Q: How long will it take to get my carport delivered after I place my order?

A: Usually 2-4 weeks from the date your order is received, and in some cases up to 8 weeks.

Q: What size do I need to pour my concrete slab?

A: We always recommend a concrete slab foundation with a solid 12” footing for load-bearing walls of most single and double-wide buildings, and larger foundations for taller and wider structures. We measure our units by the roof line, so a 12’ x 21’ carport’s footprint is 12’ x 20’ outside to outside. So you would need to pour your foundation a minimum of 12’ 6” x 20’ 6”.Concrete footings or mobile home anchors are always required for certified structions. Please check with your local building department for the footing requirements required for your structure in your area.

Q: Do I need a permit?

A: Most jurisdictions now require permits, even for "non-occupied" structures. You will need to check with your local building department to see if you are required to obtain a permit for the size of structure you’re intending on putting up. If you opt out of obtaining a permit in an area which requires it, you risk being asked by local code enforcement to move or remove your building. For more information on Certification and Permitting, CLICK HERE.

Q: What is the maximum height I can get?

A: We measure carport height (leg height) from the base rail to the bottom of your roof bow. All certified units 9' leg height or taller MUST have a 12 gauge frame. For Single and Double Wide Carports in areas without a lot of snow, we can generally build structures with a leg height of 12' before we have to go to a heavier, doubled leg system. Our maximum leg height is 16’. Wider buildings will have a higher peak height for the same leg height. Internal bracing and trusses may lower the amount of effective clearance. Any building over 12' leg height will require Site Specific Plans at an additional cost. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Q: Will my carport handle wind and snow?

A:Our 14 and 12 gauge garages are designed to handle a snow load of 20 lbs, and 90 mph 3 second wind gusts when installed on an engineer-approved foundation. If your area has loads in excess of this amount, or if your local building department requires higher ratings, we can strengthen your structure in a number of ways and then cerfify the building to the rating required. Ask about our Santa Ana Wind Package and our Big Bear Snow Package.

Q: Do I need a forklift?

A: A forklift is required if the structure is above 12’ in height. A minimum of $1000 fee will be required for forklift & equipment rentals

Q: How much adjustment do I have to level my carport if my lot is not completely level?

A: Your unit has approximately 3” to adjust before a dig fee or a cut fee may be applied. For more information on Site Preparation, CLICK HERE.

Q: Can I add to my structure once its been installed?

A: In some cases, yes. There will be a delivery fee of $100.00 if the add on is less than $795. The company which adds to the existing unit must building must be the same company which installed the unit or the panels will not line up correctly. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Q: What are my payment methods?

A: You can pay with Cash, Certified Check, Money Order, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

Q: Is there a discount if I build my carport myself?

A:YES! We can drop off your carport to your location at a considerable cost savings to you. Full payment must be made prior to delivery. All carports delivered by Drop-Off will have our Standard Warranty for Parts and Manufactured Components only. You take full responsibility for installation. We only offer a driveway delivery service and we cannot place or carry carports to any other location.

Q: Do I have to be on site to take delivery of my structure?

A:All deliveries, whether drop-offs or installations, require a signature from the business or householder receiving the carport; the person accepting the delivery must be over the age of 18 and have the expressed permission to sign for the goods on behalf of the purchaser. If there is a balance due, it must be paid once the installation is complete. To learn more about what happens on your installation day, CLICK HERE.

Q: What is the difference between certified and non-certified?

A: Certified buildings are constructed to follow an engineer's plans that will meet all local building codes for your specific building. It also means you’re pulling a permit and will be installing the proper footings that the engineer calls out for. For more on Certification, CLICK HERE.

B: Uncertified units are anchored at every other post. Units are anchored with rebar or concrete anchors. Additional anchors may be purchased at an additional cost. Rebar anchors are 32” long, but may be shortened when installing on difficult terrain. Mobile home or post anchors are also available for uncertified units at an additional cost. There will be an additional charge for installation of mobile home or post anchors on asphalt.

Q: What specifications do I need to know to price my carport?

A: You will need to know the length, width and leg height. For more information on sizing your carport, CLICK HERE.

B: You will need to know the roof style that you would prefer, our Standard horizontal roof, an A-Frame Boxed Eave horizontal roof, or a Vertical Roof. For more information on roof choices, CLICK HERE.

C. You will also need to choose whether you want to partially or fully enclose your structure and if you do, what doors and windows would you like. For panel colors as well as door and window options, CLICK HERE.

What else should I know?

Certification Info

A Certified Building is a building which is built to a published engineering standard. Many carport manufacturers say they certify their units. The question is, to what specification? Our standard “non-certified” metal structures are built to withstand a 20 lbs. snow load and 90 mph 3 second wind gusts when installed on engineer-approved foundations. Our certified structures will meet or exceed this standard. In certain areas, especially those with high winds or heavy snow, a higher rating will be required by the local Building Department. We can build and certify our buildings to these higher standards to make sure both you and your building inspector are happy with your structure. Our certified buildings come with a robust 20 year warranty.

Some local jurisdictions require that you certify any building and others that only require certifications on some classes of buildings. We are prepared to provide you with generic engineering plans with your paid order. If your jurisdiction requires "site-specific plans" for your building at your location, we can produce these plans for an extra fee. Once approved, we can begin fabricating your order. For more information, see our Installation Page.

Permitting Info

Permitting is not required everywhere for every size structure, but it may be required in your area. You will need to check with your local Building Department to see if you need a building permit prior to the installation of your metal structure. Due to the number of jurisdictions and the multiplicity of local codes, we cannot obtain your permit for you. We can, however, help guide you through the process and supply you with what information you need to get the job done. We offer free generic plans for our standard structures with your paid order of a certified unit. For many projects this is sufficient. If, however, your Building Department requires “site-specific plans” which detail how your particular building will be built upon your site, we can have our engineers create these plans for you for an additional fee.

Foundations for Metal Structures: We do not lay foundations. We always recommend a concrete slab foundation with a solid 12” footing for load-bearing walls of most single and double-wide buildings, and larger foundations for taller and wider structures. We have engineering recommendations available for standard buildings, and we can provide site-specific plans for an additional fee. We measure our units by the roof line, so a 12’ x 21’ carport’s footprint is 12’ x 20’ outside to outside. So you would need to pour your foundation a minimum of 12’ 6” x 20’ 6”.Concrete footings or mobile home anchors are always required for certified installed structures. Check with your building department for proper footing requirements.When we build on an engineer-approved cement foundation, anchoring is included with your installation price. We use an expansion anchoring system, not pre-installed “J-Bolts.” If you are building on a surface other than concrete, we can make recommendations for alternative anchoring systems and install them for an additional fee. See our illustration of Anchors, HERE.

Plot Plans: Your building department may ask for plot plans for your location. A plot plan is an outline and general measurement of your property with your existing structures on it and where you intend to install your metal structure. We do not create these for you, but fortunately they are not difficult to make, especially with a little help from Google Maps. Building Departments want to make sure that your proposed building isn't overlapping an easement, crossing a property line or otherwise going against local building codes. You can see a sample of a Plot Plan, HERE.

If you build a structure on your property without first obtaining a building permit where a permit is required, your code enforcement agency can make you either move the structure, or even take it down completely. This is true no matter who builds your structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What else should I know?

Certification Info

Permitting Info

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