FAQ

Make the most of our experience and read through some of our informative resources.

Frequenty Asked Questions

We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions just for you. Take a look below!

What's the difference between a Pergola, Gazebo and a Cabana?  Great question!

As a supplier of high-quality premium outdoor structures, we are often asked about the differences between a Pergola, Gazebo, and Pool Cabana.  While these terms may be used interchangeably throughout many parts of the world, there are distinct features that set them apart. For instance, a pergola typically has an open roof, while a gazebo has an enclosed roof and is supported by four posts.  Cabana’s, on the other hand, are often placed near the waterfront or poolside, and have an enclosed roof with walls or screening that offer greater shelter and privacy.

At Garden Envi, we take pride in our bespoke product range, we custom build our structures to add any combination of these features. Whether you require an open-roofed Pergola, an open-air Gazebo or a Cabana with screening or walls, we have the expertise to design and build the perfect structure for your outdoor living space.  All our bespoke products as well as our expanding DIY range have a premium finish.

Garden Envi Price FAQ

Price, Ordering and Process Information

We accept an array of payment methods including
• Cash Payments
• Direct Deposit via BSB and Account Number
• Credit Card via Shop Pay, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Visa & Mastercard.

Our DIY Kits are purchased through our New Online Store - shop.gardenenvi.com
Visit our online store - shop.gardenenvi.com and add your items to the shopping cart.
When your kit is ready, we will promptly contact you to schedule a delivery date and time.
Garden Envi provides personalized free local delivery to your door, in only 3-4 weeks.

Our DIY kits come complete with precisely pre-drilled and pre-fit pieces for easy installation.
Everything you need to know is included in the easy step-by-step instructions that come with your fixing package.
To get started with your custom order, we meet with you to provide a comprehensive consultation and undertake a quick site measure so that we can provide an initial concept sketch with a formal quote.

Consultation Site Meeting → Design & Quote → Application Processing → Build & Installation

We charge a small fee of $60-$100 (depending upon your location) for the initial Site Inspection meeting, which is deducted from your final invoice.
Each of our bespoke products are individually quoted due to their unique sizes and features. If you would like a cost estimate prior to the Site Meeting where we undertake a full measure to provide your quote, please send an email with the following details:

1. A picture of your proposed area.
2. The post-to-post size that you are wanting.
3. The style of structure

Email us at admin@gardenenvi.com
Our attention to detail extends beyond the build to our fully qualified and licensed installation. Our specialized building techniques allow us to provide quick installation with minimal disruption to your home.

• Most Pergolas are installed in just 1 day
• Pergolas with concreted posts are installed in 2 days
• Gazebos are installed in 1-4 days, depending upon complexity
• Cabanas are installed in 3-7 days, depending upon complexity

Our installation techniques ensure the area is clean, tidy, and ready to enjoy immediately.
Our Pine Structures are constructed using exterior H3 LOSP treated laminated Pine, an engineered, pre-primed material with minimal to no visible knots and a smooth finish. Laminated Pine Timber is an engineered structural timber with many features:
• A premium primer finish applied by the timber manufacturer.
• 25-year durability guarantee from the timber manufacturer.
• An eco-friendly, sustainable, high-quality product sourced from plantation forests.
  These forests contribute positively to the environment by absorbing greenhouse gases and releasing oxygen.
• Natural product that shows a grain pattern, minor blemishes, and lamination lines from the timber processing.

Our Hardwood Structures are constructed using Mixed Australian F27 Hardwood, features include:
• Premium colors and grain patterns on all timbers which are sourced from a Brisbane-based specialty timber yard.
• Hand-selected F27 Mixed Australian Hardwood, most often Spotted Gum.
• Laminated Spotted Gum Posts
• Premium ordered Solid Hardwood Posts, square dressed for a premium finish.
• Other Australian Hardwoods or Merbau/Kwila timbers can be sourced to match your residence.
Apart from our main Garden Envi site, which caters for fully customized orders, we have now added a new Online Store that caters to a new range of DIY Pergolas.

The new Online Store provides comprehensive information about all our DIY Kits uses the Shopify platform for its secure payment features, easy-to-use shopping cart, as well as cross-platform compatibility which extends to all of our Socials.
Garden Envi Council FAQ

Council Application Information

Don't worry, We are here to help!! Garden Envi provides a full set of plans, liaisons with the Private Certifier and processes all the applications needed for your Fully Council Approved and Fully Installed structure. You can sit back and relax while we take care of everything for you.

During the past decade, we have been working with the same Private Certifier and they are fluent with all our structures.

Working together with our local Private Certifier we are happy to assist with property inquiries prior to the application process including confirming all fees, reviewing property overlays, character overlays, flood regulations, elevations and more.
No Building Application Required
All kits are under 10 sq m in size and 2.4 m in max height to comply with council guidelines.

You should always review your councils Class 10a self-assessible regulations to ensure you comply with the placement near the boundary as well as the natural ground level for height constraints.
Yes, a Building Application is required for all structures that are over 10 sq m in roof area, have an enclosed roof and are greater than 2.4 m in max height.

Yes, it is rare with our structures but it is possible that you may need a Development Application or Town Planning Application if your structure triggers additional assessment constraints. These constraints depend on your individual property. The Private Certifier will assess the property for site coverage, property overlays, flood overlays, structures over 16 sq m, and advise what applications are required.

Yes and No, a Siting Application is not always required if the structure is within 1.5 m of the side and rear boundary or within 6 m of the front boundary a Siting Application may be required. If the structure is a Garden Feature or an Aesthetic Element, it may be able to go closer to the boundary. Sometimes Siting is assessed on a case-by-case basis for opened roofed structures and a Private Certifier can confirm if a Siting Application is required.
Consider the placement of your new structure in relation to the property boundary.
If you are within 1.5 m of the boundary you will most likely need a Siting Application.

No, You shouldn't need a Siting Application if your structure has an open roof (pergola with battens or decorative aluminum screening) and you are classifying it as a Garden Feature or Aesthetic Element ~ for example a Garden Arbour Pergola.
*Note GCCC will still require a Siting Application.

Yes, you will need a Siting Application if your structure has a roof, is over 2.4 m in max height, and is within 1.5 m of the boundary.

If you are placing your structure in the front yard or on a corner block, your boundary constraints can change from 1.5 m to 6 m.
Be sure to check with your local council for your properties boundary setbacks.
Garden Features and Aesthetic Elements are structures that are used as statement pieces for your yard which improve the curb appeal, add visual charm, add ambiance, have flowers or climbing vines, simply look beautiful or may assist with privacy.
*Note privacy screening has height constraints.

Examples of theses types of structures include Arbours or Pergolas that have an open roof.
Most Building Applications take between 5-7 business days to process.
It is very rare with our structures, but larger projects or properties with complex overlays may need a Development Application,
these can take 4-8+ weeks to process.

Siting Application process times vary depending on the council you are located in.
Brisbane City Council processes most Siting Applications in 10 business days.
Most other SEQ Council areas process Siting Applications in 4-8 weeks.
Yes, each Council area within South East Queensland has different rules and some are stricter than others.
Good News ~ Brisbane City Council has the fastest processing times.

Many council areas have similar regulations and self-assessable criteria for Class 10a Buildings.
Rules and fees are often updated at the start of each financial year, July 1st.

For example, Gold Coast City Council requires a Siting Application for any structure within the 1.5 m boundary offset regardless of it's use.
Yes and No, Some council areas will accept a Siting Application lodged directly to the council by the property owner. It is often an easy process where you need a simple set of plans that show the structure, the distance to the property boundary and your house site location plan.

Other councils will require the Siting Application to be lodged through a Private Certifier the same as all Building Applications and Development Applications.

If your structure needs multiple applications it is best that the Private Certifier processes all necessary applications to ensure a comprehensive application and approval process.
No, in most cases you don't need a Building Application, if the structure has an open roof, is 10 sq m or less and is under 2.4 m in max height from natural ground level.

Yes, you will need a Building Application if the structure has a roof, and is over 2.4 m in max height from natural ground level.
Yes, you will need a Siting Applicaton if the structure has a roof and is within 1.5 m of your property boundary.

Please check with your local council area for their self-assessable criteria and regulations.
Yes and No

Yes you can install it yourself If your structure is a Pergola, is under 10 sq m in roof area and under 2.4 m in max height. We can build a specialty Pergola Kit with all the special features you select.

No, We do not supply DIY Kits if your structure requires a Building Application or a Development Application. For these structures, Garden Envi offers a complete package that includes all application processing including the fully licensed installation.
QBCC Home Warranty Insurance is mandatory for all construction work with a insurable value of $3300 or greater.
• The insurable value is calculated by adding the total cost of the product and installation.
  Cost of the product (material & labour) + installation (material & labour) + GST = QBCC Insuranble Value
• Even if the product is purchased as a kit/flat pack and installation is undertaken by a different company or contractor the costs are combined and QBCC Home Warranty Insurance is required.

How much is the QBCC Home Warranty Insurance Fee?
The fee is usually between $200-$400 for most Garden Envi structures.

What do I have to do as a Property Owner?
Garden Envi is fully QBCC registered and licensed. As part of our comprehensive package we purchase the QBCC Home Warranty Insurance and forward you the Notice of Cover for your records. If your structure requires a Building Application, the QBCC Home Warranty Insurance is purchased during this process.

Learn more ~ QBCC Home Warranty Explained
Learn more ~ QBCC Calculating the Premium

Do you have more questions?

Please send us an email to admin@gardenenvi.com or give us a call on 0407 692 674.