Carport Conversions in the Phoenix Metro: A Smart Upgrade, Done Right
If you own an older home in Phoenix or surrounding city (Chandler, Tempe, etc), your home may have been built with a carport instead of a fully enclosed garage. While carports provide some shade, they don’t offer the security, storage, or protection from dust storms and theft that a garage does. Converting a carport into a garage or even a livable space can be a smart investment that boosts both your home’s value and functionality.
But here’s the catch—a carport conversion is not a simple DIY project. It’s one of those jobs that looks simple but requires coordinating multiple trades, pulling permits, and making sure the final product meets building codes and passes inspection. Many general contractors avoid them because small, multi-trade projects can be inefficient and slow. At Old Reliable Construction, carport conversions and garage additions are a regular service, which means we do them efficiently, handle the entire process in-house, and get them done right.
Why a Carport Conversion is More Complicated Than It Looks
At first glance, enclosing a carport might seem as simple as framing in some walls and adding a garage door. In reality, it often involves:
Structural modifications to ensure the new walls are properly supported
Concrete work to address an insufficient slab or stem wall
Electrical work to add lighting, outlets, and possibly new circuits
Insulation and drywall to meet energy codes if converting to a living space
HVAC adjustments if turning the space into a livable area
Roofing and drainage considerations to integrate with the existing structure
Finish and Rough carpentry to enclose the carport, install windows and doors, siding and more
Stucco where applicable
For most general contractors, coordinating all these trades for a small project is a hassle. Many prefer to focus on larger, more straightforward jobs. At Old Reliable Construction, we do these all the time, which means we’re faster, more efficient, and get better results. We also self-perform many of the trades, which allows us to control quality and keep the schedule tight.
Thinking About Skipping the Permit? Think Again.
Some homeowners consider doing a carport conversion without a permit to save time and money. This is a terrible idea for two big reasons.
It Probably Won’t Meet Code
Unpermitted conversions cut corners, and the work usually won’t last or meets safety standards.
If you ever sell your home, an unpermitted conversion can raise red flags with buyers, home inspectors, and appraisers, making the sale difficult or reducing your home’s value.
It’s Way Too Obvious
A carport conversion isn’t something you can hide—it’s a major exterior change. If a nosy neighbor complains, the city can force you to tear it down or bring it up to code, which is far more expensive than just doing it right the first time. Plus, they’ll assess penalties for not doing it right the first time. You also just lost every scrap of trust and credibility you had with the building department and inspector.
In Phoenix and other Valley cities, inspectors regularly check for unpermitted work. It’s not worth the risk.
At Old Reliable Construction, we handle the entire permitting process for you. You don’t have to worry about navigating city approvals—we take care of the blueprints, engineering, and permits to ensure your conversion is fully legal and up to code.
Why Choose Old Reliable Construction?
We specialize in carport conversions. Most contractors avoid them, but we’ve dialed in the process to be fast and efficient.
We do the design and blueprints in-house. No need to hire a separate architect—we take care of the plans for you.
We handle all the permits and code compliance. No cutting corners, no headaches, just a solid, well-built conversion that adds value to your home.
Whether you’re looking for a simple garage enclosure or a full conversion into a casita or home office, Old Reliable Construction is the team to call. We know these projects inside and out and can get yours done quickly, legally, and with expert craftsmanship.
Call Old Reliable Construction today to get started.
Before- Phoenix carport-to-garage + broader exterior remodel
After
