Steel Building FAQ

For a single car or truck, a 12x20 is the minimum — but 12x21 gives you more comfortable clearance. For a full-size truck or SUV, go 14x21 or wider. Two vehicles: 20x20 minimum, 22x26 preferred. An RV or boat trailer: 14x40 minimum, 18x40 for Class A RVs. Always add 2 feet on each side for opening doors comfortably.

Lower gauge = thicker steel. 12-gauge is thicker and stronger than 14-gauge. For most residential carports and garages, 14-gauge is sufficient. If you're in a high-wind area, storing heavy equipment, or need an engineer-certified unit for a building permit, 12-gauge is the right choice. Certified buildings use 12-gauge frame as a standard requirement.

Standard carports come in 6ft legs. For most passenger vehicles, 6ft is adequate. For trucks, SUVs, or anyone who wants more headroom, 8ft is recommended. RVs typically require 12-14ft legs depending on the coach height. Taller legs also help with airflow and make the structure feel more open.

We recommend vertical roof panels on any building you're making a real investment in. Vertical panels shed water and debris more efficiently than horizontal panels, reducing the risk of rust at panel seams over time. Vertical roof is worth the modest price difference in any climate. Boxed-eave is a good mid-range option. Regular (curved) is fine for basic, budget-conscious applications in mild areas.

It depends on your county and the building size. In many areas, a carport under a certain square footage does not require a permit — especially if it's not attached to the home. Larger buildings (especially enclosed garages or commercial structures) typically do require a building permit. We can provide engineer-certified units with stamped drawings if your local building department requires it. Always check with your county building department before ordering.

Not for most residential applications. Our buildings can be installed on gravel, asphalt, dirt, or grass using ground anchors. If you want a concrete slab, we can work on top of it using concrete anchor bolts — but the slab is provided by the customer. For large commercial buildings or cold-formed steel structures, a concrete foundation is typically required and should be installed before delivery.

Most carports and small garages are installed in a single day. Larger buildings (30x40 and up) typically take 1-2 days. We'll give you an estimated install timeline when you order. Our crews are experienced and efficient — we install hundreds of buildings per year nationwide.

The installation area should be reasonably level and clear of obstacles. If using a concrete slab, it must be poured and cured before we arrive. If installing on ground, the area should be dry and accessible by our crew and equipment. We'll review site requirements with you before scheduling installation.

Yes — metal buildings can be disassembled and relocated. This is one of the advantages over permanent construction. If you're on an RTO agreement and need to move, contact us and we can discuss your options. If you own the building outright, relocation is possible but involves disassembly and re-installation costs.

Yes — this is one of the most common upgrades our customers make. You can add side panels, end walls, roll-up doors, and walk-in doors to an existing carport to fully enclose it. The steel frame is designed to accept these upgrades. If you think you might want to enclose later, let us know when ordering so we can size the carport appropriately.

We offer 30+ color options on panels and trim. Common choices include Barn Red, Charcoal, Hunter Green, Gallery Blue, Tan, and White. You can mix panel and trim colors to create a custom look. Use our 3D Builder to visualize color combinations before ordering.

Yes — we offer a radiant heat barrier insulation package that significantly reduces interior temperatures in summer. It also helps retain heat in winter. This is particularly recommended for enclosed garages, workshops, or any building where people will spend significant time. Ask about insulation when requesting your quote.

RTO is a lease-to-own arrangement. You make monthly payments and own the building outright at the end of the term (36, 48, or 60 months). There is no credit check, no bank involved, and no impact to your credit score. At any point you can pay it off early with no penalty. If circumstances change and you need to return the building, we pick it up — no damage to your credit and no legal liability. It's the most flexible way to get the building you need today.

No. RTO does not require a credit check and does not report to credit bureaus. It is not a loan. It will not appear on your credit report. This is one of the primary advantages of RTO over bank financing for customers who prefer to keep their credit profile intact.

The first month's payment is required at the time of order. There is no large down payment required. Your ongoing monthly payments begin after installation.