You only need basic DIY and woodworking skills for a basic carport. A carport is classed as an outbuilding as far as planning rules are concerned. There are two types of approvals:

Building approval (provided by a building certifier)
Planning approval (provided City Council)

Building approval ensures that buildings are structurally sound.

Planning approval is used to make sure new structures, like garages and carports, complement the existing streetscape and do not negatively affect neighbours. Please check your loical city council for more information.

The first step of building a carport beside the house is to erect four stout timber posts to support a beam that will carry the outer edge of the roof, and to fix a horizontal timber wallplate to the house wall to support the other edge. Then joists are fixed into notches cut in the beam and wallplate, and corrugated plastic roofing sheets are secured to this timber framework.

Make sure that all the wood you buy for the carport is pre-treated with wood preservative. Treat all the notches you cut in the wood with extra preservative before assembling the structure.

The roof needs a slight slope in order to drain rainwater off it. This can run from front to back or from the house wall to the opposite side of the roof. It is easier to waterproof the junction between the roof and the house wall if the drainage runs from end to end, since the flashing tape will run parallel to the corrugations in the roofing sheet rather than at right angles to them. Add a run of guttering along the downhill edge of the roof so rainwater does not simply drip off. Fit an outlet and a downpipe to discharge the water into a nearby gully if one is available. If there is no gully nearby, collect the rainwater run-off in one or more water butts, for use in the garden.

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So, once you have made up your mind about installing carport in your driveway, you must itemise the various must-have features in carport kits you would consider. The “kits” imply that the carport will need to be assembled on a DIY basis. Accordingly, it should have a logical design for intuitive and easy integration.

The carport body should be strong and resistant to weather hazards like heavy snow or strong winds. You may find carports online that offer wind resistance up to 100 km/ hr and snow load up to 20 cm.

Generally, an Aluminium carport with an alloy surface is better placed to resist oxidation and wear-tear. The modern carports are very strong, however, sporting architectural design that’s pertinent, elite and minimal. It is also suggested to go for Poly Carbonate (PC) panelling in a shed, as it offers better heat shielding and UV stability. The shed should also be timpact resistant and made of durable material. For instance, you can find Cantilever carports with glass like shades, but made up of a material about 200 times sturdier than ordinary glass! Not to mention, it should be easy to clean the carport.

Space Measurement: Simple measuring the area that will be covered for the carport isn’t enough. Act smart! Always leave extra space of 2 feet if possible so later, you can always either convert your carport to a garage or add columns to build strong columns for storing equipments etc.

In case you are building a carport for an RV or a boat, then be sure to measure the height of the RV or boat which we often overlook. Prefer to always leave extra space within the length & breadth of the carport for future use in case you switch over to a bigger car or RV etc.

Smart Designing: When you have a carport & wish to extend it, ensure you leave the four pillars intact and build a detachable addition unless you wish to convert the carport into a garage. This helps in case you wish to switch back to a carport the entire structure won’t have to be demolished.

Try building the carport using one large wall of the house. This ensures the roof is stronger as its support for carport is doubled. That way one can match the carport roof with the color and façade of the house.

Choosing Materials: Keep in mind the climate & landscape when choosing the material to build a carport. Beach side residences can prefer wood as the salt-heavy air can rust metal structures. One can prefer solid metal structures to build carports for areas with heavy rains or harsh sun.

The latest trend for carport material is Alumiwood which actually is metal however is made to look like wood.

Professional Help: In case you wish to make a carport yourself, read the kit details properly before purchasing. Not all carport material types are easy to install. Enclosed carports are a good example where one needs to install 3 side walls. It’s good to have an experienced extra hand to help build a carport.

In case you aren’t a person good with measurements and calculations, then consider engaging professionals who know the process than making a carport that might not be sturdy and well built.