Carports in Switzerland: costs, types of construction, and key planning considerations

Today, a carport is much more than just a simple shelter for your car. It provides reliable protection against snow, hail, strong sunlight, and leaves, improves the everyday usability of your property, and can be flexibly adapted to modern requirements. Many owners consciously choose a carport over a garage because it is cheaper, quicker to build, and more versatile. There is another advantage: carports are ideal for photovoltaic roofs and can be easily combined with a charging station for electric vehicles. This turns the parking space into a source of energy at the same time. In this guide, you will learn what costs are realistic, what types of construction are available, which materials have proven themselves, and what you should definitely pay attention to when planning, obtaining permits, and executing the project.

The cost of a carport is significantly lower than that of a garage, but varies greatly depending on the design, materials, size, and features. In addition to the carport itself, the foundation, installation, and additional options play an important role. The following guidelines are based on typical projects in Switzerland and are intended as a reference.

The total price of a carport consists of several individual items that are often underestimated. Taking a closer look at these points will help you plan a realistic budget.

Foundation A carport must be permanently stable. Point foundations or concrete slabs cost around $2,500–5,000, depending on size and soil conditions. Metal structures usually require a stronger foundation.

Support structure The material used is the biggest cost factor. Wood is cheaper, but requires maintenance. Aluminum and steel are more expensive, but virtually maintenance-free and extremely durable. Snow load zones increase the material costs even further.

Roofcovering Polycarbonate, trapezoidal sheet metal, glass, green roof, or solar roof—the choice has a significant impact on price and function. Photovoltaic or green roofs increase the investment, but offer additional benefits.

Installation Professional installation usually costs between $2,500 and $4,500. Special constructions, sloping sites, or difficult access can make it more expensive. Professionals also take care of anchoring, alignment, and structural requirements.

Additionalequipment Side walls, equipment cabinets, lighting, power outlets, or a wall box for electric cars increase comfort and functionality—and, accordingly, the price.

Inexpensive carport kits from the hardware store can theoretically be assembled yourself. This saves money, but requires experience, time, and precision work.

A DIY carport only makes sense if:

Errors in the foundation, alignment, or fastening often lead to damage or instability later on. Specialist companies not only offer safety and guarantees, but also take snow load, building regulations, and long-term durability into account.

Today, the decision depends not only on budget, but also on usage, vehicle type, and future plans. A carport is cheaper, requires less space, and provides good ventilation thanks to its open design—this reduces moisture and protects the car body. For electric cars, a carport can easily be combined with a charging station and, optionally, with photovoltaics. Garages, on the other hand, offer more protection against theft, weather, and animals and are better suited as additional storage space. However, they are significantly more expensive, more complex in terms of building regulations, and can cause moisture problems if ventilation is poor.

Advantages of a carport:

Disadvantages:

The location should be easily accessible and as close to the house as possible. Wind direction, snow drifts, and sunlight also play a role—especially for PV carports. Snow load varies greatly in Switzerland depending on altitude and must be calculated correctly. Secure anchoring and wind stability are equally important. In addition, distance and fire safety regulations apply depending on the municipality. Clarifying these issues with the building authority at an early stage saves time and hassle. Anyone planning an e-charging station should also consider the power connection and fuses at the same time – this saves on conversion costs later on.

Generally speaking, yes. Once the carport is permanently attached to the ground, it is considered a structure. The exact requirements vary depending on the state and municipality.

Frequently requested:

A brief preliminary clarification with the building authority is strongly recommended.

Common problems arise from:

Proper planning prevents costly rework.

A carport is a cost-effective, space-saving, and versatile solution for protecting vehicles. Modern materials, optional charging stations, and the possibility of photovoltaics make it particularly attractive. If you consider the location, statics, choice of materials, and building regulations at an early stage, you will end up with a durable structure that adds real value to your property.