Home Renovations Victoria

Why renovate your home in Victoria?

From period terraces in inner-city Melbourne to coastal holiday houses along the Mornington Peninsula, homes across Victoria often need thoughtful upgrades to meet modern lifestyle expectations. Renovating allows you to unlock extra floor area, improve energy efficiency and boost resale value without the cost and disruption of moving. With construction demand easing after the pandemic peak, trades calendars have opened up, making 2025 an opportune time to start planning.

Typical scope & cost ranges

Budgets vary widely, but the figures below will help you frame an initial brief:

• Cosmetic refresh: paint, new flooring, lighting and minor fixture swaps – $20,000–$60,000 for a 3-bedroom house.
• Structural renovation: reconfiguring walls, adding bi-fold doors, updating services – $120,000–$250,000.
• Full extension/second storey: adding 40–80 m² of space – $350,000+ depending on site access and materials.

Use these ranges as a starting point only; heritage overlays, bush-fire BAL ratings and soil conditions can all shift costs.

Navigating permits and regulations in VIC

Any work that affects a home’s structure, weatherproofing or essential services requires a building permit administered by a registered building surveyor. Your builder or designer will usually lodge the application, but the owner remains legally responsible. For a clear overview of applicable codes, refer to the Victorian Building Authority.

Plan extra time if your property is in a heritage precinct or on land subject to special planning overlays—council approvals can add 4–12 weeks.

How to choose the right renovation professional

Credentials to look for

• Domestic Builder Unlimited (DB-U) or Domestic Builder Limited (DB-L) licence.
• Minimum $10 million public liability insurance.
• Evidence of recent, similar Victoria-based projects.
• Clear dispute-resolution process and Home Warranty Insurance eligibility.

Questions to ask during consultations

• “Who will be the on-site supervisor and how often will they visit?”
• “Can you provide a fixed-price contract with a detailed scope of works?”
• “What contingency percentage do you recommend for unforeseen issues?”
• “How do you manage waste recycling and site cleanliness?”

Timing your project

In most parts of Victoria, earthworks and framing progress fastest between October and March when rainfall is lower. However, booking trades mid-year can secure competitive rates. On average, allow:

• 4–6 weeks for design development and approvals.
• 2–4 weeks for tendering.
• 3–8 months for construction, depending on scope.

Maximising value: design tips

Passive solar orientation is critical; north-facing living areas capture winter sun while deep eaves prevent summer overheating. Upgrading insulation to a minimum R-rating of 5.0 in ceilings and 2.5 in walls not only meets 7-Star NatHERS requirements but also trims energy bills long term. Consider universal-access features—level thresholds, wider doorways and reinforced bathroom walls ready for grab rails—to future-proof the home.

Related renovation services

For targeted room upgrades, explore our curated lists of bathroom renovation specialists, kitchen renovation experts and laundry renovation teams. If you’re planning a whole-of-home overhaul, start with our directory of renovation professionals for concept-to-completion support.

Ready to transform your Victorian property? Short-list professionals, save inspirational images and request quotes directly through ArchiPro—no obligation, just actionable guidance.