A carport addition is both a practical and beautiful structure for your home. Carport additions make parking convenient if multiple members of your family have cars: such an addition can either be attached to your home, or you can build a separate structure. As with any changes to your home, certain regulations exist when you construct anything to your property.
The following facts are essential for South African residents to understand when adding a carport to a house:
A carport addition can be considered “minor building work.”
The good news is that a carport addition may be considered “minor building work.” As long as your carport doesn’t exceed 40 metres in size, it will be defined in South African law as “minor building work.” So what does that mean? If you receive proper approval from a local authority, you don’t need to submit plans for your project. Remember to keep in mind any construction still needs to abide by any regulations.
Understand the issues that could occur with older houses.
If your home is older, you may struggle to add a carport directly to your home. Your local authority will be able to give you the best insight if you’re unsure if your home could hold up to a car addition. If you live in an older home, it may be best to not alter the house at all.
But if you live in an older home, your carport addition doesn’t have to be attached.
It’s definitely the safest to build your carport away from your home. The farthest you can build in a municipality is one metre. But if your property is in a resort, each management has different rules. If you’re concerned about neighbors, make sure you receive permission — and try to sign contracts.
The design also counts.
As well as factoring in the location and size of the carport addition, it’s important to pay attention to the style of the carport addition. This is a fact that is common with regulations. Some common design facts are the carport addition must be made out of the same material as the rest of the house, the roof of the carport addition must be the same as the roof of the house, and the carport addition must be the same color as the house.
Keep the Homeowners Association in mind.
This should be common sense but it’s a good reminder: before seeking out a permit, discuss all plans of a carport to the homeowner’s association (HOA). You may be surprised how strict your neighborhood is on any additions.
If you’re still unsure about the regulations regarding carport additions then ask your HOA, local authorities, and/or neighborhood management. Whether you have a general question or a question specifically regarding your home or neighborhood, it’s best to find out all information before acting out.