Can You Build a Carport in Front of Your House?

4 October 2024

When you consider the unpredictable nature of Australia's weather - blazing sun one day and torrential rain the next - it's easy to understand why an increasing number of homeowners are thinking about adding a carport to their properties. A carport is a pretty versatile structure, too, and not only does it help protect your vehicle from the harsh elements, but it can also provide extra storage and even add value to your home. But can you build a carport in front of your house?

The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think, and there are several considerations that need to be addressed before construction can begin. From local council regulations to design challenges, building a carport in front of a house requires careful planning, and at Fair Dinkum Builds, we've created this guide that covers everything you need to know.

Firstly, Do You Need Planning Permission?

In most parts of Australia and for most Fair Dinkum Builds carports, the answer is "yes". Building a carport, particularly in front of your house, will likely require approval and permission from your local council, and while the specific regulations vary depending on where you live, most councils will have set rules in place. These local regulations often include where structures like carports can be placed, how they should look, and how close they can be to the street.

One of the key regulations you'll need to consider is the "setback" requirement, which essentially dictates how far from the front boundary line of your property the carport can be built. These setback rules can be pretty strict, especially in suburban areas where councils aim to maintain a certain neighbourhood aesthetic, and in some cases, you may be allowed to build a carport directly on the boundary line, while in others, you might need to leave a few metres between the street and the structure.

Height and design restrictions may also come into play, depending on your local council regulations. Some councils require the carport to match the look and feel of the existing structures on the property, which means you'll need to think about how your carport will blend in with your home's current design.

At Fair Dinkum Builds, we work with your local council to make sure all the specific requirements for building approval are met, taking all the stress out of it for you and ensuring that no work starts until all building permit has been granted.

Learn more about carport building regulations, council approval & getting planning permission for a carport here.

What Are the Challenges of Building a Carport in Front of Your House?

While it may seem like adding a carport to your property is a relatively easy project, placing one at the front of your house can present some unique challenges. For starters, space can be a big issue, as not every property has enough room in the front yard to accommodate both a carport and easy access to the house. As such, you'll need to carefully measure the area to ensure there is enough space for the carport, as well as for easy vehicle access and turning in and out of the garage or driveway.

Another challenge you'll need to face is how a front-facing carport will impact the overall look of your home. Carports, particularly in prominent positions, can dramatically change the curb appeal of your property, and without careful planning, could obstruct views from the street or give your home a cluttered, unbalanced appearance. This is especially true for smaller homes where every inch of front yard space counts!

It's also important to think about the practical challenges, like how a carport will affect existing stormwater drainage system around your property. In some cases, building a carport can change how water flows during rainstorms, potentially causing issues with pooling water or drainage problems near the foundation of your home.

The interference with underground utilities is another factor to consider. In some cases, there may be electrical cables, water pipes, or gas lines running underneath your front yard, and disturbing these could be both dangerous and expensive.

Building a Carport in Front of Your House

So, you've navigated the building regulations and assessed the space. Now it's time to start thinking about how to build the carport, and while the process can vary based on your specific circumstances, there are a few key steps you'll need to follow.

Choosing the Location

While the front of your house may seem like the best choice for your carport, it is still worth spending some time to make sure the space actually works with the layout of your home. Think about access and space, here. How easy will it be to park? Will the carport block any important windows or doors? And how will it integrate with your existing driveway? Taking the time to consider these questions will ultimately help you decide whether or not building a carport in front of your home is the best choice.

Selecting Materials

If you're certain that the front of your home is the right location for your new carport, the next thing to think about is materials, as this will have a huge impact on both the durability of the structure and its overall appearance. Steel is often the preferred material for its strength and resistance to the elements, and at Fair Dinkum Builds, you'll be able to choose from materials like COLORBOND Steel that are renowned for their durability while still giving you the opportunity to choose from many different colours that match your property. Learn more about the different profiles we offer for custom carports here, and other options & extras you can add.

Compliance with Building Codes

As we've mentioned above, carports in Australia must meet certain standards to ensure they are safe and sturdy, particularly in areas that are prone to high winds, bushfires, or heavy rainfall. Different councils have different carport building regulations in place, too, and we'll cover all the paperwork and intricacies on these to ensure your carport meets the regulations put in place by your local council.

Indicative Costs of Building a Carport in Front of Your House

When it comes to cost, the final figure will depend on a range of factors, including the size of the carport, the materials you've chosen, and the overall complexity of the design. For example, a basic, single-car carport is likely to cost less than a larger, more elaborate design. For this reason, it's not possible to give you cost estimates, and more details of your project requirements will be needed.

Get in touch with us, and we can provide you with a free, no obligation quote that outlines all of the costs associated with building a carport in front of your house.

Designing Your Dream Carport With Fair Dinkum Builds

At Fair Dinkum Builds, we understand that every homeowner has different needs when it comes to designing the perfect carport. That's why we specialise in creating custom carports that are tailored to meet your needs, and whether you're looking for a sleek, modern design or something more traditional, our expert design team will work with you to make sure your carport is everything you want it to be.

All of our carports are also made using only the highest-quality materials that are designed to stand up to Australia's unique climate. So, whether you live in a cyclone-prone area or need a carport that can withstand extreme heat, we've got you covered. You can design your very own carport with our free shed designer app.

Get in Touch for an Obligation Free Quote on Your New Carport

Are you ready to get started on your new carport? At Fair Dinkum Builds, we're here to help you every step of the way, from initial design through to final construction. Contact us today for an obligation-free quote, and let's start building the perfect carport for the front of your home.