do you meant to build in the carport, if so, i suggest that the carport would probably be no cheaper than adding a new extension anywhere else but first describe your climate and who will live in the house and what's the roof walls and floor made out of and a photos showing the shape of the carport and roof might help?

Thanks oklouise. Yes, I meant turning the carport into a extra room. We're in Perth so it gets very hot in summer. The house is for me, my husband and our toddler, and we'd like the option of staying there long term so it would be good if it would work with a teenager (not planning on any more kids). I'm pretty sure it's double brick on a concrete slab with internal brick walls and a tile roof.

much as i like the idea of a small home the internal brick walls and concrete slab makes any internal renovation very expensive and although the garage would be an OK size for a small master suite the challenge is to try and include a bathroom and wardrobe with access from inside without sacrificing something else...my best suggestion would be to swop the paved reversing area and lawn to cool down the front of the house and create a secure fenced garden for your toddler and add a new carport but, any extra buildings need to meet building regulation for proportion of the block covered by buildings......the old carport has barely enough space for a small bedroom, wiw and tiny ensuite (located to make connecting to the sewerage more economical) but the door through the living area restricts furniture arrangement and you would also need to raise the floor or have a step down into the new bedroom... i would expect these changes to cost around $50,000 plus all the work to rearrange the paving and plant a new lawn and the cost of a new carport so, unless the house is in a fabulous location at a fabulous price, i suggest you may find another home to suit your needs much better

If you are looking at small size lots like this one it would be worthwhile being familiar with the regulations so you understand the restrictions on future extensions and additions from a planning perspective. Small size lots are usually more regulated and controlled by planning requirements than standard size lots.

It looks like your home may be a unit at the rear of another property, possibly accessed by a long driveway? I am not familair with the planning regulations in Perth, but in Melbourne there is a planning requirement for providing two off-street parking spaces for a three bedroom home. You may want to check with your local council the parking requirements for your property as you may actually be prohibted from converting the carport into another room without providing an additional parking space to replace the one that has been lost. In addition there are requirements for car turning areas (so you aren't forced to reverse up a long driveway) , maximum site coverage and landscaping, which may also restrict the conversion of existing landscape area to a car-parking space.

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls