An attached cover may shorten the walk to the house. A detached one gives you other placement options. Sketch both with the parking positions, roof drainage and existing building in view.
Start at the household entrance
Trace the route from the driver's door to the entrance you actually use. Include groceries, children, mobility needs and bad-weather routines. A carport beside the decorative front door may be less convenient than one aligned with the everyday side entrance.
For a detached option, show the walking surface and the gap between structures. Decide whether a covered connection is part of the project and ask the contractor to include it explicitly if so.
Treat an attachment as a design question
Provide photographs and available drawings of the existing building. Ask the contractor how a proposed connection will be assessed and who is responsible for its structural and water-management details. An existing wall is not automatically a suitable attachment point for a new roof.
Think about roof edges, gutters, windows and equipment already on the house. These can affect the location even when the parking rectangle fits.
Compare complete scopes
Place foundation work, drainage, walking surfaces, connection details and any changes to the house on the same worksheet. Keep cosmetic preferences separate from functional requirements so the alternatives remain clear.
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