Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
The 10 questions clients ask most often about working with Proline Outdoor and Decking.
It depends on the type and scope of your project. Many outdoor structures in NSW may qualify as exempt or complying development, while others require a Development Application (DA). We’ll assess the requirements for your project and manage the necessary approvals on your behalf, including coordinating any required plans, engineering and certification.
Yes. Proline is owned and operated by Ian, a licensed builder with over 30 years of industry experience. We hold the appropriate insurances for our residential building work, including public liability insurance.
For NSW residential projects valued over $20,000, the law requires Home Building Compensation (HBC) cover. It protects you as the homeowner if a builder can’t complete the work or fix defects. Proline arranges this cover for eligible projects as a standard part of our process.
It can. Properties with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating need materials and construction methods that meet the relevant Australian Standard (AS 3959). We check your property’s BAL rating early and design and build to meet the requirements for your zone.
It varies with size, material, height off the ground, and site access. As a rough guide, most Sydney decks fall somewhere between $15,000 and $40,000+, but the only way to get an accurate number is a site visit and a personalised quote.
Cost depends on the size, roof design, materials and whether it’s freestanding or attached to your home. Roofing options include insulated panels, Colorbond steel and polycarbonate, with simple attached patio roofs typically starting from around $10,000. Larger or more complex designs will cost more.
Each material has its advantages. Timber offers a natural appearance but requires regular maintenance. Composite decking is low-maintenance, with good resistance to fading, although some products can become hot in direct sunlight. Aluminium is highly durable, requires minimal maintenance and offers excellent fire resistance, making it worth considering for bushfire-prone areas. We’ll help you choose the right option for your home, lifestyle and budget.
Our focus is on complete outdoor transformations, but we’re happy to discuss smaller standalone projects as well. The best way to find out is to get in touch and talk through what you have in mind.
We start with an initial phone conversation to understand your ideas and what you’re looking to achieve. From there, we’ll arrange an on-site consultation to assess your space and discuss the possibilities. You’ll then receive a detailed quote outlining the proposed works, materials and inclusions.
Once you’re happy to proceed, we’ll manage any necessary approvals and preparations before construction begins. Throughout the project, you’ll have a dedicated point of contact keeping you informed of progress, right through to completion and final handover.
We service all of Greater Sydney, including the Hills District, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Sutherland Shire and Western Sydney. Whether you’re planning a new deck, patio roof or complete outdoor transformation, we’re happy to discuss your project.
Service-Specific Questions
Pick a service to see the details.
Select a category below – each has the questions we hear most for that part of the build.
We work with timber, composite and aluminium decking, and help you choose based on maintenance, budget, climate and how you’ll use the space.
Most standard decks take one to three weeks to build once approvals are finalised, depending on size, height and site access.
Yes. Elevated and multi-level decks on sloping sites are one of our specialties, using proper engineering and footings to handle the terrain.
A pergola is an open or partially covered structure, often with a lattice or slatted roof, while a patio roof is fully enclosed and weatherproof. We’ll help you work out which suits your space and how you plan to use it.
Sometimes. Many pergolas fall under complying development, but this depends on size, height and location. We check this for you before the build starts.
Both. We design pergolas either attached to your home or as a freestanding structure elsewhere in the yard, depending on your layout and goals.
We install insulated, Colorbond steel and polycarbonate roofing in flat, gable and skillion styles, depending on the light, ventilation and weather protection you’re after.
Yes. Unlike an open pergola, a solid patio roof is fully weatherproof, so you can use the space comfortably in wet weather.
Yes, we can integrate ceiling fans, outdoor heaters and lighting into the patio roof structure as part of the build.
We work with timber, composite and aluminium screening and cladding, chosen for durability, style, and how much privacy or airflow you need.
Yes. Screening and cladding are as much a design feature as a privacy solution, and we design them to match the rest of your outdoor build.
Yes, this is a common use, particularly for pool areas, alfresco zones and boundary lines, where privacy and safety compliance both matter.
A pool cabana is a covered structure beside the pool, used for shade, storage, changing, or as an outdoor lounge and entertaining space.
Yes. Cabanas can be built to include outdoor kitchens, storage, changing areas or plumbed amenities, depending on your budget and needs.
It depends on its size, height and proximity to boundaries and the pool. We assess this and manage any required approvals as part of the project.
We install glass, timber, aluminium and stainless-steel balustrading, matched to your deck, pool area or patio style.
Often, yes. Elevated decks and pool areas have height and safety requirements under the Building Code of Australia and pool safety regulations, and we build to meet these.
Yes, we can retrofit balustrading to an existing deck or patio, not just as part of a new build.
We handle the full build — bench tops, cabinetry, BBQ and appliance integration, plumbing, gas and electrical — so the kitchen is fully functional, not just for show.
Yes, we regularly integrate outdoor kitchens into existing outdoor structures as well as new builds.
It depends on the scope, particularly where plumbing, gas or structural changes are involved. We manage any required approvals as part of the project.
We install automatic and manual outdoor blinds, including weather-resistant and UV-protective options, to enclose and extend the use of your outdoor area.
Yes, we install automatic blinds with remote or app control, often integrated with your other outdoor systems like lighting and heating.
Alongside blinds, we install lighting, fans, heaters and fireplaces, so your outdoor area is comfortable and usable in any season.
