When you're shopping for a metal building, it's important to know exactly what your provider offers—and just as importantly, what they don't. At East Texas Carports, we pride ourselves on honest communication, quality steel structures, and a smooth installation process across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and surrounding areas.

This blog is designed to eliminate any confusion and give you a clear, full-picture understanding of what we do and do not provide. That way, you can plan ahead with confidence and avoid surprises down the road.

Whether you’re looking for a new garage, carport, commercial shop, or RV cover, this guide walks you through:

✅ What East Texas Carports does
❌ What we do not do
🚧 What you’re responsible for as the customer
📝 What you need to know about permits, engineering, and inspections
📋 A checklist to help you prepare
🤔 Frequently asked questions

Let’s dive in.

✅ What East Texas Carports Does

We specialize in metal buildings only. That means we design, deliver, and install high-quality steel structures to meet a wide range of needs—from personal carports to large commercial buildings.

Here’s a breakdown of what we do offer:

1. Custom Metal Building Sales

We manufacture and sell custom metal buildings in a variety of configurations and styles. These include:

Carports
Garages
RV Covers
Barns and Agricultural Buildings
Workshops
Utility Buildings
Commercial Shops
Combo Units with Storage
Lean-to Extensions
Boat Shelters

Each structure is built to order and fully customizable. You choose the size, layout, roof style (regular, boxed-eave, or vertical), wall height, doors, windows, panel orientation, colors, trim options, and more.

2. Free Delivery and Professional Installation

All of our building prices include free delivery and installation within our service area. Once your site is ready, our crew will arrive with all materials and tools to install your metal building efficiently and professionally—usually within 1–3 days, depending on size and complexity.

We handle the entire build process on-site using precision-fabricated parts for a perfect fit.

3. Customer Service & Design Guidance

We assist with every step of your project:

Building design and configuration
Color selection and material upgrades
Anchoring options based on your foundation type
Site preparation guidance
Permit support and documentation
Scheduling and delivery updates

We’ll help you choose the right structure for your property and ensure you’re set up for success before we arrive to install.

4. Flexible Payment Options

We offer rent-to-own programs to make our buildings more accessible. These programs are ideal for homeowners or small businesses who want to spread out payments over time with or without a credit check (in the case of rent-to-own).

❌ What East Texas Carports Does NOT Do

Just as important as knowing what we do is understanding what we don’t do—so there’s no confusion. We want every customer to have the full picture before making a purchase.

❌ We Do Not Pour Concrete or Handle Groundwork

Let’s be absolutely clear: We do not perform any concrete work or ground preparation.

We do not:

Clear or level land
Excavate or grade
Pour concrete slabs, piers, or footers
Install rebar, wire mesh, or finish pads
Handle gravel, caliche, or base work
Provide any form of dirt work or erosion control

We are a metal building company—we do not operate as a concrete or site-prep contractor. If your project requires a slab, retaining wall, gravel pad, or any groundwork, this must be completed by a licensed contractor prior to your building installation.

We do, however, provide the recommended pad size and anchoring info to help your contractor prepare your site correctly.

❌ We Do Not Handle On-Site Inspections

While we help support you through the permitting process (more on that below), we do not:

Schedule municipal or county inspections
Meet with local inspectors
Guarantee post-installation approval
Coordinate building sign-offs

Once our crew has completed the install, any follow-up required by your local building department is your responsibility.

📝 What We Do Offer for Permits: Drawings Available for Purchase

Many counties and cities in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana require engineer-certified drawings when applying for a building permit. While we do not create these drawings in-house, we make them available for purchase through a licensed engineering firm that we partner with.

If your local code office requires structural plans, wind load ratings, or snow load calculations, just let us know—we’ll arrange the purchase of those drawings for you and deliver them directly.

These certified plans come at an additional cost and are prepared by a third-party licensed engineer. The exact price depends on the building type, size, and location requirements.

So while engineer drawings are not included by default, we make the process easy and affordable if you need them.

🚧 What You’re Responsible for as the Customer

At East Texas Carports, we believe in partnership. We’ll handle the building and installation—but there are a few key things you’re responsible for:

1. Site Preparation

You must ensure your build site is:

Clear of debris, stumps, or obstacles
Level and stable (gravel, dirt, or concrete accepted)
Accessible for our truck and installation crew
Fully cured (if pouring concrete)

We’ll give you a site prep checklist when you place your order so you can prepare properly and avoid any delays.

2. Concrete or Foundation Work

If your building requires a slab, footings, or piers, it is your responsibility to:

Hire a local contractor
Follow the building specs we provide
Allow time for the pad to cure before installation

3. Permitting and Local Compliance

You are responsible for:

Contacting your city or county about building codes
Submitting any required permit applications
Scheduling necessary inspections (if required)
Following HOA or deed restrictions

We’ll supply the documents and drawings (if purchased) to help with permitting, but it’s up to you to get final approval.

Why We Focus Only on Metal Buildings

We’ve chosen to specialize in one thing: steel buildings—and we do it well. Here’s why:

🔩 Efficiency

Steel buildings go up faster than stick-built structures and require less labor. That means lower costs and quicker turnaround for you.

🧱 Durability

Our buildings are engineered to withstand Texas weather—including wind, rain, and heat. Steel doesn’t warp, rot, or attract termites like wood.

🎨 Customization

From size and roof style to colors, doors, and layout, steel gives you flexibility to create exactly what you need.

💰 Cost-Effectiveness

Steel buildings are more affordable and require less maintenance than wood-framed construction, making them ideal for long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a concrete slab?

Not always. We can install on:

Concrete
Gravel
Asphalt
Level ground (dirt)

However, concrete is recommended for enclosed garages, shops, and any building where you want better drainage, stability, and performance over time.

Can I do my own site prep?

Yes—as long as your site meets our installation requirements (flat, level, accessible, and ready). If you’re confident in your abilities, you can clear and prep the space yourself.

Can you help me with permits?

Yes! We’ll guide you through what your city or county may need. If you require engineer-certified drawings, we can arrange those for purchase through a licensed engineering firm.

Will you check if my building passes inspection?

No. Inspections must be scheduled by you and carried out by your local building authority. We do not handle post-installation inspections or approval.

Do you build wood or pole barns?

No. East Texas Carports only builds steel-framed, metal buildings. We do not offer any wood or hybrid construction.

Your Pre-Installation Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to help you get ready for your building:

✅ Choose your building style, size, and layout
✅ Secure financing or budget
✅ Prepare your site (cleared, level, accessible)
✅ Pour concrete (if needed) and allow time to cure
✅ Request engineer drawings (if required by local code)
✅ Apply for permits
✅ Schedule installation with East Texas Carports
✅ Get ready for a strong, long-lasting steel structure

In Summary: What East Texas Carports Does and Doesn’t Do

We want every customer to have a great experience—free of confusion, delays, or unrealistic expectations. That’s why we’re always up front.

✅ We DO:

Design and build custom steel structures
Offer a wide range of buildings: garages, carports, shops, and more
Include delivery and professional installation
Provide anchoring options for concrete, gravel, and ground
Help with permits and drawings (drawings available for purchase)
Offer flexible financing and rent-to-own

❌ We DO NOT:

Pour concrete or do ground prep
Perform land clearing or grading
Handle rebar, forming, or slab work
Conduct on-site inspections
Build wood, pole barns, or hybrid structures

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re planning a simple carport or a large commercial shop, East Texas Carports is here to help you design the right building and get it installed quickly—with no confusion about what’s included.

Visit easttexascarports.com to:

Browse building styles
Use our 3D design tool
Request a quote
Learn about delivery and financing options
Get help with permitting and specs

Just remember—we do not pour concrete or perform any groundwork. But once your site is ready, we’ll take care of the rest.

The Ultimate Customer Resource Guide