Which Is Best?

Carports are a great way to keep your vehicle safe from the elements and increase the value of your home. If you’ve decided you’d like to install one, you’re probably struggling to choose between using a DIY carport or getting a custom one installed. In this article we will highlight the differences between each type of carport, their pros and cons, and what to consider before you make a decision. 

What's The Difference Between Custom And DIY Carports 

A DIY carport (also sometimes called a prefab carport) will either arrive as a kit that includes easy to follow assembly instructions, or it will be pre-assembled off-site and brought to your home for quick installation. A custom carport is designed to the specifications that you describe to a contractor, and these are typically longer to make, easier to customize, and more expensive on average. If you're not sure which type of carport is right for you, the team at NO1 Carports Brisbane http://www.no1carportsbrisbane.com.au/ can help you decide. They offer a range of custom and DIY carport kits that are designed to meet your specific needs.

Custom Carports 

Here are some of the pros and cons of a custom carport. 

Pros 

• Can be whatever size you need (and have room for). 
• You can control the appearance, design, and materials — this is helpful if you want a more cohesive appearance to match your home.  
• Increase the value of your property. 
• Act as a crime deterrent against theft or vandalism. 
• Tend to be made of higher quality materials than DIY carport kits. 
• Designed with your location and weather in mind.  
• Carefully designed and expertly installed by professionals.  

Cons 

• The process takes longer overall to complete because you have to design, prepare, and install. 
• Can cost a lot more because you may opt for pricier materials, have special considerations for your location that require extra measures to be taken, and you have to pay an hourly rate for professional installation (as well as for the consultation, materials, design, etc).  
• You might need to get a building permit to install a custom carport.  

DIY Carports 

Now let’s examine the pros and cons of a DIY carport.  

Pros 

• Installation is quick and relatively easy; all you need is some tools and maybe a helping hand.  
• Less expensive than custom built carports. 
• No installation costs because you are installing it yourself.  
• Building permits are easier to obtain with DIY carports (if you need them at all).  
• You have options for size and material.  

Cons 

• Not as customizable and can be difficult if you have special requirements.  
• They don’t increase the value of your home as much as custom carports (although they do increase it slightly). 
• They are typically less durable or long lasting compared to a custom carport.  
• You may receive incomplete sets or incorrect pieces.  
• If you mess up the construction, you may need to pay more to solve the problem.  

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Between the Two 

There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting between a DIY carport and a custom carport. Be sure to fully consider your situation and options before making your decision.  

Reason in Building a Carport 

Why are you building your carport? Here are some common reasons: 

• Keep your car out of the elements — no one likes getting into a baking hot car or struggling to get into your car in the pouring rain. 
• Increase your property value if you are planning to sell. 
• Convenience — both the carport itself and the installation process is easier than installing a true garage. 
• Protect your vehicle from crime.  

• Multipurpose shaded space for working or storing other items.  

Value of Your Vehicle 

Cars are expensive and protecting them is important. When left exposed to the elements a car can receive physical damage that affects its value. Certain types of cars can also invite criminals to break in or vandalize them, and carports can help you protect your car from all of these.  

Amount of Resources 

If you have a lot of financial resources available, you may want to opt for a custom carport. If not, a DIY carport will get the job done just fine.  

Location & Weather Conditions (Occurrence of Rain and Wind) 

Carports help keep your car protected in all kinds of weather. They help keep falling branches and debris from dinging your hood or windshield, they keep everything dry, and they help regulate the temperature by deflecting direct sunlight.  

Length of Stay 

If you are planning to stay in your home for a while and are able to make the investment, a Custom carport may be right for you. If you are planning on leaving sooner, however, a DIY carport is a better short-term solution.  

Conclusion 

Carports are great ways to protect your car while increasing the value of your property, but they are a pretty significant investment. There are pros and cons for both DIY carports and custom carports, but the final decision will depend on many factors like resources, vehicle value, location, and much more.