Tips for getting the right carport

TJ asks:

I’d like to add a carport on the front of my home, but don’t want it to look silly. What sorts of things should I be aware of before building it?

Jane says:

A carport is a great way to add value to your property at the same time as making it more practical for you and your family.

Though there are many different carport styles to choose from, I prefer one that ties through to the house in some way. At the very least, the colours should tie through. For instance, paint – or powder-coat – the carport the same colour as the house guttering or fascias, or maybe even the actual house colour.

If your budget is a little larger, you could consider a carport that ties through to the style of the house as well. For example, if you have a period style house with a detailed gable on the roof, you could mirror this design in the roof line of the carport, for example with a matching gable detail. Or maybe you have a brick and tile home? The roof of the carport could have the same roof tiles as the house and the support posts and sides (if any) could be the same colour and similar style to, say, the balustrades on the deck.

Of course, this latter carport is a much more substantial and expensive option, so it does depend on the area you are located (and the value of your house). For instance you wouldn’t spend $25,000 on a carport if your house is only worth $300,000.  

The main things to consider are that it looks the part and is cohesive in design with the house itself. Also, spend less if the house is in a lower value area and more if it is in a higher value area.

Lastly, be aware that you will probably need to gain local council approval before constructing your carport. Do this homework before anything else!

Jane Eyles-Bennett is the founder of Hotspace Consultants and has more than 20 years of interior design and renovation experience.