Planning a home extension or renovation in Melbourne? From Brunswick weatherboards to Glen Waverley post-war homes, successful projects start by asking the right questions. Andrew Slattery outlines the key considerations homeowners should address before committing to a renovation or extension.
1. Why am I doing this renovation or extension?
It might sound simple, but understanding your core motivation is essential.
Ask yourself:
- Is this about lifestyle or resale?
- Am I creating space for growing kids, elderly parents or working from home?
- Is this my forever home or a stepping stone?
If I were you, I’d define my “why” first because it informs everything else.
2. What’s my realistic budget (and buffer)?
In Melbourne, building costs vary widely based on location, site conditions and finish quality.
If I were you, I’d budget for:
- Design and documentation
- Town planning (if required)
- Structural and soil engineering
- Building permit fees
- The actual construction cost
- Plus, a 10–20% contingency
We’ve seen too many clients plan around build costs only, forgetting about permits, consultants and siteworks. It adds up quickly in Melbourne.
3. What can I legally build on my site in Melbourne?
Melbourne planning zones, overlays and council requirements are detailed and not always obvious.
If I were in your shoes, I’d check:
- Is my property in a Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) or General Residential Zone (GRZ)?
- Are there heritage overlays, bushfire overlays or significant trees on site?
- What are the setback, height and site coverage rules for my area?
Each local council, from Banyule, Boroondara, Knox, Whitehorse to Yarra Ranges, interprets the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) differently. At Anabode Design and Drafting, we handle these investigations before we sketch a thing.
4. Will the design improve the way I actually live?
Adding a second storey or extending out the back doesn’t always solve your biggest problems.
If I was you, I’d ask:
- Will this bring in more natural light and ventilation?
- Does it improve how we move through the house from kitchen to living, to outdoors?
- Am I integrating smart storage solutions?
- Will the home feel cohesive, old and new blending seamlessly?
In Melbourne’s inner suburbs especially, every square metre counts. A well-designed 10m² can feel better than a poorly planned 30m².
5. Do I just need someone to draw up my ideas, or should I work with a building designer who can offer better solutions?
A basic drafter might simply take your instructions and put them on a page, but that approach often misses the bigger picture. A professional building designer doesn’t just draw; they think. They take the time to understand how you live, what you need now and what you might need down the track.
This includes considering how furniture will actually fit in the space, where the lounge goes, how you move through each room, whether you’ve got natural light where you want it or if doors are opening onto usable walls. Good design supports how you live, not just how things look on a plan.
Beyond that, a well-designed home adds long-term value. Buyers pick up on homes that feel right where the flow makes sense, where the layout works and where they don’t have to start ripping things out to make it liveable. These things can make a real difference come resale time.
So, while you can get someone to simply draft what you ask for, working with a building designer means getting a smarter, more considered design, one that turns your ideas into a home that genuinely works for today and for years to come.
6. Will this add long-term value to my home?
If I were in your position, I’d think beyond just fixing today’s frustrations. I’d ask:
- Will this extension increase energy efficiency and thermal comfort?
- Does it improve the street appeal or resale potential?
- Is the design low-maintenance and suitable for Melbourne’s climate?
A good renovation should improve both your day-to-day living and the long-term value of your biggest asset.
Final thoughts: If I were you…
I’d slow down before rushing to build. I’d invest in good design because a smart plan can save you thousands during construction. I’d find a designer who listens, questions and knows Melbourne’s planning system inside and out.
The more you financially invest in the right design response and quality build, the greater the long-term benefits will be not just for how you live today, but for decades ahead. A well-considered renovation or extension can unlock:
- Higher resale value
- Future-proofing for multi-generational living
- Greater energy efficiency and comfort
- Flexible spaces that evolve with your family’s needs
A great design isn’t just about adding space, it’s about creating value that lasts.
This article was written by Andrew Slattery, founder of Anabode Design and Drafting. Anabode Design provides residential design and drafting services across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, specialising in custom homes, extensions and renovations tailored to your family’s needs and lifestyle.
