What Is A Carport: Everything You Need To Know

A carport is a great construction project that can help add value to your home. It’s also a more budget-friendly alternative to building a garage while still protecting your car from the elements. 

In this blog post, we’ll answer the question, “What is a carport?”, explore the different types of carports, explain whether you need a permit to build one, and discuss the pros and cons of building a carport instead of a garage.

Let’s dive in!

A carport is a covered structure that protects cars from rain, snow, and sunlight. It can either be free-standing or attached to a wall or roof.

Unlike garages, carports typically have roofs but no walls. This open-sided structure makes building a carport more affordable, quicker, and easier to install than a garage. Plus, you don’t always need a permit to construct one.

Although “car” is in the name, you can use a carport for more than just protecting your vehicle. You could install one over a walkway to provide shelter when moving from your home to your car. You could also place one over an outdoor space or kids’ play area so you can make the most of being out in the fresh air, even if it’s rainy or really hot.

If you don’t have a lot of storage space, you can use a carport to store outdoor equipment or tools, like lawnmowers, garden furniture, and pool toys.

In addition to being more easily customizable, a carport is a more cost-effective alternative to a garage, typically costing between $2,100 and $5,100.

There are various things to consider when choosing the carport that’s right for your home.

For example, do you need it to cover one or two cars? Would you prefer it to be freestanding or attached to your house? 

In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most common types of carports.

• Freestanding carports: These types of carports stand alone without being attached to a house or another structure. They come in a variety of sizes, such as single, double, or tandem (which have parking spots in front of each other instead of side by side). It can be easier to get a building permit for a freestanding carport.

• Attached carports: As the name suggests, this type of carport is attached to your home or another structure, usually to the side wall or roof. Sometimes called “lean-tos,” attached carports can require more extensive permits.

While carports can be built using a variety of materials, the most common ones are:

• Metal: Metal carports are often constructed from steel or aluminum. They require minimal maintenance and are resistant to fire, rot, and rust. 

• Wood: A wooden carport is easier to customize to match your home, but it will require more maintenance over time and is susceptible to rot.

• Polycarbonate: These use transparent plastic panels to provide natural light while protecting your car against UV rays. They’re a good, lightweight option for your carport.

While rules and regulations vary by jurisdiction, the two main factors to consider when building a carport are structure and size.

In general, you will need a permit for your carport if it’s considered a permanent structure, if it’s attached to your home, or if it requires electrical or concrete work. Carports constructed near a property line or a road may also need permits due to potential zoning issues.

In most cases, small carports under 200 square feet, or non-permanent structures that can be easily removed, don’t require a building permit.

If you’re unsure, a quick call or visit to your local building department will clear things up and could save you fines, delays, or even the need to demolish your carport later.

If you want to protect your car from the elements, you’ll have to decide between building a carport or a garage. There are pros and cons to each structure, so let’s compare.

Here are some pros and cons of choosing a carport vs. a garage.

Pros:

• Less expensive to build, with the average carport costing $3,600

• More straightforward, shorter, and more customizable construction process

• Less prone to clutter than garages

• You might not need a permit

Cons:

• They don’t add as much value to your home as a garage

• They’re less secure than garages, leaving your vehicle at risk of theft or vandalism

• Can be less visually appealing

Here are some pros and cons of choosing a garage over a carport.

Pros:

• Complete, enclosed protection for cars/vehicles

• Offer extra storage, work space, or hobby space

• Add more value to your home than carports

• Can be more visually appealing

Cons:

• More expensive to build, with the average garage costing $28,660

• Can attract clutter

• You will need a permit

How much does it cost to build a carport? It depends on what type of carport you want to build.

Prefabricated carports are more cost-effective and faster to build, but they are available only in standard sizes. Meanwhile, a custom carport will be more expensive and time-consuming, but it can be designed to your individual requirements.

According to data from Home Guide, a single carport costs around $2,000 to $7,200 to build. Double carports range from $3,200 to $12,000.

Labor costs to build a carport range from $3 to $5 per square foot for a prefab installation or $10 per square foot for a custom-made construction.

The material you choose for your carport also affects costs. For example, wood will set you back $15 to $30 per square foot. Choose metal, and you’re looking at $8 to $20 per square foot.

There are many factors that can affect the cost to build a carport, but they generally fall into two categories: materials and labor.

Some other things to consider are:

• Size and materials

• Whether your carport is freestanding or attached

• If you buy a kit or have something custom-made

• Permit fees, which can vary by location

• If you install/build it yourself or hire someone to install it

A carport can be a DIY project you can build over a couple of days, either on your own or with help from friends or family. Here’s how to build a carport with key steps to take before construction begins: 

• Check local zoning and permit rules

• Choose your carport type and location

• Get a site plan showing where your new carport will go

• Apply for permits

• Build your carport and schedule any inspections required by your permit

To make sure that your carport construction project is a success, you’ll need to have the right plans before you start. My Site Plan creates detailed, non-certified site plans that are accepted by building authorities across the U.S. — all without an in-person visit.

To see how easy the process of getting a site plan for your carport can be, check out Annette’s story in Michigan, or how Quality Roofing Construction got their plan in Alabama.

Here’s a quick and handy summary of everything you need to know about building a carport.

• A carport is a covered, open-sided structure designed to protect vehicles from rain, snow, and sun — without the cost or complexity of a full garage.

• Carports can be freestanding or attached to your home, with freestanding versions often easier to get permits for.

• Unlike garages, carports typically don’t have walls, making them quicker to build, more affordable, and less prone to accumulating junk.

• Carports aren’t just for cars — they can also be used to cover walkways, outdoor seating areas, play spaces, or to store equipment.

• Most carports cost between $2,000 and $12,000, making them a budget-friendly alternative to garages.

• Common carport materials include:

  • Metal (durable, low-maintenance, fire-resistant)

  • Wood (customizable but higher maintenance)

  • Polycarbonate (lightweight panels that allow natural light)

• Permits may be required depending on size, location, permanence, and whether the carport is attached or includes electrical or concrete work.

• Small, removable carports under 200 square feet often don’t require permits, but checking with your local building department is always a good idea.

• Compared to garages, carports are cheaper and easier to build, but they offer less security and add less resale value.

• Carport costs vary based on size, materials, prefab vs. custom builds, labor, and permit fees.

• Building a carport can be a DIY project, but it still requires proper planning, permits, and inspections.

• A site plan is often required for permits, and getting a site plan from My Site Plan is fast, easy, and accepted by building authorities across the U.S.