New Carport

[Engine66]

Derek...I'm working through A1RVS as well and planned on preping my site similar to CHAMPY's pics earlier in this thread. I figure any settling over time can be easily fixed by moving some of the stone base where it's needed.

 

[RayH]

I like the metal carports. They are generally alot for the money, but they dont hold up to trees very well. Heres what happens when a 12" tree falls on the corner of a metal carport. I cant complain, it protected my tractor and truck that was sitting under it. Insurance paid me to replace it but I still havent, and that was several years ago.

 

[horse7]

Unfortunately, my zoning administrator takes any type of building very seriously and requires a full-blown 5 page permit, inspection, the works. ANY assembly of materials is considered a structure...and must be permitted. Even a pre-fabbed plastic shed requires a permit, fees, inspection with measuring tape, and a "pretty please with sugar on top" attitude to get approval. A neighbor of mine built a garage for $3,000....maybe it's 20x30, simple stick built with T-1 siding and metal roof. He told me it was appraised by lister for $30K for property tax purposes. Ouch... I think this type of carport will help me avoid such a hit and give me the shelter I need.

Pretty much every region is going to be different. Here there would be setback requirements, and probably other limits if the interior was enclosed vs. a carport like arrangement.

The tax assessor has quite a bit of latitude in setting the value for a house. Unless one is in a subdivision of cookie cutter buildings, or the assessment states something about the outbuilding, it is hard to determine whether the assessment has 10-20k tacked on for a 'temporary' building.

I have a house with a deck that is not attached at all to the house. Technically, the deck is "temporary" (the reason for detachment is to reduce thermal bridging, not to avoid taxes). The house is full custom and unless the assessment stated something about the deck, I'd be SOL on that argument. Since the town is fairly easy to deal with, and the deck would sell with the house anyway (i.e., increasing the property value) it is reasonable to have some value added to the assessment...

 

[rfmr]

Dmace,

How is the new carport holding up to this years record snowfall?

 

[Dmace]

I will try to put some pictures up later but so far, it holds up very well. It had about 20" of snow and ice on it before we got that freak rainstorm. I used the snow rake to remove as much as possible just because. Here is a picture of it after most of the snow was removed:


Right now it has another 20-24" on it but it's a very light fluffy snow, so I am not worried about it. I will definitely close in the back and sides this summer as the snow likes to blow in and the piles are falling in from the sides.

Ray,

It hurts to see that carport with a tree on it, but it looks like it saved your equipment. If that was my old fabric carport, everything in it would be gone too! I took down every tree with in about a 20ft radius of the carport site before it was delivered just in case.

 

[rfmr]

Derek,
Your carport is getting a good workout this winter. How is it holding up? I plan on taking a trip down to A-1 and talk to them.

 

[Barneyhunts]

I've been thinking of one of these as a firewood shelter. Getting tired of trying to burn damp wood and the makeshift arrangements for keeping it covered haven't worked that well...in addition to being eyesores. Anyone using theirs for firewood? Stone floor sounds about right with old skids to keep the wood up a little.

I thought of devoting half to two-thirds of it to firewood and then leave one side open so as to back in implements from the side.
Bob

I've seen several in our area used exclusively for firewood - mostly with the outside-the-house type of woodburner. I think it is a good idea and a lot easier on the eyes than tarps, old plywood, etc.

 

[Dmace]

Derek,
Your carport is getting a good workout this winter. How is it holding up? I plan on taking a trip down to A-1 and talk to them.

I wish I had taken a picture yesterday when it had over 24" of heavy snow and solid ice on it. That was before we got another 7" of snow and 5-6 hours of heavy downpours. The carport is holding up very well and I never was worried about it's structual integrity. I cleaned off the roof last night before all that rain froze and feel much better just with peace of mind. I will most definitely being closing the sides this summer, all the snow from the roof falls into the carport and I have to plow or shovel it out. This is one strong carport.

 

[cgraham]

Anyone have any ideas on how to rodent-proof a fully enclosed garage on road base. I don't want the added expense of a concrete pad. In the SW, pack rats and mice are a major problem chewing up vehicles, which is one reason I want the garage.

How tight are the corners of these buildings? I'd expect mouse-sized spaces in the corners. Additional flashing needed?

How did you compact the crushed rock pad? (I think I'd top the rock with grinder fines to make it smoother). Any other tips on constructing the pad would be appreciated. I have a TBL but no blade to work with.


Charlie

 

[Barneyhunts]

Might be a real challenge to keep the rodents out. I have an attached garage with a concrete floor and the mice chewed their way into it through the weatherstripping on the doors.
I might need a cat!