Decks and Outdoor Living Somerton
Somerton Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Somerton and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Somerton Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Somerton 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 Somerton Homes
The few homes in Somerton sit among industrial estates and open land, so their backyards are often more exposed than those in a typical suburban street. Wind across the flat ground, afternoon sun and dust from nearby roads and businesses all affect how an outdoor area gets used, and many older houses have little more than a basic patio.
Outdoor projects for a Somerton home usually focus on shelter: a roofed deck or alfresco area, screens on the windward or industrial side, and materials that clean easily and handle the sun. Decks over 800 mm high or attached to the house, and many roofed structures, generally need a building permit, and we confirm planning requirements with Hume City Council because of the zoning.
Somerton at a Glance
- Postcode
- Somerton VIC 3062
- Council
- Hume City Council
- From the CBD
- About 19 km north
- Typical Homes
- A small number of detached houses
- Older houses on large blocks
- Homes among industrial and business land
Before You Start
Planning an Outdoor Area in Somerton
Privacy
Screening Industrial Neighbours
A home beside warehouses or yards may look onto loading areas, security lighting or high fences. Solid or slatted screens, a back wall on the alfresco or dense planting can block the view and take the edge off some of the noise. We position screens to suit where the activity and the prevailing wind come from on your Somerton block.
Shade
Roofs That Keep Out Sun and Dust
A solid insulated roof keeps afternoon heat and settling dust off the outdoor table, and is easier to keep clean than an open pergola. Gutters near busy Somerton roads need clearing more often, so we make them easy to reach. We size the roof to shade the area you use most in summer, based on how your house faces.
Bushfire
Grassland and Bushfire Prone Areas
Parts of Hume with open grassland are designated Bushfire Prone Areas. If your Somerton property is one of them, a deck attached to or near the house may need to meet the BAL rating for the site, which affects the decking, framing and screening materials. We check the designation and the rating before choosing materials, not after.
Permits
Zoning and Permits
Because Somerton is largely zoned for industry, any new structure on a residential property should be checked against the zone and overlays before you commit. A deck or verandah generally needs a building permit if it is attached to the house or more than 800 mm high, and the zone may call for planning approval too. We confirm both with Hume City Council.
Materials
Low Maintenance Decking
Dust and grit build up between deck boards and wear the finish over time. Composite boards with tight, even gaps, or a sealed concrete or paved area, are easier to keep clean than timber that needs regular oiling. For a Somerton home exposed to strong sun and wind, we suggest boards made for full outdoor exposure, with fixings to match.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Somerton
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Somerton 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 Somerton
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 Somerton 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 Somerton
Somerton (3062) is about 19 km north of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Somerton 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 at my Somerton home?
A deck attached to the house or more than 800 mm above the ground generally needs a building permit. Because most of Somerton is zoned for industry, a planning permit may also be relevant for new structures, depending on your lot. We check both with Hume City Council and the building surveyor before you commit to a design.
How can we make our Somerton backyard less windy?
Screens or a solid wall at the windward end of the deck, a roof that extends past the seating area and hedging along the fence all help. Screens need footings and fixings designed for wind loads, as open Somerton land gives the wind a long run. We work out which direction the strongest gusts come from on your block before deciding where shelter goes.
Is a deck or a paved area better for our Somerton home?
A low deck suits a house with a raised timber floor, giving a level step out, while paving or concrete suits homes built on a slab and areas around a barbecue or vehicle access. Paving is also easier to hose clean of dust. We often suggest a combination, with a covered deck near the house and paving further out.
Can lighting be added to the outdoor area?
Yes. LED downlights under the roof, a few garden lights and weatherproof power points make the area usable at night, and the lighting can be kept soft so it doesn’t compete with the glare from nearby Somerton industrial sites. Our licensed electricians install the circuits and issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety.
Should we build a deck before selling or leasing our Somerton property?
Given how few homes there are in Somerton, a new deck is unlikely to be the deciding factor for a buyer or tenant. Making an existing deck or verandah safe, with sound boards, secure steps and balustrades, and a cleaned surface, is a sensible step before listing. A larger outdoor project suits owners who plan to stay and use it themselves.
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.