Building a carport

[Floop]

Hi,

Hopefully I've picked the right forum for this. Apologies in advance if I haven't.

I'm at the stage now where I need to build my carport, and I'm not entirely sure the best way to go about it. I'll try to be as clear as I can, I'm only just starting to look at how to do it so I haven't got my head around it yet.

Basically, I want to build a 4mt x 8mt gable carport. I am in a heritage area so it needs to have a certain look, so the off the shelf kit 'look' they won't accept (this (http://www.discountsheds.com.au/admin/Images/109147.jpg) sort of look). Ideally I'd like to achieve something along the lines of this (http://www.outsideconcepts.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Carport-dandenong-AFTER100_1117.jpg), but without all the twiddly, fiddly decorations (so basically nothing like that, hah!). I like the overhanging roof line, but I'd rather straight posts, simple lines, minimal decoration. *edit* Something a little more like this (http://www.pergolasrus.com.au/pergolasrus/wp-content/themes/pergolas/images/gallery/carports/large/timber-carport-melbourne12.jpg), sans twiddly posts.

So, on to the difficult part. How best to go about it. Main issue is cost, as it is for most people. I've gotten a quote of $8k+ for the carport, timber trusses with gal posts. I'd prefer to do it for less and currently exploring doing it myself. I've got all of the permits in place, I just need to get off my rear end and get it done.


What do you think is the easiest way to go about building the carport? I'm pondering the differences between timber and steel framework. Do you think buying a steel kit and attempting to get the *look* I want is an option?

In terms of how they go together, the overhanging roofline and possibly a weatherboard front to the roof, is it a workable option?

Alternatively, is it better to get the trusses made up, buy the timber for the beams, posts etc, steel for the roofing (has to be gal) and put it together that way?

In terms of ease of use, the Meccano-style steel carport would be easier to put together I'm assuming, less cutting and the like, but how would the costs weigh up in comparison to timber pre-fab trusses and everything else?


I'm probably just asking 'how long is a piece of string', but I'm just trying to get the ball rolling and see where I end up.

Any advice you could give me I'd greatly appreciate.


Thanks!

[r3nov8or]

If you have a carpenter mate or someone else to rely on for step by step or "what comes next" or "he's how you do one, now you do the rest of them" guidance and onsite help at key points of construction that would be a great asset to build a timber carport yourself. Otherwise you will need to build your own knowledge about things like foundations, beams, rafters, ridges, birdsmouths, outriggers, coupled roofs, bracing, tie down, roofing, flashing etc etc. How are we going? Safety is paramount, indeed it's your primary concern, and a free standing carport is subject to great natural forces...

In terms of design, 8x4 will be a large single carport, rather than a double. Presumably a single is what you want.

I would have thought your final plans, including the 'look' would have to come before the permit was granted?

[Floop]

The look I want is basically what the plans are for, I'm not able to have anything like a dutch gable or hipped roof, there really isn't a whole lot I can do with it that would be different from the plans. Some things like whether or not I use steel apparently depends on me painting it. Bare gal steel posts they won't accept, painted they will. Or timber as an alternative. He'll apparently sign off on either a steel or timber frame as long as its done properly and looks right, even though the plans only specify timber. To be totally honest he's signed off on other work that isn't identical to the plans specifications, mostly because they are better than the minimum that was required. I don't know how 'ok' that is, but it seems to be alright thus far, lol. Any issues I can always have the plans amended anyway, I just need to decide exactly which way I want to go first.

Whichever way I decide to go I'll look into the how-to's and specifics and ensure it's done properly, I'm not about to go into it half-cocked and have the thing blow away in a strong wind. I'm just more in the early days of planning and need to decide what I want to do, hence why the questions I've posted are fairly vague. I get a bit anal about things anyway, if I don't properly have my head around it I won't start. For something as big as a carport I want to do it right and do it well, I don't want to endanger anyone's lives by doing a bodgy job. But first, I've got to work out which way I'll go, only early early days at the moment!

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your feedback. :)

[r3nov8or]

No worries Floop. It's probably worth asking a steel shed/carport mob for a quote on providing a kit to your specifications.

[OneZero]

Go to your local truss place and take them your plans and see what trusses will cost. You would also be wise to invest in some high tech tools such as laser levels and the Allan Staines book which will tell you what you need to know. By the time you factor in all your time and the numerous trips to the shop because you didn't know what straps to buy to tie down you might not be better off doing a DIY on this. Especially if you are unsure of the process... trust me, been there, done that!

[Floop]

Most of the tools a friend has that I can borrow, but the book is actually one I was meaning to ask about. I've got the Decking and Pergola book, but I was wanting to ask if any of his other books are useful for this job, thanks for reminding me! I like to have as much info as I can before I start something and I don't feel anywhere close to ready to start. I was actually meaning to go around and get some quotes for trusses and done in steel but I got sidetracked looking at wood heaters, lol.

[r3nov8or]

Good planning - it's good to have somewhere warm to retreat to after a day in the Melbourne winter cold building a carport :)

[Floop]

Absolutely! Given almost everything that has been done to the house has ended up happening when its wet and cold it will be nice to have a warm place to retreat to this time around. But then again I guess working is one way to keep warm, just not dry. :p