There are many ways to add a new carport to your property. You could build one yourself, order from a quality supplier like American Steel Carports, Inc., or you can purchase a DIY metal carport kit. While the end goal is the same, the process and outcome can look very different depending on the approach you take.

As the name suggests, a DIY carport kit comes with everything you’ll need to assemble the carport yourself, but you have to do all the work. This might sound like an appealing way to save money for some people, but how does the reality play out?

DIY Kits Can Sound Appealing

It’s easy to see the appeal of a DIY metal carport kit. You simply order a kit that includes all the parts you need to build the structure, and it is dropped off at your property. From there, you follow the instructions provided and assemble the building until it is secured in place and ready to use. By doing the work yourself, you would expect to save some money and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something with your own two hands.

Unfortunately, if you start to peel back the layers a bit and look more closely about the process, you’ll see that the story above may not play out so nicely. So, before you go ahead and order a carport kit for your property, consider the points below. You may find in the end that buying a carport that will be installed for you is a better approach than opting for a kit.

A Challenging Build

The idea of a kit tends to gloss over the fact that assembling your own carport is not always a simple task. The components of the building may be cut to the proper size ahead of time, but they will still be large and hard to handle. You’ll also need all the right tools on hand to get the job done, including a ladder or two, a drill, a level, and much more. This might not be a problem if you have a fully outfitted garage, but not everyone has all these tools on hand.

It would be a mistake to attempt a carport kit build without at least some basic experience in construction and DIY projects. You want to make sure you stay safe throughout the project, and you want to make sure that the finished product is secure and won’t be at risk of falling down in adverse weather conditions. A DIY kit may not include quality metal and you could find yourself dealing with rust, condensation, or other structural problems after a few months of use. Leaving the construction of your carport to the professionals will take many concerns away so you can just look forward to using this structure for years to come.

Do Some Careful Math

A big part of the appeal of a carport kit is the potential cost savings enjoyed by taking on the labor on your own. It’s understandable to want to save money, but you might end up being disappointed in how much you save when the project is finished. The cost of your kit might not be that much different than buying a carport that includes installation. Any savings will likely be eaten up by the need to purchase some tools to complete the job.

Also, don’t forget to factor in the cost of your time to do the work. If you need to take some time off of work to get this job done, for example, that is a cost that needs to play into your math. So, while it is possible to save a little money taking the carport kit approach, those savings are likely to be minor, at best.

Save Time and Money with American Steel Carports

There is just too much to like about ordering from American Steel Carports, Inc. to bother with any of the other options. With us, you get a fair price on a fully customized carport that is built with quality materials and can be expected to stand the test of time. What else could you need? Visit our Build & Price tool to explore your customization options and get a free quote. Of course, you are always welcome to contact us as well, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help at any point. Let’s get started on this exciting project today.