Building a ready to assemble Garage or Carport in the UK

Copyright (c) 2010 Professor Michael Benfield PhD

UK DIY Garage and Carport Kit Buyers Guide

These days there is no need to design your own garage or carport when so many are available to buy as complete self assembly kits, either on-line or via your local merchant. Look around and you'll find great value range features and some of the best quality DIY building kits available in the UK. Many designs are kept elegant and simple to enable a variety of uses; the most popular design styles tend to be Scandinavian (i.e. solid log timber), traditional (i.e. green-oak wood style) and contemporary (i.e. different colours or innovative shapes).

Car Port or Garage?

This is a personal choice and obviously depends on what would work visually within the current street environment (i.e. planning restrictions) and on your own land.

Garage Kits

You will need to take into account the use of the building. In the UK especially, garages tend to be used to protect some of your most costly possessions - the car being the most obvious. But tools, skis, bikes, home gym equipment, furniture, lawnmowers etc run close behind.

High building and land costs in the UK (and having some of the smallest houses in the world) means that most UK residents also use their garage as an extension to the home. Your building may end up being a secure home office, storage room, library, home gym, workshop etc, and it may be useful to plan from the beginning.

If this sounds like your situation, a complete solid timber garage, complete with windows, and doors may be your solution. You want your garage to last for decades without overspending.

Car Port Kits

For smaller plots where land is at a premium, a car port may be ideal. Not only does this offer a dry outdoor space but it will not be so intrusive. Timber car port kits are growing in popularity in the UK as even the free-standing designs can be neatly sat alongside the existing property to extend to an 'outdoor living area'. Lean-to designs are also available and can prove very cost-effective. Planning restrictions for Garages and Car Ports In going through the design process keep in mind that there's no rule stating that your garage, car port and house must match. Two original structures along side each other can make a bold statement. Many of the structures currently on the market could be classed as temporary or demountable with many planning authorities, but always rely on your local council to advise you as to your need for planning permission for a free-standing garage or carport building.

Planning Support

Whilst most councils will be able to give advice based on the information found on leading websites, some may require you to make a planning application, or require further information. The best companies usually have a friendly team on hand that are more than happy to help if you have problems downloading, opening or accessing your plans. And many designs have planning drawings available to purchase over the telephone for very little , usually around £60.

Trust your kit supplier

A few on-line suppliers web shops have been creating building kits and plans for many years. They are constantly developing these for DIY'ers, builders and developers. So the essence is to look for a supplier who really understands building structures and how to design buildings that are quick and easy for self assembly - at least by reasonably proficient DIY enthusiasts. Their hallmark is good value and quality buildings ...and there's simply no more economical way to create your own garage. It can be a very simple process to erect a 'kit' garage. Start by viewing the garage styles and car port designs in that you can find on-line, select the style that interests you and then follow the easy steps to buy the building in kit form online. A list of popular favourites is available via the resource box below, and you simply will not find a better choice anywhere else online.

Foundations

Simply 'click' and your garage or car port will be delivered within 2-4 weeks, depending on which timber kit you chose. This period allows you the ideal time to start working on your garage/slab foundations, ready for delivery.

Before choosing a site, you need to make a lot of important decisions. Things like how far from the road do you want to be and how far from your house? Will you pave the way to the road?

Many clients engage professional builders to do this for them, as timber buildings can be very precise and require reasonably accurate footings.

Laying a concrete foundation is generally a good idea, especially if you are opting for a garage. Maximize value by laying the foundations at the same time you're creating access to the road. Build It Yourself

When it is delivered,

... you can start building, according to the instructions supplied. You will need basic materials for most designs. Most of the garages and carports sold by reputable firms are designed for simple DIY, and the smart designs and simple instructions make building your garage (and recruiting family and friends to help) a breeze. If you are looking for support, many Scandinavian log cabin garages come with access to a free technical support line. Get Someone to Construct It For You

If you're not excited by do-it-yourself

... or just don't have the time, you'd do far better to order a ready made garage or carport kit on-line.

You can choose to build the garage kit yourself, have it built for you using a national installer teams, or have a local builder or carpenter assemble it for you. Your contractor will be able to produce a quote for you almost instantly after looking at the simple building kit designs

Good luck with finding your ideal garage or carport solution.

About The Author Dr Michael Benfield chairs timbertecs, providing planning, Building Reg & design services to Builders & Developers + Home & Garden Centre, timberframe specialists Simply Self Build, Beamlock Building Co & Benfield ATT. As visiting Professor of Civil & Construction Engineering with University of Wales Newport, he regularly speaks & writes on planning, timber, housing, construction & related issues