Timber verandahs for Newcastle homes, front, side or back

I’m Liam Sharpe, a licensed carpenter. I build timber verandahs with posts, brackets and roofs for homes across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland.

Book a free on-site quote 0402 499 810

5.0 on Google
Licence 383930C
10+ years in the trade

Liam Sharpe and his apprentice in Sharpe shirts and tool belts — Pictured: Liam Sharpe and his apprentice

What a verandah is

A verandah is a roofed outdoor space that runs along the side of a house, open at the front, with a roof carried on a row of posts. Older Newcastle homes often had one across the front, and a lot of people add one to shade the walls and windows and give a dry spot outside.

Verandahs are part of the pergola and covered outdoor work I do in Newcastle. One recent verandah has a steel roof on timber posts, with timber brackets at every post.

What our customers say

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tom payne

3 months ago

Really happy with the work from Sharpe Building & Construction. We had a pretty tight timeline, and even when a few unexpected issues came up, they handled everything without any fuss. The job was completed by the deadline, and the whole process was smooth and stress-free. Would definitely recommend them

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you, Tom! We really appreciate your kind words and are glad we could deliver the project on time despite the unexpected challenges. It was a pleasure working with you, and we are thrilled you’re happy with the result. Thank you for choosing Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your recommendation !

Dot Hodder

3 months ago

Thanks Liam. You did a beautiful job of working out what I wanted. My home feels complete with the new additions, plus the pergola. I found you by word of mouth and you certainly didn't disappoint.

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you so much, Dot! It was a pleasure working with you and bringing your ideas to life. I’m really glad you’re happy with the end result and that your home feels complete with the new additions and pergola. Thank you for trusting Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your kind words and support!

Renee & Brendon Harley

3 months ago

Needed some windows installed. Easily done, no fuss. Polite crew.

Response from the owner3 days ago

Thanks Renee and Brendon. Glad the new windows went in smoothly. If there is anything else you need done around the house, Sharpe Building & Constructions is happy to help across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Liam

Recent verandahs and covered areas

What verandahs do you build?

Front verandahs
Across the front of the house, the classic look on an older home.
Side and back verandahs
Along the side or back, as covered outdoor space and shade for the windows.
Wrap-around verandahs
Turning the corner of the house so two sides are covered.
Verandah decks
A timber deck under the verandah roof, raised to the floor level of the house.

What makes a verandah look right?

On a verandah, the details at the posts and the roof line decide how it sits with the house.

Timber brackets

Brackets where each post meets the beam add strength and the traditional look.

Roof line

The verandah roof is set to the pitch and height of the house roof so the two read as one.

Timber posts standing on a concrete slab

Posts and footings

Posts on proper footings, plumb and in line, carry the whole roof.

Do I need council approval for a verandah?

Verandahs follow the NSW exempt development rules for decks, patios and pergolas on the NSW Government page on decks and patios. The main limits:

No more than 25 m², and all verandahs, decks and pergolas on the block together no more than 15% of the house’s ground floor area.
No part higher than 3 m above the ground, and a floor no more than 1 m above it.
At least 900 mm from the side and back boundaries.
Behind the building line of the street, so a verandah across the front usually needs approval.

A front verandah, or one bigger than the limits, goes through a complying development certificate or a development application with City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland or Cessnock council. I check which applies when I measure up.

What changes the price of a verandah?

Every verandah is priced on site. These change the cost the most:

Length and depth: How far it runs along the house and how deep it comes out.
Roof: Steel or clear sheeting, and how it ties into the house roof.
Posts and brackets: Post size, timber and decorative brackets.
Decking: A timber or composite deck under the roof.
Approval: A front verandah usually needs council approval.

The quote is free, and you get the price before any work starts. Residential building work over $5,000 also needs a licensed contractor and a written contract under NSW law, as NSW Fair Trading sets out. Every job over that amount comes with one.

How a verandah job runs

1Send the job
Use the form or call 0402 499 810. Photos of the spot help.
2Free on-site quote
I come out, look at the house and roof line, and give you a price.
3Posts, beams, roof
Footings and posts first, then the beam, rafters, brackets and roof.
4Walk-through
We look over the finished job together.

Get a free on‑site quote.

Tell me the job and your suburb. I’ll call you to book a time, come out, measure up and give you a price before any work starts. Or call 0402 499 810.

5.0 on Google reviews
Licence 383930C, check it on the NSW register
Free on‑site quote

Questions about verandahs

What is the difference between a verandah and a pergola?

A verandah runs along the house with a solid roof. A pergola can stand anywhere and often has an open top.

Can you add a verandah to an older house?

Yes. The roof is set to match the house roof, and the posts and brackets to suit its age.

Do you build decks under verandahs?

Yes. A timber or composite deck under the verandah, at the floor level of the house.

Does a front verandah need council approval?

Usually, because the exempt rules need it behind the building line. I check it for your block.

Is the quote free?

Yes. I come out, measure up and give you a price before any work starts. Call 0402 499 810.

Where do you build verandahs?

I’m based at 4 Nightingale Crescent, Cameron Park NSW 2285 and build across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland. There’s no showroom: I come to you to look at the job.

Call 0402 499 810 or email sharpeconstructions@aol.com. Licence 383930C, ABN 27 866 451 671.