Your Ultimate Carport Cost Guide – 2023 New Updates
Whether you’re looking for a shelter to protect your vehicles from the elements, need extra storage space, or want to increase the value of your property, a carport can be the perfect solution. As with any installation project, it’s important to know the associated costs so you can be clear on exactly what to expect before beginning your build.
With our new updates for 2023, this article is designed to be your ultimate guide to planning a carport construction project. We’ll provide you with the most current and relevant information about carport costs so you can choose the best option for your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Building a carport is an excellent way to protect your vehicle from weather elements and other damaging factors.
- Carport costs vary depending on factors like size, design, materials, and the construction process.
- Custom carports are perfect for those who want to create a unique design to accommodate large vehicles or complement their home.
- Carport kits are a cost-effective option that offers protection from the sun and rain but may not provide much protection from other potentially damaging elements.
How much does it cost to build a carport?
The total cost of building a carport can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. There is a range of options out there for custom or standard carport designs, including different roof styles, materials, shapes and sizes.
For reference, a carport is an unenclosed structure that can be custom-built to provide protection for vehicles from weather, theft and damage. Carports provide a cheaper alternative to installing a garage, offering the benefits of year-round weather protection while often being quicker, cheaper and simpler to install.
The 5 biggest factors that affect carport cost
- Custom carport cost vs the cost of a single carport kit
- The size of the carport such as a steel double carport kit or custom gable carport
- The roof type, such as a skillion roof, pitched roofs, gable roof or flat roof carports
- Whether there will be lighting or additional features in the carport
- If local council approval, a council permit or council fees will apply
Carport Kits: $1,000-$4,000
A carport in its kit form will generally be the cheaper option, but if you’re looking for the best carport to protect your particular vehicle, a custom design will be the way to go. The cost of a carport kit ranges depending on the materials, design and additions. A spacious double carport kit with a gable roof will increase the price to closer to $4,000.
Standard Carport Design: $1,500-$5,000
Standard carport designs strike the best balance between the cheaper kits and the more expensive custom products. The final cost will depend on several factors, such as the size, design, materials, and location of the carport. Standard designs are a cost-effective way to provide shade and protection for your vehicles while adding value to your property.
Custom Carports: $4,000-$20,000
A custom, well-designed carport cost can vary greatly from $4000 up to $20,000 with the price being highly dependent on your specifications and design. While the price is generally much higher than standard designs, the ability to tailor the carport to your needs and preferences can be worth it. Factors that can affect the price of a custom carport include the choice of materials, size, roof type, and any additional features such as storage areas.
Carport Price Breakdown
There are a number of elements that will influence your quoted carport cost for both custom carport designs and carport kit designs.
When it comes to custom carport designs and carport installation, the prices are generally broken down into:
- Preparation
- Materials
- Design
- Number of cars
- Free-standing vs attached carport
- Building approval or council fees
Preparation
Preparing the site for a carport is an essential step that can affect the final cost of the project. If the area is relatively flat and already has a concrete slab or gravel surface, the preparation work will typically be minimal and therefore cheaper.
However, if there are trees, rocks, or other obstacles that need to be cleared, or the land requires leveling or excavation, the preparation work will be more complex and expensive.
Materials
The materials you use are possibly the biggest influence on the price, and choosing the right materials for your carport is essential for both durability and aesthetics. Typical carport materials are Colorbond steel, galvanised steel and timber. While Colorbond steel and galvanised steel are popular choices due to their durability and relatively low maintenance requirements, timber can provide a more natural appearance.
It’s important to keep in mind environmental factors such as the typical weather in your area when choosing materials, as well as the overall design of the carport. Selecting high-quality material may be more expensive initially, but can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for maintenance and repairs.
Design
The design of a carport can significantly impact its overall cost. Complex designs or features such as skylights, roller doors, and gutters can increase the price, while simpler designs with fewer features may be more affordable.
There are many different types of designs available for carports, such as simple flat roofs, skillion roofs, and gabled roofs, along with different design options, such as sloping sides and various colour selections.
The size of the carport and the number of vehicles it can accommodate can also impact the cost, as larger designs will require more materials and labour to construct. It’s important to carefully consider your desired design and features to ensure they fit within your budget.
The number of cars you own
The number of cars you own is a crucial factor in determining the size of your carport and, as a result, the overall cost. A single-car carport is naturally cheaper than a two-car or three-car carport due to its smaller size and lower material and labour costs.
Keep in mind that having a carport that fits your specific needs can provide long-term benefits and cost savings.
Free standing carports vs carports attached to house
When deciding between a free-standing or attached carport, it’s important to consider factors such as available space, design limitations, and potential modifications to your home.
A free-standing carport is ideal for those with ample space who want to create a multi-functional area, while an attached carport provides convenient access to your home. However, an attached carport tends to be more expensive, may require modifications to your home, and may incur additional costs for professional installation.
Carport Building Approval or Council Fees
Just as with any construction project, you may need approval from the New South Wales Government to build a carport. The cost of the permit and council fees will depend on your local regulations and the size and complexity of your carport.
The process can be time-consuming, so it’s essential to factor in the additional cost and time required for obtaining the necessary approvals before starting the construction.
How to decide which carport type to invest in?
Here are 7 questions to help you decide:
- Why are you building a carport?
- What is the value of your vehicle?
- What are the weather conditions in your area?
- Are you planning on living in your home for a long period of time?
- How much space do you have available for the carport?
- What is your budget for the project?
- Do you have any specific design preferences or requirements?
Ultimately, the choice of which carport will be best for you comes down to your situation, your property and the level of protection you wish to provide for your vehicle.
Custom carports vs carport kits – why average costs vary between the two
Many people assume that a carport is a carport, no matter how it’s built – but that’s not the case.
Carport kits and custom-built carports differ in appearance, construction, and cost. While both provide protection for vehicles and can be freestanding or attached, the cost-related differences can have a significant impact on the functionality and aesthetics of the structure.
Custom Carports
Custom carports can be designed to accommodate large vehicles, providing better protection from the elements. Custom designs also typically include walls and wide access points for added security.
In saying that, the unique design and construction elements of custom carports make them a more expensive option when compared to carport kits.
Carport Kits
Carport kits are a cost-effect option that usually come with open sides, providing shelter from the sun and rain but minimal protection from outside elements.
The relative lack of security when compared to custom carports can be a deterrent for some homeowners, but their cheaper price point makes them worth considering.
Carport Kit Pros | Carport Kit Cons |
| They are cheaper to build | They are less versatile |
| Customisable in their materials | Not customisable in their construction or design |
| Can be built DIY with little surface preparation | Less durable & not theft proof |
| Less need for council approval | Won’t add much value to your property |
Custom Carport Pros | Custom Carport Cons |
| 100% protection for your vehicle | More expensive to build |
| Storage space & security | Takes longer to construct |
| Add value to your home | Council approvals may be needed |
Your Local Carport Experts…
When it comes to finding a carport builder in Sydney – Correct Constructions is the team to call.
With over 25 years of experience, we supply and install a wide range of options to complement your home and protect your vehicle. We can design your carport to suit your lifestyle needs perfectly, bringing priceless protection to your most prized possessions. With up to 30 years warranty and a number of design solutions available – you can rest assured that your carport will be everything you need and more.
We provide free quotes! Enquire and we will be in touch with design options and cost guides. Otherwise, give us a call on 0458 888 178 to discuss all things carports.
