Updated at: 29-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

There are fewer carports in colder climates than there are in warmer ones, but they’re still a widespread type of vehicle shelter in both. Due to their lack of walls, carports are less expensive to construct than garages. Despite this, a garage is far more helpful and secure for storing household items like bikes, sporting goods, lawn equipment, and other recreational vehicles. Consequently, you may ask if and how you may turn your carport into a full-featured storage space for your automobiles. There are other options, like an enclosed carport rather than a full renovation.

If the slab, support pillars, and roof of the carport are in good form, you can save around 20% on the cost of having a contractor build a new garage. For labor expenditures alone, you should anticipate to pay between $12,000 and $16,000 to have a carpenter finish the walls and install doors. A professional installation can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $60,000 when all of the above-mentioned items are included. This does not include, however, the expense of acquiring permits and renting a dumpster. Professional garage door installation is always recommended, even for those who are adept at DIY.

You can effectively convert a carport into an enclosed garage under the correct conditions, but there are many things to consider before you ask for bids or decide to take on such a job on yourself.

Check Local Building Codes and HOA Regulations

Investigate whether or not your project is permitted and how to obtain a permit. If you live in an area with a building code or a homeowner’s association (HOA), you may have to adhere to certain garage requirements. The house side of an attached garage, for example, will most certainly require a fire-rated wall and a fire-rated entry door.

Versatube Carport to Garage conversion - YouTube

Evaluate the Current Carport Structure

Carports with shingled or tiled roofs can be changed into garages with walls and doors if the vertical supports that keep the roof in place appear to be solid and in good condition. However, if the supports supporting the carport are damaged, leaning, or sized incorrectly, it may not be possible to convert the garage. A successful conversion is more likely if the carport is in good shape and has a sturdy framework.

Measure the Slab

For one car, a 20-foot-deep garage should have a width of 10 feet; for two cars, it should have a width of 18.5 feet wide. Each of these measurements could be increased by 2 to 4 feet if they were in a more spacious garage. A garage this huge isn’t unheard of these days, and it’s possible you’ll want to increase the slab if there’s enough roof overhang to do so.

Check the Height

There may not be enough area for a horizontal header above the garage door opening. To create a garage out of a carport, you’ll need a strong beam or header to span the drive-through. In order for a normal garage door to function, the opening must be at least 8 feet high and have a 2×8 or 2×12 header spanning the whole opening. It’s imperative that your current carport has enough room for this, otherwise you’ll face much higher charges for lifting the roof.

Consider the Carport’s Roofline

Gable roofs (inverted V-shapes) and shed roofs are the most common types of carports. Consider how the transformed space will appear if the existing roof is left in place. When a carport is enclosed as a garage, a shed roof may look good, but this creates an odd and potentially unappealing roof.

Check Condition of the Roof

The roof should be examined by a professional if you intend to retain it in place. If the roof is in poor shape, you may choose to remove it and start from fresh with your garage remodel. Reusing the slab, on the other hand, could save you money. Reshingling the roof as part of your conversion process may be an option if the structure is sound.

Check Condition of the Slab

Is the slab of concrete beneath your carport sound? Inquire about the footing’s width and depth. Despite the fact that the slab’s surface appears acceptable, the perimeter foundation may not fulfill contemporary code standards for sustaining framed walls that depend on it. This could become a requirement if you submit an application for a new building permit. Inspection of your slab by a structural engineer or concrete contractor may reveal the type of foundation you have and whether or not it is strong enough to support your garage walls.

Plan for Mechanical Service

Preparation is key when it comes to the delivery of electrical service. To use a garage as a workshop, you’ll need to run multiple new wires or install an electrical subpanel. Make sure to chat to a plumber about your alternatives if you plan on installing plumbing for laundry or any other reason before you begin your conversion.

Carport conversion prices can be found by consulting a builder who can answer these eight questions and help you determine how much it will cost. As a precaution, it’s also a good idea to acquire estimates for a complete tear-down and replacement of the carport with a new garage.

Can You Turn a Carport Into a Garage?

How to Convert Your Carport Into a Garage

One of the best and most cost-effective ways to add extra storage space and safety for your car is to convert a carport.

You’ve already spent half the money and done half the work because you already have a roof and a cement slab. Simply follow these steps:

  • Stumps for cladding should be installed between each post.
  • Build a garage door frame.
  • Place the cladding on the wall.
  • Place the garage door in place.
  • The garage should be wired by an electrician.

You can choose from a variety of garage designs, such as:

  • A ceiling and internal cladding must be installed before installing insulation on the roof and walls to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you’re looking to save money on utility expenses, an insulated garage door is a great option.
  • Include at least one window in your design to let in fresh air and allow for natural lighting. A garage door with a window or ventilation is an option as well.
  • Colorbond or Zincalume cladding in a complementary color is an alternative to painting the exterior to match your house.
  • Garage door openers are available in a variety of types, but they must be installed correctly to work properly. It’s a good idea to have your provider install it if you’re unsure about anything.

Here is a list of materials and subcontractors you will need

It’s helpful to think through your carport conversion into a garage before starting, so here’s a partial list of the materials and contractors you’ll need:

  • Particleboard/plywood, drywall, siding, fiberboard panels (Ten-Test), asphalt shingles, nails and screws are included in the materials.
  • in order to open the following doors and windows: garage door, electric door opener, and an access door (36 x 82 inches).
  • Concrete slabs and walls; gravel and drain pipe; plumbing; a floor drain and a kitchen sink; and electricity are some of the subcontractors.

Step 1: Planning

We recommend hiring an expert to write up the drawings. They can assist you arrange the layout, including how many doors and windows to have. A land surveyor may also be necessary if your location is close to the property line between you and your neighbor. Your town may have its own setback distances, so be sure to adhere to those rules as well.

Step 2: Preparation

To turn your carport to garage without digging a foundation, you must check that the ground is firm and that the gutters have a strong drainage system in place before you begin the job. Next, the soffit and joists of your current carport must be removed, as well as whatever is covering the joists and columns. If the carport’s ceiling has a protective covering, it can be left in place. It is possible, however, to make some alterations.

Step 3: Erect the walls

Pressure-treated wood should be used for the bottom plate of the wall, and 2 X 6s should be used for the wall frames. For damp proofing purposes, this bottom plate must be covered with a polyethylene sheet. The top of the wall framework should be attached to the roof structure of the carport, and the sides should be attached to the existing columns. Particleboard (or fiberboard) and an air barrier membrane should be used to protect them.

Step 4: Install the access door and windows

Create a layout that takes into account the access door and any windows you want to include. When using these items, make sure you follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.

Step 5: Add the garage door

First and foremost, be sure that the threshold of your garage door has a suitable slope to allow water to properly drain towards the street.

With regard to the garage door, Garaga has a wide selection of residential garage doors to pick from. To see how it will look, use Garaga’s Design Centre to design your own door. For those who desire an automatic door opener, there are numerous options.

With some practice and the right tools, you can either install the frame yourself or have it done by the contractor of your choice. Contact one of our experts if you want to have the installation done by a professional.

Step 6: Don’t forget insulation

It’s time to insulate your garage now that the doors and windows are in place. Insulating the walls is a cost-effective way to keep heat from escaping. Mineral wool batts with the desired R-value should be used instead. Add a vapor barrier after installing the insulation between the studs. Wood furring strips (13) should be installed first, followed by drywall or vinyl siding. Be sure to consider insulating the ceiling during your planning process as well.

Step 7: Complete the exterior finish of the garage

There are numerous options for the garage’s appearance. Your home’s exterior should match as closely as possible. Use the same shingle color on the roof as you did on the home. Use moldings and other features like pergolas to add some flair to it.

Carport to Modern Garage Conversion | Project Construction LLC

How much will it cost you?

For a 14 × 24 foot (280 square foot) garage big enough to accommodate one automobile and done by a contractor, these are the approximate costs:

  • The typical cost to build a new carport onto your home is between $8,000 and $10,000.
  • Between $9,000 and $13,000 will be needed to convert a carport into a garage without a foundation. The pricing variation is due to the choice of exterior paint.
  • The cost of turning a carport into a garage, including the foundation, is between $18,000 and $23,000. For example, the price may vary depending on whether the exterior is brick or PVC, whether or not the garage is heated or unheated, and so on.
  • add-on garages cost about $70.00/sq. ft., or about $25,000 for a house without a carport.

Construction costs can be broken down as follows if you chose to do it yourself: The materials account for 40% of the total cost, while the labor accounts for 60%. For those who have any construction experience at all, this section shows how much money you can save by doing your own job.

Choosing a new garage door is a big decision, so if you’re the one in charge, contact a Garaga garage door specialist. Door frame preparation will be explained in detail. If you’d like, we can also provide you with a no-obligation quote.