It’s the first question we are asked, how much does a carport cost?

The cost of a carport is like the cost of anything else, prices are different depending on the quality and size, including clearance height.

The most common carport is a double carport measuring around 6metres x 6 metres with a clearance height of 2.4metres. This size comes in ready-prepared kits by most manufacturers and normally they cannot be altered in any way.

How much does a carport cost? - An accurate starting point in late 2022 for cost estimates is:

• $1,900 for an imported galvanised steel double carport kit
• $3400 for a custom-built Colorbond steel double carport with a skillion roof
• $4300 for an imported galvanised steel double carport kit
• $5800 for a custom-built Colorbond steel double carport with a gable roof

Single carports, around 3m x 6 metres can be purchased from around $1300 for imported steel but up to just under $3000 for a high-quality custom-made carport.

How much does a carport cost? Often depends on where you live!

Carports must comply with all Australian Standards for class 10A Buildings. A carport installed in a cyclonic region needs to be a lot stronger than a carport installed far away from the coast in central Australia. A stronger carport will cost more than a carport built for mild wind conditions.

Here is a map showing the main wind regions in Australia – Wind Regions A, B and C.

Also depends on Labour!

Depending on which state you live in, your carport builder may have to be a licensed builder or carpenter. Check what applies where you live, so your carport gets built to the correct to comply with your local regulations.

DIY

Businesses like Car Covers and Shelter and Professional Choice Sheds will supply a carport in kit form. They are easy to install for anyone with a little experience with DIY. You and a mate can have a standard carport installed in around a day. Off-shelf carports like the Budget Carports and the Lysaght Lite Carports have almost no cutting or drilling involved. A custom-designed carport may have a little cutting and drilling, but it will come with much fuller instructions and plans.

Handyman Installation

A local handyman will usually be quite capable of installing a carport, maybe with just a little help in holding and lifting parts. A handyman will only charge for the hours he spends at the place of work and usually they are $40 or $50 per hour less than a tradesperson.

Professional Tradesperson

A professional tradesperson will usually charge around 2 days’ work for installing a carport. They may spend a morning concreting the legs in place and then come back the next day to complete the installation. This means that they will charge you for 2 days of work and generally they work in pairs. You can expect a minimum of 16 hours charge per day and in many cases, they will charge 2 full days. At a ‘reasonable’ trade rate of $100 per hour, this installation will amount to $3200, sometime more than the cost of the carport kit.

Actual cost of a carport

The true carport cost depends on factors such as your location and whether you need a strengthened cyclonic carport and most of all, whether you intend installing yourself, using a handyman or employ tradespeople.

The other major cost not discussed are: -

• do you need a concrete slab?
• Do you need electricity?
• Probable council fees and building approvals

Concrete Slab

A concrete slab must be thick enough to bear the weight of the cars. A concrete slab will cost between $60 and $90 per square metre. On a ‘standard” 6m x 6m carport this could add $3000 to the total installation cost.

Electricity

An electric light in the carport is always useful. Electricians cost between $70 and $100 per hour so be prepared for another $300-$400 cost if you want a light and/or power point.

Council Fees

Council fees can vary around Australia. Make sure that you check on your local requirements before you commit to any design. You may need to get a council permit to build a carport depending on its cost and size. You may also need a building permit. Allow around $500 for council but this is easily checked out before you start.

Summary

Buying the carport kit is just the beginning. The kit will come with everything you need to install apart from the concrete for the base. Often paying a little more for a carport with base plates for installation straight on to an existing slab can save a lot of money.

You also must consider costs for a concrete slab, electricity, and possible council costs. It’s not an easy answer for anyone as we all have our own special needs.

A standard double carport can therefore cost anywhere between around $2500 and $6000 fully installed.



Will a Carport add value to my home?

A superior quality carport will add value to your home. It can be worth a lot more in the more tropical areas than in the south as people look for car protection from the tropical sun. As Hail damage becomes more common with climate change, it is becoming more of a necessity everywhere to ensure that your vehicles have a place to be stored safely. Often a carport will make the difference of a purchaser deciding to buy one house over another and it will return its value over a brief time.