Car Ports in Swanage, Dorset (55)

In most cases you do not need planning permission to build a car port.

Car ports are generally classed as permitted development and don’t require planning permission.

Planning permission will not be required unless your car port fits into one or more of the following:

• The carport is built forward of the principal elevation wall (the main house)

• It is more than single storey

• It has a maximum eaves height of higher than 2.5 metres

• It has a maximum overall height of more than 4 metres

• It covers more than half the land around the original house

• The property is located in a conservation area, national park or AONB

• The property is a listed building

If you are unsure if you require planning permission to build a carport, it’s a good idea to contact your local authority to make sure.

Installing a single carport will cost between £2,000 and £4,000.

Have a read of our car ports cost guide for more detailed information.

Considering building your own carport? This can be a good project for someone with the right amount of DIY experience and training. If you’re a DIY beginner, this isn't the best job for you. Remember, hiring a professional carport installer means great results that’ll stand the test of time with no stress.

If you’re wondering how to build a carport, we’ve summarised the process below:

1. Prepare and level the ground

2. Install a concrete base for stability

3. Build a timber frame

4. Add roof rafters

5. Reinforce any joints with metal plates

6. Cover the roof with a waterproof material

If adding a carport is on your to do list and you’re looking for inspiration, check out our carport ideas guide.

How to enclose a carport to make a garage

If you want to upgrade your carport to an enclosed carport or garage, the process can be a little tricky. As a rough guide, you’ll need to complete the below tasks:

• Adding strong, stable walls

• Installing a door for your garage

• Adding insulation

• Fitting any electrical connections

• Installing flooring and decorating inside your garage

Want to speak to carport installers in Swanage?

Once you’re ready to get started with your carport project, you’ll need to find qualified carport builders you can trust. If you aren't sure where to start, consider letting us help with your search. Our members each pass 12 checks so you get the best service. They’re even recommended by your neighbours.

So, how can we help you find professionals who fit carports in Swanage? Well, our free search feature is easy to use with instant results. Just type in your postcode and we’ll show you a variety of local carport installers.

Another option is to use our request a quote feature. Fill in our online form with the details of the work you need doing and we’ll pass these onto three local carport installers. You can then sit back and relax while they draw up three quotes.

In most cases, you can build a car port to within 500mm from your property’s side boundary.

If you are building a car port to the front of your property, it must be within 50mm of the front boundary.

Yes. In general, carports can be built to the side of UK properties.

They must, however be:

• No higher than single storey

• Have a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres

• Have a maximum overall height of 4 metres

Cover no more than half the land around the original house

For most homeowners, getting a carport is definitely worth it. They are reasonably priced and provide a range of benefits.

When you install a carport, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Protection for your vehicle against weather damage

• Protection for your vehicle against theft and vandalism

• A cooler vehicle during the summer

• UV protection

• An affordable home improvement

• A shaded space to cool down in summer

• Sheltered storage space

• Increased property value

Carports are also a versatile structure. Some people choose to install them as a canopy over a patio area to allow for year round al-fresco dining and entertaining.

This depends on the installation of your carport. If the carport is attached to the exterior property wall and can be easily removed, it is not considered a permanent structure.

If, however, it is secured with concrete foundations, then it is considered a permanent structure.

A garage is a fully enclosed structure. It has a roof, walls, and a door big enough for a car to enter.

A carport, on the other hand, does not have doors or walls. Carports generally feature a freestanding roof, supported by columns or poles.

It is possible to turn a carport into a garage. The carport roof and supporting structure can be used with the addition of insulated walls and a door.

Converting a carport to a garage, however, will usually require planning permission.

If you’re planning to build a carport, here are some tips to help your project to run as smoothly as possible:

• Ensure that you have all the required permissions before you start

• Create a detailed construction plan

• Ensure you know the location of any underground pipework before any groundwork

• Ensure that the roof won’t obstruct power lines or cause a fire hazard

• Start with a metal frame

• Set your supporting posts securely

• Consider hiring a professional

This depends on how the carport is constructed. Most well-built and securely installed carports can withstand UK storm conditions.

Their open sides mean that wind can easily pass through the structure. The roof, however, must be securely connected to the supporting structure to avoid any storm damage.

No. You can safely install a carport without foundations. They can even be installed into paving stones, gravel, or cement.

With regular use, however, the weight of a car can compromise a carport’s stability if it is not correctly installed. Therefore, some light foundation work may be preferable to ensure the stability of your carport.