Three Commonly Asked Questions When It Comes To Carports

Posted on: 18 November 2019

Carports are a common sight across most of Australia as millions take advantage of them to keep their cars protected from the environment. When people move into a new house often one of the first extensions they build is a carport (if one does not already exist) because it is hard to get used to life without one after you have experienced them for so long. If you are considering selecting a design from the numerous carports available, then you probably have a few questions not easily answered with simple searching. Here are a few of the most common questions, along with their answers:

Do I Need Building Permission From The Council To Build Carports?

Often when you decide to add extensions to your house, you have to consult with the council and submit paperwork to get them to agree to your proposed plans. However, carports seem like they are a different breed of building because they are not really built for human use and generally don't even have walls. The short answer is yes, in most cases you do still need to correspond with the council for the construction of any carports. The only time carports don't need building permits is if they meet very strict conditions, and generally these don't apply for first-timers. Always make sure to consult with your carport builder; they will know your specific areas needs.

Are Carports Too Expensive?

Carports are often used as an alternative to a garage or a shed because they are cheaper than both these counterparts. Many carports are prefabricated and need only a few hours to set up. This means you are mostly paying for parts -- not labour, which is generally the largest cost on any minor construction site. You can find carports starting from just a couple of grand all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars. For those on a budget it is the perfect place to start.

Do Carports Work?

A simple but fair question, as many people who don't have carports wonder whether they really do stop any hail, debris or strong winds from damaging their cars. The answer is simple: a resounding yes. Carports can save you thousands of dollars in damage during heavy storms, but what is almost as important is that they can save you money on insurance. Many customised car insurance policies allow you to state whether you park in a secure place when at home. Your carport could save you thousands of dollars of unspent insurance dollars over the life of your car -- often more than enough to pay for the initial construction of your carport. Not only do they save your car from being damaged, but they can incrementally save you money in the long run, too.

For more information, you can contact companies like Allgal Garages.

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