A metal carport can provide a great storage option for vehicles on your property. These structures an be customized in a number of ways to fit your personal needs. Here are a few customization options to consider before building a metal carport on your property.

Integrated Storage Shed

In addition to the simple frame that provides protection for your car, metal carports can also come with integrated storage sheds. This space can be used to store automotive accessories if you don't have a garage, and they can also be used to stash boxes of holiday decorations, clothes, or other items that may be cluttering your home. Choose a design that has a pedestrian door facing away from the car storage area, as this will make it easier to access your items even when you have a vehicle parked under the carport frame.

Concrete Slab

You can install a carport over grass or bare earth, but adding a concrete slab under the frame provides a host of benefits. It can provide protection for the soil from possible oil and gas leaks from your car, and it can also give a neat, polished appearance to the carport. Additionally, adding a concrete foundation also makes it easier to use the carport for other purposes, such as a covered picnic area for backyard parties. If you have a driveway leading up to the carport, consult with a concrete contractor to extend the driveway area to meet the carport. For homes with driveways and garages already in place, you can have a second concrete path leading from the driveway to the carport.

Side Walls

Simple metal carport frames provide protection from the sun, rain, and snow, but they can be customized to provide added protection against driving wind and rains. Choose a metal carport with side walls to help keep your car safely stored away during severe weather. This extra step, combined with the use of a car tarp, can keep your vehicle in good shape for years to come. You can even choose a carport that features complete floor-to-ceiling walls, which means only the entrance to the carport is left exposed to the weather.

As you shop for a metal carport, keep in mind your home's exterior design aesthetic. Carports come in a range of designs and colors, making it easy to find a model that coordinates seamlessly with your home and surrounding property. Contact a company, like Coast to Coast Carports, Inc., for more help.