Before rushing out to protect the prized possession, think where to locate the carport. Try to keep it reasonably close to the house so it's not a marathon run to the back or front door. However, make sure to contact the local council to discuss the plans as there will undoubtedly be some restrictions and a building permit may be needed. This carport project we show covers an area approximately six metres long x three metres wide – ample for the average family car.

Dig the post holes in each corner. The local council will advise on the hole sizes required depending on soil classification: Now mix the concrete - just enough for each hole at a time, making sure it's well packed in.

Take a post saddle, line it up with the centre of the concreted hole and push it firmly down through the concrete. The "U" of the saddle will need to be 25mm clear of the ground level, so rest it on two small pieces of scrap timber while the concrete is setting (this will keep it about the right height). And of course, use the spirit level to make sure everything is level (Diagram 3). Repeat procedure for each of the other five post holes.

Leave the saddles for about a week to let the concrete set. Then put up the posts. It's a good idea to have someone help at this stage.

Have a helper hold each post in the saddle while they are made exactly vertical with the spirit level. Then brace them on two sides so they will stand exactly upright. Drill through the holes in the saddle and right through the post. Slip a coach bolt through and fix it with washer and nut (Diagram 4).

Do all six and already the carport will be taking shape.

Unless the carport is on perfectly level ground, a datum line must be established around the posts. A datum line ensures the roofing ends up level.

First, make a pencil mark about a metre up the post that will be the shortest in the carport. Drive a nail into the timber at this pencil mark. Rest one end of a length of timber on the nail and have a helper hold the other end against the next post. Use a spirit level to get the piece of timber level then drive another nail in to support it at the second post. Continue until you have nails on all four posts. A datum line should now be around the base of the posts (Diagram 5).

Transfer this level exactly to the height chosen for the roof and mark the posts all around at this point. Remove the bracing, take the posts down and trim them to the top line marked. Mark the posts to ensure they go back to the place they came from.

To fix the side beams, it is handy to have a couple of ladders and a friend to help. Rest the side beams in the housing cut in each post. Use G-clamps to hold them in place. If the housings are cut correctly, they will be sitting flush. Drill two holes and secure each beam in place with 90mm coach screws (Diagram 6).

The rafters come next. They are the lengths of timber that support the roof. But first, set the fall of the roof so the rain will run off into the guttering.

About 40mm of fall to the side selected is needed for run-off- usually the rear side. Hammer a nail at the front (right at the top and on the inside). Then run a string down the carport and attach it to the other end beam - but this time 40mm from the top. This will give the fall.

Nail a 75 x 35mm batten down each side beam (along the string line). This becomes the support for the rafters.

Now measure and cut the rafters to the width between the side beams, fit a rafter every 900mm and nail them securely (Diagram 7).

Diagram 7: Completed Framework

The guttering and downpipe will go at the fall end of the roofline.

Attach the gutter, using gutter brackets, across the end beam just below the line of the roofing. The guttering should have a fall to the outlet end so rainwater will run off into the downpipe.

Connect the downpipe to the nearest convenient stormwater outlet. This could be at a nearby downpipe on the house.

There are various kinds of roofing sheets available.

Trimdeck pattern roofing in either Zincalume or a range of Colorbond finishes can be supplied cut to order or from stock. Your local Home Timber & Hardware will be able to help.

Fit the first roof sheet so it fits along the inside of the side beam. Work your way across the rafters until the entire carport is covered. Use the maximum recommended number of fasteners according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's definitely a case of better too many than too few.

Bend flexible metal flashing over the roofing where it meets the inside edge of the beams and nail it in place. This will ensure a waterproof edge.

Although the carport is now finished and usable, it is advisable to coat all the timber (or at least the outside facing beams) with a timber stain or paint. Paint it the same colour as the fascias on the house, or in a colour that complements it.