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.
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.
