Pioneer Design Process
From Quote to Completion
Initial Contact and Quote
So you’ve discovered our website and are interested in our pergola designs. Great! Now you just need to contact us and arrange a free quote.
You can leave an online enquiry through our website, email us directly at admin@pioneershade.com.au, or simply call us on (02) 8213 3210. One of our managing directors will take your call and answer any initial questions you may have.
If you would like to obtain an accurate measure and quote, we’ll arrange a suitable time to meet with you. During the site visit, we will view your area, discuss your vision, and guide you through design options that best suit your goals and property. We’ll show you photos of previous projects and samples of materials to help you make an informed decision. Multiple design and pricing options can be offered to help you find the right fit.
Accepting the Proposal and Planning
When you are happy with the design and price, we will require a 10% deposit from you to proceed further. We will then commence work on CAD drawings of your customised pergola or carport, so you will be able to clearly see the style, heights and design aspects on paper.
If you would like to see the drawings before committing to the project, these drawings can be made available for a flat fee of $300, which will later be deducted from the job cost if you choose to proceed.
At this stage, another site visit and check-measure may be required to confirm that the CAD drawings are accurate and if any amendments may be needed. Once you are satisfied with the final design, we will need your approval to proceed to manufacture.
Council
If council approval is being obtained (which is not always required) we will require house and site plans from you, so that we can create the more detailed plan set that council approvals require. As the property owner, it is generally fastest if you make the submission to the council, but Pioneer will provide you with everything that the application will require.
Once we have your approval on the design, and the council approval has been granted, manufacture will commence. We find that most projects usually pass through the council process without any problems. Approval time varies greatly by area but may take six to twelve weeks. We’ll also keep you informed of any delays and when approval has been received. Some complex projects that require additional engineering, or for projects in heritage areas or bushfire zones, may take a little longer. Council fees will be payable in addition to the quoted price as required.
Manufacture
Once final approvals are in place, we move to the manufacture stage, which typically takes 3–4 weeks.
This is where your shade structure starts to take shape. All steel components are cut, formed, and fabricated specifically for your project. If required, the structure undergoes hot-dip galvanising to protect against corrosion, followed by durable powder coating in your chosen colour. Any PVC or polycarbonate roofing is prepared at this stage and coordinated for delivery alongside the frame.
Our quality control process ensures every part is fabricated to spec before leaving the workshop, so there are no surprises on site.
Delivery and Installation
Our structures are installed on the same day as delivery, so you don’t need to worry about having building materials laying around for days. Typically, you can expect the site work to take place over 2 days, but in some instances, we can complete the entire project in one day of site work. Often the entire steel framework is completed on the first day, leaving the concrete time to properly set, and then the roofing material is installed the following day.
Our installers will build your project as specified. All that is left to do is to invite some guests over and show off your brand-new Pioneer Shade Structure! If you happen to have any issues after the project is completed, our warranties and follow up service ensure that any issues are dealt with promptly and professionally. If you have any further questions please visit our FAQ’s page.
After-Sales Support & Warranty
Our commitment to quality doesn’t end once your structure is installed. At Pioneer Shade Structures, we take pride in delivering not only exceptional craftsmanship but also ongoing support that gives you complete peace of mind.
Every pergola, patio, carport, or shelter we build is backed by a comprehensive warranty. If you ever have a question, concern, or need assistance, our team is just a phone call or email away. Whether it’s a quick adjustment, advice on long-term care, or clarification about your warranty coverage, we’ll respond promptly and professionally.
We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients, not just structures. From the first conversation to years down the track, we’ll be here when you need us. That’s the level of service you can expect from a family-owned company that truly values its customers.
