Carports, sheds, cabins and out buildings

If you do not have a garage, if you do not have adequate space for a garage, if you want to save money, or if obtaining the necessary planning permissions or permits for one is problematic, another option is to build a carport.

In simplified terms a carport is a canopy that is supported on posts, columns or legs and, whilst it does not have side walls, it does have a simple roof to protect the vehicle from rain and snow. It offers a lesser degree of protection than a garage, however it offers protection none the less. Cantilever carport covers are also available.

One of the big advantages of a carport is that in many countries a carport does not require planning permission, a permit, or any kind of formal consent (you need to check this out for your nation or state). This means that a carport can be erected at a minimum of cost and it may even be able to stand in front of a building line, or be connected to a house.

Car port constructions and locations

Carports come in a range of formats. You can buy a kit from which a carport can be made or assembled, you can employ a builder to construct a carport, or you can put one together yourself. Carports vary greatly in their appearance, construction and location and as long as they are stable and not in breach of any appropriate laws or regulations they can be highly functional.

One way of obtaining a carport is with a carport kit. These kits come in different forms and for different spaces, situations and requirements.

Cantilever carport

One type of carport kit is the cantilever canopy, usually assembled from a kit. The cantilever carport is similar to a sun canopy in that it cantilevers out from an existing wall. The big difference is in the rigidity of the structure and the fact that it does not fold against the wall when not in use.

These kit carports or shelters are ideal if there is a drive that runs down the side of a house. When this is the case the cantilever supports can be mechanically fixed to the walls and the canopy attached to them. In some cases (with longer spans) it may be necessary to have additional support (in the form of posts) to the free edge of the canopy.

These canopy carports have a smart appearance and they are unobtrusive and do not interfere with the property. The roof often has an incline.

Free standing carport

If a canopy carport is not a viable option, normally because there are no suitable walls to fix it to, the other alternative is a freestanding carport.

Because a freestanding carport is not connected to any other structure it can be located almost anywhere where there is a level surface. These carports can have flat or apex style roofs and those with a gable style roof can have guttering to take away any surface water.

Assembly is fairly standard and requires the connecting of a number of steel structural components that make up the columns (or posts) and the roof members. These frame components come predrilled and only required fixing to a structural base (e.g. a concrete raft driveway) and each other. Once the frame is in place the roofing panels are fitted to complete the installation.

Contractor or DIY?

In many cases people choose to have a carport because it is a cheap and simple car covering option. When this is the case one of the objectives may be to select a system that can be assembled as a DIY (home improvement) project. Ordinarily, most carports have a straightforward assembly process and two people with a ladder and some tools will be able to erect the structure themselves. Pre-erection preparation, e.g. ensuring that there is, or if not preparing or building, anchoring points for the vertical members is essential.

For those who would rather have the installation completed by a contractor, many carport kit sellers will provide a supply and fit service. Failing this a builder will be able to assemble and erect the kit.

See this shed and cabin page for information about other garden and property store buildings.