Decks and Outdoor Living Brunswick

It depends on the height and how it connects to the house. Decks more than 800 mm above ground or attached to the house generally need a building permit, while a low, freestanding deck often doesn’t. In a Heritage Overlay, anything visible from the street may also need a planning permit, so we check with Merri-bek City Council before we start.

Usually, yes, for a low deck, as long as it drains properly and doesn’t raise ground levels against a neighbour’s wall or fence. Raised decks near a boundary may need screening to stop overlooking. In Brunswick’s narrow yards we often recommend keeping the deck low and adding built-in seating along the fence line instead.

Keep it simple: a low deck in a light-coloured board, built-in bench seating with storage, and planter boxes for shade-tolerant plants. A clear or louvred roof can keep the rain off without blocking the light. Good drainage and airflow underneath stop the boards staying damp in a courtyard surrounded by brick walls.

Often, yes, using a raised decking system that sits above the existing membrane without drilling into it. Your owners corporation will usually need to approve it first, and some Brunswick buildings have rules on materials and weight. We check the building’s rules and drainage before recommending a system.

Outdoor space is limited behind most Brunswick terraces and cottages, so a usable courtyard stands out to buyers and renters. Often that means replacing cracked paving or a rotting old deck, adding simple screening from neighbouring windows and fixing drainage near the back door. A small, low deck that sits level with the kitchen usually works better than a large structure. Avoid anything that needs a building permit if you are short on time before the sale.