Do I need a planning permit for my extension or renovation?

Not always, but in many cases yes. Whether a planning permit is required depends on your council's planning scheme, the zoning of your land, any applicable overlays - heritage, neighbourhood character, vegetation, bushfire, or design and development - and the extent of your proposed works. Some works fall within permitted development rights and do not require a permit; others require a full planning application and council assessment. We review the planning requirements for your specific property and project as part of the design brief, and assist with any required submissions.

How much does a home extension cost in Melbourne?

Construction costs for Melbourne home extensions vary considerably depending on the type of work, the specification level, your location, and builder availability. As a general guide from current market conditions: single storey ground floor extensions typically range from $2,500 to $4,000 per m², and second storey additions from $3,500 to $5,500 per m². These figures do not include design fees, engineering, energy assessment, or council and building permit fees. We discuss realistic cost expectations for your project at the briefing stage, and our tender documentation is produced to a level of detail that supports accurate builder pricing and meaningful quote comparison.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne?

Kitchen renovation costs in Melbourne vary based on the extent of the work, the level of cabinetry and appliance specification, and whether the layout is being reconfigured or the footprint extended. A straightforward kitchen refresh within an existing footprint - new cabinetry, benchtops, and appliances without structural or plumbing relocation - can be achieved at a considerably lower cost than a full reconfiguration. We discuss realistic cost ranges for your specific kitchen scope as part of the briefing process and prepare documentation that gives your cabinetmaker and builder a clear, unambiguous brief.

Do you design projects outside the greater Melbourne area?

Yes. With evolving digital technologies, we are able to work with clients throughout Australia. For building projects, we most often operate within Victoria due to differences in statutory building regulations between states, but we are always happy to discuss projects in other locations.

How do you assist with building permits?

We prepare the documentation required to obtain a building permit - drawings, specifications, energy compliance reports, and any structural engineering required. We coordinate with external consultants as needed - most commonly an energy efficiency assessor and structural engineer - and assist with the submission to the building surveyor. The building surveyor assesses the documentation and issues the permit. We assist with any queries raised during that assessment and remain available throughout construction to answer builder questions and provide supplementary drawings as required.

Can you help with just a kitchen or bathroom if we are not doing a full renovation?

Absolutely. We are happy to assist with individual spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, or laundries. Beyond design, we can also help obtain pricing for your project through our network of skilled cabinetmakers and builders. We provide high-quality working drawings, cabinetry details, and written specifications for materials and finishes, and present the design through 3D visualisation so you can clearly preview the space you are investing in before construction begins.

Do you help with second storey extensions?

Yes. Second storey extensions are a significant part of our project work. They involve additional complexity compared to ground floor additions - structural assessment, engineering input, and planning permit requirements in most Melbourne councils - but are often the best solution when the block does not support further ground floor expansion. We work through the full process with you - from initial feasibility and structural engineer engagement through to building permit documentation and builder tender.

What is involved in a knockdown rebuild?

A knockdown rebuild involves demolishing the existing dwelling and constructing a new home on the same lot. The design process begins with the site conditions and planning controls - including any heritage or neighbourhood character overlays that may restrict demolition or limit the design of the replacement building. We assess the planning implications of demolition as part of the early design briefing, assist with any required planning submissions, and produce full documentation for the new home design through to building permit and tender. Knockdown rebuild projects need careful coordination across demolition, utility disconnection, and construction - we advise on the design and documentation implications of each phase to keep your project on track.

Residential Design

Home extensions, renovations, kitchens and bathrooms, and new homes across Melbourne - from first brief through planning approvals and full construction documentation.

Designed Around How You Live

Every residential project begins with understanding how you use your home today - and how that needs to change.

Whether you are planning a rear extension, a second storey addition, a full kitchen renovation, a bathroom redesign, or a new home on a vacant lot, the starting point is always the same: a clear brief that reflects your lifestyle, your household's needs, and your long-term plans for the property.

If you plan a new home, an extension to an existing home, or an interior project - talk to us about your aspirations and we will be delighted to help. At Design Yard 32, we are building designers and interior designers based in Frankston South, working with homeowners across Victoria. We carry your project from initial ideas through to permit-ready documentation - giving you a complete design package before you approach a single builder for pricing.

Residential Design Services

01

Concept Design & 3D Visualisation

02

Planning Permit Submission

03

Tender Drawings for Builder Pricing

04

Building Permit & Construction Documentation

Home Extensions

Home extensions are among the most common residential projects we design, and among the most rewarding when they are properly resolved before construction begins.

If your block allows, a ground floor rear extension is often the most straightforward and cost-effective way to add living area - opening the home to the backyard, improving natural light, and creating a kitchen, dining, and living connection that suits the way Melbourne families use their homes.

Side extensions can be a good option on corner blocks or sites that are not yet fully built up.

Second storey additions are the right solution when the block does not allow ground floor expansion. A second storey requires careful structural assessment, engineering input, and - in most Melbourne councils - a planning permit. We work through this process with you - from initial structural feasibility through to preparing the council submission - so you understand the scope and approval pathway before committing to design fees with a builder.

Depending on your local council and the placement of the proposed extension on the site, a planning permit may be required. We are happy to assist by managing communication with your local council and coordinating any external consultant reports if needed. In some cases, our clients ask us to design within the parameters that avoid the need for a planning permit, which can help save time during the project. However, due to site constraints or project goals, the best design outcome may require entering the planning permit pathway. In those situations, we guide our clients through the process. A planning permit is simply the local planning authority’s way of assessing proposals that sit outside standard permitted development, ensuring the project aligns with municipal planning strategy and does not adversely impact neighbouring properties or local infrastructure.

Bathroom & Kitchen Design

Bathroom and kitchen renovations are among the most common interior projects Melbourne homeowners undertake - and also the ones where poor documentation can lead to construction issues and unexpected costs.

We design bathrooms, ensuites, and powder rooms with a full set of construction drawings that dimension surfaces, specify products, and resolve waterproofing, substrate, and drainage details before work begins. This level of documentation reduces the risk of on-site variations and gives builders, tilers, plumbers, and waterproofers a clear brief.

For clients investing in a primary bathroom renovation, we can also incorporate wellness features such as sauna rooms, steam showers, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, freestanding baths, and accessible shower conversions. Where required, we allow for structural reinforcement to support future grab rails, ensuring accessible bathrooms remain discreet and residential in character rather than institutional.

Kitchen design is one of the highest-value investments in residential renovation - and one of the most frequently undertaken in Melbourne homes. A well-designed kitchen improves how a household functions every day, increases the resale value of the property, and can transform the relationship between interior living and outdoor space when the layout is extended or reconfigured.

Our kitchen design process starts with understanding how you cook, how many people use the space simultaneously, how much storage you need, and what your priorities are: bench space, appliances, breakfast seating, or opening to a dining or outdoor area.

From there we develop a layout that resolves these competing demands - working bench run, prep zone, cooking station, servery to dining, and connection to outdoor areas - and produce cabinetry documentation, material and finishes schedules, and construction drawings detailed enough for your cabinetmaker and builder to price and build from without ambiguity.

We also design butlers’ pantries, laundries, and mudrooms as part of kitchen and renovation projects - spaces that significantly improve storage, workflow, and daily household function but are frequently underpowered in standard builder floor plans.

Where clients are investing in bespoke joinery - custom cabinetry, built-in furniture, or feature pieces - we coordinate with custom furniture and joinery specialists whose work is integrated into the overall design documentation rather than developed separately. This ensures the joinery aligns with the architecture, services, and material selections of the project from the outset.

Interior Design - Spaces That Work for the Life You Live Now

Interior design sits across the full range of residential projects we handle - from a kitchen and bathroom within a renovation through to a complete interior package for a new home or major extension.

We work with homeowners who want their home to function better, look more resolved, and respond to how they actually live - not a generic floor plan adapted from a builder's catalogue.

As part of an interior renovation, we design a broad range of home spaces - from luxury bedrooms with bespoke walk-in robes to beautifully finished bathrooms. Kitchens, butler's pantries, and laundries are practical and beautiful - spaces the whole household uses every day. For clients who love to entertain, we design standout living areas that connect to the outdoors. In any home, special attention goes to circulation spaces - entries, wide hallways, and connecting passages can be much more than practical. Done well, they create a sense of arrival that residents and guests notice from the moment they walk in.

Designing homes for aged and disability living requires careful consideration of accessibility, safety, and long-term adaptability. Thoughtful planning of circulation spaces, bathroom layouts, and entry points can support mobility aids, reduce fall risks, and create a comfortable environment for daily living. We work closely with clients and care providers to design homes that balance functional requirements with dignity, independence, and a warm residential feel.

Every material and colour selection we make is tested against the actual light conditions of your home - natural light direction, ceiling height, artificial light sources - because what reads well in a showroom sample or on a digital screen often behaves very differently in the finished room.

New Home Design & Knockdown Rebuild

If you have access to a vacant block, or you are planning a knockdown rebuild - it is an exciting opportunity with real design freedom. New home design gives you the most design choices of any residential project, but also the most decisions to make. Our process begins with a briefing session that maps your lifestyle, your household's needs over the next ten to fifteen years, and your design preferences. From there, we develop a concept that resolves the relationship between the house, the block, and the neighbourhood. We analyse the site for solar orientation, land levels, neighbouring properties, street character, views, and planning controls. We engage building professionals to conduct site surveys, geotechnical reports, and bushfire assessments where required - giving us a clear picture of the site before we start planning your home.

Whether you choose a design that avoids the need for a planning permit or decide to explore opportunities that require one, a building permit is required for all new homes and most significant building works. This stage involves detailed documentation and input from a range of specialists, including civil engineers, energy efficiency assessors, and HVAC consultants. For sloping sites, larger extensions, built-up sites, or multi-unit developments, additional engineering such as stormwater design may also be required. We coordinate this process and work with the necessary consultants to ensure your project meets all regulatory requirements and progresses smoothly toward construction.

In Australia, new homes and larger extensions must meet accessibility requirements under the National Construction Code, which now incorporates the Livable Housing Design Standard for many residential projects. These provisions aim to ensure safer and more adaptable homes by including features such as step-free entry, wider doorways, and accessible circulation through key living areas. We consider these requirements early in the design process to integrate them seamlessly into the layout while maintaining the overall design intent of the home.

Understanding Residential Design Costs in Melbourne

One of the most common questions homeowners have is about cost - both the cost of the design process and what the construction might cost.

On the design side, fees vary with the scope and complexity of the project. We discuss fee structures clearly at the start of every project and provide a written proposal before any work begins.

Pricing for a new home design can vary significantly depending on the level of design service you choose. At the simpler end, some homeowners work with volume builders who are willing to customise their standard plans. These builders typically focus on projects that avoid planning permits and prefer to stay close to their established layouts. While this approach can be cost-effective, it often results in homes where the facade is applied to a standard floor plan rather than carefully integrated with the overall architecture - and the final house may end up looking much like thousands of others built across the suburbs.

If you are looking for a more refined result - with thoughtfully planned spaces and a well-composed exterior - engaging an architectural home designer can provide greater design depth and site responsiveness. Designers with a strong eye for design and local construction knowledge can develop homes that respond to the site, planning context, and lifestyle of the occupants, creating a more considered and distinctive outcome. If you would like to explore possibilities for your project, we would be happy to help design spaces that are not only places to live, but places to truly experience.

Understanding Extension Construction Cost in Melbourne

On the construction side, Melbourne home extension costs depend on the type of construction, the level of finish, the location within Melbourne, and - critically - how well the design is documented. Poorly documented projects attract higher prices, more variations, and more disputes during construction. Our documentation is detailed precisely to give builders a complete picture that supports accurate, competitive pricing and reduces on-site surprises.

As a general guide from the current Melbourne market, single storey ground floor extensions typically range from $2,500 to $4,000 per square metre for construction, depending on specification. Second storey additions sit higher - typically $3,500 to $5,500 per square metre - because of structural and staircase requirements. Kitchen renovations vary more widely based on cabinetry specification and appliance selection. We will discuss realistic construction cost ranges for your specific project as part of the briefing process. In Melbourne, new premium custom home construction costs sit around $3,700 – $5,500 + per m² and in some cases exceed $8,000 per m² for very high‑end finishes and complexity.

The choices you make with your designer - form, structure, glazing, materials, and finishes - will significantly influence the overall cost of your new home. External factors such as site topography, soil classification, required earthworks, proximity to neighbouring structures, and bushfire zone and site location can also affect construction pricing. Careful design and early assessment of these conditions help manage costs and avoid unexpected challenges during construction.

If you’re planning a new home in Melbourne, we can help you design a home that balances style, functionality, and budget - creating spaces that are not just places to live, but places to truly experience. Get in touch today to start your project with expert guidance from concept to completion.

Why Engage a Building Designer Before Approaching Builders

The majority of Melbourne homeowners who approach builders directly - without a completed design and documentation package - end up making expensive decisions under time pressure on site.

When a project goes to tender with only a sketch or a vague brief, every builder prices it differently, comparisons are unreliable, and any gap becomes an extra cost once construction has started.

Engaging a building designer first means your project goes to builders as a resolved design: a full set of drawings, a specification, an energy report, and any engineering required. Builders price the same scope. You can compare like with like. And you enter construction with a clear picture of what you are getting - not a set of decisions you are forced to make against the clock once the site is open.

We work with clients throughout the builder selection process - reviewing quotes, identifying scope discrepancies, and providing advice before contracts are signed.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions - Residential Design

Not always, but in many cases yes. Whether a planning permit is required depends on your council's planning scheme, the zoning of your land, any applicable overlays - heritage, neighbourhood character, vegetation, bushfire, or design and development - and the extent of your proposed works. Some works fall within permitted development rights and do not require a permit; others require a full planning application and council assessment. We review the planning requirements for your specific property and project as part of the design brief, and assist with any required submissions.
Construction costs for Melbourne home extensions vary considerably depending on the type of work, the specification level, your location, and builder availability. As a general guide from current market conditions: single storey ground floor extensions typically range from $2,500 to $4,000 per m², and second storey additions from $3,500 to $5,500 per m². These figures do not include design fees, engineering, energy assessment, or council and building permit fees. We discuss realistic cost expectations for your project at the briefing stage, and our tender documentation is produced to a level of detail that supports accurate builder pricing and meaningful quote comparison.
Kitchen renovation costs in Melbourne vary based on the extent of the work, the level of cabinetry and appliance specification, and whether the layout is being reconfigured or the footprint extended. A straightforward kitchen refresh within an existing footprint - new cabinetry, benchtops, and appliances without structural or plumbing relocation - can be achieved at a considerably lower cost than a full reconfiguration. We discuss realistic cost ranges for your specific kitchen scope as part of the briefing process and prepare documentation that gives your cabinetmaker and builder a clear, unambiguous brief.
Yes. With evolving digital technologies, we are able to work with clients throughout Australia. For building projects, we most often operate within Victoria due to differences in statutory building regulations between states, but we are always happy to discuss projects in other locations.
We prepare the documentation required to obtain a building permit - drawings, specifications, energy compliance reports, and any structural engineering required. We coordinate with external consultants as needed - most commonly an energy efficiency assessor and structural engineer - and assist with the submission to the building surveyor. The building surveyor assesses the documentation and issues the permit. We assist with any queries raised during that assessment and remain available throughout construction to answer builder questions and provide supplementary drawings as required.
Absolutely. We are happy to assist with individual spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, or laundries. Beyond design, we can also help obtain pricing for your project through our network of skilled cabinetmakers and builders. We provide high-quality working drawings, cabinetry details, and written specifications for materials and finishes, and present the design through 3D visualisation so you can clearly preview the space you are investing in before construction begins.
Yes. Second storey extensions are a significant part of our project work. They involve additional complexity compared to ground floor additions - structural assessment, engineering input, and planning permit requirements in most Melbourne councils - but are often the best solution when the block does not support further ground floor expansion. We work through the full process with you - from initial feasibility and structural engineer engagement through to building permit documentation and builder tender.
A knockdown rebuild involves demolishing the existing dwelling and constructing a new home on the same lot. The design process begins with the site conditions and planning controls - including any heritage or neighbourhood character overlays that may restrict demolition or limit the design of the replacement building. We assess the planning implications of demolition as part of the early design briefing, assist with any required planning submissions, and produce full documentation for the new home design through to building permit and tender. Knockdown rebuild projects need careful coordination across demolition, utility disconnection, and construction - we advise on the design and documentation implications of each phase to keep your project on track.