Everything You Need To Know About Carports

Posted on 31st July 2023 | Posted in Home & Garden

Are you considering adding a carport to your home? A carport is a practical purchase with many benefits, from maximising your property’s space to protecting your car or caravan from the harsh and unpredictable British weather.

Our bespoke designs have even more to offer than that. That’s why we’ve put together a buying guide to help answer any questions or queries and provide you with all the information you need to know about home carports.

Discover the practical advantages to this smart addition to your home, from maximising your space to safeguarding your car or caravan from the ever-unpredictable British weather.

What is a carport?

Firstly, what exactly is a carport, and why should you consider getting one? A carport is a covered structure that is specifically designed to shelter vehicles, typically cars, from the elements. A carport is different to a garage as it is not fully enclosed; it will usually have open sides to allow for  everyday vehicle access while also offering protection from adverse weather conditions.

Carports can be attached to a home or freestanding. They are typically supported by posts or columns and designed with an angled roof to allow rainwater to drain away. They also offer a good amount of protection from rain, snow, hail and the sun’s UV rays.

The benefits of a carport

Carports are popular as they offer a cost-effective and versatile solution for homeowners looking to protect their vehicles from the elements. Her are some of the key benefits of a home carport:

• Weather protection
  A carport helps shield vehicles from rain, snow, hail and the sun’s UV rays. This helps preserve a vehicles appearance as, over time, exposure to adverse weather conditions can cause paint to fade and erode.
• Reduced need for cleaning
  With a carport shielding a vehicle from the elements, it won’t accumulate as much dirt and dust as it would if left out in the open. This results in a reduced need for regular cleaning, saving time and effort for vehicle owners.
• Cost-effective solution
  In comparison to building a full garage, a carport is an affordable and accessible option for most homeowners. A carport can also be installed in a much faster timeframe.
• Multi-purpose space
  While a carport’s main purpose may be to cover a vehicle, it can also be a surprisingly versatile addition to a home. Some common additional uses for a carport include as extra storage for bikes and gardening tools, or even covered space for outdoor gatherings like picnics.
• Enhanced property value
  While a carport may not always directly increase the monetary value of a home, it provides a valuable addition to the space that is likely to be appealing to any future buyers.
• Protecting a caravan or motorhome
  Carports are popular options for owners of caravans or motorhomes. They can help extend the lifespan of the vehicle and reduce maintenance costs.

How much does a carport cost?

Every carport is unique and bespoke to each home, which means that a range of factors go into determining the cost of a carport – from the size of the structure and its position on your property to the materials it is made from. For this reason, we carry out an initial free survey to understand the specific requirements of an individual property before providing a quote for how much your carport will cost.

However, it is possible to provide a rough guide to the cost of a carport. For example, if a carport is installed with a length of 5m and a projection of 2.5m (including gutter), then the estimated cost would be around £3,000. Always reach out directly for an accurate quote.

Do I need planning permission for a carport?

The simple answer is no. It is unlikely that you will need to obtain planning permission for the installation of a carport to your home.

Planning permission would only be required if the size of the system installed at your property is greater than 50% of your home’s ground floor space; even then, permission is not always necessary.

If you are uncertain about the size of carport you require or if you are concerned about whether or not it will extend beyond the permitted limit, we are able to provide all the information you need when we conduct the initial survey of the property.

In the very rare occasion that planning permission would be required, Canopies UK can assist you with the process.

Are there any restraints or restrictions regarding carport size?

All of our systems are bespoke and built to the necessary specifications of a given project. Restrictions depend on the individual property design, but our surveyors will always be able to offer a solution.

The carport canopy system is modular so there is no restriction on length. We have installed similar cantilevered canopies for schools with some installations being over 400 metres long. No matter the length required, we can ensure your car is fully protected from the elements.

As for the projection, the maximum width is 3.6m and the minimum is 0.76m. That means that no matter the make or model of your car, whether you have a Smart Car or a Range Rover, you’ll have ample room to store your vehicle.

Moreover, the average height for a carport from the ground to the underside of the canopy is 2.3m. The height can be altered depending upon the vehicles that will be parked underneath. For example, if the system is being installed for the primary purpose of protecting and storing a caravan, the canopy would be raised and installed at a suitable height to accommodate your caravan or motorhome.

Will installing a carport increase the value of my home?

Installing a carport will not directly affect the value of your property but it will definitely be considered as an added bonus to potential buyers if you ever choose to sell your home.

These systems are designed to utilise your outside space and provide a multitude of lifestyle advantages, whilst maximising the space of the property. These are all considered benefits for likely buyers.

What material are Canopies UK’s carports made from?

We test materials to guarantee that our canopies are both reliable and resilient. As such, our carports are made from a high quality composite material known as GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester).

The material is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than steel or timber, and has a longer service life, estimated to be 100+ years. The end result is a strong, durable system impervious to adverse weather conditions.

What colours can I choose from?

If you have a specific colour in mind, simply provide us with a RAL code and we can customise the system to your exact requirements.

From start to finish, how long will the process take?

Once the initial survey has been conducted and an official order placed, it will take between 4-6 weeks (depending on time of year) for the canopy to be custom built and installed on the property.

Each canopy is bespoke and made-to-measure within our factory to the highest standards. To this end there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration, including the measurements and materials needed, as well as the wind speed and snow levels for the area. This is a process that ensures that each and every system is built to last, however it cannot be achieved within a day.

How long does the carport installation take?

Once your product has been manufactured, the installation takes less than a day, and is carried out by our fully qualified team, planned with meticulous detail to ensure minimal disruption. Mr Richard Peters from Rossendale explains the service expected once your carport is ready for installation:

“Please pass on our thanks to your fitting team. They did a fantastic job, and explained what they were doing at each stage of the fitting process. A very pleasant team who were a credit to your company.

Many people have admired the first canopy your company installed and likewise yesterday compliments on the second canopy and how neat and tidy the team left everything. Many thanks again.”

If you have any more questions please read the information available on our FAQ page or contact us today for a free survey.