Things you should take into account before deciding on the size of the carport are: the number od vehicles you will park under the carport, the type of vehicle(s), the height of your vehicle(s), intended use of the carport (if you want to have extra storage space), if you are planning to buy anopther/a different vehicle.
The area of installation must be clear, firm and flat. Some companies can do site preparation for you, others offer installation only. Check with the chosen company before conducting the contract.
According to the SANS regulations you do not need plans but you should still check with your local council because you might need to get approval from them.
The lifespan of the carport depends on the quality of the carport and the materials it is made of, but no carport on the market should last less than 10 years.
