The cost of Home Renovations in Melbourne, Australia can vary significantly depending on the scope of the project, the size of the property, the

A house extension in Melbourne can be a valuable investment, especially with the city’s high property prices and demand for larger living spaces. Here’s a breakdown of why it might be worth it:

1. Rising Property Value: Melbourne’s real estate market has shown consistent long-term growth. Adding an extension, particularly in high-demand areas, can increase the home’s market value, potentially giving a good return on investment.

2. Cost-Effective Alternative to Moving: Extending your current home can be more economical than buying a new, larger property in Melbourne’s competitive market. It also saves on moving costs, stamp duty, and other associated expenses.

3. Lifestyle and Comfort: A well-designed extension offers extra space to accommodate lifestyle changes—whether for a growing family, home office, or leisure area. This added comfort can significantly improve quality of life without uprooting your family from their neighborhood or schools.

4. Customization and Modernization: An extension lets you design new spaces that reflect modern needs and tastes, which can be more efficient and personalized than older homes. In Melbourne, open-plan designs, light-filled spaces, and indoor-outdoor flows are popular and can add to your home’s appeal.

5. Planning and Zoning Flexibility: In many Melbourne suburbs, local councils are supportive of extensions if they align with planning regulations. It’s generally easier to get permits for extensions than for other types of major structural changes.

The cost of a home extension in Melbourne, Australia can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the size of the extension, the materials used, the complexity of the design, and the location of the property.

In Melbourne, the size of a house extension is regulated by local planning policies and building codes, which vary depending on the property’s location, zoning, and the specific council requirements. Here’s a general guide to what’s typically allowed:

1. Permissible Floor Area Increase: For many residential areas in Melbourne, extensions can cover up to 50-60% of the land area. However, this varies depending on the zoning and the council’s planning regulations. Some areas, particularly in heritage or environmentally sensitive zones, may have stricter limitations.

2. Setbacks and Boundaries: Extensions generally need to maintain a certain distance (setback) from the property boundaries, especially on the front and sides. Front setbacks can vary significantly based on neighborhood character and council policies, while side and rear setbacks are often based on fire safety, privacy, and daylight considerations for neighboring properties.

3. Height Restrictions: Most councils limit the height of extensions, especially on ground-floor or single-story additions, to prevent overshadowing or impacting neighbors’ views and light. For example, ground-floor extensions are usually capped around 3.6 meters in height.

4. Open Space Requirements: Melbourne councils often require a minimum amount of private open space in residential lots. Typically, about 25-30% of the property should remain as open space, though this depends on the lot’s size and zoning.

5. Heritage Overlay Zones: If your property is in a heritage overlay area, the council may have additional restrictions to maintain the character and historical significance of the neighborhood. Extensions in these zones may need to match the original style and materials of the existing structure, and the council might limit the size more stringently.

6. Bushfire-Prone Areas: In designated bushfire zones, building codes may restrict the size or materials of an extension to improve safety.

Yes! We offer a full-service approach, managing every aspect from initial design concepts to the final construction. Our team ensures that the design vision is executed seamlessly, saving you the hassle of coordinating between different contractors.