Carports

Start with the number and dimensions of your vehicles. Allow for opening doors, walking to the house and manoeuvring on the driveway. Use this layout to decide where the posts, roof and any side screens should go.

Decide what you need to store and where you need access. A parked vehicle should not block the storage entrance. Compare layouts with storage beside the parking space and behind it.

Compare the route from the car to the entrance, window positions and manoeuvring space. An attached structure may shorten the walk but needs to work with the facade and its openings. A freestanding carport can separate parking from the terrace and garden.

Look at roof height, post spacing and the proportions of side screens. Timber colour and finishes can relate to windows, fencing or the gate. When browsing Pinegard projects, compare the whole structure against the house rather than an isolated cladding detail.

Draw both vehicles with their doors open and allow access to the boots. Include bicycles, a pushchair and the route to any storage room. Adding the widths of two cars does not tell you how much space comfortable everyday parking needs.

When you want to limit views from the street or screen the side most exposed to wind-driven rain. Check visibility when driving out and clearance for opening doors. Solid walls, slats and open sides have different effects; not every design needs screening on all sides.

Prepare driveway dimensions and photographs, the number of vehicles and the intended positions of posts and storage access. Mark fixed features such as the gate, doors and trees. Include a reference project and explain whether its shape, materials or layout interest you.

Decide where water will go before fixing the columns and paving layout. Discharge should avoid the route to the house and the area where car doors open. Check the roof and gutter arrangement in the chosen project, then discuss how it would fit your driveway.

Allow for the charger when laying out the parking space. Its cable should reach the vehicle without crossing the main walkway, and the unit should not obstruct the doors. Agree the supply route and installation with an electrician; a carport does not automatically include charging equipment.

Pinegard projects include standing-seam metal and membrane roof coverings. Compare the underside, roof edges and drainage as well as the exterior appearance. A solution designed for one column spacing needs a structural review before being used in a different project.