Whether you need a basic carport to keep the sun off your car or a full enclosed garage with power and storage, the cost difference between the two is significant. A carport in Australia typically costs between $3,000 and $15,000, while a garage build runs from $20,000 to $55,000 for standard single or double options. With over 112,900 licensed builders across Australia listed on TradieVerify, you can compare qualified professionals in your area before signing any contracts. This guide covers every cost factor for both carports and garages so you know exactly what to budget.
Carport vs Garage Cost: The Quick Comparison
Before we get into the detail, here is a side-by-side look at what you can expect to pay for carport and garage construction in Australia.
| Structure | Single (1 car) | Double (2 cars) |
|---|---|---|
| Carport (kit, installed) | $3,000-$6,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Carport (custom built) | $5,500-$9,000 | $7,000-$15,000 |
| Garage (steel/Colorbond) | $14,000-$28,000 | $24,000-$48,000 |
| Garage (brick/rendered) | $25,000-$40,000 | $40,000-$70,000 |
These figures include the concrete slab, standard installation, and basic council approval fees. They do not include electrical fit-out, plumbing, or major earthworks.
How Much Does a Single Carport Cost?
A single carport sized around 3 m x 6 m typically costs between $3,000 and $9,000 installed. The final price depends on whether you go with a flat roof kit or a custom-built gable design.
Kit carports are the budget-friendly option. A flat-roof steel kit carport costs around $2,800 to $4,000, while a gable-roof kit runs $3,500 to $5,500. These prices usually include the frame, roofing sheets, and fixings but not the concrete slab.
Custom-built carports give you more design flexibility. Expect to pay $5,500 to $9,000 for a single custom carport with a concrete slab, steel or timber frame, and Colorbond roofing. Attached carports that tie into your existing roofline sit at the higher end because of flashing and structural connection work.
| Single Carport Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Flat roof kit (supply only) | $2,000-$3,000 |
| Flat roof kit (installed) | $2,800-$4,000 |
| Gable roof kit (installed) | $3,500-$5,500 |
| Custom built (flat roof) | $5,500-$7,500 |
| Custom built (gable roof) | $6,500-$9,000 |
Add $1,500 to $3,500 for a new concrete slab if one does not already exist.
How Much Does a Double Carport Cost?
A double carport covering two vehicles (roughly 6 m x 6 m) costs between $5,000 and $15,000 installed. The wider span requires heavier posts and beams, which adds to the material and labour cost.
Double kit carports range from $5,000 to $7,500 installed for a flat roof design. Gable roof kits push that to $6,500 to $10,000. These kits use steel frames with Colorbond sheeting and include posts, beams, purlins, and roofing.
Custom double carports with architectural detailing, timber features, or integrated lighting run from $8,000 to $15,000. If your double carport needs a retaining wall on one side due to a sloping block, add another $3,000 to $8,000. Check our retaining wall cost guide for more on those prices.
| Double Carport Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Flat roof kit (installed) | $5,000-$7,500 |
| Gable roof kit (installed) | $6,500-$10,000 |
| Custom built (flat roof) | $7,000-$11,000 |
| Custom built (gable/hip roof) | $9,000-$15,000 |
How Much Does a Single Garage Cost?
A single garage (approximately 3 m x 6 m, or 18 m2) is a fully enclosed structure with walls, a roller door, and usually basic electrical. Expect to pay between $14,000 and $28,000 for a standard single garage in Australia.
Steel/Colorbond garages are the most common choice. A basic Colorbond single garage with a concrete slab, steel frame, roller door, and guttering costs $14,000 to $22,000. Add $1,000 to $2,500 for electrical fit-out (lights, power points, and a sub-board).
Brick or rendered garages that match your house cost more. A single brick garage runs $25,000 to $40,000 depending on the finish. This includes brickwork, a tiled or Colorbond roof, a sectional or roller door, and full electrical.
| Single Garage Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Concrete slab (18 m2) | $2,000-$3,500 |
| Steel frame and Colorbond cladding | $6,000-$10,000 |
| Roller door (automatic) | $800-$1,800 |
| Electrical fit-out | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Guttering and downpipes | $500-$1,000 |
| Council permits and certification | $500-$2,000 |
| Total (Colorbond) | $14,000-$28,000 |
How Much Does a Double Garage Cost?
A double garage (approximately 6 m x 6 m, or 36 m2) is the most popular garage size in Australian new builds. Prices range from $24,000 to $48,000 for a standard Colorbond double garage, and $40,000 to $70,000 for brick construction.
The jump from single to double is not simply double the cost. You save on shared walls, a single roof span, and one set of footings. Typically a double garage costs about 60% to 70% more than a single, not 100% more.
| Double Garage Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Colorbond (basic, slab included) | $24,000-$35,000 |
| Colorbond (with insulation and fit-out) | $30,000-$48,000 |
| Brick/rendered (matching house) | $40,000-$70,000 |
| Triple garage (Colorbond) | $38,000-$60,000 |
Extras that add cost: internal lining and insulation ($1,200 to $4,500), additional roller doors ($800 to $1,800 each), automatic door openers ($350 to $650 per door), mezzanine storage ($3,000 to $8,000), and plumbing for a sink or toilet ($2,000 to $5,000).
What Affects the Cost of a Carport or Garage?
Several factors swing the price up or down. Here are the main ones.
Site conditions. A flat, accessible block is cheapest. If your site slopes, needs excavation, or requires a retaining wall, add $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Poor soil that needs deeper footings or pier foundations adds $1,500 to $4,000.
Materials. Steel/Colorbond is the most cost-effective choice. Timber frames add 10% to 20% to the cost but look great. Brick construction doubles the price compared to steel.
Roof style. Flat and skillion roofs are cheapest. Gable roofs add 15% to 25%. Hip roofs add 20% to 30% due to the extra framing.
Attached vs freestanding. An attached carport or garage that connects to your house costs more due to structural tie-in work, flashing, and building code requirements. Budget an extra $1,000 to $3,000.
Location. Metro areas in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane cost 10% to 20% more than regional areas due to higher labour rates. Cyclone-rated areas (northern QLD, WA coast, NT) require upgraded engineering, adding 10% to 40% to material costs.
Concrete slab. If you need a new slab, expect $60 to $100 per square metre. A single carport slab (18 m2) costs $1,500 to $2,500. A double garage slab (36 m2) runs $2,500 to $4,500. See our concrete driveway cost guide for more detail on concrete pricing.
Council Approval and Building Permits
Both carports and garages typically require council approval in Australia. The requirements vary by state and local council, but here is the general picture.
Carports may be exempt from a full building permit in some states if they meet specific size and setback requirements. In Queensland, a carport under 10 m2 that is not attached to the house might be exempt. In most other cases, you need at least a complying development certificate or building permit.
Garages almost always require a building permit or development approval because they are enclosed structures. You will also need to comply with setback rules (distance from boundaries), height limits, and coverage ratios.
| State | Approving Body | Typical Permit Cost | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | QBCC / Local Council | $300-$800 | Building approval for structures over 10 m2 |
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading / Council | $500-$1,500 | Complying development certificate or DA |
| VIC | VBA / Council | $400-$1,200 | Building permit required |
| WA | DEMIRS / Council | $300-$1,000 | Building permit required |
| SA | CBS / Council | $300-$800 | Development approval for most structures |
| TAS | CBOS / Council | $300-$800 | Building permit for structures over 10 m2 |
| ACT | Access Canberra | $400-$1,000 | Development approval required |
| NT | NT BAS / Council | $300-$800 | Building permit required |
You also need:
- A site plan showing the proposed location and setback distances
- Engineering drawings for structures over a certain size (often 40 m2 or custom designs)
- A bushfire assessment if you are in a designated bushfire zone
- A private building certifier to inspect the finished work in most states
Council fees and certifier costs together typically add $500 to $2,500 to your total project cost.
State-by-State Cost Comparison
Labour rates and material costs vary across Australia. Here is a rough guide to how carport and garage costs compare by state.
| State | Single Carport | Double Garage (Colorbond) | Builder Hourly Rate | Active Licensed Builders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIC | $4,500-$8,000 | $28,000-$45,000 | $85-$110/hr | 41,570 |
| QLD | $3,500-$7,000 | $22,000-$38,000 | $65-$85/hr | 35,393 |
| NSW | $5,000-$9,000 | $30,000-$48,000 | $90-$110/hr | 17,805 |
| WA | $4,000-$7,500 | $25,000-$42,000 | $75-$95/hr | 12,413 |
| ACT | $4,500-$8,500 | $28,000-$45,000 | $85-$105/hr | 4,751 |
| SA | $3,500-$6,500 | $22,000-$38,000 | $65-$85/hr | 968 |
Data sourced from TradieVerify’s database of verified builder licences across Australia.
Kit Carport vs Custom Built: Which Is Better Value?
A kit carport saves you 30% to 50% compared to a custom build, but there are trade-offs.
Go with a kit if:
- You want a straightforward flat or gable roof design
- Your site is flat and easily accessible
- You are comfortable with a standard Colorbond finish
- Budget is the top priority
Go custom if:
- You want the carport to match your house style
- Your block slopes or has tricky access
- You need specific dimensions that kits do not offer
- You want integrated features like lighting, fans, or solar panels
A word on DIY. Some homeowners install kit carports themselves to save on labour ($1,500 to $4,000). This is fine for a basic freestanding carport, but be aware that most councils still require a building permit and the work must comply with the Building Code of Australia. If you are not confident with post footings, roofing, and stormwater connections, hire a licensed builder.
How to Save Money on Your Carport or Garage
You do not have to blow the budget. Here are practical ways to cut costs without cutting corners.
Get three quotes. This is standard practice in Australia and gives you a realistic price range. Use TradieVerify’s search to find licensed builders in your area and request quotes from at least three.
Choose Colorbond over brick. A Colorbond garage costs roughly half the price of brick construction and goes up in a fraction of the time. Modern Colorbond finishes look clean and last decades with minimal maintenance.
Build freestanding. An attached garage or carport costs more due to structural connection work. If your site allows it, a freestanding structure is simpler and cheaper.
Time your build. Builders are often less busy in autumn and winter (March to August). You may get better pricing and faster turnaround outside the summer building rush.
Skip unnecessary extras. Automatic doors, insulation, and internal lining are nice but add thousands. Start with the basics and add features later if you need them.
Consider a carport first. If vehicle protection from weather is your main goal, a carport at $5,000 to $10,000 delivers most of the benefit of a garage at a fraction of the cost. You can always enclose it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need council approval for a carport in Australia?
In most cases, yes. While some states exempt very small freestanding structures (under 10 m2), a standard carport sized for one or two vehicles will typically need a building permit or complying development certificate. Check with your local council before starting work. Permit fees range from $300 to $1,500 depending on your state and council.
Is a carport or garage a better investment for property value?
A garage adds more value because it provides secure, enclosed parking and storage. Real estate agents estimate a double garage adds $20,000 to $60,000 to a property’s sale price. A carport adds less, roughly $5,000 to $15,000, but costs far less to build. Both are worthwhile investments if your property currently has no covered parking.
How long does it take to build a carport or garage?
A kit carport can be installed in one to two days by a professional team. A custom carport takes three to five days. A standard Colorbond garage takes one to two weeks including the slab. A brick garage takes three to six weeks. These timeframes do not include the council approval process, which can take two to eight weeks.
Can I convert a carport into a garage later?
Yes, and it is a popular option. Converting a carport into a garage involves adding walls, a roller door, and usually electrical work. Budget $8,000 to $20,000 for a carport-to-garage conversion depending on the size and finish. You will need a separate building permit for the conversion.
Do I need a licensed builder for a carport?
For any carport valued over the state’s licensing threshold (typically $3,300 in QLD, $5,000 in NSW), you must use a licensed builder. Even below these thresholds, using a licensed professional ensures the work meets building codes and is covered by warranty. Search for licensed builders on TradieVerify to find qualified professionals near you.
What is the cheapest type of carport to build?
A freestanding flat-roof steel carport kit is the cheapest option, starting from around $2,000 to $3,000 for supply only. With professional installation and a basic concrete slab, expect to pay $4,000 to $6,000 total for a single carport. Skillion (lean-to) designs attached to an existing wall are also cost-effective if your house structure supports it.
Key Takeaways
- A single carport costs $3,000 to $9,000 installed; a double carport costs $5,000 to $15,000
- A single Colorbond garage costs $14,000 to $28,000; a double runs $24,000 to $48,000
- Brick or rendered garages cost roughly double the price of steel/Colorbond
- Kit carports save 30% to 50% compared to custom builds
- Council approval is required for most carports and all garages in Australia
- A concrete slab adds $60 to $100 per square metre if you do not have one
- Cyclone-rated areas add 10% to 40% to material costs
- Always use a licensed builder for structural work and search for verified professionals on TradieVerify
Sources
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission - Building approval requirements: https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au
- NSW Fair Trading - Home building licence requirements: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
- Victorian Building Authority - Building permits and regulations: https://www.vba.vic.gov.au
- Housing Industry Association - Residential building cost data: https://hia.com.au
- ServiceTasker - Carport cost guide 2026: https://servicetasker.com.au/cost-guides/how-much-does-a-carport-cost
- ServiceTasker - Garage building cost guide 2026: https://servicetasker.com.au/cost-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-garage
- Fair Dinkum Builds - Garage pricing Australia: https://www.fairdinkumbuilds.com.au/news/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-garage/