Category: Sheds

How to Make a Carport into a Storage Shed

Posted on by Mike Bolynn

You want to build your own storage shed. It may be because you’re handy and enjoy a project now and then. Or, it may be because the storage sheds you find online and on display at dealers can be so expensive.

While we understand the sticker shock that comes along with storage shed shopping, we did want to give you an idea that may work out better for you. It’s still possible for you to build a shed, but not exactly what you’re thinking.

Let’s start by clarifying: what is a storage shed? A storage shed is an enclosure where you can put some of your most precious belongings. Since this area is enclosed, you don’t have to worry about the weather damaging them. For example, rain won’t come down on the items, and rust them. Wind won’t send them flying across your yard. Snow won’t pile up on everything, which could lead to rust and broken parts.

The picture to the right is probably the first thing you think about when you picture a storage shed, right? Sure, this is cute and all, but do you really need to go through the expense, time and effort to build a storage shed like this one?

No.

There’s an alternative to this type of storage – a carport.

Right now, you’re likely thinking that a carport will in no way help you achieve what you need. Just hang on for a moment – we can show you that it can do exactly what you need, and so much more.

How a Carport Trumps a Traditional Storage Shed

A carport can protect your belongings because it has a roof. As long as the items remain under the roof, rain, snow and even hail can’t damage them.

What about wind? While it’s true that wind can still be an issue IF you don’t enclose the carport, doing so isn’t difficult at all.

Enclosing a Carport

An enclosed carport is possible, which then functions just like a storage shed. This is the part where you are still technically building a storage shed. This way is easier, though. Simply use a canopy or tarp.

You can either purchase a canopy specifically made for a carport, or you can use a tarp, and make it work by customizing it.

All you have to do is purchase a tarp big enough for the carport. Drape it over the carport, and then secure it to the carport with bungee cords or ropes. Make sure to pull it tight to make it completely secure.  What’s great about doing it this way is that you can then remove it when the storm passes, or when you want to use the carport for something else, which brings us to another great benefit of choosing this option.

Other Carport Uses

You can use a carport in many other ways than just as a storage shed. If you decide to have a backyard event and you need a covered area, you can simply remove the items under the carport and set up tables and chairs.

On hot summer days, you can shield yourself from the sun with the carport. Set up some chairs to relax and drink something cold. When you’re done, go ahead and put the vehicle or other items you had under it.

What you also have to consider about a carport vs. a storage shed is the room you will have with it. A storage shed is usually a small enclosure, so you will likely not be able to move around it easily. With a carport, you can work on your classic car, and have plenty of “elbow” room to get all around it.

So, as you’re searching for how to build a storage shed, consider a carport instead. It could well be the better choice in the long run. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you with your decision.

Do You Need a Certified Storage Building?

Posted on by Mike Bolynn

When shopping for a custom storage building, you have a lot of decisions to make. One decision is whether you need to purchase a certified storage building or one that is not certified. Some manufacturers and distributors will insist that you should always choose a certified carport, garage, or storage shed. But, in fact, it’s not always necessary. 

custom carports

To begin with, we’d like to share some information from our FAQ page on this topic because we’re asked about this a lot:

A prefab certified storage building has been designed by an engineer and has ratings for wind and snow load. Some local and state ordinances require that you certify any building that you construct. Some states don’t require buildings to be certified because they may not have to worry about heavy snowfalls and high winds. Certain states require that any new structure constructed be certified. Some require all structures to be inspected, while others only require that occupied structures be inspected prior to people living or working inside.

No matter what the details are in your area, the objective of the building codes is to insure safety and to protect the public.

We are able to prepare and install custom carports, RV carports, barns, sheds, and garages that meet the criteria for certification.

Please note there is no additional warranty on certified buildings. A certified building simply means the building is built to specifications and certified by a professional engineer to meet local building requirements. If you do need to certify your building, you will likely need a copy of the blueprints for the engineers to review. Please speak with our customer service representatives to learn how to get a copy of the blueprints.

Whether or not your carport or storage building needs to be certified depends on the building codes and construction regulations that apply to your property. CarportUS can supply and install certified carports, barns, garages, and RV covers as needed, or we can supply and install storage buildings where certification is not necessary.

With that basic information in mind, let’s assume a certified building is required where you would like to set up your new carport or garage. Here’s what you can expect from a CarportUS certified custom storage building:

Benefits of Choosing a Certified Storage Building

Here’s why you may want to choose a certified storage building whether your local building codes require it or not:

Permit Requirement

Many states require a permit for building. This includes building a carport or storage shed.

The only way to get a permit is to purchase a certified storage building. Certified storage buildings include blueprints that receive engineered stamped approvals. Without this, you can’t get a permit.

Durability in Weather

Even if your state doesn’t require a permit, a building designed and built to meet certified status may be built to a higher standard than non-certified designs.  For instance, certified storage buildings are better able to withstand weather conditions common in the local area.

Snow, hail, rain, and wind are harsh on carports and barns, so you need one that has been designed to withstand the elements. When a building has been certified, it has been checked for many factors that would identify it as being able to stand against all of the conditions for the area.

Safety

Going along with durability is safety. When you buy certified storage buildings, you can rest assured the items stored underneath them will be safe. These buildings are constructed to ensure that whatever is placed under them will be protected, and peace of mind is valuable when you’re using it to safeguard your most precious possessions.

Additional Features

Certified buildings often come with extras to ensure it lasts. For instance, certified carports come with anchors similar to those used on mobile homes. This ensures the carport stays put on the ground – a very important thing if there are strong winds. Non-certified buildings may only come with braces, which wouldn’t be as effective in keeping a building put in bad storms.  

Invest in the Best for a Storage Building That Lasts

Whether you end up choosing a certified or non-certified storage building, you want to be sure the product you purchase has been carefully designed and constructed to last a lifetime. Buying an non-certified carport – especially from a shady retailer – could be risky because you may end up with a poorly-made structure that may rust in a few years or easily break during bad weather conditions. Then, you will either have to repair it yourself, pay someone to repair it for you, or buy a new one. 

Buying a custom prefab building is a big purchase. It’s an investment. Take time to make the right decision when it comes to the one that meets your needs.

If you have any questions or we can help you in any way, please contact us today. We pride ourselves in being experts that can help you find the best custom storage building for your needs and area.