Having a space outside your home to enjoy the fresh air, entertain guests, or relax is a great way to enhance your living experience. Whether you’re planning to build a patio or a carport, some essential dos and don’ts should be kept in mind. Following this guide ensures that your outdoor space is the perfect addition to your home.
Building Carports to Boundaries
Do:
- Check with local ordinances to make sure your carport meets all requirements.
- Research the best materials for your needs, such as steel, aluminium, or wood.
- Make sure to leave enough room for parking and storage space.
- Consider the weather conditions in your area when deciding on materials and design.
- Check with your local building department to ensure you have the necessary permits.
Don’t:
- Build too close to your neighbour’s property line.
- Use flammable materials near the carport.
- Construct a carport without a permit or without proper engineering.
- Ignore local zoning ordinances.
- Forget to check for underground utilities or cables.
Building a Patio to Boundaries
Do:
- Check local codes to make sure your patio meets all requirements.
- Choose a durable and attractive material, such as brick, concrete, stone, or tile.
- Plan for drainage and waterproofing before you start building.
- Consider the size of your patio to ensure it fits in with the rest of your outdoor space.
- Check with your local building department to ensure you have the necessary permits.
Don’t:
- Build too close to your neighbour’s property line.
- Use flammable materials near the patio.
- Construct a patio without a permit or without proper engineering.
- Ignore local zoning ordinances.
- Forget to check for underground utilities or cables.
What If You Want to Replace an Existing Patio
If you are replacing an existing patio or carport, you don’t need to pay any extra fees as long as the current structure already has the necessary approval.
However, if the existing structure doesn’t have the required approval, then you will need to include the cost of getting this approval in your budget. In addition, you must pay a Home Warranty Insurance fee to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) for any job over $3,300.
Carport Restrictions on the Sunshine Coast
If you are located in the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Area, there is an imposed rule restricting the number of carports built on a property. Specifically, the law states that the maximum total floor area must not exceed 56m2. Furthermore, the height may not exceed 3.6m, and must be setback at least 6m from any road frontage boundary and 1.5m from the side or rear boundary.
If you are considering adding a carport to your property, take a look around your neighbourhood to check if they have been allowed in the area. It is likely that if no other homes have a carport, there is a restriction on the land that does not allow for them to be built.
To Sum Up
Planning for a patio or carport requires careful consideration and much thought. Following the do’s and don’ts outlined in this article can help ensure that the project is completed safely and efficiently. It is essential to take the time to consider all of the available options and to consult with professionals when necessary. With proper planning, a durable and attractive outdoor space can be created that will provide years of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Are you looking for carport kits or patio builders on the Sunshine Coast? Excelfit is a design and construction firm that has been designing and constructing fully-engineered awnings, carports, pergolas, and more. Get in touch with us.
