Enclosing a Carport in 6 Steps

Enclosing carport projects can make it possible to create an extra room in your home which is wonderful for any growing family. Almost all families require more space and enclosing a carport can be an a fantastic way of doing this. As long as you have the right tools and materials available you should be able to easily enclose your carport. This is, however, a complicated project which you will need to spend plenty of time planning.

Step 1 - Preparation

The first thing that you need to do is prepare the carport to be enclosed. Start by cleaning the entire floor of the carport off. If there is not already a concrete slab in the carport, you will need to pour a solid concrete slab to support the new room. Make a box the size of the carport out of wooden boards. Place rebar in a grid inside the frame. Then the concrete can be poured into this form. The wooden boards should be able to contain the liquid concrete until it sets. Try to ensure that the concrete slab is the same level as the rest of your home.

Step 2 - Building a Partial Wall

Now you need to measure the size of your car port and start building the frames for the walls. The walls can be built using the 2x4 boards. The studs needs to be 16" apart. Place one board on the ground flat, frame the verticals into it, and frame another board flat against the top of the verticals. The frame can be built on the ground then rotated up into place. For long walls make a series of such frames. Frame openings for any doors or windows you want in the walls.

Step 3 - Fixing the Frames

The frames now need to be bolted into the concrete flooring and long screws can be used to screw the existing roof into the new walls at the side of the carport.

Step 4 - Covering Walls

The exterior of the walls can be covered with plywood and then the exterior wall option can be chosen. There are a number of different types of exterior wall covering including siding. Install doors and windows in the openings you left in the framing.

Step 5 - Electrics

Get a qualified electrician to come and wire up any outlets in your new addition. You may be able to do this by yourself in some states. However, you will need to get the work signed off by an electrician to ensure that everything is safe and that you won't be putting yourself in any danger. If you are allowed to do the electrics in your state then this doesn't mean you have to. If you don't feel confident to do this then you can hire a professional.

Insulation can be added between the wall studs to make it much cheaper to heat.

Step 6 - Finishing Touches

Drywall can now be fixed on the inside of the wall. The floor covering of your choice can then be fixed in the space. You can choose anything from tiles, wooden flooring or carpet.