Browse Forums Outdoor Living 1 Oct 14, 2009 11:06 pm Hi All, I have been shopping around in Canberra to have someone build a deck and pergola at my new property. The area is only 3m x 4.2m for the deck (which I want in Merbau) and 2.5m x 4.2m for the pergola (just pine with clear laserlight). Problem is, a lot of builders don't even have the courtesy to call me/email me with quotes or even a 'sorry too small an area for us to do' etc and the ones that have come out have quoted $8000+ WTF??? That is roughly $600 per m2! So, question is; is it just me or is that rediculously high for what I am after (btw, there is no slope, elevation etc, just a bit of excavation required to sink the deck to meet my backdoor)? Does anyone know of builders in Canberra that would be cheaper? Also, if this is what I am up for and if I would expect to pay this no matter who I go through, then what are people thoughts on the feasibility of putting down gravel, packing it down and laying hardwood tiles (like the freedom ones) on top instead? That will cost more like $1500 all up for the deck, but would still need a pergola done down the track. Just don't know how hard wearing/long lasting that would be and how it would look compared to a proper deck. I guess I just didn't plan on this high a cost, I thought $4000 - $5000 was the likely range, this just blows me out of the water. Any advice or help VERY much appreciated!!! Vanessa. Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: HELP!!! Exhorbitant quotes deck and pergola! 2Oct 15, 2009 10:39 am I am not in Canberra but I can sympathise about the costs of these structures. About 8 years ago we had a fairly large metal roofed patio built for about $5000. Now a similar size is going to cost us $16k My only suggestion to you is to keep shopping around and also check the local classifieds in the paper as you may find a smaller business who would do it for you, like a self employed carpenter. Quotes for my roof were originally coming in at $21k so I have got it down to $16k by shopping around. Blog: http://bluemistkids.blogspot.com "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, and professionals built the Titanic." Re: HELP!!! Exhorbitant quotes deck and pergola! 3Oct 15, 2009 11:38 am Thanks for that hels!!! I am so shocked I think because people originally said it would cost about $2000 in materials, then a builder guestimated $5000 then the actualy quotes came in at $8000!!! Hmmmm.... its got to stop climbing!! LOL I am actually contemplating going all pine now, it will be a lot more affordable and you can apparently stain to a Merbau colour. (I know it won't be as nice!) Killer on your price increase! But good work on getting it $4000 cheaper than your initial quotes! As for the smaller builders.... none are replying to my emails!!! Otherwise I would give them a go! Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: HELP!!! Exhorbitant quotes deck and pergola! 4Oct 16, 2009 2:27 pm Hi Ness, I've come across the same issue here in Canberra, except my quote came out to over $1200sqm for a PINE deck... steer away from the professional builders in Canberra... they don't want the small jobs, and those that will quote you, will deliberately overprice you because they can. Check the back of the chronicle in the pergola/decking sections. Assuming you've built in the new part of a suburb next to a golf course? Building Masterton Overture Re: HELP!!! Exhorbitant quotes deck and pergola! 5Oct 16, 2009 4:48 pm $1200 sq/m in pine???? Holy Crap!!!! Well, all I can say is bloody Canberra! I have built in a new suburb, but not near a golf course (As far as I know ) I only have a little house though, so was hoping they might realise I don't have a huge budget! I think you are right and will start getting the newspaper/chronicle to look for individuals to do they job and I reckon your bang on about it being too small for them to care about doing! Soooo wish I was handy enough to build it myself!!! Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: HELP!!! Exhorbitant quotes deck and pergola! 6Nov 07, 2009 9:51 pm How did you get on? I am also in Canberra and am wanting to extend my deck. Currently I am tossing up between merbau and Australian native hardwood. I had the same problem with not getting replies to messages but am hoping to have found someone now. Fingers crossed! Re: HELP!!! Exhorbitant quotes deck and pergola! 7Nov 11, 2009 5:03 pm Hi, Well, still don't have a deck, but I am closer.... basically I have been asking EVERYONE I know in Canberra if they have friends that can build or if they have had a good cheap carpenter do any work for them.... I now have two tradies who might be able to do the job since it is only 3m x 4m, so I can avoid the companies that are trying to charge so much..... Best advice, take your time and ask around because Canberra businesses should not be able to get away with the pricing they are doing currently and unbelievably it seems, a few people do know people that can help. Whilst my deck is yet to start, it looks like its going to be done by somone with a licence at half the price of my quotes Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Is there a building permit? RU in Victoria? What is the value of the building contract? 1 6821 About a year ago, I embarked on a DIY project to construct an outdoor Pergola, which measures approximately 5.2 meters by 4.0… 0 29607 i think option 2 is much better with easy access to the garden without having to walk through the new sunroom which makes it a better room for guests and TV .a simple… 2 8226 |