Decks and Outdoor Living Fitzroy
Fitzroy Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Fitzroy and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Fitzroy Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Fitzroy and throughout Melbourne for over 20 years. Since 2002, our family-run business has helped homeowners unlock the full potential of their backyards, creating stylish, functional and inviting spaces for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors.
What Our Clients Say
5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 25 reviews
Love our new deck!
“My experience with Smarter Home Renovations has been very positive. I love that it is a family business. Tony and Milan work together very well. They are professional, polite, considerate, they work really hard and they do a great job! I am very happy with their work and highly recommend them.”
Kitchen and outdoor renovations
“Fantastic service and fantastic price. We had our outdoor area fully tiled and our kitchen renovated. They talked me through the process step by step, did what they promised in the time they promised, were always on time and so very friendly. They even went out of their way with additional extras, running around Melbourne buying everything I needed to take the pressure off me. Would recommend you give them a try. The pricing is very reasonable and affordable, and nothing was too big for them to do. Father and son service, fantastic team.”
Outstanding Customer Service
“Absolute pleasure dealing with Tony and his team. His customer service was without a doubt, outstanding! Punctual, always on time, workmanship could not be faulted. He delivered on what he promised and on time. We would not hesitate recommending his services!”
Outdoor Living in Fitzroy Homes
Outdoor space in Fitzroy is limited. Most terraces and cottages have a small rear courtyard with high brick walls and access to a laneway, and a few have roof terraces or balconies. These spaces are often paved with old brick or concrete and overlooked by neighbours, so every square metre needs to be planned.
That shapes most of our Fitzroy outdoor projects: building low decks that make a small courtyard usable, adding pergolas, screens and planting for privacy and shade, linking the courtyard to the kitchen with wide doors, and creating balconies or roof terraces where permitted. Decks and roofed structures often need a building permit, and heritage controls usually apply to visible work, so we confirm the requirements with the City of Yarra before we start.
Fitzroy at a Glance
- Postcode
- Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Council
- City of Yarra
- From the CBD
- About 2 km north-east
- Typical Homes
- Victorian terraces
- Workers’ cottages
- Warehouse conversions
- Apartments
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,450,000
- Median unit price$811,000
- House rent$998 a week
- Unit rent$700 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning Outdoor Living in Fitzroy
Layout
Small Courtyards
Most Fitzroy terraces have a small courtyard behind high brick walls. A low deck level with the kitchen floor, built-in seating with storage and planters makes the space work. We plan drainage so water runs away from the house and doesn’t pool against old brick walls.
Structure
Roof Terraces and Balconies
Some Fitzroy terraces have a balcony or the option of a roof terrace. These need a structure that can carry the load, a waterproofing membrane and balustrades. In a heritage precinct, anything visible from the street usually needs a planning permit, so we check this before design.
Privacy
Privacy From Neighbours
In Fitzroy, courtyards are often overlooked by neighbours on both sides and from upstairs windows. Timber screens, a pergola with adjustable louvres and climbing plants on wires can block views without blocking light. Any screen on or near a boundary has height limits, and in a heritage precinct it should not dominate the view from the lane or street.
Access
Laneway Access
Where a Fitzroy terrace backs onto a laneway, decking timber and materials can come in through the rear gate instead of through the house. Where there is no lane, we plan materials in lengths that fit through the hallway and protect floors as we go.
Permits
Permits for Decks and Pergolas
A deck more than 800 mm above ground or attached to the house generally needs a building permit, and roofed pergolas often do too. In Fitzroy’s heritage precincts, structures visible from the street may also need a planning permit from the City of Yarra. We confirm both before any timber is ordered.
Materials
Old Brick Walls and Paving
Fitzroy courtyards often have old brick walls and paving. These can be reused or repaired as part of the new design. We check the condition of boundary walls before attaching anything to them, as old brick and lime mortar can be soft. Where a wall is shared with a neighbour, their agreement is needed before fixing to it.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Fitzroy
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Fitzroy home.
- 1Tell us about your project
Two quick steps. It takes about two minutes.
- 2We call you back
Tony will be in touch within one business day to talk through your ideas.
- 3Free on-site consultation
We visit, measure up and listen to how you want the space to work.
- 4Fixed-price quote
A detailed, itemised quote. What we quote is what you pay.
No obligation, no pressure
Family-run since 2002. Your estimate is free and your details are never shared with third parties.
Your Decks and Outdoor Living in Fitzroy
Decks & Decking
Hardwood, spotted gum, merbau or composite decking, designed to your site's specific conditions, council requirements, and your personal style.
Pergolas & Roof Systems
Freestanding and attached pergolas, louvred roof systems, and shade sails, giving you a covered outdoor space you can use year-round.
Alfresco & Patio Areas
Concreted, paved or tiled alfresco areas integrated with your home, designed to complement your architecture and maximise usable space.
Outdoor Kitchens & BBQ
Built-in BBQ benches, outdoor sinks, bar fridges and cabinetry: everything you need to make entertaining in your backyard effortless.
Privacy Screens & Fencing
Timber battens, steel screens and feature walls that give you privacy from neighbours without sacrificing the look of your outdoor space.
Lighting & Electrical
Deck lighting, downlights under pergolas, weatherproof power points and garden lighting, all installed by licensed electricians.
Your Fitzroy Outdoor Space in 5 Steps
Meet & Greet
We get to know you and your specific needs. And you find out more about us to make sure we are a good fit.
Consult & Design
We ask lots of questions to understand your ideal outcome for your project. We discuss layout, budget, colours and more.
Quote
A comprehensive quotation outlining all the details, costs and timelines to complete your project.
Construct & Manage
Time to get to work with all our suppliers and trades to construct your project and deliver it as promised.
Deliver
We strive to deliver your project on time and on budget. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction from start to finish.
Decks and Outdoor Living In and Around Fitzroy
Fitzroy (3065) is about 2 km north-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Fitzroy and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Decks and Outdoor Living MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
Do I need a permit for a deck in my Fitzroy courtyard?
A low, freestanding deck may not need one, but a deck more than 800 mm above ground or attached to the house generally needs a building permit. In a heritage precinct, a structure visible from the street may also need a planning permit from the City of Yarra. We check this first.
Can I add a roof terrace to my Fitzroy terrace?
Sometimes. It needs a structure that can carry the load, waterproofing and balustrades, and in a heritage precinct a roof terrace visible from the street usually needs a planning permit. Overlooking of neighbours is also assessed. We look at the structure and the planning rules first.
How can I make a small Fitzroy courtyard feel bigger?
A deck level with the kitchen floor, wide doors that open fully, built-in seating with storage and vertical planting all help. Keeping the colour palette simple and lighting the walls at night can make the space feel larger. We design the courtyard as part of the living area.
Can a pergola be fixed to my old brick boundary wall?
It depends on the condition of the wall and who owns it. Old Fitzroy walls can have soft brick and lime mortar, and shared walls need the neighbour’s agreement. Often a freestanding pergola on its own posts is the simpler option. We check the wall before designing.
Should I redo the courtyard of my Fitzroy terrace before selling or leasing?
Fitzroy courtyards are small and often enclosed by high brick walls, with uneven paving, drainage problems or an old timber deck that has rotted against the boundary. For buyers and renters, a clean, level, well-drained courtyard that opens off the kitchen makes the house feel larger. Fix drainage and replace failed decking first. A simple pergola or planting can add shade, but skip roof terraces that need heritage and building permits.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
No matter the project, our team has the right solution. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let's get your renovation underway.