When hailstorms and other severe weather conditions threaten to damage your vehicle, you have little choice but to wait it out. If you try to save your car or boat, you could risk injury to yourself. The solution is to preempt this by building a carport.
However, you don’t want just any contract for your project. Learn about the questions you should ask carport builders so you can find the right one for you.
1. Do You Have Experience with Similar Projects?
Carports protect vehicles. While they may seem simple compared to other structures, you want to ensure your property is safe. So, it’s best to hire someone with extensive experience building carports.
Ask the carport builders you interview for samples of their work. Their previous projects also tell you whether they can provide a carport in the style you want.
2. Are You Fully Insured?
As with any construction project, you’re taking a huge risk by hiring an uninsured contractor.
Though workers try their best to avoid accidents, there’s always a chance one could happen anyway. If it does and your carport builder isn’t insured, you could be financially liable for property damage or injuries that occur during construction.
Before hiring a carport builder, make sure they have both workers’ compensation coverage and public liability insurance coverage. This could potentially save you from having to pay thousands of dollars for something that wasn’t your fault in the first place.
3. Do You Offer Custom Designs and Builds?
Choose a builder that offers customisation options if you don’t want just some generic carport that might not suit your home’s aesthetic. They will listen to your ideas and concerns and incorporate them into the designs. Maybe you want a carport in a specific style or need a partially enclosed unit. A custom design and build will better fulfil your needs.
4. What Warranties Do You Offer?
A lack of warranties for a carport builder’s work and products should be a deal-breaker for you, as it indicates that the builder isn’t trustworthy.
Warranties show you that the company is confident in their work and will do everything to ensure they do the job right the first time. If they don’t, they’re legally liable to provide additional services for free.
5. Do You Have Financing Options?
Carports are a significant investment. If you’re thinking twice because of the cost, choose a carport builder with financing options to make it less financially burdensome.
Look for a company that can adjust to your budget constraints. You may get a repayment plan with better rates than if you were to get a personal loan through a bank.
6. Are There Zoning Regulations I Should Worry About?
Zoning regulations are rules made by local governments that define a property’s legal uses. They vary from one area to another, so ask carport builders about them to ensure your project is legally compliant.
There may be size and material restrictions that you need to be aware of, especially if you live in a neighbourhood with a homeowners association. Properties in heritage zones may also have restrictions on renovations. Bring it up with your carport builder just to be safe.
If you’re not aware of the zoning regulations applicable to your property, you might violate the law, face hefty fines, and be forced to have your carport taken down.
Have Your Carport Designed and Built by Just Patios
Just Patios is fully insured, offers custom carport designs and builds and has affordable financing options. Work with us to get a durable carport that fits your home’s aesthetics.
Fill out our contact form to get a free quote.