For car owners, a garage or carport is very important. This structure serves as a home for your car, which will protect it against the elements. 

If you don’t have much space for a standard-sized garage, a metal carport is a good alternative. It is more affordable and easier to construct. Aside from car parking, steel carports can be used as a multipurpose storage space, workshop, greenhouse, and more. When making a big purchase like a metal carport, you should decide between getting a used carport or a brand new one:

Safety

An old metal carport is most likely to have dents and signs of age. It might not be safe enough to protect your vehicle against weather conditions. Sometimes, you might notice rust that could compromise its structural integrity. If safety is your goal, then it’s better to buy a new metal carport.

It’s easier to retrofit and add security features in newer carports. Whether you want to add end walls or burglar alarms, a brand-new carport offers greater protection. New carports are engineered and fabricated with the latest safety standards in the industry. You can be sure that you’re getting a secure unit that’s worth every penny.

Customizability

With a used carport, it’s harder to fully customize it to your specific needs. So, expect that what you see is what you get. Your used carport may have already been customized by the previous owner. Due to its limited customization options, you need to hire a professional who can customize your metal carport.

On the other hand, it’s totally possible to design your carport from the ground up. Many manufacturers provide customization options for clients who want something unique and different. You can select the carport size and additional features that you need. More importantly, customizing your metal carport can be done without hiring a contractor, which means more savings.

Price

Used metal carports are cheaper in terms of delivery and installation costs. This is more budget-friendly and cost-effective. But there’s no guarantee that you can find a high-quality one. Depending on its age and condition, the carport might no longer last a long time. Moreover, finding a used carport can take a long time because you need to go to different sellers.

With a new metal carport, you’re getting the quality you paid for. According to HomeAdvisor, a metal carport costs an average of $3,500. The ballpark estimate includes the materials and installation costs. This is cheaper than building a full-fledged garage in your home.

Maintenance Requirement

Regular maintenance ensures your carport is in perfect working condition all year round. One disadvantage of a pre-owned carport is its high maintenance requirements. Since it’s no longer in optimum condition, the steel structure requires frequent upkeep to avoid rust and corrosion.

In contrast, new metal carports require less maintenance. Wash off all dirt buildup on the surface using soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh household chemicals and abrasive materials when cleaning your carport. If you notice signs of moss or mildew, a mixture of water and bleach will remove the fungus that has developed.

Warranties

Product warranties are beneficial to customers like you. It protects you against financial loss caused by a faulty product or service. Warranties give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered if anything goes wrong.

Used metal carports usually don’t come with any warranties. It’s hard to find a pre-owned unit with a manufacturer or dealer warranty. By the time you purchase the secondhand product, the warranties have already expired. It only means you’re investing your money without any protection. 

But if you buy a new metal carport, a workmanship warranty comes with it. Most companies offer workmanship warranty ranging from 60 days to 1 year. When any issues arise due to fabrication or installation, the company will have the carport repaired or replaced for free. Other warranty protections like rust and panel warranties are provided to consumers.

Contact Our Experts Today

We hope this article helps you choose between used and new metal carports. For all kinds of steel buildings, Texas Custom Metal Buildings of Midland is here to serve you! Shop with us to get a custom barndominium, metal garage, or steel barn. Fill out our online form to request a free quote!