Alan’s Metal Carport Buyer's Guide

You’ve already learned how to design and price your carport, understand local building regulations, create your site plan, plan the foundation, and place your order. Now it’s time to request a permit.

If a building permit is required in your area, now is the time to apply for a permit.

A few local governments require the manufacturer to apply for (or pick up) a building permit. If this is the case in your area, please let us know.

Engineer Plans. If the building department requires a set of generic engineer plans to review, let us know ASAP. We will get the plans ordered, and the manufacturer will send them to you by email in 1-2 weeks. If your local government requires “wet seal” plans (a set of plans that have been physically stamped with a rubber seal), let us know so we can get them mailed to you.

Site Plan. If the building department requires a site plan, draw a sketch of your property. Show the boundaries of your property, the location of your carport, and the location of other buildings, wells, and septic fields on your property.

Complete the application. Finish filling out the application and pay the fee.

Send us a copy or photo. Once you get the permit, send us a copy so we’ll know you’ve completed this step. We won’t be able to schedule your installation until you’ve done so.

If we’re installing your carport on the ground or on gravel, here’s what you need to do:

• Place a flag or a stake at each of the four corners where we will install the carport.
• Make sure the length of each side is correct.
• Make sure that the diagonal distance between two opposite corners is the same as the distance between the other two opposite corners.
• Use a tool called a level to make sure each side is level. If you only have a bubble level, you can also run a string between the corner stakes to ensure each side is completely level and that there aren’t any high or low spots.
• Make sure there is enough clear, level space on every side of the carport for the installation crew to work.
• Take at least one photo from each of the four sides to show that the whole area is clear and level. When you take the photos, be sure to stand far enough back so the whole site is included in each photo.

• Once your site is ready, send us the photos of your site. Once we receive these photos (and a copy of your permit, if required), your order will be put in a queue for scheduling.
• Congratulations! At this point, your carport buying journey is nearly complete—unless you haven’t ordered your carport yet. If that’s the case, head over to alansfactoryoutlet.com and place your order.