Why the “I Built It Smarter” Campaign Matters — And What It Says About the Future of Australian DIY

Why the “I Built It Smarter” Campaign Matters — And What It Says About the Future of Australian DIY

At SmartKits Australia, we don’t just sell patios, decks, or carports,  we help people build confidence, capability, and long-term value in their own homes. The “I Built It Smarter” campaign isn’t just a competition or marketing gimmick. It’s a reflection of everything we believe in.

This campaign is the living, breathing heartbeat of our business. It’s about celebrating everyday Australians who take the leap, pick up the tools, and do what they were told they couldn’t, build something real.

The Origins: Why We Started “I Built It Smarter”

SmartKits has always stood for empowerment, value, and simplicity. We design fully engineered DIY patio, carport, and deck kits, deliver them nationwide, and support our customers every step of the way, with clear instructions, quality materials, and even 24/7 assistance through our AI knowledge bot, Micko.

But along the way, we saw something powerful happening.

Customers weren’t just building structures , they were building pride. They were gaining skills. They were teaching their kids. They were stepping back at the end of the weekend and saying:

“We did this.”

That’s what sparked the idea behind “I Built It Smarter.”

We didn’t want to just tell people how great our kits are.

We wanted to show the world what our customers are capable of.

Real People, Real Builds, Real Impact

From the Northern Territory to the Gold Coast, from Perth to Parramatta, our clients have submitted hundreds of success stories showcasing how they’ve improved their homes and lives using a SmartKit. The results are jaw-dropping.

• A first-home couple in Townsville who added a deck and roof for weekend BBQs, increasing their home’s equity and street appeal

• A retired truckie in VIC who built a carport over two weekends and saved $12,000 on install costs

• A family of five in NSW who created a shaded outdoor space for their kids, transforming their backyard into a usable extension of their home

What these stories have in common is not perfection, but progress. And ownership. And pride.

That’s what “I Built It Smarter” is all about.

Why It Matters More Now Than Ever

In a cost-of-living crisis, homeowners are forced to get smarter.

Labour is expensive, tradies are booked out, and Australians are being squeezed.

SmartKits offers a way forward.

We empower people to take control, save thousands, and build real value in their properties, on their own terms. Whether you’re in a capital city or 200km beyond it, SmartKits delivers affordable, high-quality DIY building kits, and we do it with service, support, and systems that actually work.

“I Built It Smarter” is our national invitation to prove that the best builder for your home… might actually be you.

Building Is Magic — And You CAN Do It

We believe building is more than technical skill.

It’s mental clarity. Physical focus. Emotional satisfaction.

To build something is to take ownership of your space, to create something from nothing, to leave your mark.

It’s primal. It’s creative. It’s therapeutic.

We make it easy — but you make it meaningful.

And yes, we’ve designed our kits to be assembled by first-timers.

With clear plans, instructional videos, phone support, Micko on call 24/7, and engineer-certified documentation, SmartKits removes the fear and adds the freedom.

You don’t need to be a tradie. You just need the right tools, the right support, and the right mindset.

Why “I Built It Smarter” is More Than Just a Competition

Every year, we give away $100,000 in prizes, including a major $50,000 award to the best customer build. But this isn’t about cash, it’s about legacy.

Every entry is proof that Australians are still willing to get their hands dirty, still willing to learn, still willing to do what matters.

When you build your own patio, your own deck, your own carport, you build belief.

And belief is contagious.

Final Thoughts -  It’s Time to Build It Smarter

SmartKits is leading the charge in a DIY revolution and “I Built It Smarter” is our national rally cry.

We’re not just selling kits. We’re building a culture of capability, courage, and craftsmanship.

Whether you’re adding a patio to beat the summer heat, building a carport to protect your investment, or laying a deck to extend your lifestyle, do it with SmartKits, and do it smarter.

💡 Want to join the movement?

Check out I Built It Smarter 2025

Enter your build, show Australia what you’ve created, and inspire the next builder in your street.

SmartKits. Confidence delivered, legacy built.

Because no one builds it better than the person who lives there.

 

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"

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