How Much Does a Carport Cost? [2025]

How Much Does a Carport Cost? A Comprehensive Guide To Creating a Protective Shelter For Your Vehicle

Constructing a carport enables you to create a protective shelter for your vehicle while presenting either basic shade from the Australian sunlight or stylish architectural structures that blend with your house design. Several design options and material choices in carport constructions lead to substantial differences in total costs.

The guide provides an all-encompassing breakdown of Australian carport types alongside preparation guidelines and a thorough breakdown of construction expenses, including council requirements and advanced design options.

Understanding Carports: What Are Your Options?

A carport presents a partially shielded framework that secures vehicles by shielding them from outdoor conditions. The open construction of a carport creates affordability and simplifies installation, and avoids several approval requirements when compared to traditional enclosed garages. Based on your needs and style, and the available space, you should consider different carport designs.

Structure Type

• Freestanding Carports: A freestanding carport exists as a separate unit that can find its place on any part of your property. Carports give homeowners flexibility since they require minimal alterations to the house structure and best suit bigger properties.



• Attached Carports: The attached variety extends from your home, typically from its side or front position. These enclosures present the best solution when you need quick access at any time and in any weather condition.

Size Options

• Single Carport – Suitable for one vehicle (usually around 3m wide by 5.4m long)



• Double Carport: It fits two vehicles adjacent to one another when constructed at 6 meters wide.



• Triple Carport: It serves families best who have various vehicles and require additional storage areas.

You can request custom-sized carports for accommodating higher vehicles that include boats and 4WDs equipped with roof racks.

Materials

• Steel – Durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for harsh weather conditions



• Aluminium: It presents strong resistance to rust while offering light weight, yet proves less strong than steel materials.



• Timber: These carports maintain a traditional appeal suited for retro houses together with beachfront properties, though they need regular care and maintenance.



• Colorbond Steel: It stands out as an Australian favorite material because it combines a long lifespan with various colours and resistance against weather elements.

Roof Styles

• Flat Roof: It features minimalism along with cost-efficient characteristics used commonly in contemporary building designs.



• Gable Roof: A pitched roof style known as Gable Roof combines traditional appearance with superior ventilation properties.



• Skillion Roof: A single-sloped design, contemporary and stylish, ideal for rain runoff.

Average Cost of a Carport in Australia

Australians pay the following costs according to carport type arrangement and design complexity.

• A single carport kit will cost within the range of $2,800 to $5,000, depending on selection. The cost range consists of materials with additional basic installation service.



• The prices for Double Carports stand between $4,500 and $7,500 because they depend on materials and roofing designs.



• Custom carports of single configuration usually range from $5,500 to $8,500, which includes advanced design features along with enhanced finishes.



• Double Custom Carport construction expenses begin at $7,000, yet they may reach $12,500 based on chosen design aspects, as well as site complications and material selections.



• The cost of a triple custom carport spans between $10,000 and $17,000 for securing three automobiles.

The prices, which include both materials and basic setup costs, form the basis of these calculations. The price range of carports excludes council permits and site leveling services, as well as add-on features such as lighting systems.

Carport Kit Prices

You can easily construct a prefabricated carport alone using the complete set of materials provided in the kit. The kit design makes them suitable for do-it-yourself enthusiasts because they offer an economic solution.

• The Flat Roof Single Carport Kit originates from $2,800 until it reaches $4,000 based on various material options and brand considerations.



• A Gable Roof Double Carport Kit costs between $5,000 and reaches up to $7,500 based on the materials chosen.



• Choosing Colorbond steel for durability and style? The cost of a carport increases by 10% to 20% based on the combination of chosen colour range with finish specifications.

The DIY approach allows cost savings on labour, while DIYers need to include delivery expenses between $200 and $600, according to transportation destination. Tower installation requires additional costs for tools alongside expenditure on concrete footings and sometimes professional support for structural raising and anchoring systems.

What Affects the Cost of a Carport?

The cost of a carport usually falls below the price of a garage, but many influencing factors determine how much it will end up costing. These factors will determine the most significant expense in your carport building project:

• Size:
  An extended carport demanding larger quantities of materials combined with increased labor affects the overall project cost. The price of a single carport will remain lower than double or triple carports because the cost increases progressively.



• Material:
  Materials at the premium end of the selection increase the total cost of your purchase. Both Colorbond steel and hardwood cost more money while providing superior resistance to damage and great appearance quality. The budget-friendly options, such as zincalume combined with treated pine, cost less but need frequent maintenance and typically survive for a reduced time.



• Roof Shape:
  Property owners seeking budget-friendly roofing options should choose flat roofs since they offer the lowest prices. The structural challenges of curved and gable roof designs that offer superior drainage and appearance result in increased prices for these roof systems.



• Foundation and Flooring:
  Your decision to use concrete adds $1,000 to $3,500 in expenses for your carport base, according to its size and the nature of the ground below it.



• Site Preparation:
  Owners who place their carport installation on uneven terrain must spend additional money on both equipment and materials. Installation costs become higher when leveling ground becomes necessary or when additional deep digging or retainer elements must be constructed.



• Location:
  Costs vary across Australia. Construction services in metropolitan areas command higher rates than areas outside major cities because installation rates differ, although delivery expenses to reach these regions tend to be higher. State guidelines together with regional supply systems cause minimal variations in prices across different states.

Comparing Kit vs. Custom Carports

You must choose whether to use a DIY carport kit or hire a builder for a personalized carport structure. Here's how they compare:

Cost:

• The prices for kit carports start between $2,800 and extend up to $7,500.



• Customers must expect to pay between $5,500 and reach $17,000 for custom carport installations, which depend on the chosen size and design options.

Installation:

• Most kits offer installers the option to choose between a DIY approach alongside local trade support services.



• Professionals with builder or contractor licenses must perform custom-built projects unless the needed structural modifications remain minimal.

Design Options:

• The standard offerings of kit carports feature requirements for specific sizes and shapes as well as minimum choices between styles and roof configurations, and colours.



• Fully customized carports exist to match every aspect of your home design and materials selection, and personal taste.

Council Approvals:

• Most kits provide approved plans as part of their package to smooth the process of obtaining council authorization.



• A custom-built structure needs comprehensive planning and might need supplementary drawings along with completion checks from local authorities.

Size Breakdown: How Many Vehicles Can a Carport Fit?

Single Carport

• Vehicle Capacity: Fits 1 standard vehicle comfortably.



• Typical Width: 3 to 3.5 metres



• The prices range from $3,000 to $5,000 because basic kits and simple custom designs fall into this range.



• Best For: Homes with limited driveway space or single-vehicle households.

Double Carport

• This carport design accommodates two vehicles because it allows vehicles to be installed on both the left and right sides.



• Typical Width: 5.5 to 6 metres



• A carport kit costs between $5,000 and $8,000 while a custom-built carport designed from scratch reaches prices between $5,000 and $12,500.



• Double car owners, along with families who seek supplemental storage space, will find this design most beneficial.

Triple Carport

• Vehicle Capacity: Fits 3 cars, or 2 cars and a boat/trailer.



• Typical Width: 8 to 9 metres



• The construction price for these structures varies between $10,000 and $17,000, but builders make them exclusively since they demand complex structural modifications.



• A triple carport suits properties with large size requirements and multi-car families, together with car collection owners who want extra vehicle coverage.

Pre-Construction Costs to Factor In

The building project must consider several costs that standard quotations typically exclude since construction has not commenced yet.

• Permits & Council Approvals: $300 to $1,200
  
  The Australian government, through local councils, mandates planning or building permits to construct carports, particularly when such structures connect to residences or stand too near property limits.



• Drafting & Design Services: $500 to $1,500
  
  Construction of standard carports might include drafting and design in custom packages, but standalone projects need independent draftspeople or designers who create council-ready blueprints.



• Engineering Reports: $300 to $1,000
  
  States usually require this approval system to validate that carports adhere to wind code specifications, together with soil types and all additional engineering requirements that impact larger or unique designs specifically.



• Site Preparation: $1,000 to $4,000
  
  The site preparation costs will increase based on the extent to which excavation, grading, levelling and vegetation clearance and old structure elimination are required.



• Concrete Slab or Footings: $1,000 to $3,500
  
  The need for a flat, durable foundation typically arises in cases where you use the carport as an office or entertainment space. Prices for construction vary according to slab dimensions as well as thickness and whether the slab consists of plain or reinforced design.

Add-On Features That Increase Price

If you seek more than a basic roof structure with posts, your costs will increase. Additional features that enhance value also increase the overall installation expenses.

• Lighting: $500 – $1,500



• Guttering and drainage: $300 – $900



• Roller doors or screens: $1,200 – $3,000



• Storage enclosure: $1,000 – $3,000



• Solar carport integration: $4,000 – $10,000

Council Rules and Building Regulations in Australia

Australian councils establish individual regulations regarding carport installations across the country. Here's what you may need:

• A Development Application is optional for conventional builds, although it is essential to verify existing requirements.



• Building Permit: Often mandatory



• Setbacks: Typically 0.9m–1.5m from property boundaries



• Height restrictions: Generally under 3m for residential areas

Smaller carports qualify as exempt development according to certain council requirements. Carport installation involves different requirements from councils that range from needing blueprint drawings, physical inspection of sites and regulations for notifying adjacent neighbours.

Hiring a Carport Builder: What to Know

You should hire a licensed builder to ensure safe and efficient construction of your project, even when not using the DIY approach.

What to expect:

• Hourly rate: $60 – $110/hr



• The overall installation costs range from $1,800 to $4,000 according to size and specific site requirements.



• The delivery duration for prefabricated carports ranges between 1–3 days; however, building a custom structure might take between 1–2 weeks.

Tips for hiring:

• Get 2–3 quotes to compare services and costs



• Check license and insurance



• Ask to see previous projects

State-by-State Cost Variations

Labour costs together with material costs differ substantially between various parts of the nation.

• The hourly rates for labour expenses fall between $90–$110 in NSW and VIC.



• QLD & WA: More affordable trades available costing between $60 to $80 per hour.



• Carports in regional zones tend to have less expensive labour from $50 to $60 per hour.

Local quotes should be used when trying to obtain an accurate cost estimate from carport builders.

Final Word: Is a Carport Worth It?

Installing a carport serves to safeguard your vehicle while boosting your property value, while possibly lowering your car insurance payments. The knowledge of total expenses before you start eliminates any surprises throughout your carport development process. You can build it easily with the help of professional carport builders in your area.