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I did contact versatube, they said they have a "builder/dealer" on island I'd have to order through. I looked it up and it's a residence in Waikaloa. Maybe they aren't just a middleman who serves no purpose other than to drive the price up and require an installation service I don't need, but I see red flags.
I contacted another company who appears to have a superior product and experience shipping to Hawaii. I'm waiting to hear back from them on a shipping quote.
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I don't see anything "special" about these kits other than that they're "already figured out".
Seems like "all you need is" some fence rail and a pipe bender...
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Sounds like if you could figure it out and had a pipe bender you could make a fortune.
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"Awesome, please update on how that goes, I'm also still looking for a solution."
$1395 for a 20x20 carport, $675 shipping to Port of Hilo, total $2070.
If you choose to source fourteen 10' roofing panels locally and buy only the frame from them, it's about $1050 for the frame and it takes about $100 off the shipping price, so ~$1625.
Anybody know how much 20-year roofing panels cost locally?
I inquired about bulk discounts. 15% discount if buying 10 or more.
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Here it is. They have a huge variety plus a "design your own" option, this specific link is to their "budget" model:
https://www.absoluterv.com/carport-kits/...rport-kit/
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$1395 for a 20x20 carport, $675 shipping to Port of Hilo, total $2070.
Side effect: it's a "pre-engineered structure" and thus permit-exempt when installed on ag-zoned land (HRS 48-33).
Rough estimate for the homebrew version, assuming "greenhouse-style" construction (legs set in concrete) and the use of a pipe bender:
10 pieces 1 3/8 x 21' fence rail at $25/each = $250
7 pieces 20' roof at $100/each = $700
I would probably modify the design slightly and use wood purlins so that the roofing could be installed in its "conventional" orientation, with a ridge cap on top.
Done right, it would probably last 20 years.
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2 things wrong with the model on the left- only covers 1 car and doesn't block sunlight. The 2 car model exists I saw it in Honolulu. I stood in front of the house until I saw the owner so I could enquire about it. He said it cost $17,000 and came from Japan where it was very popular. Also the plastic shell left a shadow which looked cool and refreshing.
https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=...in+carport
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Hilo Home Depot has 7 of the 12x20 steel carport kits in stock ($1500):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/VersaTube-12.../100659668
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Is rust an issue with those Home Depot VersaTube models? The online reviews all seemed to be recent buyers from inland mainland locations.
