Do you need to protect your vehicle from the rain, hail and wind? Have you been thinking about ways to increase the scope of your outdoor area? Are you partial to the idea of adding some financial value to your property?
If you answered yes to any, or all, of the above questions, it’s time you considered a carport. Not only do carports keep your car’s silent enemy (i.e. rust) at bay, which can be an issue for carports in Perth, they also provide extra space and visual interest.
Find a design to suit you
Gone are the days when carport designs were all inflexible, monolithic, clumsy structures that might have kept out the rain, but weren’t too easy on the eye. With the range of gorgeous materials, elegant designs and construction methods available on today’s market, a carport can nearly always be an attractive complement to any outdoor area.
The question is, how to choose and build a carport that you, your family and your friends are going to love? Whether you want to DIY, or check out various carport kits, the following ideas will get your handy man/woman instincts moving.
Increase undercover space
A few elements are important to keep in mind. The first of these is space. Once you’ve worked out how many square metres you need to keep your vehicle(s) covered, give some thought to how much space you’d like available for work or play – both with and without your car present. Do you need a place to work on favourite projects? Would your children benefit from a play space accessible in any kind of weather? Could leaving room for cupboards and shelves help to improve organisation on the domestic front?
Timber, steel or brick?
The second decision to make is my favourite: materials. The only tough aspect of this is the risk of being overwhelmed by too many options. Do you go for the unique look of rustic timber, the solid reliability of prefabricated steel, or the sturdiness of brick? How do local weather patterns affect your choice? A paint job might be an option. Not only can this provide more satisfying aesthetics, it can also increase protection against inclement conditions.
Complement already existing architecture
The third step is choosing from the array of carport designs available. Ideas abound online and in print magazines, and there are some pretty amazing carport kits available, too. Location often influences design. If you build your carport adjacent to your house, then the two structures can share a wall, helping to cut costs. The roof should definitely aim to complement its surroundings. For some, an arched shape provides a pleasant, organic feel; for others, a flat roof might work better, enabling a continuum with nearby architectural structures, this all depends your preference and which roofing contractor you decide to work with, especially since not all contractors work the same. Single slope and gabled roofs are other popular options. Find a roofing contractor that will help you build a roof that matches your home’s roofing system.
Check regulations
Fourth, be sure to check that any plans you make obey construction laws and specifications set by your local authorities for carports in Perth. The last thing you want to have to do is halt the building process because you’re breaking all the rules.
Joanne Lemke is a final year creative writing student at UOW, who is looking to break into the corporate copywriting space once she graduates and hopefully go on to eventually some day write a book around her other passions, namely beauty, cooking and travel.