Having a carport can be a fine addition to any home as it not only provides a functioning space to store the vehicle but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the house. However, just like any other project in any home, building carports in Melbourne requires careful planning. With the rising number of car ownership in Melbourne, it’s not uncommon to find every home in the suburbs opting to build a carport for the sake of convenience.
Is A Carport Necessary?
Considering the climate extremes that Australia goes through every once in a while. Hence, building a carport to store a vehicle can be well worth the investment. Not only does it protect the vehicle from outside weather, but it can also be used as an additional space for other uses too. Depending upon the style of the carport, it can boost the home prices in Melbourne listings. Not to mention how financially straining it can be to build a full garage to store a car.
Building A Carport: Things To Look Into
Before planning out the specifics and hiring professional builders for carports in Melbourne, it might be beneficial to go over these pointers to get a good idea of what to choose:
- What Will It Be Used To Store? Are there any other extras that will be stored in the carport along with the vehicle? Owners can include additional spaces for lawn mowers, motorcycles or quad bikes. However, do understand that the more the requirements, the larger the space will be so keep that in mind too. When determining the space required, make sure to plan for future use too.
- Style Of The Carport: The style must match the colour and aesthetics of the house, blending in without appearing to be out of place. Homeowners can choose to opt for slanted roofs, which will look great for traditional homes or a flat roof for a more modern look. Whatever the case may be, a carport must look and feel like a part of the home.
- Getting The Local Permits In Order: There are certain legal considerations that homeowners need to satisfy depending on the zoning laws in Melbourne. The level of strictness will vary from the city outskirts to the outlying suburbs but do ensure that all zoning laws are satisfied before the project is started. If there is a need for a permit, apply for them as early as possible. Before applying for a permit, go over the plans one more time as a do-over down the road might require another permit.
- The Level Of Protection Required: Windy areas might require strong carports with sturdier materials. The same goes for heavy rains too and Melbourne gets both from time to time. Additionally, the level of protection will also determine the type of materials to be used. Homeowners should look for something that will last decades and not something flimsy or weak.
Have a budget set in place as it will help narrow down options when it comes to materials and space. Professional services will cost extra but they are well worth the cost and they are significantly better than DIY-ing a project into completion. Then there are the security concerns as carports are usually open on all sides. If security is an issue, build the carport at the back or add proper lighting and CCTV setups to keep the place locked tight. Above all, consider functionality and aesthetics to be the top priority and don’t compromise both for cheaper materials or less cost.