Decks and Outdoor Living Reservoir
Reservoir Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Reservoir and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Reservoir Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Reservoir 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 Reservoir Homes
Backyards in Reservoir are often large, with lawns, established trees, sheds and old concrete patios, though many have been reduced by subdivision for units at the rear. Some streets near the Darebin Creek and Edgars Creek slope towards the water, and newer townhouses come with small courtyards that need privacy.
Typical Reservoir outdoor projects include replacing concrete patios with timber or composite decks, adding covered alfresco areas and pergolas for shade, stepping decks down sloping blocks, and screening courtyards from neighbouring units, with steps, lighting and handrails planned so the deck is safe and easy to use. Decks and pergolas can need a building permit, and requirements are confirmed with Darebin City Council before construction begins.
Reservoir at a Glance
- Postcode
- Reservoir VIC 3073
- Council
- Darebin City Council
- From the CBD
- About 12 km north
- Typical Homes
- Post-war weatherboards
- Brick veneer homes
- Townhouses and units
- Former housing commission homes
- Property Market
- Median house price$965,000
- Median unit price$665,000
- House rent$600 a week
- Unit rent$540 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
What to Plan For in a Reservoir Deck or Alfresco Area
Materials
Decking Over Old Patios
Many Reservoir homes have a cracked concrete patio from the 1960s or 1970s. Decking can sometimes be laid over it on a low frame, but the slab must drain and the finished height must suit the back door. Where the slab has sunk or cracked badly, removing it and building a framed deck works better.
Layout
Smaller Yards After Subdivision
Where units have been built at the rear, many Reservoir front houses are left with a shorter yard. A deck that wraps along the side of the house, or a compact deck with built-in seating and storage, can make the most of it. We measure the usable space and the sun before suggesting a shape.
Soil
Footings on Reactive Ground
Clay soils in parts of Reservoir move as they wet and dry, which can tilt deck stumps and open gaps where the deck meets the house. Footings set to the right depth, and a frame fixed to the house only where it is designed to be, reduce this. We confirm footing details with the building surveyor.
Shade
Covered Areas for Year-Round Use
A covered alfresco with a solid or insulated roof lets Reservoir families use the deck in winter rain and summer sun. Roofed structures usually need a building permit, and the roof must drain to the stormwater system. Lighting, a ceiling fan or outdoor heating are easier to add if power is planned in from the start.
Access
Safe Steps and Rails
Many Reservoir houses on sloping or raised sites have a drop from the back door to the yard. A deck with a fall of more than a metre needs a balustrade, and stairs need even risers and handrails. Getting these right makes the deck safer for young children and older visitors alike.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Reservoir
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Reservoir 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 Reservoir
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 Reservoir 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 Reservoir
Reservoir (3073) is about 12 km north of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Reservoir and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Decks and Outdoor Living MelbourneWill a deck on our sloping Reservoir block need a permit?
Probably. A deck more than 800 mm above the ground generally needs a building permit, and one attached to the house usually does regardless of height. On a sloping block the deck also needs a compliant balustrade and stairs where it is high. We arrange the permit through a building surveyor and include it in the quote.
Can a pergola be added over the deck later?
Yes, but it is easier to plan for it now. Footings, posts and beams sized for a future roof save rebuilding parts of the deck later. In Reservoir’s open backyards, a pergola frame that can later take a solid roof gives flexibility. We note any permit that would apply when the roof is added.
What decking suits a townhouse courtyard in Reservoir?
In small courtyards, composite boards or a hardwood such as spotted gum work well. A low deck close to the ground needs a gap underneath for air and drainage. Screens on the boundary and planters help with privacy from the units next door. We design around any easements or shared drains.
Should I improve the outdoor area before listing or leasing my Reservoir property?
A safe, tidy outdoor area helps buyers and renters picture themselves using a Reservoir backyard. Fix loose boards, wobbly steps and missing balustrades first, as these show up in inspections and can be a safety issue for tenants. A cleaned and re-oiled deck or a simple shade structure often does more than a brand new build.
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.