A carport at the house – a practical choice for every owner


A carport is a practical solution for every homeowner. Discover its benefits and why it's worth investing in.

A carport at the house – a practical choice for every owner

A carport next to the house – a practical solution without a permit


A carport is a practical solution that effectively protects your car from rain, snow, and sun. The advantage of a carport is that it doesn't require a building permit and is a cheaper and faster solution than a traditional garage. In this article, you'll learn about its key advantages, the construction costs, and the required formalities.

Most Important Information


  • A carport is a cheaper and faster alternative to a traditional garage, requiring no complicated construction formalities for areas up to 50 m².
  • Building a carport offers many benefits, including better vehicle protection and the ability to flexibly adapt to user needs.
  • Regular maintenance, including securing metal components and painting the wood, is crucial to extending the life of your carport.

What is a carport attached to a house?


A carport is an open structure whose main purpose is to protect a vehicle from rain, sun, and dirt. It typically consists of:

  • a roof supported by pillars, which makes it less expensive and faster to build than a traditional garage. Thanks to its simple yet functional design, a carport effectively protects vehicles from adverse weather conditions, such as:
  • rain
  • snow
  • hail.

Additional aesthetic benefits should not be overlooked. A carport can be designed to blend harmoniously with the house's architecture and surroundings. It often adorns a property, adding character and elegance while also serving a practical protective function.

Advantages of a carport at home


A carport is a solution that brings many benefits. Primarily, it provides better protection for vehicles against weather conditions and atmospheric factors such as rain, snow, hail, and intense sunlight, significantly improving the durability of their car's bodywork and other components. This allows homeowners to enjoy the improved technical condition of their vehicles for a longer period of time. A detached garage, carport, and carport are the perfect complement to this solution, especially when considering the technical conditions on the property.

Another advantage of a carport is its relatively low construction cost compared to a traditional garage. Building a carport usually doesn't require complicated formalities or significant financial outlays. A carport, unlike a traditional garage, does not require foundations or solid walls, which significantly reduces project costs.

The flexibility of carport construction is equally important. Modern carports:

  • can be perfectly tailored to various user needs, making them an attractive addition to the building's architecture.
  • thanks to their simple and lightweight construction, there is a reduced risk of construction errors.
  • it is important to remember that the role of support is particularly important for those planning to install them themselves, offering a wide selection of structural elements, which affects the durability of the trapezoidal sheet metal structure.

Does a carport require a building permit?


Wondering whether building a carport requires a building permit? The good news is that in most cases, it isn't. Here's the most important information:

  • Carports up to 50 m² can be built without a building permit.
  • However, the construction of such a carport requires notification to the appropriate authorities.
  • This makes the formalities much simpler and faster.

For carports with an area of ​​less than 35 m², simply notifying the city hall and the relevant district office is sufficient to avoid the complicated legal process of obtaining a permit. However, you should remember the following steps:

  • Preparing a declaration of title to the property on your building plot.
  • Notification of intent to build for single-family home owners.
  • If no objections are raised by officials within 30 days of notification, the construction of a carport with a roof will be deemed legal, which is at your disposal from a building law perspective.

It is also worth checking local building regulations, which can provide detailed information on requirements regarding distances and development conditions. For carports over 50 m2, a building permit and an application must be obtained.

How to choose the right carport?


Choosing the right carport starts with defining your needs. It's crucial to first determine the number of vehicles you'll store and the location of the plot where the carport will be built.

Another aspect is the choice of materials for the carport. Consider:

  • durability of materials
  • aesthetics
  • costs. The style of the carport should match:
  • house architecture
  • surrounding landscape to maintain aesthetics.

Carports can also serve additional functions, such as storing sports equipment or gardening tools. Additional elements, such as lighting or drainage systems, can increase the functionality of the shelter.

Building a carport step by step


Construction of a carport begins with surface preparation. The next steps are:

  • Removing the top layer of soil to a depth of approximately 30 centimeters.
  • Installing the support posts using anchors sunk into the foundations.
  • The foundations should be approximately 50-60 cm deep.

The next step is installing the roof. The roof covering should be attached to battens adapted to the chosen material, such as metal roofing tiles or polycarbonate sheets. Building a carport takes less time than building a garage, which increases its attractiveness.

Ultimately, professional carport installation is a task that can be completed independently, further reducing construction costs. Thanks to this, a carport becomes a practical and economical solution for every homeowner.

What are the minimum distances for a shelter from the plot boundary?


The minimum distance for a carport from the property line is 3 meters, and for residential buildings with windows, a distance of 4 meters is required. For outbuildings such as carports, the minimum distance from the property line is 3 meters, and for larger parking spaces, this increases to 6 meters. Carports must have at least one wall, and distances less than 3 meters are not permitted.

Building regulations do not always precisely define what constitutes a carport, which can lead to different interpretations and affect the required distances. It is important to follow the regulations regarding minimum carport distances to avoid legal issues.

 

Cost of building a carport


The cost of building a carport can vary depending on the materials used and the installation method. The cheapest carports can start at around PLN 2,000, but these are basic models. Carports with a more elaborate structure and higher quality can cost around PLN 8,000.

A carport is a cheaper alternative to a traditional garage, eliminating the costs associated with foundations and walls. Additional elements, such as foundations and roofing, can significantly increase the total cost of building a carport.

Choosing to install a wooden carport yourself can significantly reduce your expenses. Low construction costs compared to a brick garage make carports an attractive option for many homeowners.

Wall-mounted carport – what is worth knowing?


A lean-to carport is a structure attached to the wall of a house. It can serve various functions, such as storing bicycles or additional car accessories. This allows a lean-to carport to be used not only as protection for a car, but also as a practical storage space.

A lean-to carport can be designed with:

  • a shed roof, which facilitates rainwater drainage
  • additional space
  • a barbecue area
  • a patio
  • lean-to carports

This makes it a versatile and functional solution.

How to care for a carport?


To ensure your carport lasts for many years, regular maintenance is essential:

  • The metal components of the carport require anti-corrosion protection and regular rust removal.
  • Regular inspections of the carport should be carried out at least once a year.
  • During inspections, pay attention to mechanical damage.

A quick response to minor damage, such as cracks or chips, can prevent more serious problems in the future. The carport roof covering should be inspected regularly for damage and leaks, paying particular attention to the roofing and rust stains, and providing effective protection against precipitation.

Wood should be regularly painted or varnished every few years to protect it from the elements. In the case of glued wood, the use of impregnation is crucial to ensure its durability and resistance to external factors.

Summary


A carport is a practical and economical solution for every homeowner. It protects vehicles from unfavorable weather conditions, while being less expensive and simpler to build than a traditional garage. It's important to choose the right type of carport, considering your needs and the building conditions.

Building a carport doesn't require complicated formalities, and you can do it yourself, further reducing costs. With regular maintenance, a carport can last for many years, providing protection for your vehicle and serving additional functionalities.

Frequently Asked Questions



A carport with an area of ​​up to 50 m² does not require a building permit, but it is necessary to notify the relevant authorities of the intention to build it.


The minimum distance of a carport from the plot boundary is 3 meters, while in the case of residential buildings with windows, a distance of 4 meters is required.


The cost of building a carport ranges from approximately PLN 2,000 for basic models to approximately PLN 8,000 for more complex structures. The choice of materials and installation method have a key impact on the overall cost.


The best materials for building a carport are wood, steel and sheet metal, and the choice should take into account both the aesthetics and durability of the structure.


To maintain your carport, you should perform regular maintenance, protect the metal components with an anti-corrosion coating, and paint the wood every few years. These steps will significantly extend the structure's lifespan.