Protect your vehicle with a custom-built carport
A carport is the ideal solution for sheltering your car, motorcycle or bicycles without building a closed garage. In Switzerland, where hail, snow and frost take a heavy toll on vehicles, a well-designed car shelter is a smart investment. SOS Jardin designs and installs your custom carport across Western Switzerland.
What is a carport?
A carport is a covered structure, open on one or more sides, designed to protect one or more vehicles from the weather. Unlike a garage, it has no enclosed walls, making it lighter, quicker to install and generally more affordable.
There are several types of carports:
- Lean-to carport: attached to the house facade, it uses an existing wall for stability and blends seamlessly with the architecture
- Freestanding carport: independent of any building, it can be placed freely on your property
- Single carport: for one vehicle (approximately 3 × 5 m)
- Double carport: for two vehicles or one vehicle plus storage space (approximately 6 × 5 m)
- Carport with storage unit: combining a car shelter with an enclosed area for garden equipment or bicycles
The most common materials in Switzerland are wood (spruce, larch, Douglas fir), aluminium and galvanised steel. The choice of material influences the appearance, durability and budget of your project.
Why hire a professional?
Although some carports are sold as kits, correct installation requires specific skills. A professional provides crucial advantages:
- Site and foundation assessment: a carport must withstand Swiss snow loads (up to 400 kg/m² depending on altitude) and wind. The sizing of posts and framework cannot be improvised.
- Regulatory compliance: in most Swiss municipalities, a carport requires a building permit or, at the very least, a prior notification. An experienced builder knows the local regulations.
- Architectural integration: the carport must harmonise with your house and respect the setback distances from property boundaries set by municipal regulations.
- Construction quality: solid joints, watertight roofing, properly sized rainwater drainage and materials treated for the local climate.
- Long-term guarantee: a professional offers a structural guarantee, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
- Ground surface coordination: a carport needs a suitable surface beneath it — asphalt, paving slabs or stabilised gravel. A professional coordinates the structure’s construction with the ground preparation for a cohesive, durable result.
- Additional features: an experienced builder can incorporate extras from the design stage — guttering connected to a rainwater harvester for your automatic irrigation, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging sockets or an adjoining pergola to extend the covered area.
Seasonal calendar for Switzerland
Carport installation in Switzerland should be planned around the climate and administrative timelines:
- January – February: the ideal time to design your project and submit the building permit application. Approval times vary from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the municipality, so it pays to plan ahead. Use this quieter period to obtain and compare several quotes.
- March – April: if the permit is in hand, foundation work can begin as soon as the ground has thawed and is workable. On the Swiss lowlands, this is usually possible from mid-March. Concrete pads need approximately 2 weeks to cure before the structure can be assembled.
- May – June: the optimal period for assembling the structure. Weather conditions are favourable (dry, long days) and the carport will be ready before the summer hailstorms common on the Swiss Plateau.
- July – August: work remains possible, but companies are often busy. Expect longer lead times for custom manufacturing and installation.
- September – October: the last comfortable window for installation. Your carport will be in place before the first snowfall, protecting your vehicle throughout winter.
- November – December: assembly is technically feasible outside of frost periods, but conditions are less favourable. Reserve this time for planning and administrative steps ahead of a spring build.
Important: at altitude (above 800 m), snow loads are higher and the structure must be sized accordingly (SIA 261 standard). Allow an additional 10 to 20 % of budget for structural reinforcement.
How it works
Step 1: Contact us
Tell us your requirements via our form or by phone: type of carport (lean-to or freestanding), number of vehicles, preferred material, approximate dimensions and any options (solar panels, lighting, side panels). Also indicate the nature of your ground and the planned location.
Step 2: We visit and provide a free quote
A specialist from our team visits your site to assess your terrain and needs. We provide a detailed quote covering materials, labour, foundations and any administrative costs, with no obligation.
Step 3: We carry out the work
Once the quote is approved, our team handles the complete construction of your carport, from foundations to finishing, on schedule.
Prices and rates in Switzerland
The cost of a carport depends on the material, size, type of roof and complexity of installation. Here are typical price ranges for Switzerland:
| Type of carport | Price range (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Single wooden carport (1 car) | 4,000 – 9,600 |
| Double wooden carport (2 cars) | 7,200 – 16,000 |
| Single aluminium carport | 5,600 – 12,000 |
| Double aluminium carport | 9,600 – 20,000 |
| Carport with storage unit | 8,000 – 24,000 |
| Carport with photovoltaic roof | 12,000 – 32,000 |
These prices include supply, installation and standard foundations (concrete pads or slab). Preliminary earthworks, electrical connections for lighting or solar panels, and building permit fees are generally charged separately. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a personalised quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does a carport require a building permit in Switzerland?
In most cantons, yes. Even though it is an open structure, a carport changes the external appearance of your property and occupies ground area. Some municipalities accept a simple works notification for small structures, but it is essential to check with your local planning office before starting.
Which material should I choose: wood or aluminium?
Wood offers a warm, natural look that is very popular in Switzerland. Larch and Douglas fir are naturally weather-resistant. Aluminium is more modern, requires virtually no maintenance and is perfectly corrosion-resistant. The choice depends on your aesthetic preferences, budget and the style of your home. A professional can advise you on the best solution.
Can solar panels be installed on a carport?
Absolutely. The solar carport is an increasingly popular option in Switzerland. The carport roof accommodates photovoltaic panels that generate electricity for your home or to charge an electric vehicle. This option increases the initial cost but produces savings on your energy bill and may qualify for cantonal subsidies.
How long does a carport last?
A properly built and maintained carport easily lasts 20 to 30 years or more. An aluminium model requires very little maintenance. For wood, applying a protective treatment every 3 to 5 years (stain or oil) significantly extends its lifespan. The quality of the foundations and roofing also plays a key role.
How long does it take to install a carport?
The installation itself typically takes 2 to 5 working days, depending on the complexity of the project. However, you should also factor in custom manufacturing time (2 to 6 weeks) and the building permit approval period, which varies from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the municipality. Plan your project ahead to avoid delays.
Does a carport increase the value of my property?
Yes, a well-designed carport that is properly integrated into your property adds real estate value. In Switzerland, where covered parking spaces are highly sought after, a carport can increase the estimated value of your property by 5,000 to 15,000 CHF depending on its size, material and features (solar panels, charging point). It also protects your vehicle from hail, snow and frost, reducing your car maintenance costs.
Can a carport be enclosed later to become a garage?
It is technically possible if the structure was designed to support additional walls, but it generally requires a new building permit application because you are changing the nature of the construction. Setback distances from property boundaries and planning rules may also differ for an enclosed garage. Consult your municipality and your builder before considering this conversion.
What ground surface should I choose under a carport?
Several options are available. Asphalt is the most common choice for carports: it is durable, easy to maintain and resistant to oil stains. Concrete or natural stone paving slabs offer a more attractive finish, ideal if the carport adjoins your terrace. Stabilised gravel is a more affordable and permeable alternative, valued in municipalities that impose restrictions on ground impermeabilisation. Your professional will guide you towards the solution best suited to your terrain and budget.