How Much Does Building a Carport Cost in 2025?
Building a carport costs an average of $6,265
Building a carport costs between $3,093 and $9,498, averaging around $6,265.
Key cost factors include carport size, building materials, labor, and customizations.
Hiring a professional ensures proper carport installation and compliance with local regulations, ensuring that your structure is safely built.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Building a carport costs an average of $6,265, with most homeowners paying between $3,093 and $9,498. A basic carport for one car can cost as little as $300, while larger, custom-built carports for multiple vehicles can reach $25,000 or more.
Factors like location, size, materials, and additional features will influence the total price. Carports provide affordable shelter for your vehicles without the expense of building a garage.
Carport Cost Factors
Several factors, including materials and labor, influence the final price of building a carport. Here's what you need to know to budget for your carport installation.
Material
Carports are available in metal, wood, and polycarbonate. Wood is the more common option for custom carports because it's the most affordable for unique builds. Metal is the most common for prefab units, followed closely by polycarbonate.
| Material | Average Cost Range per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Metal | $20–$40 |
| Polycarbonate | $12–$20 |
| Wood | $15–$35 |
Metal carports have a mid-point price average of $20 per square foot, installed. They cost between $15 and $30 per square foot, including labor. Custom metal carports can cost up to $40 per square foot. They can have metal, polycarbonate, or fabric tops and are usually aluminum or steel, but they can also be metal alloy or composite.
Polycarbonate is the most affordable option overall, at an average price of $16 per square foot, installed. These units generally have an aluminum frame and legs and a polycarbonate cover that lets light through by filtering out UV rays.
Wood carports cost an average of $24 per square foot, ranging from $15 to $35, including materials and labor. Wood carports often have complete walls on the sides and sometimes at the back end, too. Roof materials are often shingle or metal. Note that because wooden models often have walls, they consume more materials, so they cost more to install overall.
Labor
Labor costs generally average around $10 per square foot. More complex customizations or high-end installations may incur additional charges.
Foundation
The cost of a concrete slab averages $6 per square foot. Many carports are built on a concrete slab, which includes piers. Installation requires a qualified professional.
Slabs aren’t always desirable or possible for a carport, but garages require them. So, if you want to convert the carport into a full garage, pouring the slab will save you time and money later. Choose a level location for your slab, protected from wind, and convenient for parking your car.
Permits
Your municipality may have specific zoning requirements and permit fees. In many cases, permit costs range from $60 to $800 or more, so be sure to budget accordingly or consult with your contractor.
Customization
Custom carports give you the freedom to design a structure that complements your home's style, but they come with a higher price tag. Costs start around $300 for basic models and can exceed $25,000 for elaborate designs. Custom metal carports can cost up to $40 per square foot, while wood options range from $15 to $35 per square foot, including materials and labor. Since wooden carports often include walls, the extra materials increase the overall cost.
Custom carports come with other expenses, too. Here are some extras that you might want to include in your carport project and their costs:
Electrical: If your custom carport requires electrical work, hiring an electrician adds about $100 per hour to your expenses, depending on the installation requirements.
Site Prep: Additional fees may apply for site preparation. Minor ground leveling might cost around $150.
Additions: Non-standard installations—like mounting a carport over another structure or on a boat dock—can add up to $200.
Location: If your site is more than 50 feet from the road, expect an extra $50 or so in labor charges.
Carport Costs by Size
The size of your carport significantly affects the total cost. Whether you're opting for a prefab unit or a custom build, standard sizes are available based on how many vehicles you need to shelter. Smaller carports for a single car will cost less than larger structures designed for multiple vehicles or RVs.
| Size | Cost (Installed) | Vehicle Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 21'L x 12'W x 6'H | $2,400–$8,400 | One car |
| 21'L x 24'W x 6'H | $4,000–$14,000 | Two cars |
| 41'L x 20'W x 12'H | $6,000–$21,000 | One RV |
RV Carport Costs
RV carports cost between $6,000 and $21,000 and measure at least 20 x 30 feet. Because these carports have to be taller and longer to accommodate the height and length of the typical RV, they tend to be freestanding structures. Many people choose a carport for their RV because the cost to build a garage big enough to house an RV is comparatively prohibitive.
DIY Carport Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
While you might consider building a simple carport yourself, it's better to call a local handyperson or hire a nearby carport pro to tackle the job for you. While you'll save on labor if you do it yourself, building anything other than the most basic structure requires a lot of time and skill. Mistakes can lead to weather damage or even structural collapse, posing risks to both you and your vehicle. It's best to leave tasks like electrical work or pouring a foundation to licensed contractors. Professional installation guarantees your carport is secure and compliant with local regulations. An experienced team can complete the installation in two days or less.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
To enclose your carport, you’ll need to budget for the site prep, slab installation (if you don’t already have one), cost of building exterior walls, which depends on the type of siding you choose, and cost of installing a garage door, which averages about $1,200. Don't forget to factor in the costs of adding windows and electrical work to make the space fully functional.
While adding a carport may not dramatically boost your home's resale value, it does enhance your property's appeal by providing functional shelter for vehicles. A well-built, high-quality carport improves curb appeal and can attract potential buyers. However, a poorly maintained carport might have the opposite effect, so proper upkeep is essential.
Yes, in most cases, you'll need a building permit to construct a carport. Permit costs can range from $60 to $800 or more, depending on your location. Regulations vary by state, county, and even neighborhood, so it's essential to check with your local municipality and homeowners' association (HOA) for specific requirements. Permits and HOA rules might regulate the size, style, and location of your new carport to maintain neighborhood standards. Always ensure you're compliant to avoid fines or having to alter your carport after it's built.
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