Are you looking to buy a carport to protect your cars? Carports are simple structures that have overhead covers. They can either be free-standing or attached adjacent to your home’s walls. These compact structures comprise one or two walls.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, every American household comprises about 2 vehicles. Moreover, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reported that about 21% of families had three or more cars. This number is rapidly increasing as times change. In such a scenario, a 3-car carport is the right option to shelter your cars.
It has become imperative to have an accessible carport to maintain and protect your cars. On average, car repairs and parking costs a lot, and having the right carport would be highly cost-effective for a multi-vehicle family.
What Is The Size Of A Three-Car Carport?
The standard size of a three-car carport is 26 to 30 feet in width, 20 to 30 feet in length, and 6 to 10 feet in height.
However, with SUV-sized cars, the width should be up to 36 feet. As a multi-car family, if you need additional storage space or a workspace, the carport should be at least 42 feet wide.
A standard carport can hold up to 3 standard cars. It is also ideal for houseboats and tractors.
A 3-car carport has at least 3 doors, which makes it highly accessible to park your vehicles in different spaces without any issue.
What Are Carports Built Of?
Carports can be built with several types of materials:
- Steel: Steel can bear heavy loads, is highly resistant, and will offer customization options like installing EV charges.
- Wood: It has a natural charm and is often used for solidity. However, it is likely to have higher maintenance costs.
- PVC: It is an economical option but has low durability and resistance.
Is A 3-Car Carport Worth It?
Across the United States, a 3-car carport costs between $4,500 and $6,500. However, most homeowners are likely to pay about $6,000 for a standard 3-car carport. The prices usually vary depending on customizations.
A larger 3-car steel carport with storage space, vertical roofs, gabling, or even additional walls can cost up to $9,000.
DIY enthusiasts can build carports to save up to $2,700, but these projects are complex and require advanced tools and skill sets.
Let’s compare the carport cost with the parking fee for 3 cars.
Steel structures have an initial cost of $4,500 to $9,000 and a lifespan of up to 25 years, so the annual cost of a 3-car metal carport over the same time period is between $180 and $360.
Whereas, the monthly parking fee for 3 cars would be at least $300, making the annual fee to be $3,600. This would make the long-term cost (over 25 years) to be whooping $90,000.
This clearly proves how a carport can save you a significant amount of money in parking fees and repairs over a long period of time, even though it has a high initial cost.
Are Carports A Good Investment?
For multi-vehicle families, a carport is a crucial addition to their homes. They keep your vehicles safe from theft and environmental damage. Along with that, they also enhance the value of your house.
But are they a good investment?
Protection from Environmental Elements: A 3 car carport will shield vehicles from UV rays, reducing the probability of paint fading or interior damage. The reduced sun exposure also helps maintain vehicle exposure and keeps the resale value high. These structures also protect cars from rust, corrosion, costly repairs, and water damage in cases of rain or hailstorms.
Moreover, carports are effective barriers when it comes to protection from wind and debris.
Convenient Access: For families that have multiple vehicles, a three car carport is beneficial as it ensures that all the cars are not only easily accessible but also organized under a single roof. This reduces the hassle of parking on the street or juggling cars in a limited driveway space. A carport is highly advantageous if you use your car daily, and adding an automatic gateway to your house would help.
Extended Vehicle Lifespan: The average lifespan of cars in the US is about 12.2 years. However, proper maintenance of the car can lead to higher longevity. Considering how cars are an expensive investment, especially for multi-vehicle families, it is suitable to buy a carport. It reduces damage and wear and tear to the car.
Versatile Use of Space: A 3-car carport can benefit the entire family by providing multiple uses, including parking cars, outdoor activities, and storage of bicycles or sports equipment. You can also customize a 3-car steel carport to build more storage space per your family’s requirements.
You can also set up a small workshop dedicated to a hobby or at-home car repairs.
Ease of Maintenance: Metal carports require low maintenance and are extremely easy to care for. However, they should be checked regularly to prevent structural damage or deterioration. A key to maintaining three car carports is to clean them regularly, inspect the foundation, examine the roof, check metal components, and repair any damages.
Choosing The Right Carport
Different types of carports can be built to fit your needs. Let’s dive in:
Lean-to carport: These are extensions to your house supported by its posts and a wall of the house. They can be built with a sloping roof, reducing the accumulation of snow or leaves on the roof. It offers easy accessibility and the comfort of loading and unloading the vehicle closer to your house.
Free-standing Carport: They are supported by their own posts and can be installed anywhere at your convenience. They are preferred over alternatives in cases of large plots or multiple cars to park.
Cantilever Carport: These are the best ways to maximize outdoor spaces. Cantilever carports are only supported at one end, which means there are no poles in front of the cars, leading to unobstructed parking for new drivers of your family and reduced frustration in terms of expensive repairs. They also offer more space to park your vehicles.
Solar Carport: All carports can be converted into solar carports by attaching solar panels, which will fuel your car and your house’s electricity supply.
For multi-vehicle families, it is essential to understand their needs before investing in the right carport. A 3-car steel carport will help them protect their vehicles and achieve their storage needs. While a 3-car prefab carport has a specific size range, it can be extended as per your family’s requirements. Moreover, budgeting your carport purchase in the long term is also crucial instead of just looking at initial investments.
From versatility to longevity, metal carports offer numerous advantages. For a structure especially tailored to your needs, you should consider the right material and type of carport from the right carport dealer near you.
