The average person who has never completed a Carport DIY project can spend 3x to 5x more time than a professional—or even an experienced DIYer—on the same project. This time difference stems from learning curves, tool unfamiliarity, trial-and-error mistakes, precise leveling and measurements, and other general inefficiencies.
Your biggest cost is time… Pay for it upfront or in the end… The benefit of using a professional carport builder is clear and it is one of the easiest things for a carport service professional to save you money and time.
DIY carports are not that much cheaper that service pro installed. So once you factor in your cost of time, the answer is clear. Delivered and Installed carports from a reputable retailer is the way to go.
Average Time Multiplier for DIY time
- Minimum: 2x professional time
- Average: 3.5x professional time
- Maximum: 5x or more… for non-technical homeowners or first-timers: (especially on roofing, leveling, or electrical portions of builds)
Why the Time Difference Is So Large:
- Learning Curve: Most people must research or watch tutorials before beginning.
- Engineered Drawlings: They often need to spend extra time to understand the engineered drawings as many do carports don’t have easy to put together instruction manuals.
- Tool Hesitation: Unfamiliarity with power tools (especially on metal) leads to slower or incorrect usage.
- Don’t Have everything Needed: Most DIYers report 3–5 trips to a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s after purchasing the kit, for extras like:
- Screws or fasteners
- Caulk/sealant
- Tools like drill bits
- Metal saw blades
- Ladders
- Extra Help
- Material Handling: Often misplaced items, parts or tools, measuring and leveling, making the cuts correct (so it doesn’t have to be redone), etc…
- Problem-solving: When issues arise (e.g., frame out of square), pros resolve quickly, especially if they are service professionals that encounter these issues every day—DIYers may take hours troubleshooting.
So what is the True cost of DIY Carport Build vs Carport Builder that installs for me?
Here’s a visual chart comparing the estimated time and total cost difference of 20×20 carport installation by DIY, Handyman and Pro Service Installer
- Blue bars show the base cost of the product
- Orange Bar shows the equivalent cost of a Handyman cost or DIY’s time (valued at $38.75/hr, the U.S. median income).
- Green Line represents the estimated project hours ()
Key Insights:
- The full DIY route takes the most time (~7 hrs), with a hidden time cost of $271+.
- Even light DIY (partial help) still costs more in time than a professional installation.
- Service installation professionals saves time, includes warranties, and may be cheaper overall when factoring in time value.
*The median household income in the U.S. is $80,610, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That breaks down to $38.75/Hour. (For comparison purposes we estimated the average cost of homeowner’s time into a relative hourly cost of labor, for the DIYer.)
**The average cost of a Handyman (nationwide) ranges between $50 to $125 per hour.
DIY Carport Installation vs Professional Carport Installation Cost & Other Factors Comparison
| DIY / Average Joe | Pro Handyman | Service Installer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimate of Project Hours | 6-8 hours | 6-8 hours | 2 hours |
| Estimated Cost of Time | $271.25 | $400.00 | Included in Price |
| DIY Kit Savings | approx. -$110 (5%) | approx. -$110 (5%) | N/A |
| Comparison | ⚠️ $161.25 More Expensive (factoring cost of your time) ❌ A Day Away From Family & Friends ❌ May Void Warranties | ❌ $290 most expensive ✅ You Still Have Your Time ❌ May Void Warranties | ✅ You Still Have Your Time ✅ No Additional Costs ✅ Materials & Workmanship Warranty |
Keen’s Buildings is proud to be recognized as one of the most trusted carport builders in the industry, offering unmatched quality, durability, and customer service. With years of experience and thousands of successful installations, we specialize in crafting custom metal carports that provide long-lasting protection for your vehicles, equipment, and outdoor assets. From residential driveways to commercial lots, our expertly engineered structures are built to withstand the elements and meet your unique needs. At Keen’s Buildings, we don’t just sell carports—we deliver peace of mind backed by certified materials, professional installation, and a commitment to excellence that keeps our customers coming back.
CALL OR TEXT US TODAY 386-339-1676