Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a new outdoor space is exciting, but it can also raise a few practical questions. Below you’ll find answers to the most common things we’re asked about approvals, timeframes, pricing and how we work. If you can’t see your question here, our team is always happy to help.

Do I need council approval for my project?

In most cases, yes. Outdoor structures such as patios, carports, decks and enclosures usually require council approval or private certification under Queensland building regulations.

The good news? We handle that for you. Eclipse Patios manages engineering, certifications and approvals as part of our service, so you don’t have to navigate council requirements yourself.

What is council relaxation?

A council relaxation is a formal request made to council or a private certifier to allow a structure to vary from standard planning requirements.

In some cases, a proposed patio, carport or enclosure may sit closer to a boundary, exceed standard site cover limits, or vary slightly from typical setback rules. Rather than redesigning the structure entirely, a relaxation application can be submitted to request approval for that variation.

Each application is assessed individually based on factors such as neighbouring properties, drainage, visual impact and overall compliance with building codes.

If your project requires a relaxation, Eclipse Patios will guide you through the process and manage the documentation required to seek approval.

What is your process from start to finish?

Our process is designed to be simple and transparent:

1. Free onsite consultation – We visit your home, assess your space and discuss your goals.
2. Design & quote – We prepare a tailored design with a fixed price quote.
3. Project Planning – Once contracts are signed and a deposit is paid, we complete a detailed check measure to confirm site specifics before drafting begins. We also lock in your design selections and colours.
4. Drafting & approvals – Plans are drafted and reviewed by you. We can create 3D renders to help visualise the design. Once finalised, plans and engineering are submitted for approval.
5. Ordering & scheduling – After approval, materials are ordered and your build start date is confirmed.
6. Construction – Our team brings your project to life, keeping communication clear and the site organised.
7. Completion & handover – We arrange final inspection where required, then it’s over to you to enjoy your new outdoor space.

You’ll know exactly what’s happening at every stage.

How long does it take to build?

Timeframes vary depending on design complexity and council approvals.

As a guide:

• Plans, approvals and engineering: typically 1–3 weeks
• Construction: usually 4–14 days depending on size and scope

We provide realistic timeframes upfront and keep you updated throughout the project.

What are your current lead times?

Lead times vary seasonally. On average, projects commence within 9–10 weeks from approval and deposit. During peak periods, this may extend slightly.

We’ll always provide an honest timeframe at quotation and contract stage.

What payment stages do you use?

Payment schedules comply with Queensland building regulations and depend on the total contract value.

This includes:

• A 5–10% deposit to secure your project (10% for projects under $20,000, and 5% for projects over $20,000)
• A progress payment once approvals are complete and materials are ready to be ordered
• A payment when construction commences
• Final payment upon practical completion

All stages are clearly outlined in your contract before work begins.

Are your structures engineered?

Yes. All Eclipse Patios structures are fully engineered and compliant with Queensland building standards, ensuring strength, safety and long term performance. We take pride in building properly, with designs specifically suited to South East Queensland conditions.

For projects involving more complex site constraints or structural requirements, we can also arrange additional engineering to ensure everything is designed and certified correctly from the outset.

Do you offer warranties?

Yes. We provide a 15-year workmanship guarantee, along with manufacturer warranties on materials. You will receive warranty information and care guides upon completion of your project.

How much does a patio cost?

Every project is custom designed, so pricing varies depending on size, roofing type, site conditions and finishes.

As a general guide in South East Queensland:

• Standard single-skin patios typically start from $8,000–$12,000
• Insulated roof patios generally range from $15,000–$25,000+
• Larger or elevated (flyover) designs can range from $20,000–$40,000+

Opening roof systems and fully enclosed outdoor rooms will sit above these ranges depending on specification.

The best way to receive accurate pricing is through a free onsite consultation, where we assess your space and provide a tailored proposal.

How do I get started?

Simply contact our team to arrange a free onsite consultation.

We’ll design a solution tailored to your home, lifestyle and budget and guide you through the entire process from start to finish.