How much does a carport cost?

Carports vary in their price, depending on their size, durability, and the features they include. The average cost to build a carport from a kit can range from $1,000 to $5,000. A custom carport can cost $5,000 to $20,000, depending on whether you want a single, double or triple size. In most cases, it’s a more affordable alternative to building a garage.

Protection

Carports offer protection and can prevent your vehicle from suffering from damage or wear due to exposure to the outside elements. It can also protect you from having contact with hail, rain, or snow while unloading the vehicle or getting in and out of it throughout the year.

Cheaper insurance

Sometimes you can get cheaper insurance on your car if you have a carport as your vehicle is less likely to be damaged by the weather.

Increase your home value

Carports contribute to the functionality of your property, which can increase the home value. The investment can pay off by adding thousands of dollars to the value of your home, allowing you to recoup the cost when it’s time to sell the property.

Can double as an entertaining area

Carports can provide you with a place to spend time outdoors as you host guests without having to build a patio cover in the backyard. You can instantly have a place to eat and serve food without worrying about the weather conditions when you schedule an outdoor gathering on the property.

Size

The size of the carport you build determines how many materials need to be purchased to construct the structure. The size also determines how many hours it takes to complete the project, which can add up when hiring a contractor or builder to perform the task.

Materials

The type of materials needed to build the carport is an additional factor influencing the cost, making it necessary to determine your budget. Although some materials like metal or wood can cost more, they can allow the carport to last longer and hold up more to the elements each season. You may also want to consider the materials used to build your home to ensure the carport blends in well with the main structure.

Kit or custom

Kits are prefabricated and are ready to be put together, which can allow them to come with a lower price tag. If you plan to build a custom carport, it will come with a higher price tag. The builder will need to invest more time and energy into designing and building it. 

Roof style

The roof style influences the final cost due to the type of material used and the time needed to construct it. You’ll need to consider the climate, as well as the style and design of your home. Some roof styles may shed snow while others are more resistant to frequent sun exposure.

Surface preparation

You’ll need to prep the site in advance where you plan to build the carport to ensure it can support the structure and is level. Surface preparation costs an average of $95 per hour. 

How many contractors you need

The size of the carport and the materials used to build a carport will determine the number of contractors you need to put it together. If you need more people to build it, you can expect to pay more because the builder will have a larger team to pay.

Single

The single carport cost is an average of $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the size and the materials used.

Double

Double carports cost an average of $4,00 to $16,000 – they usually are roughly double the price of a single carport. Double carport prices can cost more but can allow you to have more protection if you own more than one vehicle.

Kit carport

Kit carports have an average price tag of $2,500 to install and are more affordable because they’re not custom to your home and property. You can buy kits in a range of sizes, with the most popular being single carport kits and double carport kits. 

Steel

The average cost of a basic, steel single carport is $2,000 to $3,000.

Colorbond

Colorbond free-standing carport prices are an average of $3,000 to $4,000 if it has a skillion roof. 

Wood

Wood carports can cost an average of $2,000 to $5,000 to build, or even more if you plan to place it over a concrete slab.

Shade sails

The shade sail carport cost is an average of $500 and is a temporary structure. Carport shades prices are lower because they’re easy to install and put together in several hours; however, they are not as protective as other carport styles.

How to create an accurate estimate

• Determine the measurements and size of the carport
• Select the best material for the carport
• Consider the style of roof you want to install
• Look at the ground and determine if you need a concrete slab

 Licencing and qualifications

• Ask about their experience in the industry
• Ask for at least three references
• Request to see previous work they’ve performed
• Look up their state license to verify their qualifications

1. Build a smaller carport – Consider building a smaller carport to save on the carport installation cost. Opt for a single carport instead of a double carport.
2. Use cheaper materials – Request to use cheaper, more cost-effective materials when working with your contractor to stay within your budget. You can also ask which roofing styles are the most affordable.
3. Obtain quotes – Shop around for the most competitive prices while speaking to local contractors to determine who can offer the best deal.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources