Expanding Two Car Carports
In most cases, transforming a two-car carport into an enclosed garage will cost between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on size and complexity. When you break it down, the only real difference between a metal carport and a steel garage is the paneling, windows, and doors. So they’re essentially the same structure.
But undertaking any construction project- even simple additions like enclosing a two-car carport requires proper planning and a well-developed budget. You’ll need to know what components will be needed, how to install these materials, and how much it will cost.
If you’ve been wondering how much it will cost to enclose your two-car carport, you’re on the right track! Today, we’ll walk you through updating your carport, important things to keep in mind, and what to expect from your next project!
Why Enclose Your 2-Car Steel Carport?
A metal carport is a tried-and-true solution for keeping your vehicles and equipment safe from the elements. They block harmful UV rays and protect cars, trucks, RVs, and even boats from rain, snow, and high winds. However, despite this great coverage, a metal carport can only do so much as a result of its design. With four open walls, some exposure is bound to occur.
Security is also a concern. A carport will provide you with minimal protection from burglars and potential thieves. If you expect a higher level of protection, you will need four walls, a door, and a well-built lock!
Enclosing your carport is an easy, affordable way to ensure your vehicles remain dry, secure, and ready to go at a moment’s notice. It also enables you to store other items, such as antiques, equipment, and heirlooms, that would be at risk of damage due to moisture infiltration and mold if left exposed.
Enclosing a Metal Carport
Despite being a relatively straightforward process, understanding what you’ll need to enclose your metal carport will take a little research. And we’ll help! Obviously, the first thing you’ll need is a carport. This structure will also need sufficient height and width for headers and paneling. If your carport is not tall enough for these pieces of hardware, you’ll also have trouble adding standard entryway and garage doors.
However, if your structure is large enough to accommodate the new hardware, you’ll start by attaching side and end panels. These walls can be customized and cut to include openings for doors, windows, and custom features.
You’ll also want to consider adding insulation to your structure. This will not only reduce the presence of moisture inside your building, but it will also allow you to maintain an even ambient temperature. Coupled with a good heating and cooling source, insulation can vastly improve a structure’s energy efficiency.
Converting a Metal Carport into a Metal Barn
Another style choice will be to transform your carport into an agricultural structure! The process for accomplishing this is very similar to any other enclosed metal building. It will need to be tall enough to accommodate hardware such as header bars, door heights, and windows.
The fundamental difference between changing a carport into a barn instead of a garage is its environment and usage. Agricultural buildings are often used to house and protect animals, feed supplies, and large farm equipment such as tractors and combines. And if you intend to use your carport for any of these activities, you’ll need to design it with a specific application in mind.
For example, if you’re building a horse barn, you’ll need to plan your structure with stalls, wash facilities, and tack rooms in mind. It will also need to be able to function in heavy-duty environments and will require large doors for entry and exit.
Important Things to Consider When Enclosing Your Metal Carport
While enclosing your carport is approachable, even for those lacking a construction background, you’ll still want to keep several things in mind to ensure the process goes smoothly.
1. What’s Gained by Enclosing Your Structure?
How are you planning to use your building? Will the contribution of walls change how the structure is utilized? The first step will be to determine if the cost of adding wall paneling outweighs the benefits.
2. Check with Local Authorities
In many areas, local building officials will require you to secure the proper permitting before breaking ground on a construction project. Even additions! As such, you’ll want to work closely with them to ensure you respect all construction regulations.
3. Examine Your Structure
Before you begin, you’ll need to check your structures for any abnormalities, defects, or damage that might interfere with your plans. If found, they’ll need to be repaired before you start attaching the paneling. You’ll want to check the
• Primary Framing
• Roofing
• Foundation
• Seals and Joints
4. Consider Unforeseen Costs
Every project will have hiccups. Unfortunately, some of these hiccups can be costly. But be prepared by taking into account added expenses such as:
• Windows
• Doors
• Insulation
• Accessories
How Much Does It Cost to Enclose 2-Car Carports?
We’ve already identified the average cost range of adding to your established carport, but nailing down an exact price on any steel structure can be challenging due to several circumstances. Between raw steel prices, varying manufacturing costs, and other factors, the price for expanding or adding to your structure can change.
In this situation, it pays to consult a trained building expert that can help you design your building, provide a quote, and lock in a down payment. By doing this, you won’t have to worry about steel market fluctuations affecting your building project’s outcome.
AA Metal Buildings Has All Kinds of Metal Buildings!
Whether you’re building your first 2-car carport or designing a fully enclosed garage, AA Metal Buildings has you covered with a wide assortment of steel structures. These buildings are engineered using state-of-the-art technology and built to provide you with years of service for minimal cost. In fact, steel buildings are some of the cheapest metal carports for sale on the market!
And if you’re simply updating your already present structure, we can help! Our building experts will be happy to work with you, study your building, and identify the best ways of expanding it! Just give us a call at +1 (877) 244-4470 and get the dream structure you have always wanted.
