How To Design A Carport: Everything You Need to Consider
If your vehicles are currently exposed to the elements, or your current carport just isn’t cutting it, it might be time to invest in a new carport. Steel carports are a great option as they offer a lightweight, durable finished product, with versatility and style all in one. If you’re looking for Melbourne carport tips, there are a few practical things you need to consider. Below, we’ve got the lowdown on how to design a carport!
How do you find the right spot?
Every home is different. The first step to any home renovation and installation is to look at your property with an objective eye. Do you have an unused space where you have taken to parking your car in? Maybe you’ve got a deteriorating carport already in place, or a larger front lawn that can accommodate a roofed addition. Carports are ideally placed on areas that are level and flat for best results.
What size carport do you need?
Make sure you take the time to think about the correct dimensions for your carport so you’re not stuck with a structure that isn’t functional. Give yourself plenty of clearance to get in and out of the vehicle, especially if two cars will be using the space.
Even though a Stratco Carports Melbourne is often a relatively small project, don’t leave your carport plans up to guesswork – think about how many vehicles you want to fit into the space and measure accurately. If you’ve got a tight fit, maybe a single carport is all you need! In some cases, your carport can even double as an entertaining area, so consider the functionality of the space when finalising the dimensions (check out our blog on carport conversion ideas!). Outdoor Impressions have designers and carport installers Melbourne with years of experience that can come to your home and advise you on the best design for your needs, so you’re not stuck trying to figure out how to design a carport on your own.
What style or materials work best for your home?
Some carports are built with the same materials as the facade of the home, creating a cohesive look with same-coloured bricks and the same style of roofing. From dutch gable carports to hip roof carports, there’s some variety to choose from if you’re wanting a more traditional carport look, or would prefer something a bit more modern.
However, this type of carport can be limiting in that once it’s installed, you can’t move it to other areas of your property. Because of this, some people go for shade cloth carports for a temporary solution. However, these are not built to last for a long time, so some homeowners choose high-quality steel carports instead, which offer a world of choice with shades and roofing styles while also being portable, weather-resistant, and easy to customise to suit your home.
Whether you’ve got a flat roof, gable roofs, or anything in between, Stratco carport designs help you to create a custom carport that works with modern homes of varying styles. So it’s important to really look at your existing design to see what will work and what won’t work to complement your home.
What colour should you go for?
When possible, it’s a good idea to use the same colours as your home’s facade to create a cohesive look. Often, later installations such as carports, verandahs, pergolas and the likes can look like an obvious afterthought because the materials and the colours used are blatantly mismatched. If you are unable to use the same shade, go for a complementary colour: this creates a beautiful balance with the existing structure, and updates the street appeal of your home without looking too disjointed.
Will it fit into the climate?
Make sure to go for carport kits or designs that have been tried and tested against the climate in your area. Sturdy materials such as bricks and Stratco steel are popular choices for durable carports that will stand strong, rain or shine.
Do you need council approval?
Even if you only want to install a small, freestanding carport, you need to consider if your local council approval is required. Check what restrictions your local council has in place for carports so you don’t waste your time with engineering plans which don’t comply with regulations. Keep in mind that the process of getting permission for a new structure can take time, so submit your paperwork as early as possible. Remember that if you forgo council approval and proceed without it, this can cause issues if you decide to sell your home later as you’ll need to point out unapproved structures. To make life easier, at Outdoor Impressions we organise building permits and any dispensations on your behalf.
How much will it cost?
Once you’ve decided you need a new carport, start getting some quotes so you can get a better idea of how much the project will cost. Ensure that all costs are included in the quote: materials, installation, and any other additional fees. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest price – you need to be confident that high quality materials are being used in the construction and the people you’re dealing with are qualified so you carport lasts.
Call in the professionals
At Outdoor Impressions, we can help you create functional and visually appealing outdoor areas and offer a professional approach and reliable service. If you’re wondering how to design a carport, our experts are ready to help! We utilise the leading designs of Stratco carports, which can be used both to keep your vehicles protected or for additional entertaining space. Your carport can be customised to fit your property and are available in a range of high gloss colours.
Looking for carports in Melbourne? Contact Outdoor Impressions at +61 3 9728 5377 or visit 1/158 Canterbury Rd, Bayswater North VIC 3153, Australia.
Top 6 Benefits of Steel Pergolas
Living in Australia is all about outdoor living so you can enjoy all of that beautiful weather. But that sun can be unforgiving at times, so it’s important to keep yourself protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Did you know that aside from wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, or wearing sunglasses, that the best form of sun protection is having a solid structure overhead that successfully covers you from harmful sun exposure? That’s why having a pergola or verandah at home is the perfect way to enjoy the sun while also being protected.
If you’re looking to install a new pergola, Melbourne residents have a number of different options when it comes to materials, and steel continues to be a popular choice. At Outdoor Impressions, we install pergolas across Melbourne.
Today we’ll be sharing some of the benefits of choosing steel pergolas.
1. Durable and long-lasting
The main benefit of steel pergolas is that they stand the test of time.
Steel is incredibly strong and, as a result, you don’t need to worry about issues like rot or decay which can impact timber over time. This is because steel is constructed so that it won’t be affected by biological factors such as mould, microbes, fungi, or algae, which would otherwise slowly eat away at the traditional wooden material of outdoor structures. And with Stratco steel products, you have a choice of either either a galvanised (zinc), zinc/al (zinc/aluminium) or AM (zinc/aluminium/magnesium) protective coating, which means that your steel pergola can stand up the hot summer sun, heavy rain and storms, and anything else nature can throw at it.
Rest easy knowing you’ve chosen the right material that will last you for years to come!
2. Easy to construct and install
No matter the size or shape of your outdoor space, a steel pergola can be quickly and easily constructed so you’re not waiting for weeks for materials to arrive. It’s also easy to install, which means your new pergola will be ready to go more quickly. The flexibility of design with steel pergolas means that even if you have an odd-shaped space, it won’t be an issue.
Some homeowners have specific requirements for their pergola frames, or want a specific look or feel for their needs. Talking to professional builders and pergola installers in Melbourne can help you start on the process of designing your personalised steel pergola, which you can either DIY and construct yourself, or leave to the installation to the experts for a fuss free experience.
3. Looks great
Steel pergolas aren’t just a great choice from a practical perspective – they also offer an attractive feature for your outdoor area. A Melbourne steel pergola can increase the appeal of your home, and there are a range of designs you can choose from to suit your lifestyle. Steel pergolas also come in a huge range of colours, from soft neutrals to more striking, eye-catching options, which gives you the flexibility to choose a colour scheme that complements your home and lifestyle. Whether you want to match your house or opt for contrast, you’re spoilt for choice with colour, especially when you choose a steel pergola made of Stratco steel. This specific type of steel has been tested against all types of Australian weather, so you know that wherever you install your pergola, whether it’s your backyard, garden, or patio, your investment will retain its stunning colour year in and year out.
What’s more, if you opt for a Stratco sunroof louvre, you can fully customise your sun exposure as you please, because you have the option to open and close the electronically controlled louvres to any position. So you can let the sunlight in, or shade up when the rain comes.
4. Wide range of uses
Pergolas can be used not only for outdoor dining spaces, but also as an extension of the indoor living space that you already have. Think funky outdoor furniture, fire pits, comfy throws; or, take it to the next level and connect it with an outdoor kitchen to make hosting guests even easier.
5. Low maintenance
Steel pergolas have the advantage of being incredibly low maintenance, so you can simply sit back and enjoy your new outdoor area. With galvanised steel core and further corrosion resistant and colour coatings, you don’t need to worry about rust or corrosion and steel requires far less maintenance than timber which can be prone to rotting.
6. Higher property value
We’re calling it like it is: properties with dedicated outdoor entertaining areas and living spaces are a guaranteed hit with not just guests, but potential buyers, too! Clients have consistently found that their property values have risen after investing in their chosen outdoor living solution, whether it’s a timber deck or steel pergolas. Not only does it offer a durable and long-lasting structure that lets you enjoy your backyard in all weather conditions, it adds a cohesive look to your home that boosts its value on the market, too.
At Outdoor Impressions, we’re passionate about creating functional and beautiful outdoor spaces for our customers. We offer a range of Stratco pergolas across Melbourne, and the innovative designs of Stratco’s louvers and pergolas offer a sleek final look. There are also an incredible array of colours on offer so you can find a finish that perfectly suits your home.
If you’re looking for pergolas in Melbourne, call Outdoor Impressions at +61 3 9728 5377 or visit 1/158 Canterbury Rd, Bayswater North VIC 3153, Australia.
So what’re you waiting for? Elevate your home today with Melbourne’s best pergolas, patios and carports built with only the best Aussie materials, exactly to suit your home!
Get the car under cover or extend the outdoor entertainment area with zero stress and no obligations- get a free quote today!
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