How much would it cost to build a 20 x20 carport

Kunal Singh
July 4, 2022
12:55 am

A carport is an outdoor structure with a roof that is supported by beams or posts. They offer protection for your vehicles from rain, snow, UV rays, and hail. A carport can also provide additional storage space and increase your home value.

A 12′ x 20′ single-car metal carport with closed ends and regular style roof can cost at least $2,800, whereas a 20′ x 20′ two-car metal carport with a boxed-eave or an A-frame roof would require around $7,000. A 40′ x 20′ four-car metal carport with closed ends and a vertical roof can have a price as high as $24,000.

The installation price of a prefab carport can range between $2,000 and $5,000, and that of a custom carport between $4,000 and $10,000. The upfront cost of a prefab carport is lower, but if you plan to get multiple add-ons over time, it may end up costing you a lot more than a customized option.

The construction cost of a metal carport can range between $10 and $30 per square foot.

Building A 20 X 20 Carport

The cost to build a 20 X 20 metal carport with an A-frame or boxed eave roof can range between $4,000 and $10,000. The average carport cost is however closer to $7,000.

Metal Carport Cost by Number of Cars

The size of the carport you want to build is determined by the number of vehicles you wish to accommodate and the amount of additional storage space you need. The greater the size of the carport, the higher the pricing. Here is a breakdown of the cost of the different types of carports.

ATV Metal Carport

An ATV metal carport measures 12′ x 10′ and its construction cost ranges between $1,200 and $3,600.

Single Car Metal Carport

A single-car metal carport measures around 12′ x 20′ and costs between $2,400 and $7,200 in installation costs.

Two-Car Metal Carport

You can expect to pay $4,000 to $12,000 for a two-car metal carport with 22′ x 22′ or 20′ x 20′ dimensions.

Metal RV Carports

The average size of a metal RV carport is 20′ x 30′, and its price ranges between $6,000 and $18,000.

Three-Car Metal Carport

Three-car metal carport prices range between $6,000 and $18,000, with a minimum size of 30′ x 20′.

Four-Car Metal Carport

The minimum size of a four-car metal carport is 40′ x 20′ and costs between $8,000 and $24,000 for installation.

The Cost of Building A 20 X 20 Carport by Type of Construction

Most homeowners opt for prefab carports owing to their cost-efficiency, but then they also want to upgrade them. When they insert an add-on or two over time, the total cost of building will eventually equal the average cost of building a custom carport. Custom carports tend to be expensive, but it allows owners to personalize them to their tastes and needs. You can select the material type and make full design decisions. The cost to build a prefab carport can range between $2,000 and $5,000. Comparatively, the cost to build a custom carport ranges between $4,000 and $10,000. Prefabricated carport costs can fall anywhere between $10 and $15 per sq. ft., and custom-built carport costs range from $15 to $30 per sq. ft.

Prefab kits are less expensive, and they are also easy to set up. You don’t need days or weeks put up prefabricated carports. Unless you picked a metal prefab kit, you might face durability issues at some point and they don’t come with a foundation. You also don’t get to customize these, what with the limited options offered. Custom carports are highly durable and allow you to customize them to a great extent. You can choose from a list of colors, styles, and designs and also decide the material that has to go into the construction of your carport. It can be a bit costly and also take a considerable amount to build, but the results can be highly rewarding.

The Cost of Building A 20 X 20 Carport by Material

Polycarbonate

The pricing of polycarbonate carports ranges from $12 to $15 per sq. ft. High-quality polycarbonate roofs will be costlier than cheap metal roofs but less expensive compared to a premium metal frame.

Metal

Metal carports can cost between $2,278 and $4,918, with an average price of $3,433 for an aluminum carport that has a boxed eave roof. Rounded roofing material can reduce the cost to at least $900 and at most $1,200.

Wood

Wood carport prices range from $15 to $20 per sq. ft. for prefab constructions and $20 to $30 per sq. ft. for custom wood carports. These are more expensive to build when compared to metal carports.

Aluminum Carport

Installing a 20′ x 20′ aluminum carport. Its total cost lies between $4,000 and $6,000. These are less expensive when compared to steel carport costs. Aluminum is a lightweight material, making it easier to install, but it might not be able to stand high winds. Owing to its pliant nature, it can be dented or warped under pressure. It’s also not easy to weld and can corrode easily.

Steel Carport

A 20′ x 20′ steel structure can cost you $8,000 to $12,000. The higher metal carport prices are determined by the strength of steel and its corrosion-resistant nature. Unlike aluminum, it doesn’t get bent or dented under force and offers ample protection against harsh winds, falling branches, or trees. The increased weight makes steel a hard material to work with, thereby increasing steel carport installation costs. Additionally, these are more durable than aluminum.

The Cost of Building A 20 X 20 Carport by Type

The three types of metal carports are portable, freestanding, and attached. Homeowners who wish to store items that could be a potential fire hazard away from home can go for freestanding carports. The cost to build an 18′ x 20′ carport ranges from $400 to $10,000.

Portable Carports

Portable carport cost ranges from $400 to $1,200, making it a pocket-friendly option compared to others. These are lightweight and don’t require building permits. Portable carports are usually made from galvanized or powder-coated steel tubing. However, the likelihood of these carports surviving a windstorm is pretty slim.

Freestanding Metal Carport

A freestanding carport cost can be anywhere from $900 to $6,000 without a concrete slab. A concrete pad can add an extra cost of at least $1,600 and at most $3,500. Also known as a detached metal carport, these are helpful if you don’t have space for building an attached carport. These custom structures prevent harmful fumes released by the equipment from reaching your home.

Attached Metal Carport

Installing attached carports can cost you $1,200 to $10,000, and to add a concrete slab, you will have to spend an extra amount of $1,600 to $3,500. Paint it to match your home so that it pleases the keen eye and aesthetic sense of visitors.

Calculating The Installation Costs For Your Carport

Labor Cost to Install Metal Carport

For best results, your carport would require an even base and a level 5 foundation. A concrete slab is not a necessity, but it can improve the function and ensure the longevity of your carport. A professional concrete contractor can pour concrete for around $6 to $12 per sq. ft. If you don’t prefer to have a concrete slab, you can hire a landscape crew to level the earth for around $50 to $100 per hour. Thus, labor costs for preparation can amount from $300 to $700. Custom carport building costs can be around $8 per square foot for labor. Labor costs for a two-car carport can be around $3,200, and this includes framing, roofing, and finishing.

Metal Carport Replacement Cost

To tear down the existing structure, you can hire a handyman for $50 to $100 an hour and an extra $300 to $500 for disposal. If it’s not a prefab carport, you will have to hire a demolition company for at least $500. For safe removal of wires, you may need to employ an electrician for $40 to $120 per hour. Thus, labor costs can be approximately rounded to $1,500 to $8,200 in total.

The Cost of Roofing A 20 X 20 Metal Carport

Prefab carport kits come with a roof, and for these carports, polycarbonate and metal standing seam roofing are preferred. They can be curved, angled, or flat. Prefab wooden carports have wooden framed roofs. Some companies offer a variety of options, but there are others who use only one material, such as metal standing seam or shingles. In most cases, for custom carports, the roof is framed at $9 to $11 per sq. ft. Different roof materials are metal, shingle, and polycarbonate.

Metal Roof Cost

The average cost for the installation of a metal roof is from $960 to $8,640. Aluminum roofing can cost between $3.15 and $6 per square foot, and installation rates can range from $9 to $16.50 per square foot. Copper tiles are expensive, costing $14 to $25 per square foot. Corrugated metal panels, combined with installation, can cost between $5.50 and $11.50. Standing seam panels can be bought at $4 and $6.50 per square foot.

Shingle Roof Cost

You can expect to spend $840 to $3,168 for a shingle roof. This is considered to be the most affordable material and is also easy to install. With proper maintenance, traditional roofing shingles can last for about 25-30 years.

Polycarbonate Roof Cost

Polycarbonate roof styles can amount from $1,000 to $9,000. These are resistant to UV rays and extreme temperatures and are lightweight, making them perfect for greenhouses.

Additional Costs for A 20 X 20 Metal Carport

Solar Panel Installation Costs

In a solar carport, the roof is constituted wholly of solar panels. A solar carport larger than single-car carports and a two-car carport can power your home by catching the sun’s rays. Solar panels meant to power your home can cost about $60,000.

Carport Enclosure Costs

The rate of enclosing a carport to convert it into a garage start at $18,000. A carport’s location, material, and foundation determine whether it’s suited for the enclosure. Otherwise, building a garage would be the best option.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Gutter Installation Costs

In case your carport has a pitched roof, is adjacent to your foundation, and is connected to your home, you may need to install gutters on one side. The cost of adding gutters depends on the material, but the average price can range between $3 and $30 a linear foot.

Additional Storage Costs

Depending on the size of attached storage you want on the side of the carport, you can expect prizes for setting them up ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 and reach $30,000. An 18’ x 20’ metal carport with additional storage space can cost $7,500 to $10,000.

Lighting Costs

Outdoor lighting can enable easy navigation at night. Lighting costs can be between $2,000 and $4,000.

Anchoring

Most carports are anchored to the concrete slab beneath. The costs are usually included in the project, but in case you want to add a few later, they can be installed for $100 to $200 per anchor. For an 18′ x 20′ metal carport, the cost will likely be between $3,600 and $10,800.

Carport Painting Costs

Depending on the size, the average cost to paint a carport can range between $450 and $900.

Gabling Covers

Gables provide additional support, and gabling covers can increase the style quotient of the roof. You may have to spend $225 to gable each end cap.

Carport Vs. Garage Costs

The common function served by both carports and garages is to protect your vehicles from the elements. They also work as storage spaces for your lawn equipment and other tools. These two structures are, however, totally different from each other.

A prefab two-car carport is merely a roof over your vehicle that is supported by some beams or posts. They may have a single wall in some cases, but they have no doors or windows. They are not really secure. These can be attached to your house if you wish, but they do not act as a means of entrance in that case.

Garages are fully enclosed spaces. A garage can be attached or detached, but these are enclosed with doors and windows. You can lock them, and they offer great security for your vehicles and stored items, protecting them completely from the elements. A two-car garage can also enhance the property value of your home more than carports can. These are also larger than carports, enabling you to store more.

Carports, however, require less investment when it comes to time, money, and maintenance. The average cost to build a carport ranges between $2,000 and $10,000, and that of a garage is between $23,000 and $45,000.

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Carport

Pros

A metal carport cost is significantly lower compared to that of a garage and doesn’t demand a lot of time and effort for construction. The new carport will be resistant to rot, mold, mildew, and insects. As opposed to a wooden carport, a metal carport is fireproof and doesn’t require too much maintenance. It also enables cross ventilation, owing to its open nature. Unlike a garage, these don’t pose a lot of building permit restrictions either, which makes constructing one a bit hassle-free. It also provides a lot of room for solar panels.

Cons

However, when it comes to building a carport, you need level ground. Whether you are going for reinforced concrete slabs or level ground, you will have to spend more money on this so that it gets installed properly. It also doesn’t make it easy for you to expand in the future. It can be a bit overwhelming to build from scratch on your own without professional help or some guidance. These also cannot be converted into a living space if you ever want to.

Consider These Factors Before You Buy Your Carport

Before you decide to buy a carport, there are some factors to be considered. Firstly, you should have an idea of the size of the carport you wish to build so that it can accommodate your vehicles, RV, or boat. You must take note of the width, height, and length of the structure and where you would like to have it. Next, you will have to comply with local building codes and regulations to build a new structure. The codes can differ from state to state or county to county.

To build a carport, the ground has to be leveled, and it needs to be at a considerable distance away from your house and structures such as power grids. If you plan to attach plumbing or electrical work, the carport has to be built at a location that allows you to connect utility lines. Then there is the money you will have to spend to build a carport, which depends on the materials chosen, the size, and how much you would like to personalize it.

Should You DIY Or Hire A Contractor

If you intend to tackle the carport building project by DIY, below are the steps to achieve that.

First, you must acquire the necessary building permits and comply with local regulations and building codes to get your project started.
Depending on the number of cars or other vehicles you want to park, you can determine whether you want a one-car carport or a permanent structure that is big enough to accommodate two cars, four cars, or RVs.
Now, it’s time to prepare your site and make sure that it is level.
Buy the necessary building materials.
Lay out all the materials.
Start working with anchor posts.
Next, you may add corner posts.
Install support beams.
It’s time to assemble and attach rafters. After that, gather the roofing materials.
You can attach additional materials for walls and sidings if you prefer.
Double-check your work and see to it that the carport is standing on sturdy legs.

Get the best quality kits and from Steel and Stud at attractive prices to build a carport. If you are acquainted with doing construction work and possess the skillset to create a carport by DIY, then it would be better to do it your way instead of hiring professionals. Putting together prefab carports will come easily to you if you have some practice. Or, if you have carpentry skills, you can get started on building a wooden carport. In case you have to pour concrete for a pad, it’s better to get in touch with professionals so that they can help you do it carefully.

Should You DIY Or Hire A Contractor

We can take the work off your hands and help you build a carport in no time. Steel and Stud has completed numerous projects for a diverse clientele, and we prioritize customer satisfaction more than most. If you are concerned about where to find a carport installer near you, Steel and Stud is only a few clicks away. Get a free quote today and pick the services you require from our list of offerings.

FAQs

1. Can you put gutters on a metal carport?

Yes, you can put gutters on a metal carport. First, you must check the slope and then mark the highest and lowest level. Then you can measure the gutters and use a saw to cut them to the desired length. Use a drill to screw in the gutters to the brackets on the roof. Next, you can install the downspout.

2. How deep should footings be for a carport?

The sturdiest method to build a carport is to secure the posts at least 2 feet deep in the concrete slab.

3. Will a carport add value to my home?

Yes, it can increase home value. So, you can list a high selling price when you plan to sell your home, and the offer can attract potential buyers.

4. What is the average size of a 2-car carport?

The carport size for two cars can be 20’x20 ′ or 22’x22 ′.

5. How tall should a carport be?

The standard height is somewhere around 12 feet, which offers clearance for most automobiles.

6. Will a carport stop frost?

Carports prevent frost from forming on cars and underneath them as well. The roof radiates heat and can slow down the rate by which cars cool down in freezing temperatures.

7. How much does it cost to enclose a carport?

Converting a carport into a garage can cost between $9,000 and $13,000 without a foundation and between $18,000 and $23,000 with a foundation.

8. How many 2×6 do you need to frame 20×20?

Building a 20×20 carport can cost $4,000 to $12,000 depending on its size.

9. How much does it cost to build a 20×20 wood carport?

For prefab structures, wood carport prices range between $15 to $20 per sq. ft., and for a custom wooden carport, you will have to pay $20 to $30 per sq. ft.

10. Is it cheaper to build your own carport?

The total cost of building a carport, including labor costs, ranges between $3500 and $4000, but if you buy the materials on your own and build it yourself, it can save you $500 to $1000.

11. Is it cheaper to build a garage or carport?

It is cheaper to build a carport. The average total cost to build a carport ranges between $2,000 and $10,000, and that to install a garage can be between $23,000 and $45,000.

12. How much does it cost to build a two-car carport?

The building cost of a carport for two cars averages between $6,000 and $14,000. A prefab two-car carport cost ranges from $4,000 to $6,000.

13. What’s the cheapest way to build a carport?

A single-car carport cost ranges from $2,400 to $7,200 whereas an ATV metal carport of 12’ x 10’ can cost only $1,200 to $3,600.

14. Do carports add value to homes?

Yes, carports add home value. So, if you list a high selling price when you plan to sell your home, potential buyers will flock to you.

15. How wide should a 2-car carport be?

A carport meant for two cars has to be at least 18 to 24 feet wide. 18 feet can accommodate compact cars, but for smaller SUVs, small trucks, and most passenger cars, 20 to 22 feet would be enough.

16. Is a wood carport cheaper than metal?

Wood carports are more expensive than metal carports.

17. How long does it take to build a carport?

Building a single car carport can be completed within 2 to 4 hours. Larger units can take 6 to 8 hours or longer.

18. Are carports worth it?

Carports are worth it if you reside in a place with tree coverage and encounter sudden weather changes. They provide protection for your vehicles from the elements and are cost-efficient compared to garages.

19. How much is a modern carport?

The total carport cost for a modern model ranges between $2,000 and $10,000.

20. Are metal carports worth it?

Metal carports don’t decay like wooden carports, and they add usable space to your buildings.

21. Is a carport as good as a garage?

Carports provide shelter for your vehicles, but unlike a garage, it merely acts as a covering for your car. Carports are cheaper than what it takes to build a garage, though.

22. How close to the property line can I build a carport?

Carports can be built at least 1 m behind the building line facing the road. A detached garage can be built 5 – 15 feet from the front property line.

23. Do carports need footings?

Carports don’t require foundations, but to ensure their sturdiness, it is better to secure support posts at least 2 feet deep.

24. What is one disadvantage to having a carport versus a garage?

Most carports with or without traditional shingle roofs are only big enough to park a car or two and are not secure enough to store lawn equipment or spacious enough to set up a tool bench.

25. Can I build my own carport?

With the right tools, right materials, and technical know-how, you can build a carport on your own.

26. How much is a freestanding carport?

The average cost of installing a stand-alone carport is $900 to $6,000. Adding a concrete foundation can increase the cost by an extra $1,600 to $3,500.

27. What is the average size of a carport?

A single-car carport size can typically be 12 feet by 20 feet and 6 or 7 feet high, and double carports can be 20 feet by 20 feet.