Last Updated: October 2026
If your garage is too full to accommodate all your vehicles, a carport can provide extra covered parking without the need to build a completely enclosed garage.
It can be designed to shelter a second car, a caravan, a boat or other equipment while complementing your home’s existing roofline and outdoor space.
The best carport for your property will depend on how much room you have, what you need to store, where the structure can be positioned and how it will fit with your home. Roof style, materials, drainage, access and your budget will also influence the design and overall cost.
For Brisbane homeowners, it’s worth considering these details early, along with the relevant building and planning requirements. Let’s explore carport design options, where to position a new structure, which materials to consider and what can affect the cost of adding extra covered parking.
Whether you have an over-flowing garage or have turned your garage into a home office, we can design and build a quality carport to suit your needs.
A carport may suit homeowners who:
The location of the carport is important when considering what is possible to be built. There are important considerations such as:
Brisbane City Council’s requirements depend on the property, applicable codes and overlays. Building approval is required for a carport on an existing house. If you’re outside Brisbane, make sure to check with your local council. Carports on standard house blocks often require a relaxation from council due to proximity to a boundary. For carports close to a side boundary, you may also have to get an agreement from your neighbour.
Some vehicles have specific requirements when considering the suitability of a carport. If the access to a carport isn’t a straight 180 degrees, it may be necessary to consider the clearance to any vehicle as it is turning as well as any obstacles in the area. For vehicles other than standard passenger cars, there may be some height requirements, including if there are roof mounted accessories.
The design of the carport takes into account the style of build as well as the materials which are used in its construction.
Ideally the carport design should complement the existing street view of the house. There are 3 common roof designs for carports:
Consideration should also be given to the engineering of the carport as to whether it needs to be attached to the existing house or can be a freestanding structure.
Some designs lend themselves to particular materials more than others. With timber and steel being the most common choices of framework, it’s helpful to consider the suitability of selected materials in relation to visual appeal, maintenance required, warranties and cost.
The cost of a building a carport can vary depending on all the considerations we have presented above. The most important outcome is always “value for money”. Ensure that if you are going to invest in the addition of a carport structure to your home, you get the function and look you want and the best quality carport you can get for your money.
When you ask a company like DeKing Decks for a quote, the following will be considered:
If you want to explore adding a carport to your home, contact the Deking team today. We provide affordable solutions that suit your needs.
DeKing Decks services Brisbane, Redlands, Bayside, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
A carport will often cost less than a fully enclosed garage because it generally requires fewer building materials and less construction work. However, the final cost depends on the size, design, foundations, materials, site conditions and approval requirements. Compare quotes based on the same specifications before deciding.
The carport needs to accommodate the vehicle’s full length, width and height, including roof-mounted accessories. Allow additional space for manoeuvring and access where possible. Measure the vehicle carefully before choosing a design, and discuss any unusual clearance requirements with your carport builder.
The right roof depends on your priorities, budget, orientation and the way you use the space. Insulated roof panels can help reduce heat transfer compared with a basic single-skin metal roof. A suitable design should also account for drainage, ventilation and the site’s exposure to sun and weather.
Measure the vehicles you want to shelter, identify the preferred location and take photos of the surrounding house and driveway. It also helps to consider your preferred roof style, materials, budget and any extra features, such as lighting or privacy screening. This information gives the builder a clearer starting point for assessing the project.
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