Should You Incorporate a Concrete Slab Foundation Into Your Carport Garage Plans?

The main reason why a person buys a carport garage for their home is to protect their vehicle from the damaging forces of nature and other similar elements that may prematurely make their vehicles look old and dull. When a carport or garage is purchased or planned, it is often recommended that the area where this structure is to be put up should be leveled out. In leveling a carport or garage area, the choices often include concrete and gravel.

Gravel is the easier and cheaper choice of the two since all you need to do is to level the area and pour the gravel over it, and you’re done. What some people do not like about gravel however is that it shifts every now and then (although you can re-level the trenches back easily with a rake). It is also not a good choice if you are thinking of turning your garage into a safe and secure storage area.

A cement foundation, on the other hand, is actually a good choice if you are thinking of keeping everything within your carport garage safe and secure from moisture, puddles, and the like. It is also a good choice if you are looking at increasing the value of your home with the addition of this garage. Should you choose to have a concrete slab for your garage foundation, there are a few things you need to do beforehand.

Have a plan made up – Don’t just decide that your garage will have a concrete slab floor and start pouring cement where you have leveled the ground. Plans need to be made in order for this to be done properly and for your cement garage floor to last long. A cement floor also needs to have the anchor bolts added into it, the floors need to have steel bars in it, and you need to ensure that your new garage will fit in perfectly with your house.

Get the permits that you need – You cannot just pour concrete on your property for a carport or garage without asking about permits from your local government. This is supposed to be the first thing you need to do even before you choose and order a carport garage for your home and before you have plans made up. Check local building codes, obtain a permit where necessary, and follow regulations regarding the addition of a garage and cement slab to your property. If you are not sure where to ask or how to go about doing this, call city hall or your local county courthouse and ask there.

Choose the kind of concrete foundation or slab ideal for your garage – Once you have all the things you need in order to get things started with your concrete slab foundation construction, you will need to choose what kind of slab foundation to build. Your engineer will know what is best for your property so it is best for you to ask them about this. The size of the carport garage that you order will also play a part in this selection process, as well as the budget you have for this project.