Livin Renovations Homeowner's Guide

Choosing the right patio roof is important. Choosing the right builder to design and install it can be even more important. If you're investing in a Stratco patio, you're not simply buying roofing materials. The finished project may involve site assessment, structural design, engineering, permits, attachment to your existing home, drainage, electrical work and careful installation. That's why two builders offering what appears to be the same Stratco patio can sometimes provid

When homeowners start planning a new patio, one of the first decisions is usually the type of roof. For many of our Melbourne patio projects, the conversation eventually comes around to Stratco Cooldek - an insulated roofing system that combines the roof, insulation and finished ceiling surface into one panel. But Cooldek is a more premium roofing option than a conventional single-skin patio roof, which raises an obvious question: Is a Stratco Cooldek patio actually worth the

One of the first questions homeowners understandably ask when considering a new patio is: “How much will a Stratco patio cost?” The difficult part is that there isn't one meaningful installed price that applies to every Stratco patio in Melbourne. Two patios with similar dimensions can have very different project costs depending on the roof system, attachment method, height, engineering, permits, site access, electrical work, drainage and even the condition of the existing ho

If you're considering a new Stratco patio, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to choose an insulated Cooldek patio roof or the more traditional Outback Flat patio roof. Both are excellent roofing systems, but I don't believe every homeowner needs to spend the extra money on an insulated roof. When I'm discussing a new patio with a client, I normally start with a different question: What are you actually trying to achieve with your outdoor space? Are you

One of the things that surprises homeowners during a patio site measure is that I don't just look at where the patio will go. While many people are focused on patio designs, roofing colours and how the finished outdoor area will look, I'm often looking at something completely different. I'm looking at the condition of the existing house. There have been plenty of occasions where I've recommended homeowners address issues with their gutters, fascia or roof before investing in

One of the most common questions I hear during a site measure isn't about roofing colours or patio designs. It's usually: "Do I actually need a building permit for this patio?" It's a fair question. Many homeowners assume that smaller outdoor structures don't require approvals, especially if a neighbour or friend built something similar without one. The reality is that every property is different. Factors such as the size of the structure, whether it's attached to the home, b

One of the first questions I get during a site measure isn't about colours or roofing styles. It's usually: "Can we actually build a patio there?" Quite often, the homeowner is pointing to a spot that's close to the side or rear fence. They've got a vision for their outdoor space but aren't sure whether building regulations will allow it. It's a great question, especially with newer homes across Clyde, Cranbourne, Berwick and surrounding areas being built on smaller blocks wh