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A new garage can be a serious investment, and it's possible you're only considering it as extra space for an old vehicle. If you aren't willing to part with it, then there are alternatives to a proper garage that are functional, cost-efficient, and doable. A carport is the immediate solution, but in case you're mistaken about the difference between a carport and a garage's features, you should know a garage is enclosed while a carport is generally open on all sides. That's just a rough comparison, and your local building council still has the final say on what defines a carport, a garage, and an awning. A freestanding carport is your solution in cost and convenience, and you can consider the following guidelines should you consider building one.

Carport Construction Is almost Hassle-Free

The good news is that carports are usually built without the need to secure council permits. These are considered as an outbuilding and may be constructed as an extension of your home. There are limitations to this, though, and the rules still vary between the states. The limitations concern permitted development. You can't build a carport on space that's in front of your house's primary elevation, which is an advantage if your home is built on level ground. Carports are also single storey by default, and you can't build a balcony or an overhang on it, even if you could use the vertical space.

Limitations in Construction

There is a limit to the height of the eves, usually at 2.5 meters, but these vary between states as well. As for extent of the space covered by your construction, your carport shouldn't go beyond fifty percent of land, which should be enough leeway for any vehicle or vehicles you're planning to shelter. In case your house is part of a national park or preserve, you can only cover up to ten meters of space land, if your carport is built beyond twenty meters of your property.

Consult Local Codes before You Build

A carport is portable enough that you can erect one within the day, but if you're planning on something more permanent, you should consult your local housing council regarding restrictions and regulations. If you'd rather not deal with DIY construction from scratch, then you should consider ordering kits available online instead. There are plenty of designs to consider, aside from actual garages built with precut and prefabricated parts. Investing in a new vehicle means you're willing to pay for the upkeep, so make sure your carport construction is cost-efficient and durable.