Household Fixes

I am just about to start to build a flat roof carport. I have spent some time considering what type of carport would be cheapest and easiest to build. Although I suppose the cheapest and easiest would be a metal carport kit, I wanted to have the build it myself experience so that eliminated carport kits as an option.

I have researched the necessary steps that I will have to take in order to get going with this project, and the very first thing I need to do is apply for my building permit. As I understand, since this will be a fairly basic type of structure, my plan that I submit with the permit application need not be a CAD drawing or anything fancy like that. Of course I will have to include accurate measurements, heights, and distances from existing structures etc, as well as electrical diagrams and such, but this is certainly something I can draw up myself after having consulted an engineer regarding spans and loads.

Unfortunately while I was discussing the requirements of my application, I was told that of course my property taxes would be increased the following year. This is something that I totally overlooked, but of course, any improvements and additional structures that I add to my property will increase the overall value of my property, therefore my taxes will go up. The only consolation is that a carport will bump up my taxes far less than an attached full garage.

Following my fact finding step where I figured out what I needed to file with the city before receiving my permit, I now have the task of actually getting my visual concept onto paper where any details that need refining or problems with my concept will come to light before I commit my idea to a formal building plan. I have planned to build a carport that will echo the style of my house, so there are quite a few details that are cosmetic only, and I can add on top of the basic structure which will not impact the structural design. Deciding on a wooden carport actually has benefits in this way over a metal carport, since my final carport is going to blend in much better than if I had chosen a kit.

The final step before actual construction is to get my plans approved by an engineer. I have a lot of building experience but it is best to have a certified engineer go over the plans carefully before I even start the foundation. I think there is a very good chance that I might use the flat roof as the base for a second story addition at some point in the future. I don’t have the money to do the second floor addition right now but I want to have the option in the future. Accordingly, an engineer can help me calculate the load I need to plan for. I may do the second story addition in steps. Perhaps in a year I will build a deck with outside access.

So that’s as far as I’ve gotten so far with planning my big summer project – I just need to wait for the ground to dry out a bit since the spring has been pretty muddy, but I’m hoping to start digging some footings by the beginning of June. Even though I only have weekends to build my new carport, and I will certainly lose a few to fishing trips and weekends at the cottage, there’s still no reason that I shouldn’t get the whole thing built and finished off before fall. That will give me plenty of time to finish the details and painting before it starts snowing.

Tags: auto, building, buildings, car, carports, diy, garages, Home, Home Improvement, house, sheds, storage
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It goes without saying that carport construction projects benefit from careful advanced planning. There are many issues to consider when designing and building your carport. Methodical planning of a carport will reap dividends in the future. A properly planned carport will undoubtedly result in a finished carport that exceeds your needs and meets your budget. Among the criteria to consider include the following outlined below.

1. Where will you find carport plans. There are a number of different ways to obtain decent carport plans. You might design and plan your carport yourself. You can buy a packet of pre-designed architectural plans over the internet. Alternatively, you could buy a pre-fab carport kit? Another option is to hire a contractor who will design the carport on your behalf.

2. Carport construction material. Do you want the carport to compliment your house (which might cost extra money in lumber and brick)? Do you need the strength of a steel carport or will aluminum suffice?

3. Where on your property will your carport be located? Try to think of a few potential locations before making a final decision. If the car port is located adjacent to your home you can share a supporting wall and thereby save some time and cost. Perhaps it would be best for your carport to be an independent structure nearby the house.

4. Why do you want a carport and what is it?s purpose? Carports generally provide shelter. Is the carport intended to protect the car and yourself from the sun or is it to protect from the snow? Are walls necessary to achieve your intended purposes ie. prevent snow drifts? Are you expecting to store things safely in the carport. Make a list of goals you want to meet with your carport.

5. Building permits and restrictions. Are you allowed to build a carport? Are there restrictions on the types of structures that are allowed to be built in your neighborhood? Do you need to seek the approval of your neighbors? What are the costs of any necessary permits? Can you commence the building process before obtaining the permit? What might be the waiting period?

As you can see there are many questions to be answered before you start building a carport. The questions outlined above are only a fraction of the possible questions you should consider. A serious consideration of the questions posed above will likely lead to other pertinent questions. As stated at the outset the best and most satisfying construction projects are those that are carefully planned in advance. Happy building and good luck with the construction of your carport.

Tags: auto, buildings, car, car storage, carports, construction, diy, garages, Home Improvement, house, sheds
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