Shingles if you want a solid, opaque roof that matches the tiles on the house and keeps the sound of rain down. Polycarbonate if daylight underneath matters more, for instance where the carport runs past a window. Shingles also read as more of a building from the street, which is usually the deciding factor when the carport sits at the front of the property.

The shingles in your chosen colour, the underlay that goes beneath them, the adhesive and the nails. That is the whole roof covering in one delivery, so nothing has to be worked out or collected separately on the day. The redwood frame, the curved corner braces and the decorative pedestal panels come with it as part of the same kit.

Usually not. A carport is an open-sided structure rather than an enclosed building, so it is normally treated as permitted development, and that is a large part of why it costs less and happens faster than a garage. Conservation areas, listed buildings and new-build covenants change the answer, so check with your local planning office before you order.

Slate Grey is the safer match on most British houses, since it sits close to concrete tiles and natural slate and disappears against them. Forest Green is the choice when the carport sits against planting or at the end of a garden and you would rather it settled into the greenery than matched the roofline. Both colours cost the same and come in the same kit.

Depths run 2m, 2.5m, 3m and 3.5m, and widths run from 2.9m to 7.22m, with the width following your wall. Most family cars sit comfortably under 2.5m or 3m of depth with room to open a door. Take 3.5m if you want to walk right round the car or park a van. Bespoke sizes are made to order if none of the twenty-eight standard combinations lands where you need it.