pictured below is 12 gauge framing(and upgrade,certified for permit purposes) and delivered and installed for around $1300 to $1600.

Below is a pic to the style I like ,using a mfg. webpage for reference.

Thanks for any and all input!! -- Andy

 

[wrench409]

Don't forget snow weight.


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[readhead]

The way they run the sheeting it is impossible for snow to shed off the roof. We run crane service and routinely lift those carports off the crushed cars every winter.

 

[alinc100]

This particular company offers a package where the sheeting ribs are running top to bottom vs side to side to HELP address (hopefully)snow loads. I am thankful for the input,its why I love this place so much.I can get real world answers to my questions and learn a lot.Please keep it coming.

 

[Falcon67]

As far as zoning, if you are the first car port on the block/neighborhood - uphill battle. If there are others, should not be too much trouble to get approved. "cat long out of the bag" situation.

 

[38Chevy454]

I have a couple that I use to park vehicles and tractor under. Mine are free-standing, two-car 21x26 size, roof only without sides or any enclosing. I went for upgraded framing and of course they are anchored to the ground. Each is separate and not connected to any structures. Had good results so far and they are engineered for the wind and snow loads in my area. Biggest issue is they are not exactly the best appearance, but they serve my purpose well.

 

[nosnerd]

..., you mean the ones that end up being enclosed into garages? lol

 

[rwf]

Lots of people have them in our area. They just cant handle our wind. Even the ones that were placed on a slab always start to lean \_\ no diagonal support.

 

[A_Pmech]

I'm in need of one as well. I think I'm going to build mine. I can't justify the cost of a pre-made unit when I can make one 10x better for the same price in 3-4 days.

 

[Bronson]

Your neighbors will hate You, they look really Ghetto .
I fully understand You need for more space, but they are.....ugly as hell.