I have been considering building a flat roof carport for the better part of a year, and I have done a fair amount of research to prepare for my big project. While researching the type of carport that I would build I came across many different options, including metal carport kits which seem to be pretty popular from what I can gather. However, the esthetics of the available kits just didn’t suit me, so I am opting for a build from scratch project.

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.

My last step before filing my application is to convert my vision into a concrete building plan. This is where I am going to have to seek some professional advice. I have the rough design and measurements all drawn up, but to size the lumber appropriately for my calculated spans I will need to have an engineer confirm my design ideas. The engineer is also who I look to to ensure that I am meeting all the building codes in my city with respect to my carport idea. In my case it is especially important to get the sizing and codes right, since I would like to build now with the option to turn the roof of my carport into a screened in porch/sunroom off of my second floor bedroom. Making sure that I build the structure properly now will save rebuilding for this other project down the road.

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.