Your Patio Project
What to Expect

To begin the permit and planning process, we generally require a $450 pre-construction payment. This payment is:

• Non-refundable once pre-construction work has commenced
• Deducted from your accepted quotation
• Not an additional cost

It allows us to obtain relevant property information, prepare the required drawings and begin assessing the project for building permit approval. We also look for potential additional requirements such as easements, boundary setbacks, fire separation provisions and council approvals.

We aim to identify these requirements and any likely additional costs before contracts are signed. Further requirements may still be identified by the building surveyor, council, engineer or another relevant authority.

For domestic building work valued at $10,000 or more, a written major domestic building contract is required. Although it may appear extensive for a patio, verandah or carport, it is the standard form used for domestic building projects in Victoria. Your contract will clearly outline:

• The agreed scope of work
• The contract price
• Inclusions and exclusions
• Payment stages and terms
• Your rights and responsibilities

Please read the contract carefully and contact us with any questions before signing.

Home Warranty is a legally required insurance that protects you, the homeowner, if your building work is left incomplete, defective or non-compliant — covering up to $400,000 per home.

It applies to eligible work valued at more than $20,000. We pay the premium and arrange the cover after the contract is signed, then provide you with evidence of cover.

Home Warranty replaced Domestic Building Insurance for contracts signed on or after 1 July 2026, and is provided through the Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission.

Once the contract is signed, we finalise the drawings and supporting documentation and coordinate the required permit applications.

Approval timeframes can vary depending on the project, property, building surveyor, council and any additional information requested. We will keep you informed throughout this process.

Most Victorian councils require an asset protection permit to safeguard public assets — footpaths, kerbs, crossovers and nature strips — during building works.

The project value at which one is needed varies widely, from as little as $5,000 up to $100,000 or more, so check with your local council early to understand their requirements, fees and any bond.

As the property owner, the permit is taken out in your name — but we will guide you through the process and simply need proof of the permit before we start. And you are covered: if our construction causes any damage to council assets, we repair it at our own cost.

Your contract will set out the payment stages that apply to your project. A typical patio project may include:

Payment stages can vary between projects — please review the payment schedule contained in your contract.

See a full breakdown of our payment stages for how each stage is calculated on permit and non-permit projects.

Once the applicable materials payment has been received, we place your material order. Material lead times are generally around three weeks, although this can vary depending on the product, supplier and availability.

Once a confirmed delivery date is received, we arrange your construction start date. Work generally commences within a few days of delivery, subject to weather and scheduling.

Our team completes the work in accordance with the approved plans, engineering, permit documentation and contract. Once construction is complete, the building surveyor undertakes the required final inspection.

Following practical completion and the final inspection, we issue the final invoice — and your new outdoor area will be ready to enjoy.