Decks and Outdoor Living Gowanbrae
Gowanbrae Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Gowanbrae and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Gowanbrae Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Gowanbrae 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 Gowanbrae Homes
Backyards in Gowanbrae are usually modest, and homes on sloping blocks often have outdoor areas that need to step down or be raised to meet the house. Many still have the basic pergola or paved area from when they were built, and owners want a covered space that works for entertaining and family use, sometimes with an outlook over the Moonee Ponds Creek parklands.
Typical outdoor projects here include raised or multi-level decks on sloping blocks, roofed alfresco areas and pergolas, replacing tired paving with decking, screening for privacy from neighbouring homes, and steps and retaining where levels change. Decks and roofed structures often need a building permit, and retaining work can add its own requirements, so we confirm them with a building surveyor and Merri-bek City Council first.
Gowanbrae at a Glance
- Postcode
- Gowanbrae VIC 3043
- Council
- Merri-bek City Council
- From the CBD
- About 13 km north-west
- Typical Homes
- Late 1990s and 2000s brick family homes
- Double-storey houses
- Townhouses
- Homes on sloping blocks
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,000,000
- House rent$655 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning a Deck in Gowanbrae
Slope
Elevated Decks on Falling Blocks
Where a Gowanbrae yard drops away from the house, a deck at floor level may sit well over 800 mm above the ground, which generally means a building permit, engineered footings and compliant balustrades. Stairs down to the garden need the same care. We measure the fall across the yard before choosing the frame and footing design.
Privacy
Overlooking Close Neighbours
Gowanbrae homes are built fairly close together, and a raised deck can look straight into neighbouring yards and windows. Overlooking rules may require screens to a set height along the sides of an elevated deck. We design screening that meets the rules while keeping the outlook you want, particularly towards the parklands or the city.
Drainage
Retaining Walls and Drainage
Many sloping Gowanbrae blocks have retaining walls at the rear, and new deck footings must not undermine or overload them. Water running down the slope also needs to be directed away from the house and the deck footings. We check the condition of existing walls and plan the drainage before any building work starts.
Materials
Replacing Original Paving
Original concrete or clay paver patios in Gowanbrae have often settled or cracked, especially close to the house. A deck over the area can level it out, but it needs ventilation and clearance under the frame and must sit below the floor and weep holes. We check how the paving falls and where downpipes discharge before designing.
Shade
Roofing the Alfresco
A roofed alfresco off the family room is a common Gowanbrae project, joined to the house under the eaves or with a raised gable. On double-storey homes the roof has to sit below the upstairs windows. Insulated roof panels reduce heat, and gutters must connect to stormwater. We confirm permit requirements before ordering anything.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Gowanbrae
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Gowanbrae 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 Gowanbrae
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 Gowanbrae 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 Gowanbrae
Gowanbrae (3043) is about 13 km north-west of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Gowanbrae 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 on my Gowanbrae slope?
A deck more than 800 mm above the ground, or attached to the house, generally needs a building permit, which is common on Gowanbrae’s sloping blocks. Roofed pergolas and verandahs usually do too, and planning rules may apply in some cases. We arrange the building surveyor and check Merri-bek City Council requirements first.
Can I build a deck over a retaining wall?
Sometimes, but deck footings usually need to be set independently so they don’t load or undermine the wall. If the wall is old, cracked or leaning, it may need repair or replacement first. We check the wall and design the footings to suit your Gowanbrae site before construction starts.
Which decking suits a tall deck on a sloping block?
Hardwood suits a traditional look and needs regular oiling, while composite boards are low maintenance and keep their colour. On a tall Gowanbrae deck, the frame matters as much as the boards, with properly sized bearers, bracing and footings. We help you choose materials for the deck’s height, your budget and the upkeep you want.
Should I fix the deck before selling my Gowanbrae home?
A raised deck on a Gowanbrae slope will be checked closely by buyers and building inspectors. Loose balustrades, worn stairs or soft boards raise safety concerns. Repairing these, cleaning and oiling the timber and fixing a leaking pergola roof is often enough. A full rebuild needs a permit and time, so plan it well before listing.
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.