When Ellie and Tom finally got the keys to their first home in outer Brisbane, it felt like a dream come true.
Two years of saving, juggling second jobs, skipping holidays, and saying no to dinners out — all worth it for a slice of the Aussie dream. A three-bed home, a decent yard, and a mortgage they could just manage.
But like so many first homes, it came with… “potential.”
The backyard was empty. No deck. No cover. Just a patch of overworked lawn and an old Hills Hoist.
Still, Ellie could already see it — the outdoor dinners with friends, the Sunday mornings with coffee and a book, their future kids riding scooters on a deck shaded by something clean and modern.
They wanted to add value, sure — but more than that, they wanted to make it theirs.
The Sticker Shock
Tom, ever the pragmatist, got to work on quotes.
A few supply-and-install companies later, reality hit:
$45,000 for a basic deck and patio cover.
That wasn’t just outside their budget — it would’ve eaten into their emergency fund, renovations, and maybe even groceries.
It felt like another door was being shut on young homeowners trying to get ahead.
That was until Ellie stumbled across Smartkits Australia on TikTok one night.
Building Smarter
It wasn’t a dodgy-looking warehouse or a big-box store with fine print and extra charges.
Smartkits looked polished. Australian. Transparent.
They found out Smartkits supplied fully engineered DIY kits — everything from steel-framed decks to insulated patio roofs, delivered nationwide and designed to meet council and wind load requirements.
Ellie filled out the quick quote form, uploaded a rough sketch and some measurements, and within 48 hours, the quote came through:
✅ 25m² insulated flyover patio
✅ Full steel subframe deck
✅ All flashings, gutters, posts, and hardware
✅ Engineered for their exact site in Logan
✅ Certified plans ready for council
Total: $15,900 including delivery.
Even better? Just 10% deposit secured the price, and Smartkits offered free metro delivery up to $1,000 during their EOFY sale.
Tom, a hands-on kind of guy, called his dad and two mates. Between the YouTube install guides and the detailed construction manual, they decided to take the leap.
The Weekend That Changed Everything
Over two long weekends (and a fair bit of sweat), their backyard transformed.
The deck felt solid. The roof looked sharp. It wasn’t just a DIY project — it was an investment.
By the time they laid the last board and hung festoon lights, Ellie stood back and said:
“We’ve just added $40,000 in value for under $20k. We did this. We built this.”
Why Smartkits Was the Right Call
For Ellie and Tom, Smartkits wasn’t just about saving money — it was about taking control.
They didn’t compromise on quality.
They didn’t wait for approval delays or tradie cancellations.
They got the outdoor space they wanted, on their terms, with support when they needed it.
Now? Friends come over, ask who built it, and Ellie just grins:
“We did. With Smartkits.”
When the last screw was in and the tools were packed away, something shifted. It wasn’t just the deck or the roof—it was them. Ellie and Tom sat out there that night, under their new insulated patio with a couple of beers and a pizza, and felt something they hadn’t felt since moving in: confidence. If they could build this, what else could they take on? The sense of satisfaction was bigger than the structure itself. It was pride. It was ownership. And it was the start of a future that suddenly felt a lot more in their hands.
Ready to Start Your Own Story?
Whether you’re a first-home buyer or just ready to add value and build equity, Smartkits Australia delivers:
DIY kits for decks, patios, carports, and more
Certified engineering for every postcode in Australia
Nationwide delivery
Flexible support and clear instructions
Huge savings compared to supply & install
Build it yourself. Build it smarter.
👉 Start with a free design quote at smartkits.com.au
Written by
Scott Challen
CEO, The QHI Group - Licensed Builder (QLD, VIC, NSW)
SmartKits Australia | QHI National Builders | EzyBlox Sheds & Steel Buildings
Email: scott@qhi.net.au
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-challen
Website: https://www.qhigroup.com.au/
Want to join our team? Interview - Scott Challen
"Build Smarter, Not Harder"
