Frequently Asked Questions

Printing this page is recommended.

Carport ratings on previous page are rated for:

  • 140 mph wind load.
  • 30 psf snow load.

Answers to questions

Buyer's Guide

Pricing Questions

  1. Our #1 question asked, “Does the price include shipping, anchoring and installation?”

    Yes, yes and yes. The specific prices on the preceding page include shipping, anchoring and installation on your level site.

  2. The second most frequently asked question, “How long before installation?”

    We are running longer than normal lead times due to high demand during this pandemic. Steel materials and crews, are limited nationwide, which greatly effects our average timeframes. Currently we are averaging about 3 - 6 months. Timeframes begin once your site is ready and are pending any unexpected material shortages or weather delays. We appreciate your patience during this challenging time.

  3. Are the prices current?

    Yes, they are

  4. Can I have my carport custom sized; I don't see the size I need!

    Yes. For example you may need a carport that is 21' wide x 23' long. We will make it that size. To determine the cost it would be the exact same cost as the next larger standard size carport. So, for this example it would be the same cost as a 22' wide x 26' long carport. This formula would apply in every circumstance.

  5. Does a color choice add to the price?

    No, you may choose any of our 15 different colors. You may choose one color for the roof, a different color for the trim, a different color for the sides and if a gable end is desired a different color for it at no additional charge. You may also choose to make all of the colors the same on your structure, it's your choice.

  6. Can I buy the carport materials and assemble it myself?

    No. Carports with certified wind loads and snow loads cannot be purchased in kits. Our installation crews must install your carport to meet strict engineering standards.

  7. Do I have to pay sales tax?

    Unless you are purchasing for the federal government, state government, have a farm or agricultural exemption or have a sales tax exemption number and are willing to sign a sales tax exemption form, you have to pay sales tax, or live in a state that is free of sales tax.

  8. What factors may add to the cost of the carport?

    Installation on a commercial, government or industrial site additional fees may apply. Please contact us

    Approximately $2.50 per foot length of carport apply (20′ minimum):

    1. Half panels on the sides

    Approximately $3.95 per lineal foot length of carport apply (20′ minimum):

    1. Leg trimming to accommodate installation on an un-level site from 4" - 12" out of level
    2. Circumstances that require drilling of base rails other than the factory drilled holes
    3. If materials have to be carried over 50 feet to the installation site

    Approximately $4.90 per lineal foot length of carport apply (20′ minimum):

    1. If the carport is to be installed over an existing structure (pump, RV, compressor, etc.)
    2. Installation on a non-floating boat dock (non-floating boat dock only, no exceptions)
    3. Installation on a maximum 3′ high retaining wall & not possible in all circumstances (photos are required for approval)
    4. Installation of carport on a wood deck elevated over 6" - 8" above the ground
    5. Construct carport & slide it then anchor (must be approved prior to installation & is not possible in every circumstance)
    6. Electronic photocopies of engineering prints are included in the cost of your engineered carport on the previous page. However, if your local zoning department/permit office requires original prints (will not accept copies) an additional fee of $265 will apply for prints with wet seal mailed first class. As-built/site-specific engineering prints, occasionally required for commercial sites can cost from $325 - $700.
  9. Is there a discount if I purchase more than one?

    No, there are no quantity discounts.

General Questions

  1. What colors can I choose from?

    We have 15 different colors to choose from. You may choose one color for the roof, a different color for the trim, a different color for the sides, and if a gable end is desired, a different color for it - at no additional charge.

  2. What type of truck is my carport delivered on?

    The top two pictures show the standard delivery truck and trailer. The 3 member installation team brings the material with them and construction begins immediately upon arrival.

  3. What is the warranty?

    1. 1 Year Workmanship Warranty From The Date Of Installation.
    2. 20 year Limited Rust Through Warranty On:
      • 14 & 12 Gauge Frames
      • Metal Panels
        • Regular Style Up to 31’ Long
        • Boxed Eave Style Up to 31’ Long
        • Vertical Roof Style Up to Any Length
    3. Assuming normal care and maintenance.
    4. There are no other warranties stated or implied.
  4. What is the gauge and size of the metal frame and sheet metal?

    1. 14 gauge galvanized steel framing; square measures 2½" x 2½"
    2. 12 gauge galvanized steel framing; square measures 2¼" x 2 ¼"
    3. 29 gauge steel R-panels in 15 different colors.
  5. What if my ground is not level?

    Normal installations allow for the ground to be 3-4 inches out of level. If ground is more than 4" out of level we likely will have to trim the legs to fit the contour of the ground. Carports can typically be assembled if ground is out of level from the highest point to the lowest point 4"-9" with additional fees. To determine leveling fee, see item number 9 above under Fees. Carports will not be assembled if the ground is more than 9" out of level from the highest point to the lowest point.

  6. What can I do if my ground is more than 9" out of level?

    You could do what was done here to custom level a site.

  7. Do you make carports longer than what is on your price list?

    We'll make carports as long as you need.

  8. Do I need a permit?

    You may depending on your local zoning regulations or rural location.

  9. What if I want to enclose the whole carport and make a garage?

    We invite you to view our metal garages.

  10. What if I want to just get a carport now, and later on have installers come back and put sides on to make a garage? Is that possible?

    Yes that is no problem. There would just be an additional return trip fee plus the cost of the options you were having installed at a later date.

  11. How tall does this need to be to cover my motor home?

    The number one mistake people make is they get them too tall for RV's. If you were in the pouring rain with an umbrella in your hand, would you hold the umbrella as high as you could or hold it down close to your head for added protection from the elements?… Even the tallest RV's on the market today are 12'6" tall to the top of the A/C.

  12. Can it be attached to my home/garage/other structure?

    No, we will not attach.

  13. Who installs my carport?

    Factory trained installation teams deliver the materials and assemble the carport immediately upon arrival in your area.

  14. I have other questions or concerns. How can I talk to someone?

    Call our knowledgeable staff toll free at 1-877-942-3745. Mon-Fri (9 A.M. - 5 P.M. EST)

  15. Visit the common law of business page for an interesting viewpoint regarding pricing.

  16. Can you install on a boat dock?

    We will only install on a stationary dock. We will not under any circumstances install a carport on a floating boat dock. Further, we must be able to back a truck and trailer up to the boat dock without carrying materials over 50 feet or up/down steps. Installation on a boat dock will assess additional fees. See item number 9 above for additional fee.

  17. Do you provide rain gutters?

    No, we offer no rain gutters

  18. What width carport is good for 2 cars?

    Most people prefer a carport width of at least 20' wide for 2 cars, although some report that 18' wide is sufficient.

Construction Questions

  1. How is my carport assembled?

  2. Do I need to do any site preparation?

    Remove anything out of the way that would impede the progress of the installation. Clearly mark the four corners of the carport location and level the spot if necessary.

  3. How many braces are included?

    All carports come standard with peak braces and a minimum of 4 corner braces.

  4. What is the difference between 14 and 12 gauge framing?

    Both are galvanized steel. However, the wall thickness of the 12 gauge framing is 3 hundredths of an inch thicker.

  5. What is the roof pitch on my carport?

    1. For regular style carports the roof pitch is approximately 3:12.
    2. For box eave style carports the roof pitch is approximately 4:12.
  6. What is the post spacing?

    1. For 12′ to 24′ wide carports the post are spaced no more than every 5′ apart.
    2. For 26′ to 30′ wide carports the post are spaced no more than every 3′6".
  7. Can I have a carport installed on a wood floor or deck?

    Yes, carports can be installed on wood surfaces, floors or decks. However, when installed on wood surfaces, floors or decks they cannot maintain the engineer certified wind and snow load ratings. To qualify for the wind and snow load ratings the engineer offers three surfaces to anchor to. The engineer offers the following three choices to mount to and maintain wind and snow load ratings - anchored to the (1) ground/gravel, (2) concrete slabs with footings built to the engineer/county specifications or (3) asphalt. This means that in order for carports to have wind and snow load ratings they cannot be built on retaining walls, concrete retaining walls, wood surfaces, wood decks, wood platforms, concrete platforms, rooftops, etc.

  8. Is the Box Eve style or the Regular style stronger?

    There is no difference in strength.

  9. How long does it take to assemble?

    Carports can take anywhere from 1 - 8 hours to assemble depending on the options that were ordered.

  10. How tall will my gable end be?

    The bottom of the gable end is typically the same height as the legs.

  11. How close can I put this carport to another structure, building or fence?

    There is no hard and fast rule. However, keep in mind that there will have to be enough room for the installers to attach the sheet metal to the sides with their screw guns and set their ladders for taller structures.

  12. If I order a side panel, how far down the side will it go, or how much coverage would I expect?

    Side panels will come down 3' (three feet). So if you order one side panel, you will have three feet of coverage. If you order two side panels, you will have six feet of coverage. Three panels would equal nine feet of coverage.

Anchoring Questions

  1. How is my carport anchored to my concrete slab?

    Holes are drilled into your concrete slab. Then wedge anchors are inserted through pre-drilled holes in the base rail of your carport into the holes in the concrete and securely fastened for a secure hold.

  2. Is a footer required for the installation of a carport?

    The engineer for your state specifies a footer similar to this on the engineering prints. However, some local zoning officials have approved installation of carports on 4" slabs; consult with your local zoning department for clarification to meet local zoning department requirements.

  3. How is my carport anchored to asphalt?

    A small hole is made in your asphalt for helix or mobile home anchors to be inserted into the ground. Then the carport base rails are bolted to the mobile home anchors for a secure hold. Additional fees apply, see question number 9 above.

  4. How is my carport anchored to the ground or dirt?

    Carports with certified wind and snow load ratings are anchored to the ground. We install into the ground next to the base rails of the carport helix or mobile home anchors . Once these anchors are screwed into the ground they are then bolted to the base rail of the carport for a secure hold per the engineers specifications.

  5. How is my carport anchored to a wood deck or other wood surface?

    Lag bolts are inserted through pre-drilled holes in the carport base rails and screwed into the wood surface for a secure hold. Lag bolts are inserted through pre-drilled holes in the carport base rails and screwed into the wood surface for a secure hold. Please note however, that carports installed on a wood surface, can no longer be certified with a wind and snow load rating. We are aware that some customers are quite creative and add anchor bolts and structural reinforcement after we anchor the base rail to the deck although no wind rating can be provided.

Ordering Questions

  1. What are the financial terms to purchase?

    16% deposit on the carport is due when placing an order. The balance is due after your carport is installed. Purchase order is acceptable with prior approval.

  2. Is financing available?

    Yes, financing is available. For further financing details and to calculate payments visit this page.

  3. What is your refund policy?

    All purchases require a 16% deposit. There is a $25 fee for orders cancelled within 7 days after submission. The balance of the deposit will be refunded. After 7 days, the structure will be in production and deposits are not refundable.

  4. What are my payment options?

    Personal or business check, debit or credit card - Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Discover, cash, money order, financing is available with approved credit or a Purchase Order with prior approval from the accounts receivable department at Georgia Portable Buildings.

  5. How do I order?

    Fill out the secure order form and submit.

  6. What happens after I place an order online?

    After clicking submit, you will receive a confirmation number at the very top of the following page. Then a staff member will contact you to review your order in detail, normally within 2 business days. After this review, we will prepare your order and either fax, email or mail you a copy of the invoice for you to review and sign. Once we receive your signed invoice, the scheduling department will contact you approximately 2-6 days prior to installation. We will not just show up to install your carport. You will get a call to schedule the installation.