In Brisbane, the demand for outdoor rooms is on the rise as homeowners look to expand their beautiful Queensland-style homes. Converting an old laundry, verandah or patio into an outdoor living area can bring new life to your home. It can create a space for entertaining or relaxation while adding value to your property. Imagine a semi-enclosed outdoor kitchen, an elegant entertainment area or an enclosed verandah typical of our iconic Bayside Queenslanders — the possibilities are endless.

Outdoor rooms – Maximising value and costs

Outdoor rooms can range in cost from a few thousand dollars for a simple enclosure to tens of thousands for a fully equipped extension with all the luxury finishes. The size and complexity of your outdoor room idea will impact the total investment. However, regardless of the scale, adding an outdoor room will enhance the usability and value of your home. Even a small upgrade can create more functional space, and every home benefits from having additional usable areas.

To turn your outdoor room idea into a sound investment, consider consulting a professional property valuer (approximately $500) for advice on how this addition will affect your property‘s overall value. They can also offer tips on how to maximise the return on your investment.

5 Creative outdoor room ideas for Brisbane homes

1. Outdoor kitchen with a view
   Enhance your outdoor dining experience by transforming your patio into a fully functional outdoor kitchen. Add a built-in BBQ, ample counter space and a comfortable dining area with weatherproof seating. You can incorporate a sink and mini-fridge to add space for meal prepping and serving. If you have a scenic view, like a garden or a glimpse of the Brisbane skyline, consider an open-plan design that highlights the view. Use sliding glass doors or retractable panels to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor rooms.
2. Cosy alfresco living room
   Imagine converting an old laundry or verandah into a stylish alfresco living room where you can relax in comfort while enjoying the fresh air. Start with comfortable outdoor furniture, such as cushioned lounges and armchairs. Add warmth and ambience with decorative touches like outdoor rugs, weather-resistant cushions and throw blankets. Install soft ambient lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, to create a welcoming atmosphere in the evenings in your outdoor room. You can also consider adding retractable screens or bi-fold doors to make the space usable year-round without losing the charm of being outdoors.
3. Semi-enclosed verandah for year-round use
   For a more flexible design, turn a traditional verandah into a semi-enclosed outdoor room that works in any weather. By adding louvre windows or adjustable shutters, you can control sunlight, airflow and privacy with ease. Ceiling fans or outdoor heaters can further enhance comfort, making it ideal for Brisbane’s varying seasons. To keep the space functional, consider including built-in storage or seating with hidden compartments.
4. Home office with nature surroundings
   Create a tranquil home office by converting an old laundry or underutilised outdoor area into a peaceful workspace — an ideal outdoor room idea for those who work from home. Large windows or glass doors can flood the room with natural light while offering a view of your garden or backyard. If privacy is important, consider installing shutters or outdoor blinds that can be adjusted throughout the day. To bring the outdoors in, decorate with indoor plants or succulents and choose furniture that complements the natural surroundings.
5. Kids’ playroom or family retreat
   Reimagine an unused patio or verandah as a vibrant play area for kids or as a cosy family retreat. Use durable and easy-to-clean materials such as vinyl flooring or outdoor carpets, and opt for weather-resistant furniture. Incorporate playful décor like colourful cushions, chalkboards or a small climbing wall to make the space more engaging for children. For family-friendly use, consider adding storage solutions like built-in benches with compartments for toys and games. The space can double as a versatile outdoor room where everyone can relax, play and unwind together.

Top tips on how to build a room outside in Brisbane

The cost of adding an outdoor room to your Brisbane home, can be greatly reduced by following a few tips.

• Builder’s Price Guarantee – One way to keep the cost down is to find a builder who will give a price guarantee. In other words, a builder who will charge what they quoted you. Be careful of disreputable builders who will charge for any extra time they spend on your outdoor room project. Ever wonder why these builders seem in no hurry? Take a look at the bill and you’ll figure it out!
• Location and Use – If your outdoor room adjoins your home and shares a wall with an existing power point or pipes, your water and electricity costs will be greatly reduced. Similarly, if there is already a door in place, you can keep your building costs down.
• Recycled Feature Materials – Another way to reduce the cost of your outdoor room is to deal with suppliers of second hand building materials for unique features. For example, a coloured glass window is considerably cheaper second hand. Besides, many new outdoor rooms look like they were always part of the house thanks to the slightly older look of used materials.
• Builders with Buying Power – Selecting a reputable local builder with contacts in the local building industry will get you trade or cheaper-than-trade prices on your materials. A reputable local builder will pass on those savings to you.
• Kits and Caboodles – If you are DIY-ing any aspect of your outdoor room (not recommended) speak to a reputable builder about DIY kits, design and advice BEFORE you start.
• Council Approval – If you live in Brisbane or Redlands, you’ll need Council approval on most extensions. See our Renovations Brisbane page for more information.

Choose the right builder for your outdoor room — call Additions Building!

There are plenty of outdoor room and deck builders in Brisbane, but make sure the builder you choose will give you a price guarantee and comes with a good reputation. Additions Building builders are experts at creating outdoor rooms, and offer you expertise and advice on your ideas. Our list of services can be found in our Brisbane Decks section. Get in touch now for a 100% obligation-free quote on your outdoor room from a trusted local deck builder in Brisbane.

– Gordon