Protecting it from the elements is an important priority when you own a car. This can be particularly challenging if you live in an area where heavy rain or snowfall is expected.
Whether you have a garage or not, investing in a carport is one way to help keep your vehicle safe and secure when it’s not in use.
A carport is a tiny structure covering one end of your driveway, protecting your car from adverse weather conditions while parked outside. If you have a smaller backyard and cannot fit the standard-sized carport, another option would be customizing one to fit your home and needs.
Here are some ideas for customizing a carport to fit your home and needs. If you need to find further information related to “carports for sale near me”, you can click here to learn more.
Decide On The Size & Shape Of Your Carport
The first step to building and installing a custom carport is to decide on the size and shape of your carport. You should be able to find a carport kit that will fit the shape and size of your driveway, but you can also customize the size.
The most common shapes are rectangular and square, but carports in round shapes and other non-standard shapes can be seen.
If you want to fit a square carport into a rectangular driveway, you can reduce the length of the sides of the carport. On the other hand, if you have a large driveway but want a smaller carport, you can increase the size of the sides of the carport.
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Add a Roof Vent
After deciding on the size and shape of your carport, you can add a roof vent to save on energy costs and make the carport more eco-friendly.
A roof vent is an opening in the roof that allows air to circulate inside the carport and out through the top. This will help reduce the temperature of the carport, which can be helpful during the hottest and coldest months of the year. A roof vent can be added to the top of your carport, either on the roof or on the side of the carport.
Make a Concrete Floor
Another way to customize a carport to fit your home is using concrete for the floor. Concrete is a robust and durable material that is easy to work with and can be poured into any shape or form you like.
Having a concrete floor in your carport can be beneficial because it can be easier to clean and is more affordable than other flooring materials. You can also paint the concrete to match the color of your home or add other decorative elements.
You can also add a layer of asphalt or another type of flooring on top of the concrete to make it easier to walk on.
Add Awnings
An awning can be a great way to customize a carport and provide additional shade and protection from the sun. You can install many types of awnings in a carport, including retractable, cantilever, and roller awnings.
Retractable awnings are ideal for smaller carports with little room to open them. Cantilever awnings cover a large area, while roller awnings are ideal if your carport has a clean and finished look.
Add Solar Panels
If you want to maximize the space in your carport and get the most out of your investment, you can add solar panels to your carport.
Solar panels are energy-producing panels mounted on your carport’s roof and can help power your home when the sun is out. Solar panels can be an attractive addition to your carport and can help reduce energy costs by powering some of your home appliances and lights with solar energy.
The solar panels will also help reduce your carbon footprint and enhance the curb appeal of your home should you ever decide to sell.
Include a Storage Area
Another way to customize a carport to fit your home is by adding a storage area inside it. You can use the space under your carport to store gardening supplies or other tools and equipment.
You can also use the space under your carport as a workshop where you can work on projects and fix things around your home.
Note that if you use the space under your carport as a workshop, you may want to consider installing some flooring since dirt and debris can easily get tracked inside. You can also install lights and other electrical devices in the space under your carport to make it easier to work there.
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The Bottom Line
When you live in a climate prone to rain, sleet, and snow, you must find alternative ways to store your car. Many homeowners here choose to build a carport instead of a garage.
A carport is much smaller than an attached garage and doesn’t have the same insulation or moisture barriers. It’s also less expensive than adding on an addition or constructing an attached garage with plumbing.
A carport can be a great way to keep your car out of sight while keeping it close. The design and functionality of your carport will depend on how much space you have available and what your tastes are. Just keep the factors listed above in mind to build your customized version:
