"Budget Breakdown: The True Cost of Building a Carport," by Alan's Factory Outlet, outlines the cost drivers when building a carport. A simple do-it-yourself carport runs $10 to $20 per square foot (PSF) and increases to $15 to $30+ PSF when adding storage, lighting, or certain architectural styles.
DFY (Done for You) carports cost $5 to $40 PSF, with deluxe, multipurpose carports costing more.
Carport size is a significant cost determinant, with a single-car carport being 12x20 feet in size and costing $1,500 to $7,000. Two-car carports should be 20x20 to 24x24 feet and cost $2,000 to $8,000.
Three-car carports run 30 feet wide x 20 feet deep and cost $3,000 to $10,000.
arports are typically wood or metal. Wood carports have a natural and traditional look but are higher priced, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the wood used and finishing details.
Metal carports run $1,500 to $10,000 and are less susceptible to damage from weather and pests than wood.
Add-ons such as solar panels range from $1,500 to $5,000, while electrical fixtures add $200 to $700.
Finally, labor is usually 20 to 40% of the total cost, but using experienced builders helps avoid mistakes. Carports require permits that lead to fees of $75 to $300. You should obtain all permits before starting work on the carport.
