Patio Contractor Reviews

Great Aussie Patios Reviews: What Homeowners Should Know

High-end Perth home exterior featuring a custom patio and pergola in natural golden light.

Based on review patterns across ProductReview.com.au, Top-Rated.Online, and community forums, Great Aussie Patios is a legitimate, long-running Perth metro patio builder with a generally positive track record, but not a flawless one. The aggregated rating sits between 4.2 and 4.8 depending on the platform, with recurring praise for design quality and professionalism, and recurring complaints around water ingress, post-install follow-up, and council approval delays. For most Perth homeowners wanting a custom steel patio, pergola, or carport, they are a solid shortlist option, but you should go in with clear expectations about timelines and warranty limitations.

What Great Aussie Patios is and where they operate

Great Aussie Patios is a Perth-based outdoor living company that designs, builds, and installs custom patios, pergolas, and carports. They operate out of 1/15 Alloa Rd, Maddington, Perth WA 6109, and their service area covers the entire Perth metropolitan region, including suburbs like Alfred Cove, Applecross, Armadale, Ascot, and dozens more listed at suburb-level granularity on their website. This is not a national chain or a franchise: it is a WA-specific business focused exclusively on the Perth metro market.

They claim over 20 years of experience and reference 10,000-plus completed projects, which are bold marketing numbers. What actually backs those up is more useful: the company holds an ABN (99 675 796 273), appears on City of Stirling and City of Victoria Park council building approval records as a registered builder, and has submitted certified building permits for steel patio work as recently as early 2024. That kind of paper trail matters more than a homepage statistic. They use a certified structural engineer on designs, which is a requirement for compliance with the Building Code of Australia, and they manage council approval submissions on behalf of customers.

If you are researching other Perth-area patio builders alongside Great Aussie Patios, there are useful review threads and comparisons available for patio builders in Perth more broadly, as well as specific areas like Wanneroo patios and Rundle patios, which can give you a wider baseline for what competitive pricing and timelines look like in the same market. If you want to compare options quickly, reading patio builders Perth reviews from multiple contractors can help you narrow down the best-fit team for your budget and timeline patio builders in Perth more broadly. If you are specifically searching for Wanneroo patios reviews, use the same checklist approach and compare what different builders say about timelines, water-proofing, and after-sales make-good. For a broader view, you can also browse patios perth reviews for other local builders and compare how common specific issues look across different providers.

How to read Great Aussie Patios reviews properly

Two phones side by side showing different generic star ratings and review counts for comparison

The first thing to notice is the platform gap. ProductReview.com.au shows a 4.2 rating from 14 reviews. Top-Rated.Online, which aggregates Google and other sources, shows 4.8 from 132 reviews. That is a significant discrepancy, and it tells you something useful: the larger Google-sourced pool skews positive, while the smaller ProductReview pool captures more detailed, often critical accounts. Both data points matter. Do not just look at whichever number is more comforting.

There is also a credibility thread worth paying attention to. On ProductReview, at least one reviewer has publicly questioned whether some five-star reviews are professionally written, asking for photo evidence to verify outcomes. That kind of skepticism is healthy to carry with you. When you read any review for this company (or any patio builder), weight the ones with specific project details, photos, suburb locations, and timelines much more heavily than generic five-star entries.

Here are the signals to focus on when reading through the reviews yourself:

  • Recency: Reviews from 2023 and 2024 reflect the current team and processes. Older reviews may describe a different crew or management era.
  • Repeat complaint themes: Water ingress and leaking after installation appears in multiple independent reviews across platforms. When the same problem shows up more than twice from unrelated reviewers, treat it as a pattern, not a one-off.
  • Response from the company: Does Great Aussie Patios reply to negative reviews? How they handle criticism publicly is a proxy for how they handle problems privately.
  • Review volume vs. rating: 132 reviews at 4.8 is more statistically meaningful than 14 reviews at any score. But the detailed accounts on smaller platforms often reveal more about what can go wrong.
  • Red flag language to watch for: 'Still waiting,' 'never returned my calls,' 'make-good items not completed,' and 'leaking from day one' are phrases that appear in the negative reviews here. Any pattern of incomplete post-install work is worth investigating before you sign.

What customers actually experience: design through completion

Design and quoting

Close-up of steel framing beams with a level and measuring tools on a patio construction site

Great Aussie Patios advertises free quotes delivered within three days of an onsite visit. Reviewers generally reflect this: the sales and design consultation phase tends to get positive marks, with customers noting the team listens to what they want and presents clear design options. No consistent complaints about bait-and-switch quoting or significant estimate blowouts appeared in the reviewed sources, which is a good sign. They also offer 12-month interest-free finance, which is worth confirming terms on in writing before relying on it.

Materials and construction

The company builds with steel framing and uses a certified structural engineer on plans, which is standard for compliant WA patio construction. Reviews generally praise the finish and craftsmanship on completed projects. However, the water ingress complaints are the most repeated material/workmanship concern: multiple reviewers mention leaking after even light rain. This points to either a flashing or gutter-join execution issue on some jobs rather than a systemic material failure, but it is something to ask about directly and confirm is covered under their warranty terms. If you are specifically looking for rooftop patio Victoria reviews, compare the patterns about leak resolution, council approval timing, and after-sales follow-up.

Pricing and transparency

Patio construction progress shown from early waterproofing to finished pavers in a simple backyard.

No widespread pricing transparency complaints appear in the review record, which is a positive signal. They document payment terms in a formal Payment Options PDF rather than relying on verbal agreements, which is a useful baseline for a contractor of this type. That said, like any patio build, scope changes or hidden problems uncovered during installation (the company's own blog explicitly flags this risk with older structures) can create variation cost discussions. Get any potential variation scenarios discussed in writing before work starts.

Installation and timelines

Great Aussie Patios quotes an average total timeline of about eight weeks from start to finish: roughly three weeks for council approval (up to six weeks in some cases), then four weeks to build after the license is granted. Community forum posts corroborate this general range but also flag that council approval can stretch significantly longer in some Perth suburbs, with one Reddit user reporting a roughly four-month total wait. If your timeline is fixed (e.g., you want it done before summer or before an event), build that buffer in and get a written estimate of expected council submission and approval dates before signing.

Communication and after-sales

Technician reviewing an after-sales snag list on a clipboard while construction site elements sit softly in background

This is the most mixed area in the reviews. Positive reviewers mention professionalism and a smooth process from start to finish. Negative reviewers specifically cite difficulty getting responses after installation when issues arise, and incomplete make-good items. The company maintains separate email addresses for sales, operations, and progress queries, which suggests a structured communication setup on paper. Whether that translates to responsive follow-through after handover is where the review record shows variance.

Honest pros and cons from review patterns

ProsCons
Legitimate registered business with ABN and council permit recordsWater ingress/leaking complaints appear across multiple independent reviews
Handles council approval paperwork on your behalfPost-install communication and make-good follow-through is inconsistent
6-year workmanship warranty includedWarranty excludes steel items, Colorbond in open-sided applications, and roof sheeting/gutters
Free onsite quotes within 3 daysCouncil approval can push total timeline well past the 8-week average in some suburbs
12-month interest-free finance availableReview volume on detailed platforms (ProductReview) is still relatively low, limiting data depth
Structural engineer used on all designs for BCA complianceSome reviewers question authenticity of certain five-star reviews
Documented payment terms via formal PDFNo consistent evidence of proactive project updates during approval/build phase

Who Great Aussie Patios is best suited for

  • Perth metro homeowners who want a fully managed process including council approval handling
  • First-time patio buyers who want a structured, documented quoting and payment process
  • Homeowners with flexible timelines who can accommodate an 8-to-12-week build window
  • Buyers who want interest-free finance as part of the deal

Who should consider alternatives

  • Homeowners who have had previous bad experiences with post-install leaking and want a builder with a cleaner recent record on waterproofing
  • Anyone with a hard completion deadline, given the variable council approval timeline
  • Buyers who want a builder with a higher volume of detailed, photo-verified recent reviews before committing
  • Those comparing Perth competitors: The Patio Factory (4.5 stars, 150 reviews, in-house Welshpool fabrication with BlueScope steel) and Perth Patio Magic (4.9 stars, 253 reviews) both offer useful comparison points in the same market

Questions to ask Great Aussie Patios before you hire

Ask these in writing, either by email or via a formal quote document. If a contractor is reluctant to confirm any of these in writing, that itself is useful information.

  1. What is your estimated council approval submission date and your realistic approval timeline for my specific council/suburb?
  2. What does your 6-year workmanship warranty cover exactly, and what is explicitly excluded? (Ask them to list steel items, gutters, and Colorbond specifically.)
  3. Who is the certifying structural engineer on this project, and can I see their credentials?
  4. What is the payment schedule: how much is the deposit, when are progress payments due, and what triggers final payment?
  5. What is your process if leaking or water ingress is reported after handover? Who do I contact and what is the response time commitment?
  6. Can you provide references or photos from completed jobs in my suburb or a nearby area?
  7. Are there any scenarios that could trigger a variation/change order on my job, and how are those priced and approved?
  8. What cleanup process do you follow after installation, and who is responsible if damage occurs to existing surfaces?
  9. Is your public liability insurance current, and can you provide the certificate of currency?
  10. What are the exact terms of the 12-month interest-free finance, including any fees or deferred interest clauses?

How to verify they are legitimate and compare alternatives

Close-up of hands comparing patio company documents and a phone showing business register search results

Verifying Great Aussie Patios takes about ten minutes and is worth doing before you commit any deposit. Start with the ABN Lookup on the Australian Business Register: search ABN 99 675 796 273 and confirm the entity name and active status match what they have given you in writing. Next, check their name against recent council building approval records. Stirling and Victoria Park both have publicly accessible building approval reports, and Great Aussie Patios appears in both for certified steel patio permits as recently as early 2024. If a company cannot be found in any council building approval record in WA, that is a meaningful red flag for a business claiming thousands of completed projects.

For insurance and licensing, ask directly for their current certificate of public liability insurance. In WA, residential building work above certain thresholds requires a registered builder. Confirm they hold the appropriate building registration and ask for the registration number so you can verify it through the Building and Energy WA register.

For comparing alternatives in the Perth metro market, the most useful approach is to get at least two other quotes from companies with their own documented review trails. The Patio Factory in Welshpool fabricates in-house using Australian BlueScope steel and carries 150 reviews at 4.5 stars. Perth Patio Magic shows 253 reviews at 4.9. Both are worth investigating for comparison. Platforms like Oneflare also list Perth patio builders with stated qualifications and sometimes insurance verification, which can help you build a shortlist quickly. For suburb-specific context, review aggregators covering Wanneroo patios and patio builders across Perth more broadly can give you a realistic baseline for what pricing, timelines, and review patterns look like in your specific area.

Your decision checklist for today

Use this before you request a quote or sign anything with Great Aussie Patios or any Perth patio builder.

  1. Verify ABN 99 675 796 273 on the Australian Business Register and confirm active status.
  2. Search their name in your local council's recent building approval reports to confirm documented activity.
  3. Ask for their current public liability insurance certificate of currency and WA builder registration number.
  4. Request an onsite quote in writing (free, within 3 days per their claim) and confirm the quote includes council approval costs and timeline estimate.
  5. Ask explicitly what the warranty covers and does not cover, in writing, before signing.
  6. Confirm the full payment schedule in writing and match it against their Payment Options PDF.
  7. Get at least one competing quote from a second Perth metro patio builder with verified reviews.
  8. Read the most recent 10 reviews on both ProductReview.com.au and a Google-aggregating platform, focusing on any water ingress or post-install follow-up complaints.
  9. If you have a hard completion deadline, discuss it upfront and ask them to confirm in writing whether your council/suburb approval timeline makes it achievable.
  10. Ask for two recent customer references in your suburb or a neighboring area, and follow up with those references directly.

Great Aussie Patios clears the basic legitimacy bar comfortably: registered ABN, council permit records, structural engineer compliance, and a documented warranty. The review pattern is genuinely positive on design and professionalism, with real but specific concerns around leak resolution and post-install communication. Go in with those questions asked and answered in writing, and you will be in a much stronger position than most homeowners who sign on the strength of a website alone.

FAQ

What should I ask to confirm their warranty actually covers the water ingress issues reviewers mention?

Ask them to itemize the warranty so it states what counts as a defect, what maintenance is excluded (for example, cleaning gutters and weep holes), and what response time they commit to for leak reports. Also request whether fixes include repainting or re-flashing, since “make-good” often depends on whether the original workmanship or ongoing wear caused the issue.

How can I prevent scope or spec differences that lead to disputes after the patio is built?

Before you accept any finish options, request a written schedule that lists frame type, cladding, colour coat system, and the water-shedding details at junctions (roof to wall, pergola beam ends, and gutter downpipe connections). This reduces arguments later because the evidence (photos and specifications) can be matched to their defect claims.

What is the best way to estimate council delays for my exact Perth suburb and property constraints?

Have them provide a council approval timeline estimate tied to your suburb and lot constraints, and ask for the earliest and latest case dates (best case and likely case). If they cannot give a window, treat it as higher risk and add buffer time, since forum reports suggest council delays can push the wait from weeks to months.

What payment terms should I double-check before paying a deposit for a patio or pergola?

Confirm deposit and milestone rules in the quote, including what happens if council approval is refused, if you change scope mid-process, or if the builder cannot start within a specified start date. A clear schedule should say whether payments are refundable and how variation costs are calculated.

What site preparation and handover items should be written into the contract for an easier, cleaner build?

Request a pre-install checklist walkthrough that includes where they will store materials, site protection (fences, landscaping, driveway coatings), and how they will manage lead-in work like boring footings or steel connections. Review responses that mention poor follow-up often stem from unclear handover expectations for cleaning and site restoration.

How do I confirm the engineer and engineering approval process is handled properly, not informally?

Ask them to document the engineer sign-off process (who prepared the drawings, who stamped them, and when approvals are submitted). If anything is “engineered later,” require a written confirmation of how revised drawings affect the build start date.

What variation scenario questions should I ask so I can predict cost changes before work starts?

Before signing, request a variation example using a realistic scenario, such as adding a side panel for wind or changing the roof slope. You are looking for how they quote changes (fixed price vs time and materials) and whether they require re-approval for certain changes.

How can I evaluate whether their “sales, operations, and progress” communication structure will work after installation?

Test the communication setup by sending a short list of warranty or variation questions and ask which address will handle progress updates and which will handle after-sales defects. If they provide multiple contacts, ensure each is tied to a defined responsibility and expected response time.

What evidence should I ask for during the build to reduce the risk of hidden waterproofing problems?

Request photo evidence at two points, before cladding goes on (flashing, membrane, and junctions) and after final waterproofing is tested or inspected. For leak-focused review concerns, photos that show flashing and gutter joins are far more valuable than general “finished product” shots.

When comparing quotes, what line items matter most beyond the total price?

If you are choosing between Great Aussie Patios and other WA builders, compare quotes line-by-line for council approval handling, structural engineer involvement, warranty coverage wording, and maintenance responsibilities. The cheapest option often hides differences in junction detailing, gutter systems, or how variations are priced.

Citations

  1. Great Aussie Patios claims it “proudly designs and installs custom patios across the Perth metropolitan area,” covering suburbs throughout Perth and listing many local council areas/suburbs (i.e., WA—Perth metro service focus).

    Service Areas | Great Aussie Patios | Patio Builders Perth - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/service-areas/default.aspx

  2. Great Aussie Patios positions itself as a Perth patio company offering design, build, and installation of custom patios plus other outdoor structures such as pergolas and carports, stating “over 20+ years” experience and “10,000+ happy customers.”

    Perth Patios - Design, Build & Install (homepage) - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/

  3. Great Aussie Patios provides a business address: “1/15 Alloa Rd, Maddington, Perth, WA 6109,” plus phone and multiple operational email addresses (sales, operations/progress, employment, etc.).

    Contact Us | Great Aussie Patios - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/contact-us/default.aspx

  4. ProductReview.com.au shows an overall rating of 4.2 with 14 reviews (as displayed on the listing) and includes both positive and negative review excerpts (e.g., “leaking with a slight rain” complaint; and positive praise for design/workmanship).

    Great Aussie Patios reviews | ProductReview.com.au - https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/great-aussie-patios

  5. Top-Rated.Online (aggregating Google/other sources) lists Great Aussie Patios with a 4.80 rating and 132 reviews, and includes “Visitor Reviews” with recurring mentions such as professionalism/team and (in negative entries) issues like water ingress/leaks or missing make-good items.

    Great Aussie Patios reviews | Top-Rated.Online (Maddington) - https://www.top-rated.online/cities/Maddington/place/p/16345935/Great%2BAussie%2BPatios

  6. A ProductReview Q&A thread includes an explicit skepticism theme: a reviewer asks whether 5-star reviews might be “professionally written” and requests proof such as photos; this is a credibility/red-flag discussion users raise on that platform.

    Great Aussie Patios Questions (ProductReview.com.au) - https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/great-aussie-patios/q-and-a

  7. Great Aussie Patios’ FAQ states workmanship is “warrantied for 6 years from practical completion as per WA Building regulations,” but also says certain parts/materials are not covered (e.g., “steel items in a patio have no warranty,” Colorbond exclusions such as open-sided roof applications, and only certain sheds with concrete flooring are warrantable).

    Great Aussie Patios (FAQ) - Warranty claims (materials & workmanship) - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/faq/default.aspx

  8. Great Aussie Patios states: approval is required for new patio structures; building license application “can take anywhere up to 6 weeks,” average waiting time cited as “3 weeks,” then “built within 4 weeks” after license—giving an “average time from start to finish is 8 weeks.”

    Patio Shire Approval - Great Aussie Patios (FAQ) - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/patio-shire-approval-great-aussie-patios/faq.aspx

  9. Great Aussie Patios provides an approval-process description including typical planning/build permit documents (e.g., site plans drawn at a scale of 1:200, structural engineering plans, elevations/section plans, and references to uncertified vs certified building approval approaches).

    Patio Shire Approval process page (scope checklist examples) - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/patio-shire-approval-great-aussie-patios/shire-approval-process.aspx

  10. The homepage includes a “Warranty” bullet that says: “Our workmanship has a 6-year warranty” and also highlights handling of shire approval paperwork, “free quotes” within 3 days onsite, and “interest-free finance” (12 months) as part of its offer.

    Great Aussie Patios (Homepage) - warranty/service claims - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/

  11. Great Aussie Patios states it uses “a certified structural engineer” to ensure its patio designs comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - materials and engineer compliance claim - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/faq/default.aspx

  12. Great Aussie Patios provides a downloadable “Payment options” PDF (dated/hosted under 2018 PDFs) which indicates it documents payment instructions rather than only verbal terms (useful for confirming deposit/payment schedule).

    Payment options (PDF) - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/theme/greataussiepatioscomau/assets/public/File/2018_PDFs/Payment_options_2018.pdf

  13. A City of Victoria Park council payment summary PDF contains a line item referencing “Great Aussie Patios” (indicating third-party-government documentation of the business existing and receiving payments/processing transactions).

    Payment summary / council document references (evidence of business payments) - Victoria Park (WA) - https://www.victoriapark.wa.gov.au/council-meetings/ordinary-council-meeting/17-may-2022/719/documents/14.1-1-payment-summary-march-2022.pdf

  14. A Stirling WA “Building Approvals”/building report (March 2024) lists “Builder Details: Great Aussie Patios” for “Certified Building Permit - Steel patios (2)” with a stated value, supporting that Great Aussie Patios appears on government building approval records in WA.

    Building Approvals document (Stirling Council) listing builder details - Great Aussie Patios - https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/awcontent/Web/Documents/Developing%20Property/Building%20documents/Building-Report-March-2024-compressed.pdf

  15. A Stirling WA building report (February 2024) again lists “Builder Details: Great Aussie Patios” for a certified building permit scope involving metal-framed/new patio work, adding further corroboration of documented activity in WA.

    Building Approvals document (Stirling Council) listing builder details - Great Aussie Patios - https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/awcontent/Web/Documents/Developing%20Property/Building%20documents/Building-Report-February-2024-compressed.pdf

  16. Australian Business Register (ABR) ABN Lookup page shows current details for ABN “99 675 796 273” associated with “Great Aussie Patios” (useful as an identity/registration credibility check).

    ABN Lookup (Australian Business Register) - Great Aussie Patios ABN 99 675 796 273 - https://abr.business.gov.au/ABN/View?id=99675796273

  17. Great Aussie Patios’ FAQ explicitly warns that no patio company should “be claiming the roof sheeting or gutters are covered by warranty,” and it attributes safeguards to regular cleaning schedules—this is an official risk-control limitation owners should understand pre-hire.

    Great Aussie Patios FAQ - warranty and limitations (repeated wording) - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/faq/default.aspx

  18. Great Aussie Patios states “Yes, we normally will apply for council approval on your behalf” and claims it submits required drawings/site plans/engineering requirements to complete the process quickly.

    Patio Shire Approval FAQ - handling council approvals - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/patio-shire-approval-great-aussie-patios/faq.aspx

  19. Great Aussie Patios’ blog discusses that older pergolas/patios may hide problems (e.g., leaking could be hidden damage not noticed until removal), and it notes specific mechanisms like wet rot and rust risks at fascia/gutter joins—useful for understanding how they frame scope/variation risk when hidden issues appear.

    Whats Your old Pergola Hiding? (blog) - risk-awareness about hidden damage - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/blog/whats-your-old-pergola-hiding.aspx

  20. The Patio Factory claims it fabricates patios in-house at a Welshpool factory and uses Australian BlueScope steel—useful competitor positioning for comparing materials/quality process claims in the same Perth metro outdoor-living niche.

    The Patio Factory (competitor) homepage claim (in-house fabrication) - https://patiofactory.com.au/

  21. Birdeye shows The Patio Factory at 4.5 stars with 150 reviews (with excerpts mentioning shire approvals handled, explained processes, communication, and also some “contractor they finally managed to book in… not very interested in hard work,” indicating mixed/nuanced project delivery experiences).

    The Patio Factory (competitor) review summary - Birdeye - https://reviews.birdeye.com/the-patio-factory-170087811969482

  22. Trustindex shows Perth Patio Magic at 4.9 with 253 total reviews (as displayed) and includes review content about installation cleanliness/detail plus also a negative example citing water leaks/corrosion and installation faults—useful for comparing leakage/finish complaint themes across competitors.

    Perth Patio Magic (competitor) reviews (Trustindex aggregator page) - https://www.trustindex.io/reviews/perthpatiomagic.com.au/lang/en

  23. A Perth subreddit thread includes a user comparing quotes and mentioning a Great Aussie Patios experience, including a claim that their timeline matched an expectation range (and another Reddit mention that council submission/approval delays can significantly affect lead time, with one user reporting ~4 months in their case).

    Great Aussie Patios (community/peer comparison) reddit quotes for installation/lead-time context - https://www.reddit.com/r/perth/comments/1tl3uyg/quotes_for_new_patio/

  24. Oneflare competitor pages in the Perth metro patio category often include builders’ stated qualifications/insurance verification and list multiple patio companies, which can be used as a method to compare review patterns/typical pricing transparency signals alongside Google-derived reviews.

    Perth Patio Experts listing context competitor comparison (Oneflare category page) - https://www.oneflare.com.au/patio/wa/mount-pleasant

  25. Great Aussie Patios’ service areas page lists specific Perth suburbs (examples shown include Alfred Cove, Applecross, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, etc.), indicating they market coverage at suburb granularity within Perth metro.

    Service Areas list (sample suburbs) - Great Aussie Patios - https://www.greataussiepatios.com.au/service-areas/default.aspx

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