“Time is money.” We’ve all heard it before, but when it comes to building a carport, commercial-grade workshop, metal garage, or metal barn this quote really hits home. If you’re considering going the DIY route, it might seem like you’re saving money at first glance. After all, why pay someone when you can buy materials and do it yourself, right? Well, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Let’s break down what really goes into building your own carport and whether it’s truly the cheaper option.

Here’s the first kicker: the price of materials. When you build your own carport, you’re likely buying from retail stores. These places typically charge higher prices per unit because you’re not buying in bulk. Compare that to professional carport companies who get materials at wholesale prices. Those savings add up fast! A single steel beam might cost you 20% more than it would a manufacturer, and that’s just one component of the structure.

You’ll need more than a hammer and nails for this one. Depending on the type of carport you’re building, you could need specialized tools. Cutting steel, anchoring posts into concrete, and welding are just a few things that may require equipment you don’t have lying around in your garage. Buying or renting these tools can quickly rack up costs.

And let’s be honest—if you’re not experienced with these tools, you’re not only paying in cash but also in time. And time, as we established, is money!

Building a carport isn’t a one-person job, especially for larger structures. Professional installation teams typically consist of four experienced installers, and depending on the size of the carport, they can complete the job in just a few hours or, for larger structures, a couple of days.

However, here’s where things get tricky: weather. Heat, rain, or wind can create hazards that slow down the installation process. Imagine trying to carry heavy metal panels up a 12-foot ladder while the wind is howling. Those panels can catch the wind like sails and become dangerous in seconds. Working in extreme heat or during rainfall also poses safety risks that professionals know how to handle. DIY? You might be adding extra days just waiting for safer conditions.

Building a carport isn’t a weekend project (unless you’re a pro). For those with limited construction experience, the learning curve is steep. You’ll spend hours watching how-to videos, figuring out plans, and maybe even correcting mistakes. That time investment matters. And if you mess up? The cost of replacing materials or bringing in a contractor to fix your mistakes could actually make this DIY project more expensive than hiring someone in the first place.

Here’s another area that can surprise first-time builders: permits and engineering plans. Depending on your area, you may need permits to install your carport. Additionally, you might need engineering plans, especially for larger carports. Some professional companies offer these services for a small fee, but if you’re DIY-ing, you’ll be responsible for securing these yourself. Costs vary, but expect to pay anywhere from several hundred dollars  to a few thousand because most engineers charge by the hour, not to mention the time it takes to navigate local building codes.

When your carport exceeds 12 feet in height or 30 feet in width, you’ll likely need special equipment like a scissor lift or telescopic forklift. This isn’t just about cost—it’s about efficiency. While renting this equipment is an option, remember that it’s typically rented out by the day. That means every delay—whether it’s bad weather or simply getting the hang of using the lift—will cost you extra time and money.

Professional installers know how to use these machines effectively and under time constraints. They’ve worked with these tools before and understand how to maximize productivity during the rental window. Without that experience, a DIY builder could face costly delays or even unsafe conditions if the equipment is used improperly. Plus, you’ll be juggling equipment rental while also managing other aspects of the build. It’s a lot to handle, especially when time is ticking.

While it’s up to you to rent and pay for the equipment, the real cost here is in experience and time management.

So, is it cheaper to build your own carport? The answer: not usually. While you might save a bit on labor costs, the price of materials, tools, time, and potential mistakes can make DIY carports just as expensive, if not more so, than hiring professionals. And don’t forget the value of having something done right the first time.

If you enjoy building things yourself and are prepared for the challenges that come with it, by all means, go for it! But if your primary goal is saving money, hiring a professional could actually be the smarter financial move.

At the end of the day, weigh your options carefully. A professional carport company will bring experience, savings on materials, and efficiency. But if you’re all about the DIY life, just be prepared for the true cost—both in dollars and in time.

Happy building! Or, if you’d rather, let us handle it. We’re just a call away!