Carports can help to protect your car from the elements, deter vandals, and even add value to your home. If you’re keen to get one installed on your property, keep reading. Here, we’ll cover everything to do with hiring carport installers near you – from how to find one to what they typically cost.
Want to get started on finding carport builders near you?
We have two quick and easy ways to find the best carport installers near you on Checkatrade:
- Request a quote. Just tell us what you need doing and we’ll reach out to carport builders near you on your behalf. They’ll then contact you directly.
- Search your postcode. Enter your postcode into the search box below to browse a list of quality local carport installers on Checkatrade.
Your questions answered about carport installation near you
Do you need permission for a carport?
You won’t usually need planning permission for a carport, as long as you keep it below a certain size. This is because carports typically fall within your permitted development rights.
Our guide to how big a carport can be without planning permission goes into full detail. But in summary, your carport should cover less than 50% of the land surrounding your property and should be no more than 4m high.
Just bear in mind that there are exceptions to these rules. For instance, if you live in a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Beauty, your carport mustn’t cover more than 10m². Similarly, if you live in a listed building, you’ll need to obtain planning permission before building a carport.
How close to the boundary can I build a carport in the UK?
You can build a carport right up to the boundary in the UK without planning permission, as long as its eaves height is no taller than 2.5m. If you want to build a taller carport without planning permission, you’ll need to make sure that your carport is at least 2m from your property’s boundary.
Does a carport add value to a home in the UK?
That depends! Adding a carport to your home certainly has the potential to add value if it’s well-designed and in good condition. After all, it could increase your home’s security, improve the way it looks and even add storage space to your property, which will all help to make your home more attractive to buyers.
That said, adding a carport to your home isn’t guaranteed to add value. For example, if it blocks views from the house or creates an eyesore, it could decrease your property’s appeal. Similarly, if most of your neighbours have garages, buyers might expect and prefer a fully-enclosed garage instead.
Can a gazebo be used as a carport?
Yes, you can use a gazebo as a carport, as long as it’s square and can easily fit your car underneath. Many traditional gazebo designs are hexagonal or octagonal and feature built-in seating, which would make it impossible to drive under them with a car. However, there are certainly some designs that could function as carports.
Alternatively, you could consider using a pergola as a carport. These are similar to gazebos and can either be freestanding or attached to your house. The key thing is that they only have two or four legs, making it much more likely that you’d be able to drive your car underneath.
What can I use to cover my carport sides?
If you want to enclose your carport by covering the sides, you’ll have lots of options available to you. The right one for you will depend on your reason for enclosing your carport. For instance, are you after more privacy, more shade or to make your carport watertight?
A few ideas include lattice, making curtains out of drop cloths, or even just hanging heavy tarpaulin. As well as DIY options, you can invest in custom or off-the-shelf carport side curtains.
What materials can a carport be made from?
Carport frames are usually made from steel, aluminium or timber.
Meanwhile, there are lots of different options for the roof. Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride are the most popular options, but metal or bitumen roofing sheets are also common. If you really want to enhance the curb appeal of your property, you could even opt for traditional roof tiles.
Check out our selection of carport ideas for inspiration, or go straight ahead and find timber, steel or aluminium carport installers near you by entering your postcode below.
Why hire local carport installers?
You might be tempted to build a carport yourself. However, unless you have a lot of DIY experience, we’d recommend leaving this job to the professionals. Here’s why.
- Save time. A local carport installer will be able to build your carport much more quickly and efficiently than you would, saving you the hassle and getting your carport ready in no time
- Professional standard. A carport builder near you will have all the necessary knowledge, tools and expertise to complete your job to a high standard, giving it the best chance of adding value to your home
- Advice. When you hire a local carport installer, you get to lean on their expertise for advice. For instance, they can recommend the best materials for your carport and even help make sure your carport fits into your permitted development rights
- Stand the test of time. By using an experienced professional, you can be sure your carport has been properly built and will stand the test of time – saving you on expensive repair jobs in the future!
How much do carport fitters near me cost?
The cost of carport installation near you will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The size of your carport (eg. single or double)
- Whether you need a concrete base laid
- The material your carport is made from
- Your location
However, you can typically expect to spend around £2,000 - £4,000 for a single carport or £3,500 - £6,500 for a double carport.
How much do timber versus metal carport installers near me cost?
If you’re wondering whether timber or metal carports cost more, the answer is that it will depend on the type of metal you’re looking at. Steel carports tend to be more expensive than timber, but aluminium carports tend to be cheaper!
Although timber can be an aesthetically pleasing material, it requires the most maintenance. Meanwhile, aluminium requires next to no maintenance as it is highly resistant to corrosion. Together with its low cost, this makes it an attractive material for many.
Type your postcode into the search box below to find experienced aluminium carport installers near you.
How do I find reputable carport installation companies near me?
If you’re ready to get your carport installed, you’re probably wondering how to find the right carport installation company for the job. Here are our tips.
- Read reviews. Check what other homeowners have said about any companies you’re considering before hiring them
- Get multiple quotes. We’d always recommend getting at least three quotes from carport installation companies near you. That way, you can be sure to find the right company and price for the job
- Check their pricing structure. Reputable carport fitters near you shouldn’t ask for full payment upfront
- Use Checkatrade! Approved Checkatrade members have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed on things like professionalism and punctuality. So, you can be confident you’re hiring someone you can trust