Outdoor Living Builders Melbourne

Melbourne’s Highest Rated Garage & Alfresco Builder
With Over 5000 Successful Projects

Upgrade Your Lifestyle With Expert Outdoor Living Builders

Custom Outdoor Living has been transforming outdoor spaces into stunning entertainment areas for 25+ years (the type that makes your home THE place to be).

From expansive spaces to intimate small outdoor rooms, Custom Outdoor Living offers tailor-made outdoor living options to suit your lifestyle.

We understand no two projects are the same. That’s why we’re committed to working with you to create a unique outdoor area that elevates your lifestyle and boosts your home’s value.

With a track record of excellence (with over 5000 completed projects), we’ve created some of Melbourne’s finest alfresco designs and custom garages. We manage all council approvals and permits to ensure all necessary building codes are satisfied.

Through a range of building materials that depend on the existing characteristics of your home, we ensure you enjoy an outdoor extension that is seamlessly integrated into your home’s design.

ENQUIRE NOW

Trusted by Melbourne Homeowners – Loved By Local Families

				Richard Jones			

							We recently had the team from Custom Outdoor Living design and build us a new carport.  It was a great experience from start to finish.  We found working with Matt, Glen, Mark, Demi and all the trades professional and friendly, who were focused on ensuring we got exactly what we wanted and kept us regularly updated and engaged all the way through.  All the trades involved were excellent and the whole experience had minimal impact on our day to day life.  We are very happy with our finished carport which was delivered without any setbacks, right on time.  We highly recommend the team at Custom Outdoor Living.
read moreread less
 
				Greg Holmes			

							From the first visit by Matt Goodie to share ideas and options for the full garage build to replace an eyesore carport, right to the completion of the project, I was consistently impressed by the professionalism, speed & responsiveness, the competence of - and regular communication from Glen, the Construction Manager, friendly engaging team of tradies, and the quality of workmanship. It has altered my view that building projects are inherently risky and drag on forever. My new paradigm is: simply choose the right team and you will come out on top. This project has left me happy, impressed and quite sure that if I ever had another project in mind, I would simply go with Custom Outdoor Living. Thank you Matt, Glen, Demi, and the rest of the team. I am a very happy camper and take my hat off to all of you.

Greg Holmes
read moreread less
 
				Rod Doyle			

							A great bunch of people to deal with right through from Matt initially to Glen, Mark, Demi and their extended tradies, to complete our fantastic carport.   Getting drawings done up from made the project come to life, a worthwhile exercise.   All in All, we can only express our gratitude and respect to everyone involved at Custom Outdoor Living.
read moreread less
 
				Tim & Marie Holt			

							We could not have been more pleased with our experience with COL.

Our new brick garage project was managed by Matt and Glen with thought, care and … More
read moreread less
 
				Tim & Marie Holt			

							We could not have been more pleased with our experience with COL.  Our new brick garage project was managed by Matt and Glen with thought, care and professionalism from start to finish.  The services and timeline were all as promised and the work of great quality. We are super happy with the finished garage.  The communication regards timing etc throughout was really fantastic and any questions we had answered/addressed readily.  I would certainly recommend these guys to friends and use them again ourselves if the need arose.
read moreread less
 
				Michael Pierce			

							From start to finish Custom Outdoor were committed to get the right design, style and finish.  Super impressed with the attention to detail and minor tweaks to make all the components fit together seamlessly.
read moreread less
 
				Jenny			

							This is the second carport we have had built by the team. Our first can be seen on the website - a period style carport in Templestowe. We love their professionalism and attention to detail so we engaged them again for a new carport at our new property. Even the building inspector complemented their workmanship. Thanks team - again!
read moreread less
 
				David & Alexis			

							Very impressed with the whole process from start to finish. The design stage with Matt was smooth and professional, and any unusual requests (for example, custom sized windows) were readily accomodated There was a robust consultative process so we were confident with the plans. All the required regulatory paperwork was also organised on our behalf. The build itself was refreshingly fast and professional, with reliable trades who clearly knew their business, all overseen by the attentive site manager, Glen.  The end build quality for our garage, was far better than what we have seen in most new-build houses.  Altogether, a very professional operation with excellent attention to quality and service.
read moreread less
 
				Anthony Frizza			

							C.O.L. turned an idea into reality within the time frame and budget originally allocated. The project with multiple trades was professionally organised whilst the whole team was a pleasure to deal with.
read moreread less
 
				Joshua Nester			

							Owner and builder Matt kindly spent 30 mins with me on Zoom, quickly accessing floorplans and aerial views of my property online and sharing these on-screen with me and discussing options.  He quickly reshaped my thinking with his expert knowledge and set me on the right path.  This is despite his company not being in a position to help us given the scope of work, which he was upfront about. I am extremely grateful to Matt for his time, expert advice and willingness to help.
read moreread less
 
				Katrina Phemister			

							Could not be happier with Custom Outdoor Living! Matt and Glen were organised, responsive to our requests and regularly in communication about progress on our job. Our new garage took no time at all and is exactly what we wanted.
read moreread less
 
				Zenon Charalambous			

							Matt, Mark, Glen and the team did an incredible job. They gave great advice during the design stage, were very professional, got the job complete on time, and kept us up to date with clear communication every step of the way. We're incredibly happy with the results
read moreread less
 
				Sam			

							It has been a wonderful experience with Matt and his team at Custom Outdoor Living throughout the whole process for our project. During our initial meetings, Matt explained the process and stages clearly.  He listened and understood our requirements and provided his honest and professional inputs during the consultation phase.   We were able to visualise the end product with a detailed set of plans and concept drawings and Matt was patient as we made amendments until we were happy with the design.  Moving to the build phase, the project was then handed over to Glen. Like Matt, Glen was very pleasant and professional to work with.  Additionally, the experienced tradesmen that worked on site were all friendly and delivered quality work. Glen was frequently on site to ensure work was completed with quality and on time.  Even when we were away for a few weeks, Glen constantly provided us with updates including photos of the progress.  Overall, we are very happy with the end result of our new carport and driveway and would highly recommend Custom Outdoor Living
read moreread less
 
				Meagan Bauer			

							Matt and his team recently completed our backyard renovation, and we are really happy with the results. The whole process was smooth, and they were able to incorporate all of the ideas we had into the design. From the start, their attention to detail was clear, which helped bring everything together nicely for our project What stood out the most was the team's professionalism. Matt, Glen and Mark were always available to answer any questions along the way. They were easy to work with, kept us informed, and made sure everything was completed to a high standard. The renovation has really improved our outdoor space. It is a place our family will enjoy spending time in all year round, and we are glad we chose Matt and his team. We would definitely recommend them for your project.
read moreread less
 
				Andrew H			

							The Outdoor Living Team have been great to deal with and have built a wonderful extension to our alfresco area. The initial advice/guidance from Matt was very valuable and the digitally rendered plans really helped us to visualise the project. During the construction, the project oversight has been excellent with very regular check-ins to review the progress and the quality of the work being done. We would be happy to recommend the Outdoor Living Team.
read moreread less
 
				Liam O'Brien			

							We used custom outdoor living for our garage construction. Matt was great throughout guiding us to a achievable design within our budget. Glenn, Mark and the building team were fantastic to work with and were attentive to our requests and silly questions. The whole process was very smooth and we are very happy with our experience with custom outdoor living.
read moreread less
 
				Tammy Medard			

							Matt and his team were phenomenal. They were great communicators along the way and there were no surprises. Their cost and timing estimates were accurate and everyone working on site was always respectful and committed to excellence. We are very happy with their work and would recommend them highly.
read moreread less
 
				Peter Bosland			

							Custom Outdoor Living replaced our ancient asbestos shed with an awesome new garage. Matt and his team kept us fully informed throughout the process, each time letting us know exactly what would happen and when. Pleasantly, everything they said they would do - they did. All involved (Matt, Demi, Glen, and all the different tradies, were thorough, efficient, courteous and flexible. Overall: A great job, exceeding expectations. Cheers guys!
read moreread less
 
				Michael Dale			

							I spent something like 6 months talking to builders about a garage adjoining a narrow laneway in an inner Melbourne suburb.  I was frustrated by the conditions they imposed for the project. Then I found Custom Outdoor Living!  At the first meeting, Matt Goodie convinced me that he understood the building permits and infrastructure regulation requirements that are needed for an inner Melbourne suburb (old houses, narrow laneways, old infrastructure).  Matt produced working drawings within a month. From there, through the stages to complete the design and get planning approval, Matt kept me up-to-date.  For the construction phase, Matt handed over to Glen.  Glen kept me informed at each stage of the build, ensuring that I knew which teams would be working each week, and worked with me to ensure the end result was a top quality job.  I would thoroughly recommend Custom Outdoor Design.
read moreread less
 
				Damon Rhodes			

							The Custom Outdoor Living team are nearing completion of works at our house.  They have constructed many metres of retaining wall, concrete paths, an alfresco, balcony, and facilitated access by removing and replacing the back wall of our garage.  Our job had several aspects that can often make builders run a mile - steep slope, easements, and a requirement to closely co-ordinate with other groups of tradies through very restricted access.  It is a testament to the experience and attitude of the Custom team that they handled all of this without breaking a sweat.  From inception through design to construction, Matt (the principal) has been trustworthy, honest and transparent to deal with, and has delivered on all of his commitments.  Glen (the site foreman) was very focused on keeping us up to date on what building works were coming up and proactive in offering improvements on the way.  The crews and subcontractors were great to have around and were always respectful and produced work to the highest standard.  I have recommended the team to neighbours looking to do similar upgrades, and will not hesitate to call Matt again for any further building works required in the future.
read moreread less
 
				jimmy d			

							Custom Outdoor Living did a fantastic job, it went from just an idea that I had to becoming a reality. I had my driveway redone and a carport, garage and pergola built, everything was blended in nicely and looks like it was always part of the house. Big thanks to Matt, Glen, Mark and the rest of the team. Cheers James
read moreread less
 
				Steve			

							Fantastic job and workmanship is incredible, very impressed with the way it all turned out. Couldn't  recommend highly enough, everything went to plan and nothing was to difficult. A big thanks to Matt and the team, another job they can be proud of, not to mention a very, very happy customer. Thanks again Steve.
read moreread less
 
				Chrissy M			

							We are stoked to have found the Custom Outdoor Living team to work on our alfresco. We had massive leaking issues in our alfresco for many years due to inferior quality build from a previous builder (In Vogue - huge disappointment) that needed fixing for good. The project was superbly handled by Glen, Mark and their team of contractors. Communication was perfect. We were kept up to date on daily activities and expected timelines at each stage. The team was efficient in handling any issues discovered as the project developed. Renovation is an expensive exercise and it can be a challenge in locating a trusted builder.
read moreread less
 
				Sally Young			

							Highly recommend! We needed to fix up our dated tired alfresco but weren't exactly sure of the best way to do it. We greatly appreciated the advice in the initial consultation and the plan captured the key elements that we wanted.  The building process was smooth with an excellent project manager and any concerns were promptly and professionally dealt with. The finished product is not only well built but looks great. The new space is now a much loved area, used by all the family, very happy!
read moreread less
 
				Domenic Alvaro			

							It has been a pleasure dealing with Custom Outdoor Living to have our Alfresco area built.  Once we settled on a design we were able to refine the plans to get exactly what we wanted. This gave us confidence to know what we were getting before we started. They delivered a quality build that is exactly what we were after, and we couldn't be happier.  The builders and contractors have all been professional and courteous, and the Customer Outdoor Living team managed the project wonderfully and made it easy for us.  We would recommend them without hesitation.
read moreread less
 
				Garth D'Rozario			

							Matt, Glen and the whole team are the most professional builders we have dealt with. From the inception of the project until completion they were always available to take a phone call with any questions or accomodate any of my requests. They were always there on site on the agreed days and never caused a delay. Their standard of work was of a very high quality and they took great pride in their work. Most importantly Matt was extremely patient with us when the project went on longer than anticipated. Thanks Matt, Glenn and the rest of the team.
read moreread less
 
				Dhanesh Nayyar			

							We are happy to see our extension completed in timely manner and very pleased with the quality. The extension flows well with the existing house and thanks to Matt and his team for the same. Matt understood our needs and was able to guide us with some pragmatic changes to ensure we could meet the objectives in cost effective manner. Total process from design, permits and execution was well explained and he made it very simple for us. His knowledge and experience and hard work of his team is much appreciated. Disha and Dhanesh
read moreread less
 
				Paula Selway			

							From our initial consult through to completion, Custom Outdoor Living have been sensational to work with.  Our new alfresco decking is everything we envisaged! Professionalism and fantastic communication throughout the build from the entire team. High quality workmanship and meticulous attention to detail from the whole team of trades. Super friendly, always on time and kept us in the loop at every stage.  Thank you Matt, Glen, Demi, Mark, Mick and all the trades who made this a seamless experience and have delivered a sensational outdoor space. Would highly recommended Matt and the team at Custom Outdoor Living.
read moreread less
 
				suzanne fry			

							We are so glad we engaged Matt and the team at Custom Outdoor Living to construct our alfresco roof. Right from the start Matt displayed professionalism during the consultation and design stage and his team of tradesmen and contractors were always courteous, friendly and took pride in their work. Glen as Project Manager kept us well informed throughout the whole process and we felt that we could approach him with any concerns if they arose. Our alfresco roof blends seemlessly with the rest of the house and that is exactly what we wanted to achieve. Would highly recommend Custom Outdoor Living.
read moreread less
 
				Sam Axford			

							We highly recommend Custom Outdoor Living - we had an outdoor deck and verandah constructed attached to our old Victorian weatherboard and are very happy with the result.  Matt was exceptionally professional and transparent throughout the entire conception, planning and approval process. He is very experienced and helped us turn initial ideas into real plans with many adjustments through the process. He helped navigate the convoluted planning and engineering process very smoothly, always being transparent where there might be issues or delays. There was a clear cost structure and payments were outlined in stage based instalments. Matt went above and beyond, also helping us find a great concreter when we were struggling to get anyone to come by even for a quote.  During the build stage Glen came on as project manager and was an excellent point of communication, it was very clear what was happening and when. Any questions or concerns were taken seriously and addressed. Unfortunately we had a concurrent bathroom renovation occurring and Glen was able to help navigate the inconvenience of this situation. The carpentry, electrical, plumbing and painting crew were all very friendly and professional and we're really happy with the workmanship.  *Will upload pictures once landscaping complete
read moreread less

Some Of Our Favourite Projects

VIEW GALLERY

Why Choose Us

25+ Years of Experience

With more than 25 years of hands-on experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge and proven skills to every project, ensuring top-quality results.

3D Fly-Through Video

See your project come to life before work begins with immersive 3D fly-throughs, letting you visualise every detail from the moment you join us.

Turn-Key Solution

We handle all the necessary planning permits for you, taking the stress out of the process and ensuring a smooth path to project approval.

50+ 5-Star Reviews

Our reputation speaks for itself, with over 50 glowing reviews that reflect our commitment to exceptional service and customer satisfaction.

5000+ Projects Delivered

Trust a proven, experienced team with thousands of completed projects, ensuring your project is in safe hands with a long track record of delivering.

Full Consultation, Design & Build

From initial consultation to the final touches, we provide a seamless, fully managed experience for your design and construction needs.

Our Services

Alfresco Builders

Transform your home into a year-round outdoor oasis with bespoke alfresco spaces crafted for entertaining and relaxing (maybe even make the neighbours jealous).

Learn More

Garage Builders

Enhance your property’s value and functionality with custom garage solutions, designed to maximise space and style (the extra space you’ve been dreaming of).

Learn More

Who We Are

Custom Outdoor Living is a division of the Pergolas R Us brand, so you’re dealing with a proven brand that has brought families and friends together through custom outdoor spaces for 25+ years throughout Melbourne.

We are expert designers and builders who can transform your outdoor living space. Beautiful rooms, entertainment areas, luxurious finishes – whatever your vision, we’ll help you bring it to life.

ENQUIRE NOW

Licensed, Accredited & Trusted By The Best

Because customer satisfaction means a great deal to us so you can rest assured you’re dealing with a highly reputable and well established local business who is a proud member of the Master Builders Australia and Housing Industry Association.

Our Stress-Free Process

Share
Your Vision

After you submit your details, a friendly design consultant will call to discuss your ideas, answer any questions and schedule an on-site visit.

Receive
Tailored Plan

During the onsite visit, we’ll start sketching your dream design & you’ll get a clear vision and an estimate of what’s possible—tailored just for you.

Leave It
to Us

Love the concept? We’ll lock in the design, handle the permits, and finalise everything you need to bring your vision to life, hassle-free.

Hassle-Free Construction

With everything submitted for approval, we’ll schedule construction and soon, you’ll have your vision bought to life!

Why Customise Your Outdoor Space?

Customising your outdoor space isn’t just about adding aesthetic appeal. It’s about creating a functional area that reflects your lifestyle, values and vision.

As custom builders, we understand we’re building more than a new space – we’re helping create a place for new memories, experiences and occasions. Our custom spaces are tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s a cosy corner for intimate family dinners or a spacious verandah deck, we take the time to understand your vision and fill it with new life.

Our approach to customisation means every inch of your Melbourne outdoor area is properly used, reflecting your personal style and enhancing your everyday living experience.

How Outdoor Entertainment Areas Make Life Better

Perfect Entertaining Space: Instantly enjoy a welcoming place for hosting parties, BBQs, events, outdoor dinners, or just sitting on your own with a drink in hand, enjoying your new space (we highly recommend that last one).
Improved Well-being: Ahhh, do you feel that? It’s natural light, fresh air and greenery that help reduce stress, improve mood and enhance overall health.
Flexible Design: Customise your Melbourne outdoor space to serve multiple purposes—from a tranquil reading nook to a lively entertainment hub. Whatever your preference, we’ll make it happen.
Active Lifestyle: Yoga, gardening, outdoor games – outdoor living offers the best of both worlds as a space to unwind or get moving depending on your mood and lifestyle.
Personal Expression: Enjoy a blank canvas for personal expression through design and décor. Showcase your style through your choice of furniture, lighting, landscaping and other design elements.

Maximise The Value Of Your Home With An Outdoor Living Area

Investing in an outdoor living area isn’t just about enhancing your lifestyle. It’s a proven way to add value to your property. In a competitive real estate market, homes with well-designed outdoor spaces often attract more interest and command higher prices if you ever decide to sell in the future.

Outdoor areas are viewed as an extension of the indoor living space, making your property appear larger and more appealing. Great for you today, great for buyers in the future. Win-win.

Cutting Edge Ideas To Suit Every Need

Our full-time architectural designers will take your ideas and bring them to life. Using powerful software, you can view a breathtaking photorealistic 3D fly-through of your project before construction begins.

Our streamlined service makes an outdoor renovation simple. Once your design has been finalised, we’ll take control of arranging planning permits. Whether the project requires a simple planning application, over-easement application or engineering, we know how to cross the T’s and dot the I’s.

A Highly Skilled Team Of Designers And Builders

The Custom Outdoor Living team has decades of combined experience to help make your next project enjoyable and stress-free.

Creatively driven, our consultants aren’t restricted by particular styles or materials. This enables us to offer unique solutions, depending on your personal sense of style and your property’s current layout and materials.

Whether you’re living in a brick-faced property, a villa or otherwise, we’ll use our building and design nous to offer a customised solution that complements your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Builders in Melbourne

What types of outdoor entertainment areas can you design and build?

Our expertise covers a diverse range of outdoor entertainment areas, including alfresco dining spaces, sunrooms and verandahs. Each design is uniquely tailored to not only meet your specific requirements but also to harmoniously blend with the architectural style of your home.

How long does construction typically take?

Construction timelines can vary based on several factors. These include the complexity of the design, the size of the project, the types of materials used and the specific requirements of your property.

For instance, a simple carport might be completed relatively quickly compared to a more complex project like a sunroom with intricate design features. To gain a clear understanding of how long your specific project might take, contact us to discuss your project requirements.

Do I need a permit to build an outdoor entertainment area?

Yes. Outdoor construction projects, especially those involving structural changes, often require permits to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.

Our experienced team can help you with the permit application process, ensuring your project adheres to all necessary legal requirements.

Can you work with my existing outdoor space and layout?

Yes. We can customise designs to seamlessly integrate with and enhance your existing outdoor space.

During our consultation, we assess the potential of your space and work closely with you to develop a design that not only maximises its functionality but also elevates its aesthetic appeal.

We consider factors like the existing landscape, home architecture and your personal style to create a cohesive and inviting outdoor area.

Do you offer design consultations before starting a project?

Yes. We offer comprehensive design consultations to ensure your vision for an outdoor renovation is brought to life with precision. Our team collaborates closely with you from the initial concept to the final design, tailoring each aspect to suit your lifestyle and preferences.

During these consultations, you can explore various design options, discuss potential layouts and select materials, ensuring every detail aligns with your expectations for the project. Whether you need a carport or an outdoor room for your home in Melbourne, reach out today.

How do you handle changes during the construction process?

We understand that flexibility is crucial during any construction project. Our team maintains a flexible approach to modifications and changes that might arise during the build.

We’re dedicated to maintaining clear and open communication to discuss any adjustments you might need. Our team strives to accommodate changes efficiently and with minimal disruption to the overall timeline of your outdoor room project, ensuring your satisfaction with the outcome.

How should I maintain my outdoor entertainment area?

Maintaining your outdoor entertainment area involves regular cleaning and timely maintenance to keep it in good condition. Start by sweeping or blowing leaves and debris off your outdoor surfaces to prevent stains and buildup.

Washing paved areas with mild soap and water can also help remove dirt and maintain the appearance of the stone or tiles. For timber components, consider resealing them every two to three years to protect against weathering and to preserve the wood’s natural beauty.

Additionally, check for any loose fittings or damage periodically and address these issues promptly to ensure the longevity of your outdoor space.

See Your Proposed Project Before Committing With Our 3D Fly-Through Video Technology!