How Much Does a Carport Cost? [2024]

A carport is any unenclosed structure with a roof that's designed to accommodate at least one vehicle. A carport can be an affordable alternative to a garage, giving your vehicle protection from the elements at a fraction of the cost.

When calculating your carport cost, take the time to research your options so you know exactly what to budget for this project. Decisions such as the material, design, size and location of your structure will influence the cost of carport installation.

Read this guide to find out:

• How much does a carport cost?
• Planning your carport
• Understanding carport regulations
• Hiring a carport builder
• Getting quotes from carport builders

How much does a carport cost?

The biggest decisions affecting carport cost are:

• Whether you buy a carport in kit form or have it custom built
• The size of the carport
• The type of roof (e.g. flat or gable roof)
• The materials used
• Lighting or other features
• Whether fees or permits are required

Kit or custom made?

A carport kit is usually the cheapest option, as the carport is supplied pre-cut and ready for assembly and installation. Depending on how much work is involved, you may be able to install it yourself or you may need an appropriately licensed tradie.

The cost of carport kits ranges from around $1000 at the lower quality end to $5000 or more at the high end.

The cost of custom carports varies even more, as everything needs to be prepared from scratch. Expect prices to start from around $6000 for a single carport up to $20,000 or more for a double carport.

Single or double carport?

As you'd expect, double carport prices are around twice that of a single carport.

• Average prices for a single carport kit in Australia are $2000 to $3000
• Average prices for a double carport kit are $4000 to $5000
• Average prices for custom carports are around $10,000 for a single and $20,000 for a double carport

Roof style

Carports are available with flat or angled skillion roofs and pitched (gable) roofs, including pitched hip and Dutch gable designs.

Roof styles can be chosen for a harmonious look with your home, but they also affect carport cost. A carport design with a flat roof or skillion roof is usually cheaper than one with a gable roof.

• A skillion roof single car carport made from galvanised steel can cost under $1200
• A skillion roof double carport made from galvanised steel costs around $2000
• An extra-wide two-car galvanised steel carport with a gable roof may cost $3000 to $4000

Carport materials

Most carports and roofs are made from steel. If you prefer more durable materials with a wider choice of colour options, a single aluminium or Colorbond steel carport can cost around $3200.

If you prefer a timber carport with all the trimmings, a timber carport kit for a single car costs around $3000 to $4000, while a double timber carport with a gabled roof can cost $5000 or more.

Other carport costs

The above prices are the cost of the carport only. Other costs you may need to consider, depending on the project, include:

• Surface preparation
• Laying a cement slab
• Professional installation
• Council fees
• Building permit

Read more: Carport design

Planning your carport

Before you start to get quotes for your carport, you should also consider aspects such as:

• How many vehicles do you need the carport to accommodate?
• Where will your carport be sited on your property?
• How much space do you have to build a carport?
• Will your carport be a freestanding structure or attached to your home?
• What regulations apply where you live?

Attached carports are joined to the home via the fascia or a truss bracket system and look more integrated to the overall design. Freestanding carports are more flexible in terms of their location.

Understanding carport regulations

In Australia, carports need to meet certain regulations regarding their size, location, distance from other structures and the street, and their appearance. Make sure you check what your local requirements are before you commit to a carport design.

You may need to get a council permit or building permit to build a carport, depending on its cost and size.

Depending on which state you live in, your carport builder could be a licensed builder or carpenter. Check what's required where you live, to make sure your carport gets built to the correct spec.

Hiring a carport builder

When you're ready to hire a carport builder, you need to be confident that they're right for your project. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you licensed?
• Do you have valid insurance?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• How long is the warranty on your materials?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

Getting quotes from carport builders

Because of all the variables involved, you'll need to get quotes for carports to get an idea of how much it costs to build a carport.

To get the most accurate quotes, give carport builders as much information as you can. Details such as whether you need a slab or excavation can make a big difference, so making these known in advance will save you from price shocks later, when you get your final quote.

*Cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.