Cost to convert the carport into a garage?

Nayeli Jones
by Nayeli Jones
I want to be able to close in my carport and turn it into a two car garage. I have checked the local ordinances and found out that it is able to be converted into a garage. I am just curious as to how much I should plan to set aside for this project and what to expect.
  7 answers
  • Assuming your doing both sections, you might need footings if you want to totally enclose this because any wall that is placed directly onto the slab under the porch will move during freezing weather. You need to find out if the inspector will allow the walls to be fastened directly onto the slab. Remember the slab that is poured as the floor is not structural in nature and although the new walls will not be really holding anything up as the columns are, you still risk issues with the walls should the columns shift or settle over time. Assuming that they allow the walls to sit on the current slab, and that the height is around eight feet from ground to ceiling, you most likely could purchase the materials such as 2x4's plywood, couple of windows, two garage doors, exit door out back or side, air and vapor barriers, vinyl siding, fastening materials, couple of lights and wiring for around $4500. Plus labor. This assumes better than average materials. And not finished interior. You will also need to determine if once the garage is enclosed that the barrier wall between the living area of the house and the garage is properly fire protected. Meaning if there is any widows or doors, that the windows need to be sealed off and the door replaced with a fire rated one with a auto closer. If the brick does not go all the way around the house and the side is wood, that will need to be covered over with a fire proof drywall.
  • White Oak Studio Designs White Oak Studio Designs on Feb 02, 2015
    I think this is very charming carport. I personally would leave it open. I would add climbing plants to the three brick pillars; pink roses if your soil and climate allows, a silver lace vine if roses do not work. Additional lush landscaping with more color around your open porch and a nice set of brown wicker tables and chairs and you will have an absolutely darling bungalow. This charming home has wonderful bones, a great brick color and just needs a bit of pizazzzz!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Feb 03, 2015
    You don't say why you want to covert it. (Place to store extra "stuff" and be able to close the door on it?? I can relate! LOL Weather?) If it's just because of the openness, then I'd use lattice or similar on the far side. Agree with White Oak - just needs some oomph with landscaping. I like huge jugs that handle an insert for bright flowers, etc.
  • I'm with @White Oak Studio Designs and @Marion Nesbitt as well! I love our carport and we have had many family gatherings under ours...that way we can still enjoy the weather and have some shelter. I feel if I had a garage, it would become a catch-all, lol...but that's just me. Add some lattice, climbing plants, and a ceiling fan!
  • Nayeli Jones Nayeli Jones on Feb 04, 2015
    Thank you for all of the options! I was wanting to convert it for more privacy. I enjoy it being open but I do miss a closed in garage. This was the house prior to some current renovations. I have changed a lot of the exterior but am having such a hard time getting plants to grow. The yard was neglected for nearly a decade before it went into foreclosure and I bought it. Any ideas?
    • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Feb 05, 2015
      @Nayeli Jones Perhaps you could lay some patio stones and use different sized containers for plants. Or you could put in some raised beds and start with fresh soil. Then do some snooping in the neighbourhood to see what grows well in what spots.
  • It could be the soil. I think places like Lowes and Home Depot have soil pH test kits. I don't really know a whole lot outside of what I use for my garden, but I use the Bumper Crop line and it does really well for my soil. Best of luck!
  • Sarah Jester Sarah Jester on Feb 05, 2015
    I would do a knee wall across the front and then put pots with flowers and near the post/supports do something in large pots on the ground that will climb , then when sitting out there the most anyone can see is the top of your head :))) you could also do the knee wall all the way around and then add screen , and for super privacy add the roll blinds you can add them with or without the screen ,, but for sure the knee wall on the side facing the road