Why build a Carport on the Side of the House?

September 27, 2020

Why build a Carport on the side of the house?

The most obvious answer to this is limited space.  Many houses have at least a 3 metre space between the boundary fence and the wall of the home. So building a carport in this space is a great option.

With smaller land sizes these days, this may be the only option available to add a carport to your home.

DeKing Decks can design and build your perfect side-attached carport using quality roofing options to suit your needs in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and surrounding areas.

What Is a Carport and Why Should I Consider One for My Home?

A carport is a structure with a roof that is designed to protect all types of vehicles from the weather elements. It will protect your vehicle from extreme heat, sun damage, tropical storms and hail, which makes it a good investment.  A carport not only protects the vehicle, but it may also add value to your home.

What Types of Carports Are Available in 2026?

A carport can be attached to a wall or free-standing and generally has one or two walls and at least two open sides.  The height of the carport can also be adjusted to accommodate larger vehicles like motor homes, caravans and boats.  In this blog, we are looking at building a carport attached to the side of your home.

What can I use the Side Carport for?

Carports not only protect cars (as the name might imply) – you can also protect other important assets such as: motor homes, caravans, camper trailers, boats, trailers, horse floats, 4WDs, motorcycles, bicycles, buses, tractors, farm equipment, and heavy machinery.

The side carport itself can also be used for other purposes as well (when vehicles are elsewhere) – outdoor entertaining, barbecues, children’s parties, storage, gardening, drying washing on wet days, etc.

Benefits of having a carport addition to the side of your home

  • provides shelter whatever the weather
  • improves home valuation and the street appeal
  • adds a versatile zone that has many uses, including entertainment
  • increases the outdoor living area of the house.

What is the maximum length of a Carport?

The size of the carport is only limited by the length of the home, so easily 1-3 car lengths.  

This layout still allows vehicles to drive through to the back yard, but offers a sheltered area to protect vehicles when parked underneath.

building a carport on side of house brisbane Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast

Do I Need Council Approval to Build a Side-Attached Carport in Queensland in 2026?

Many homeowners wonder about permits before starting. In Queensland, a side-attached carport often requires building approval if it exceeds 10 m² in area, is taller than 2.4 m, or doesn’t meet setback rules (typically 1.5 m from side/rear boundaries and 6 m from the front). 

Smaller or compliant designs may qualify as “accepted development” with no formal approval needed, but always check your local council (e.g., Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast) for zoning, overlays, or neighbourhood plans. 

DeKing Decks handles the approval process, including private certifier submissions, so you avoid delays—contact us for a site check.

How Much Does a Side-Attached Carport Cost?

Costs vary based on size (single vs. double/boat-length), materials (e.g., Colorbond, clear multiwall, or insulated roofing), and site prep. Expect $6,000–$20,000+ for a custom attached carport.

Factors like length along the house, custom height for caravans/boats, and extras (gutters, lighting) influence the price. 

Use DeKing DecksPatio Roof Calculator for an estimate, or get a free quote tailored to your Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, or Gold Coast property.

What Design Ideas Work Best for a Side-Attached Carport in Queensland Homes?

Side-attached carports suit narrow spaces perfectly—use the house wall as one side and the fence as the other for a seamless look. 

Popular ideas include flat or skillion roofs for modern homes, gable styles to match Queenslanders, adjustable heights for boats/RVs, and combinations like clear sections for natural light. Add practical touches like concrete flooring, side privacy screens, or integrated storage for bikes/tools. 

DeKing Decks offers custom designs with quality roofing options to blend with your home’s style and maximise usability.

Can I Add Solar Panels to My Side Carport Roof?

Yes—Queensland’s abundant sunshine makes this a smart upgrade. A side-attached carport provides extra roof space for solar panels (especially if your main house roof is shaded or full), potentially saving $10,000–$30,000 over the system’s lifetime through energy bill reductions. 

Choose durable, light-coloured roofing to reflect heat and support panel weight. We can advise on compatible structures and integrate solar-ready options during build.

How Does a Side Carport Compare to a Full Garage?

A side-attached carport is often cheaper (half the cost or less), quicker to build, and uses wasted space without major excavation. It offers open-air ventilation (great for hot QLD summers), easier access, and multi-use flexibility (e.g., entertaining or drying washing). 

While a garage provides more security/enclosure, a carport boosts curb appeal and value with less maintenance. For many homes with limited land, it’s the practical, high-ROI choice.

DeKing can help you design and build the carport that is ideal for your home

DeKing can help you design your attached carport and bring your vision to fruition. Offering expert advice and using only quality products you can rest assured your investment will last long into the future. A wide selection of roofing materials to choose from including: corrugated, colorbond, clear corrugated, clear multiwall, or you can opt for a combination of roof types.

Deking Decks services Brisbane, Northside, Southside, Redlands, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast

CARPORT COSTS?

Use our Patio Roof Calculator (patio roof flyover or attached) to estimate the cost of your carport or Contact Us to get a more accurate estimate.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Side Carports

  1. Do side-attached carports need to meet boundary setback rules in Queensland?

Yes – typically at least 1.5 m from side/rear boundaries (and 6 m from the front), though smaller compliant designs may be exempt. DeKing checks your property’s exact rules during the quote process.

  1. Can a side carport increase my home’s property value?

Yes – it improves street appeal, adds usable outdoor space, and provides practical vehicle protection, often boosting resale value more than an uncovered driveway.

  1. What roofing options are best for a side-attached carport in Queensland?

Popular choices include Colorbond for durability, clear multiwall for natural light, or insulated panels to reduce heat. DeKing helps select the right combination for your climate and style.