Home Extensions & Renovations Melbourne
Home extension and renovation design across Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and Gippsland - 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, 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 a small residential and interior design team based in Frankston South, we work with homeowners across metropolitan Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula - including Frankston, Mount Eliza, Mornington, and Somerville - and regional 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.
Design Yard 32 takes on a limited number of projects at any one time. Tanya leads every project herself - from the initial briefing session through to final documentation. There is no handover to a junior designer once the brief is set. When you engage us, you work directly with the person responsible for the design, and the decisions made on your project are made by someone who has been to your site, understood your brief, and is personally invested in the outcome.
Residential Design Services
Concept Design & 3D Visualisation
Planning Permit Submission
Tender Drawings for Builder Pricing
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.
Depending on your local council and the placement of the proposed extension on the site, a planning permit may be required. We prepare the documentation required for planning permit applications and can advise on the typical process and council requirements. 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.
We regularly design extensions across the Mornington Peninsula and south-east Melbourne suburbs, where council requirements, coastal setbacks, and bushfire overlay considerations shape the design from the earliest brief.
Second Storey Additions
Second storey additions - also called first floor additions - are one of the most effective ways to increase the living area of a Melbourne home - particularly on smaller lots where a ground floor extension would consume most of the remaining garden. Rather than spreading outward, the home grows upward - adding bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas without reducing the outdoor space that Melbourne households rely on.
The process begins with structural assessment. Before design work progresses, we establish whether the existing ground floor structure and footings can carry an upper level, and what reinforcement or rebuilding the ground floor requires. This assessment shapes the scope of the project more than any other single factor - and it is a question that needs to be answered before you commit to a design fee, not after the project is already underway.
Planning permit requirements for second storey additions vary across Melbourne councils. In many standard residential zones, a second storey that is designed to meet the ResCode provisions for height, setbacks, and overlooking can proceed without a planning permit. Properties in heritage overlays, vegetation overlays, or certain design and development overlays may require a permit regardless of the size of the works. We check the planning controls applying to your site at the start of the project and advise you clearly on whether a permit is required or whether the project can be designed to stay within the permitted development envelope - before design fees are committed.
The documentation for a second storey addition covers both levels of the building - upper level plans and revised ground floor plans to accommodate the staircase, elevations, sections, energy efficiency documentation, and all compliance provisions for the new height and boundary setbacks. We coordinate with structural engineers and energy assessors and produce the full package for building permit and tender.
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 consultants 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 with the necessary consultants to ensure the documentation addresses all regulatory requirements before your project proceeds to tender.
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 into the layout while maintaining the overall design intent of the home.
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.
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 Residential Designer Before Approaching Builders
A designer-led process means the brief stays yours. When a project is developed through a builder, the design reflects the builder's preferred layouts, their regular subcontractors, and what is straightforward to price from their end - not a resolution of your household's brief and your site's opportunities.
Working with a residential designer first means the design is developed around what you need and what the site allows. We produce the full documentation set: drawings, specification, and any consultant documentation required. Once the package is complete, multiple builders price exactly the same scope - you can compare quotes on equal terms and make a considered decision before construction starts.
We work with clients through the builder selection process - reviewing quotes, identifying scope discrepancies, and advising before contracts are signed.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Residential Design
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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.
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A second storey addition involves building a new upper level over all or part of an existing ground floor. The process begins with structural assessment of the existing ground floor and footings - these must be capable of carrying the additional load. If the existing structure cannot support an upper level in its current form, solutions exist: opening the ground floor structure, reinforcing footings, or replacing sections of the floor frame. The outcome of that assessment shapes the scope and cost of the project more than any design decision. We then develop a concept that integrates the upper level with the existing building form, resolve the staircase location within the ground floor plan, and produce a complete documentation set: floor plans for both levels, elevations, sections, and energy documentation where required. We coordinate with structural engineers and energy assessors as part of that process. Most second storey additions in Melbourne also require a check of the planning controls applying to the site - we identify the right approval pathway at the outset so you can make an informed decision before design work begins.
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Whether a planning permit is required depends on the planning zone and overlays applying to your property, the proposed height of the upper level, and how the design sits relative to setback, overlooking, and overshadowing requirements. In many standard Melbourne residential zones, a second storey addition designed to meet ResCode provisions can proceed without a planning permit. However, properties in heritage overlays, vegetation overlays, or some design and development overlays may require one regardless of scale. We check the planning controls for your site before design work begins and advise you clearly on whether a permit is required or whether the project can be designed to stay within the permitted development envelope.
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A second storey addition preserves the garden and outdoor area - you gain bedrooms, bathrooms, or additional living space without reducing the outdoor footprint. On many Melbourne blocks, an upper level also opens views over neighbouring rooftops that a ground floor extension cannot access. The approach suits households where the existing ground floor is structurally sound and the brief does not require changes to the existing layout at ground level - the home improves without being demolished and rebuilt.
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A knockdown rebuild starts from a blank site with no constraints from existing building fabric - you are not designing within old footings, a suboptimal floor plan, or a building that is expensive to bring up to current standards. The new home is built to current construction standards, must meet the 7-star NatHERS energy rating required under the National Construction Code, and carries no deferred maintenance from the existing dwelling. For households who intend to stay in the property long term, rebuilding addresses the physical condition of the home at the point of construction rather than managing it over time.
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A ground floor extension is typically the most cost-effective way to add living area - no structural strengthening of the existing building is required beyond the connection at floor level, and construction is simpler and faster than a second storey. Extensions at ground level are also the most straightforward to design for accessibility: there are no stairs to navigate, and the layout can be designed to meet the Livable Housing Design provisions now incorporated in the National Construction Code. This is particularly relevant for households planning to age in place or accommodate family members with mobility needs.
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Yes. While we are focusing on metropolitan Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula - we're based in Frankston South - we also take on projects in Gippsland and regional Victoria. Interstate projects are assessed individually. Contact us to discuss your location.
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We prepare the documentation required to obtain a building permit - drawings and specifications - and coordinate with specialist consultants for energy compliance and structural engineering as required. We 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.
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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.
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A knockdown rebuild involves demolishing the existing dwelling and constructing a new home on the same lot. Demolition, utility disconnection, and construction are managed by your builder - our role is design and documentation. We begin with site analysis: planning controls, title restrictions, covenants, and any overlays that affect what can be built. We then carry out a site solar analysis and wind rose assessment to understand how sun and breeze move across the site through the day and across the seasons. This informs the orientation of living spaces, the position and size of glazing, and the design of natural ventilation paths - the basis of passive solar design, which reduces the home's reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. From there, we run design sessions with you to establish the layout and develop the spaces that matter most to your household - whether that is a wellness area with a sauna or plunge pool, a well-designed garage and workshop, generous garden passages and outdoor rooms, or a kitchen and living connection that suits the way your family lives. We produce the full documentation set for building permit and tender.
What type of project can we help you with?
