The Garage Plan Shop Blog

With a simple and conservative design, this two-car carport satisfies not only parking needs, but it can be utilized for a variety of other uses. Being supported by six 6’’ posts, this carport is sturdy enough to protect vehicles from the elements, eliminating that voice in the back of your head asking if you remembered to roll up your windows. In addition to cars, the shelter can also be used to protect other motorized vehicles or machinery, such as farm equipment, which are often subjected to nasty weather conditions because of limited garage or storage space. Going beyond vehicles, this carport is capable of serving as a pavilion, providing an environment in which barbeques, celebrations, and gatherings can continue despite what Mother Nature has planned. To view more designs like this one, please browse our collection of carport plans.

Tags: carport, carport designs, Carport Plans, carports

If you want to add sheltered parking to your home without the expense of building a garage, consider this featured, 2-car carport plan with storage space. A stylish design adds a touch of elegance not commonly found with carport plans. Furthermore, two storage spaces provide enough room to store lawn and garden tools, ice scrapers, extra window washer fluid, and the like. You may even choose to use one storage space for your recycling center. Both storage areas offer double door access making it easy to store and access bulky and large items. The parking area is large enough for two cars and is designed to be a used as a drive-thru facility if the lot allows drive-thru accessibility. Additionally, the design incorporates a breezeway to connect with an existing home. Some home owners may opt to build this carport for use as a covered patio for outdoor living instead of sheltered parking. The choice is yours! Practical, stylish and flexible, this carport plan with storage makes a valuable addition to any home.

View our entire collection of carport plans to find the one this will best accommodate your needs.

Tags: building a carport, Carport Plans, carports

If you are only looking for sheltered parking to protect your car for the elements, a carport will probably be a good solution. But before you make a final decision to add a carport to your property, review the pros and cons of carports listed below.

Pros:

• • Carports are relatively inexpensive to build in comparison to other alternatives such as building a garage with garage blueprints.

• • They are not as complex as other structures so you won’t have to work around as many building codes and city regulations as you might if you were building an alternative structure.

• • Due to their simple nature, these structures are quick to build if you are handy allowing you to complete the project in just a weekend or two. If you need help building its roof, you may contact professional roofing contractors. 

• • The carport will achieve your main goal, protecting your car from sun, hail, wind and debris during storms.

• • Carport plans provide a way to prevent tree sap from damaging your car’s paintjob.

• • These structures offer plenty of natural ventilation.

• Larger designs are flexible and can be used for storing boats, farm machinery and other equipment.

Cons:

• • Carport plans to not offer protection on all four sides as they usually have one or two open sides.

• • Most designs are not very large providing just enough room for one or two cars.

• • Due to their typical small nature, there will not be room for a workbench or storage cabinets as you might find with a garage.

• • Because there are usually open sides, carports do not offer the best storage for items that cannot get wet.

• • The open sides do not protect against wildlife and critters that might find their way under your carport and under your car.

• Carports cannot be locked so they are not good for storing tools or basement and attic overflow as with a garage.

Keep these thoughts in mind when making a decision to purchase a carport plan or build a carport.

Visit The Garage Plan Shop to view an outstanding collection of carport plans.

Tags: building a carport, Carport Plans, carports

With the right set up, a carport can do so much more that just protect our automobiles from the elements. True, they are a nice storage place for the car, truck or other vehicle when not in use, but have you thought about what else a carport can store? If your carport has at least one solid wall, you can easily install storage cabinets on the wall at eye level or higher as not to interfere with the cars when parked inside. Wall cabinets provide an opportunity to organize and store clutter they we might otherwise leave on the ground where it can be tripped over, stepped on or even rolled over by the car. Arrange your wall cabinets in such a way that the items you store are handy, simple to find and easy to reach when you need them. They can be used for anything for tools and auto parts to gardening supplies and even used paint cans. Cabinets are available in a variety of materials including wood, metal and plastic. Installing cabinets in your carport increases functionality and optimizes the usefulness of the space.

Tags: Carport Plans, carports, organizational space, wall cabinets

While a carport my seem like a very basic shelter when comparing its function and structure to that of a garage plan designed for the same purpose, protecting automobiles from the elements, it is important to note there is still much to consider before choosing a carport plan. The Garage Plan Shop has provided a list of tips to consider before selecting a carport design to add to your property.

1.    Determine if you want the carport connected to the home or situated right beside it. Do you prefer it to be a free-standing shelter positioned some other place in your backyard or on your property? Some carport plans provide an option to connect the sheltered parking area to the home via a convenient breezeway.

2.    Consider the available space you have to work with on your property and what size carport you can accommodate.

3.    Think about how many vehicles you wish to park under the carport or what other items you might wish to shelter such as a boat and trailer, firewood, etc.

4.    Take some time to measure the vehicles you want to park under the carport or items you wish to store. Add extra space on all sides to allow for opening of car doors, hoods, trunks, tailgates, etc. Also allow room for walking between vehicles if you plan to park more than one under the carport.

5.    Do you have additional needs? Should your carport plan offer a storage space? Should it be a drive-thru carport? How many sides of the shelter must remain open? Determine ahead of time all the ways you plan to use the carport. Some designs offer storage closets, four open sides, two open sides, etc. It is important what extra elements you need or must have with your new carport.

6.    Browse carport plans online to find a design that will accommodate your needs. While you may be focused on finding a design that matches the style of your home, concentrate your attention on quality construction, stability and durability.

Planning ahead will help you choose the right carport plan for your property.

Tags: carport designs, Carport Plans, carports, choosing a carport, tips