Carports in Switzerland: prices, construction methods, and what you should clarify before building

A carport is a practical alternative to a garage: your vehicle is protected from snow, hail, UV radiation, and falling branches—without you having to build an expensive, enclosed structure. At the same time, a carport can enhance the overall appearance of your home and add useful space to your property, for example with a storage room, side walls, or an integrated charging station for your electric car.

The combination with photovoltaics is also exciting: many carports are ideal as a support surface for solar modules and can therefore not only provide protection but also supply energy. In this guide, you will find clear information on costs, materials, planning, approvals, and typical sources of error—so that you can plan your carport in Switzerland realistically and cleanly.

The following guidelines show typical cost ranges that are frequently encountered in Swiss projects.

Wooden carport: approx. $5,000–$12,000 A popular, affordable solution with a natural look. Wood has a warm feel and goes well with single-family homes—but it needs maintenance to stay beautiful and stable in the long term.

Metal carport (aluminum or steel): approx. $10,000–$15,000 Very robust, durable, and low maintenance. Particularly useful in areas with high snow loads or if you plan to install solar panels or a green roof at a later date.

Double carport: approx. $10,000–$25,000 Designed for two vehicles – with a correspondingly larger span, stronger construction, and usually more elaborate foundations.

Designer/premium carport (glass roof, equipment room, special construction): up to approx. $40,000 Customized solutions with a high degree of design freedom and additional benefits (storage space, side walls, integrated technology).

So that you don't just see the "carport price," but the total budget, here are the most important components.

Foundation Depending on the ground, carport size, and snow load, point foundations or a concrete base are used. Typical costs are around $2,500–4,000—often slightly more for heavy metal structures.

Construction andposts The choice of material has the greatest impact on price. Wood is cheaper, while metal costs more but often lasts longer and is almost maintenance-free. In areas with heavy snowfall, reinforced construction is also required.

Roof androofing There are significant price differences between polycarbonate, trapezoidal sheet metal, glass, green roofs, and PV roofs. The higher the quality and multifunctionality of the roofing solution, the higher the investment.

Installation by a specialistcompany Professional installation often costs around $3,000–$4,000. In cases of difficult access, sloping terrain, or special shapes, the cost may be higher. However, the anchoring, alignment, and statics will be correct.

Additionaloptions Side panels, equipment compartment, lighting, power outlets, rain gutter, LED light, wall box: upgrades like these can quickly add several thousand dollars to the price—but they also offer noticeable benefits.

Kits often appear inexpensive, but the effort involved is underestimated. Foundation work, precise alignment, and secure anchoring are crucial to ensure that the carport remains stable in wind and snow.

Self-assembly is particularly worthwhile if you:

A specialist company is usually the better choice when snow load zones, PV planning, complicated subsoil, or building regulations come into play.

Wood Natural and visually appealing. Attractively priced, but requires more maintenance – ideal with good impregnation and regular protective coating.

Aluminum Modern, lightweight, corrosion-free, and virtually maintenance-free. Well suited when design and low maintenance are priorities.

Steel Very stable and load-bearing – particularly suitable for high snow loads or as a base for photovoltaics/green roofs. Usually more expensive, but extremely robust.

Hybrid solutions (wood + metal) Combine a warm appearance with high stability. Often a good compromise between design, durability, and budget.

Sustainableoptions Swiss wood (certified) or recycled aluminum improve the eco-balance—without compromising on stability and durability.

A carport should be positioned so that it works well in everyday life: short distances, easy access, and as little snow drift or leaf fall as possible directly above the parking space. Structural stability is also important: in Switzerland, snow load values vary greatly depending on the region. The roof must be designed accordingly—especially if you are planning to install photovoltaics or a heavier roof system. Wind loads are also relevant because open structures are more exposed. Another point to consider is boundary distances and local building regulations. Municipalities regulate such details differently, especially when it comes to extensions to houses or fire safety requirements. If you want a wallbox in the future, it is worth planning the power supply, cable routing, and fuses directly into your design.

In most cases, yes: as soon as the carport is permanently attached to the ground, it is considered a structure. The documents required vary depending on the municipality, but the following are often requested:

A brief preliminary consultation with the building authority often saves weeks of delay.

Typical problems arise from:

Planning these points carefully early on will help you avoid rework and hassle.

A carport is an economical and sustainable way to reliably protect vehicles—with less construction effort than a garage. Modern materials, optional charging stations, and the option of a PV roof make it a functional extension of the property. The location, structural stability, building regulations, and choice of suitable materials are crucial factors. With good planning, you can create a durable structure that provides convenience and can increase the value of your property.