Written by

Tamatha Hazen

December 7, 2023

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Cost to build a carport

The cost to build a carport is $2,000 to $7,200 for a single carport or $3,200 to $12,000 for a two-car carport. The labor cost to build a carport is $3 to $5 per square foot for a kit installation or $10 per square foot for a custom build.

Cost to build a carport by size

A carport costs $8 to $30 per square foot for the frame with a roof but no walls. Carport kits come in standard sizes according to the number and size of vehicles you need to cover. Prices are highest for taller structures, gabled roofs, and custom builds.

When choosing the carport size and capacity for your project, be sure to consider the following:

• Available space – Measure your property and consider any limitations or restrictions, such as setbacks from property lines or other structures.

• Number and size of vehicles – The carport size should be large enough for your vehicles, including any boats or RVs you plan to park there. Don’t forget to leave room for opening doors and exiting vehicles when measuring.

• Future needs – Choosing a structure larger than you currently need can give you room for new vehicles or future expansion.

Cost to build a carport by type

A carport costs $2,000 to $18,000 or more, depending on whether you use a prefab kit or build a custom design. A prefabricated carport is cheaper and faster to build but is only available in standard sizes. A custom carport is more expensive and time-consuming but can be tailored to your specific needs.

Prefabricated carport

Prefabricated carport kits cost $8 to $25 per square foot on average, depending on the materials used. Most manufacturers include delivery and installation in their prices. Some may charge separately.

• Mass-produced prefab carports come in standard sizes and designs, which keeps costs down.

• Kits typically include low-cost metal or wood, such as steel or pressure treated pine. Upgraded materials and extended heights cost extra.

Custom carport

Custom carports cost $3,000 to $18,000+, depending on the size, design, and materials. The installer builds your custom carports on site to your specifications. Complex designs, premium materials, and upgraded features can significantly increase costs.

Custom upgrades may include:

• Lighting – Running power and installing lighting on your carport costs $450 to $850.

• Solar panels – Adding solar panels to the roof costs $112 to $450 per panel.

• Reinforced roofing and walls – Using reinforced materials for the roofing and walls increases costs but ensures the carport can resist water and wind damage.

• Additional structural support – Carports in areas with heavy snowfall may need additional structural support to prevent collapse.

Cost to build a carport by material

The cost of building a carport also depends on the materials used. Wood is the most expensive carport material but is heavier and takes more time and effort to install. Metal is lighter and easier to work with, requiring less skilled labor.

Wood carport

A wood carport costs $15 to $30 per square foot installed or $10 to $20 per square foot on average for materials alone. Wood kits are prepared for easy assembly and have the lowest installation costs. Custom wood carports require highly skilled labor at a higher cost.

Metal carport

Metal carport prices are $8 to $20 per square foot installed on average or $5 to $15+ per square foot for materials alone. Metal carport kits are cheaper and more common than custom metal carports.

Metal carports are sturdy, durable, and have lower maintenance requirements. However, they are less attractive than wood and are not easily modified or extended in the future.

Cost to build a carport by style

Carport costs vary depending on whether you install a permanent or portable structure. Permanent carports cost $2,000 to $12,000 installed for more durable materials such as steel or wood. They are permanently affixed to the ground for better security in climates with heavy snow and high winds.

Portable carports and cheaper and easier to install than permanent carports. Costing $400 to $1,200, portable carports use lightweight materials such as aluminum and fabric. These temporary structures are less durable and not recommended for extreme climates.

Labor cost to build a carport

Labor prices for delivery and installation are often included in the prefabricated carport kit. If they aren’t included, you can expect to pay $3 to $5 per square foot for assembly. A custom wood carport has higher labor costs of around $10 per square foot. Additional labor costs apply for site preparation.

Site preparation

A freestanding carport should sit on level, solid ground for stability. Compacted soil, gravel, or a concrete slab provide a good surface for parking. While a costly concrete slab is not required, it can increase your property value.

Preparing the site for a carport may include the following costs:

• A land survey costs $300 to $900 to mark the property boundaries when determining the location of the carport.

• Land clearing for a carport costs $950 for a quarter-acre or $3,800 for a full acre of lite brush.

• Land leveling or regrading the site costs $200 to $1,000, depending on the site conditions.

• A gravel carport driveway costs $600 to $1,800 for a 2-car driveway.

• Excavating for a carport foundation costs $1,000 to $2,500 to excavate a carport area.

• Pouring a concrete slab for a carport costs $5 to $10 per square foot.

Other cost factors

Factors that affect the cost of a carport include:

• Size and complexity –Small, metal carports and prefab units are easier to install than large or wooden carports with added features.

• Design features – Flat roof designs are cheaper than gabled or sloped roofs, which require more materials and labor. Carports with open sides are cheaper than those enclosed with side walls and garage doors.

• Location – Labor and permit costs vary depending on your location.

• Permits – Most carport projects require a building permit costing $75 to $300, depending on the size and location. In some areas, small, prefabricated carports do not require permitting.

• Extras – Extras such as gutters, electrical outlets, storage, colored screws, and added braces increase the cost of the carport.

  • Gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per foot.

  • Electrical outlet installation costs $150 to $350.

  • Custom cabinets cost $400 to $1,200 per linear foot installed.

  • Built-in shelving costs $300 to $850 per linear foot.

  • Colored screws add $0.50 to $1.00 per screw to the cost of the carport.

  • Added brace supports cost $50 to $100 per brace.

Carport maintenance

A carport can last 10 to 30 years with regular maintenance, depending on the materials used. A carport made with durable material and built on a level surface will last longer. Installing proper drainage and anchoring the carport to the ground will help prevent damage from snow, rain, and wind.

To extend the life of your carport, you should also:

• Inspect regularly – Routinely inspect your carport for signs of damage, including rust, rotting wood, or loose hardware. Make prompt repairs to prevent the damage from getting worse.

• Clean often – Clean your carport regularly to remove dirt, debris, and mildew using a pressure washer or broom and hose. Professional pressure washing costs $0.08 to $0.20 per square foot.

• Seal as needed – Apply a roof sealant costing $1 to $4 per square foot every few years to protect the roof from the elements.

• Keep it clear – Trim any trees or shrubs that extend over your carport to prevent branches from falling and damaging your carport. In cold climates, remove snow as soon as possible to prevent the weight of the snow from damaging the roof.

Carport FAQs

What is a carport?

A carport is a roofed structure used to protect vehicles from the sun, rain, snow, or hail. The structure typically doesn’t have walls and is open on the sides. A carport can stand independently or connect to a building. They can have a slab foundation or sit over dirt or gravel.

Do I need a permit for a carport?

In most cases, any construction project that alters your property requires a permit. In some areas, there are exceptions for small, prefabricated carports that are less than a certain size. Check your local regulations to confirm.

How long does it take to build a carport?

A small prefab or metal carport takes 1 to 2 weeks to build, while building a larger or custom carport takes several weeks. However, many factors can increase the construction time, including:

• Weather conditions – Excessive heat, rain, or snow can delay the project.

• Roofing materials – Tile roofs take longer to install than metal roofs.

• Installer’s experience – A more experienced installer is faster than someone unfamiliar with the kit or custom installation.

• Foundation – Adding a concrete foundation takes extra time for the pouring and curing time.

How long does a carport last?

The lifespan of a carport ranges from 10 to 30 years, depending on the materials, climate, and maintenance it receives. A metal carport is the most durable and can last for 20 to 30 years or more, while wood carports last 10 to 15 years.

Getting estimates from carport builders

When getting estimates for your carport, follow these suggestions to find the best carport installer for your project:

• Get multiple estimates with the same carport size and material to compare.

• Check that the installers have licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.

• Read installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Ask if the carport kit includes delivery and installation.

• Request a written line-item estimate for a custom carport.

• Confirm the carport installation includes a warranty.

Questions to ask a carport installer

Some helpful questions to ask a carport builder include:

• How many years of experience do you have in building carports?

• Can I see your references list and photos of past carport installations?

• Which carport materials are you most familiar with?

• How long will carport construction take?

• Which carport designs are strong enough to withstand storms or snow loads in my area?

• How will you anchor the carport?

• What are the maintenance requirements for wooden and metal carports?

• Which carport material do you recommend for my project and why?

• Does your quote include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees?

• Are there often unexpected costs on a job like this?

• Are permits required for a carport?

• Do you handle permits and zoning requirements?