A carport is a covered structure used to provide shelter for cars or other vehicles. It is usually an open-sided structure with a roof that is supported by posts or columns. Carports are a popular choice for homeowners who want to protect their vehicles from different weather elements but do not want to build a full garage.
There are many reasons why you might want to consider adding a carport to your property. It can help you to protect your car from sun damage, hail, and other types of weather damage.
If you’re wondering whether you can put a carport in front of your house. Yes, of course, you do. However, it is important to check with your local building codes and regulations before you begin construction.
Some areas may have specific requirements regarding the size, placement, and design of carports. If you belong to a homeowners association, you may need to get approval from them before adding a carport to your property.
Building a carport can be a great investment for your home, but it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to build a carport in front of your house.
Carport
A carport is a covered structure that protects your car from harsh weather and different elements. They are usually open on at least two sides and supported by posts or pillars.
While they are typically used to shelter cars. They can also be used to protect boats, RVs, and other vehicles.
Regulations and Codes to Consider
Before you start building your carport, it’s important to make sure you’re following all the necessary regulations and codes. Here are some things to consider:
Local Zoning Laws
Many cities and municipalities have zoning laws that regulate the construction of buildings and structures on residential properties.
These laws often specify the minimum setbacks required between your carport and your property line or street. You may also need to obtain a permit before building your carport.
Building Codes
Building codes are designed to ensure the safety and integrity of structures. Before building your carport, make sure you are familiar with the building codes in your area.
These codes may specify things like the minimum height and size of the posts. They also specify the type of foundation required and the type of roofing materials that can be used.
HOA Rules
If you live in a neighbourhood with a homeowners’ association (HOA), you may need to get approval from the HOA before building a carport.
HOA rules can be quite strict. So, make sure you read your HOA’s rules and regulations carefully before starting your project.
Choosing the Right Materials
Choosing the right materials for your carport is important to ensure that it is strong and durable enough to withstand harsh weather and different other elements. Here are some things to consider:
Metal vs wood
Metal carports are generally more durable and require less maintenance than wood carports. However, wood carports can be more aesthetically pleasing.
Roofing materials
The most common roofing materials for carports are metal and polycarbonate panels. Metal roofing is more durable and fire-resistant, while polycarbonate panels are lighter and less expensive.
Size and thickness
Make sure to choose posts, beams, and roofing panels with sufficient size and thickness to support the weight of the structure and withstand weather conditions in your area.
How Much Cost a Carport
The cost of a carport can vary depending on several factors such as size, material and any additional features or customization. Generally, a basic carport made of aluminium or steel can cost anywhere from $700 to $5,000 or more.
If you opt for a more durable and long-lasting option like a wooden carport, the cost can range from $2,500 to $7,500 or higher.
Additional features such as lighting, electricity, and storage space can also impact the cost of a carport. Installation fees and permits may also need to be factored into the total cost.
It’s important to do your research and get quotes from reputable contractors to get an accurate estimate of the cost of a carport for your specific needs and location.
Keep in mind that while a carport may be a more affordable alternative to a full garage. But the cost can still be a significant investment.
Maintenance and Care
To keep your carport in good condition, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips:
- Check the roof for damage or leaks regularly and make repairs as needed.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging.
- Check the posts and beams for signs of rot or insect damage and replace them if necessary.
- Clean the carport with soap and water and rinse it off with a hose.
Benefits of Building a Carport
let’s take a look at some of the benefits of having one:
Protection from harsh weather
A carport can help protect your vehicle from sun, rain, and snow, which can extend its lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.
Additional storage space
A carport can also be used to store other items like bikes, lawn equipment, and outdoor furniture.
Increased home value
Adding a carport can increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
Cost-effective
Compared to building a garage or other permanent structure, a carport is a much more cost-effective option.
Building carports to boundaries
You cannot build a carport close to your neighbour’s properties because you are not allowed to build a carport that is closer than 15 feet from the property line.
If the property next door is 250 feet away, you cannot build a carport closer than 75 feet. The law in most states prohibits this on residential property.
If you want to build a carport close to your neighbour’s property, you need to talk with your neighbours about it and see their opinion on the issue.
Can you build a carport without planning permission
A carport is a small, single-story ‘portable’ building that you can put up without planning permission. However, it will need a structural engineer’s report (for example, by the National Structural Integrity Research Centre).
If you are unhappy with your local planning department’s answer, you can appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision. The Secretary of State may approve a carport and waive any planning permission in some cases.
You might want to investigate whether you can use your neighbour’s garden for a carport or whether you need to build on a different plot of land.
You should also check the local laws relating to fences to ensure that they won’t infringe on your neighbour’s property.
Building front yard Patio
If you want to build a patio on your front yard in the U.S.A you will have to work with your city or town to obtain a zoning variance. In some cases, this might mean that the property can be rezoned from residential use to commercial use.
Once you have received permission from the zoning board, and building department and erected the patio, it’s not against any U.S. law to use it as a carport. After all, carports don’t have to be temporary structures. If you want, you can make it permanent.
You must also consider that building a carport yourself can be relatively simple if you do so from plans and kits. However, it is far more complicated if you are building something custom-built.
Carport restrictions on the Gold coast
If you are within the Gold Coast City Council area, you must seek a Certificate of Occupancy from them before constructing any carport.
To obtain one, you need to provide evidence to the council that you have received the necessary State and Federal authorization (such as an occupancy permit) to construct your roof structure and carport.
You have to apply for this before starting construction, and it can take up to 18 months or more for it to be granted. A copy of the approved plans and title search paperwork must also be kept on file.
The only way to get around this issue is to get permission from the council to build a carport upfront. You could do this by applying for an ‘alteration permit’ or ‘variance permit.’
In some cases, they will also need you to obtain a certificate of compliance with your municipality.
You can find out about getting a Certificate of Occupancy from the Gold Coast City Council by watching their website and looking at local council fees.
Quick & Easy Ways to Make a Carport Look Good
1. Install a privacy fence around the carport to keep out the neighbour’s view and give it that finished look.
2. Install a pitched roof covering to improve its looks.
3. Add decorative brickwork and lights on the front of your carport if you want them in there.
4. Add plants for some colour and landscaping elements for beauty.
5. Add a kit to your carport to make it more ‘elegant.’
6. Install some roof light or skylight above your carport to improve the look and feel of the entire structure.
7. Install an electric-powered security light for safety at night, especially if it’s close to a street or sidewalk.
8. Add awnings for added shade and coolness.
9. Install a rain gutter for better protection from rain or snow.
10. Add side-screening to your carports, such as lattice panels or wood blinds.
11. Add large windows on either side of your carport to let more light and airflow into the structure.
12. Use chalk paint for high-quality colour and durability.
Conclusion
Building a carport in front of your house can be an easy, simple, and cheap way to define your home’s front yard. Especially if your home has an otherwise plain or unattractive facade.
However, it is essential to note that you must follow all the relevant building codes and regulations in your state or city. You should also check with local utility companies to see if they have any bans on the construction of carports or if you would need to get permits from them to install a carport on your property.
The same applies to looking at the local building codes to determine if you need a permit and what kind of plans and documents are required from you to get one. You must talk with your neighbours about any plans for a carport in front of your house. Hopefully, this article will help you to understand if can you build a carport in front of your house.
FAQ
Do you need consent for a carport?
A carport is a shelter for vehicles where you can park safely. It should have a roof supported by posts and at least one side open at all times. Building a new carport greater than 40 square meters will always require a building consent. That consent will be issued by the state where you are living.
Does a carport need building regulations?
You do not need normally building regulations. But if it is a new attached carport, which has open on at least two sides and the internal floor area is less than 30 meters. it is a non-combustible detached garage of fewer than 30 meters and it doesn’t contain sleeping accommodation. (If it is built of combustible materials the garage must be at least 1 meter from the property boundary.)
How close to the property line can I put a shed?
In some states, you are allowed to build close to four feet away from your building line. In other places, your LPA may ask you to keep your shed 10-15 feet away from your outer wall. But generally, you need to maintain at least 5 feet between the further edge of your shed and the fence. We also recommend you to double-checking your city code to see if more distance is necessary for your area.
What happens if you build without consent?
If your desired carport needs resource consent and you start work without permission, or you don’t comply with your building consent, and you are committing an illegal offence. The penalties include fines of up to $200,000 and the removal of the work you have done without permission. So, you should get consent before building your project.