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The 10 best renovation builders in Adelaide

Adelaide builders who do extensions, second storeys and renovations of older homes. We checked every builder's licence on the Consumer and Business Services register.

Updated October 2026.

Builders listed
10
Licences confirmed on the register
0 of 10
Average Google rating
4.8
Google reviews, combined
156
Builders paying to be here
None
  • LicenceA current CBS builder licence, matched to the business.
  • ReputationIndependent reviews, awards and years trading.
  • Right kind of workExtensions, second storeys and renovations of existing homes shown on their own site.
  • No paid placesNobody pays to be listed or to move up.

Renovation builders in Adelaide, ranked

A ranked list of licensed Adelaide builders whose own sites show extension and renovation work on existing homes, ranked on fit, reputation and track record.

  1. 1

    Craig Linke

    Kent Town. Metropolitan Adelaide and select regional locations

    4.8 from 21 Google reviews

    Best for heritage home renovations with in-house interior design

    • Won HIA South Australian Home of the Year in 2023 for a century-old home renovation.
    • Named HIA South Australian Heritage Renovation winner in both 2023 and 2024.
    • Design, interiors, building and landscaping are handled by one in-house team.
    • Licence number, address and phone are listed openly on every page of its site.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 261831
    Building since
    2014
    Builds
    Heritage, Extensions, Custom renovations, Interior design, Architectural builds
    More about Craig Linke

    Craig Linke is a Kent Town building and interior design company founded in 2014 by Craig Linke and Lauren Zwaans. Its work is mostly custom renovations of older Adelaide homes, plus some architectural new builds, with interiors and landscaping done in-house.

    The firm has a strong HIA record. It took the 2023 HIA South Australian Home of the Year and Renovation/Addition Project of the Year for its Belltunga renovation, the Heritage Renovation award in 2023 and 2024, and a further renovation category win in 2025. It says it builds no display homes and works across metropolitan Adelaide.

    Awards: 2023 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Home of the Year, winner; 2023 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project of the Year, winner; 2023 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Heritage Renovation, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Heritage Renovation, winner; 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project up to $500,000, winner

    08 7225 4472Visit website
  2. 2

    Crew Built

    Adelaide. Metropolitan Adelaide, with recent projects in Glenelg, North Adelaide, Rose Park, Thebarton and the Adelaide Hills

    5.0 from 2 Google reviews

    Best for heritage and character home renovations

    • Won HIA South Australian Heritage Renovation of the Year in 2025.
    • Took two HIA South Australian renovation category wins in 2024 and another in 2025.
    • Founder Kieran Flanigan was HIA's 2024 South Australian Emerging Builder of the Year.
    • Its project list covers renovations and new builds across Adelaide, from Glenelg to the Adelaide Hills.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 258469
    Building since
    2021
    Builds
    Heritage, Extensions, Art Deco apartments, Custom homes
    More about Crew Built

    Crew Built is a young Adelaide building company launched in 2021 by Kieran Flanigan, a qualified carpenter and plumber with more than 20 years in the trade, according to the firm. It takes on custom renovations, additions and new homes, plus some small commercial work.

    Its HIA results are strong for a firm its age: the 2024 Apartment of the Year for an Art Deco apartment in Glenelg South, two 2024 renovation category wins, and both the 2025 Heritage Renovation award and a 2025 renovation category win. The firm says it supports clients from early design through buildability advice to handover.

    Awards: 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Heritage Renovation, winner; 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $1 million to $1.5 million, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Apartment of the Year, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $300,000 to $500,000, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project up to $300,000, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Emerging Builder, winner (Kieran Flanigan); 2025 Master Builders South Australia: Renovation/Addition $650,000 to $1 million, winner (according to the firm)

    Visit website
  3. 3

    Desyn Homes

    North Plympton. Adelaide and regional South Australia

    4.8 from 5 Google reviews

    Best for large extensions that blend new work with character homes

    • Won the 2025 HIA South Australian Home of the Year with an addition and renovation.
    • Also took the 2025 HIA Renovation/Addition Project of the Year.
    • Sets out a four-stage extension process that starts with a consultation and home visit.
    • Designs and builds pools as well, so outdoor work can sit in the same contract.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 210090
    Builds
    Extensions, Heritage, Custom homes, Pools
    More about Desyn Homes

    Desyn Homes is a North Plympton design and construct builder that takes on extensions, custom new homes and pools across Adelaide and regional South Australia. The firm says it was set up more than 20 years ago.

    At the 2025 HIA South Australian awards it won Home of the Year and Renovation/Addition Project of the Year for a large addition that pairs a heritage home with a modern wing. It also won HIA custom home categories in 2024 and 2025. For extensions, it describes a staged process of consultation, design, approvals and construction.

    Awards: 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Home of the Year, winner; 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project of the Year, winner; 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project over $1.5 million, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Custom Built Home $550,000 to $1 million, winner; 2020 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $350,001 to $550,000, winner (according to the firm); 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Custom Built Home $1 million to $1.5 million, winner

    08 8350 5566Visit website

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  5. 4

    Build Theory

    Blackwood. Adelaide

    5.0 from 2 Google reviews

    Best for architect-designed villa restorations and additions

    • Won the 2024 HIA South Australian Renovation/Addition Project of the Year.
    • Its winning project restored a run-down early 1900s villa.
    • Keeps a deliberately small build schedule, according to the firm.
    • Says it has strong working relationships with Adelaide architects and interior designers.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 293194
    Builds
    Heritage, Extensions, Architectural renovations, Custom homes
    More about Build Theory

    Build Theory is a small Adelaide builder based in Blackwood that focuses on architect-designed renovations and additions, heritage restorations and a few custom new homes. The firm says it keeps its build schedule low so it can give each project more time.

    Its standout result is the 2024 HIA South Australian Renovation/Addition Project of the Year, for restoring and extending a dilapidated early 1900s villa. It also won the 2024 HIA Kitchen of the Year. The firm sees clients by appointment and asks about budget and design team at the enquiry stage.

    Awards: 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project of the Year, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project over $1 million, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Kitchen of the Year, winner

    0428 255 956Visit website
  6. 5

    Finch Constructions

    Somerton Park. Adelaide

    4.6 from 11 Google reviews

    Best for family home extensions and bungalow renovations

    • Named HIA South Australian Professional Small Builder/Renovator of the Year in 2025.
    • Won the HIA South Australian Small Business Management award in 2024.
    • Publishes a step-by-step renovation process, from planning to post-handover support.
    • Offers staged works so families can often stay home during the build.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 288607
    Building since
    2006
    Builds
    Extensions, Second storeys, Heritage, Design and construct
    More about Finch Constructions

    Finch Constructions is a family-owned renovation builder in Somerton Park that has been extending and renovating Adelaide homes since 2006, according to the firm. Most of its work is rear extensions, second-storey additions, open-plan rebuilds and heritage repairs, with design and construct available under one contract.

    HIA named it the state's Professional Small Builder/Renovator of the Year in 2025, a year after its Small Business Management award. The firm sets out its process online, from pre-construction planning and design through selections, construction, handover and aftercare, and says it can stage some works so owners can keep living in the home.

    Awards: 2025 HIA South Australian Awards: Professional Small Builder/Renovator, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Awards: Small Business Management, winner

    08 8295 8175Visit website
  7. 6

    Alexis Constructions

    Norwood. Adelaide's inner and eastern suburbs, including Tusmore, St Georges, Gilberton and Kensington

    5.0 from 1 Google reviews

    Best for high-end renovations in the eastern suburbs

    • Has collected renovation awards from both HIA and Master Builders SA since 2015.
    • Won the 2024 HIA South Australian Outdoor Project of the Year.
    • Lists each award by year, body and project on its website.
    • The firm says its Tusmore renovation also won a 2024 Master Builders SA renovation award.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 245521
    Building since
    2005
    Builds
    Extensions, Character homes, Outdoor living
    More about Alexis Constructions

    Alexis Constructions is a renovation builder working mainly in Adelaide's eastern and inner suburbs, with a postal base in Norwood. Its project list is made up of large renovations and additions to established homes in suburbs such as Tusmore, St Georges, Gilberton, Kensington Park and Millswood.

    It has a long award record. HIA named its Tusmore project the 2024 South Australian Outdoor Project of the Year, and the firm says the same home won a 2024 Master Builders SA renovation award. Earlier wins it lists include Master Builders SA renovation awards in 2017 and 2019 and HIA renovation and bathroom awards in 2015 and 2017.

    Awards: 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Outdoor Project of the Year, winner; 2024 Master Builders South Australia: Excellence in a Renovation or Extension $1m to $2m, winner (according to the firm); 2019 Master Builders South Australia: Excellence in a Renovation or Addition $600,000 to $1m, winner (according to the firm); 2017 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition up to $200,000, winner (according to the firm)

    0403 295 319Visit website
  8. 7

    Claridge Construction

    Lockleys. Adelaide and South Australia

    5.0 from 38 Google reviews

    Best for design-led extensions from an established custom builder

    • Won an HIA South Australian renovation category in 2025 and another in 2022.
    • Family-owned and building in Adelaide since 1991, according to the firm.
    • Takes on 15 to 20 projects a year, the firm says.
    • Moves to a fixed-price contract once plans, approvals and selections are complete.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 173820
    Building since
    1991
    Builds
    Extensions, Custom homes, Knockdown rebuild, Townhouses
    More about Claridge Construction

    Claridge Construction is a family-owned Lockleys builder that the firm says has been designing and building homes across South Australia since 1991. Custom homes are its main line, but it also takes on substantial extensions and renovations, townhouses and some light commercial work.

    HIA gave it a 2025 renovation category win for a modern extension to an existing home, and the firm reports another HIA renovation win in 2022. It caps its workload at 15 to 20 projects a year, assigns each client a dedicated site manager, and works through preliminary services agreements before a fixed-price build contract.

    Awards: 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $500,000 to $750,000, winner; 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Small Commercial Project, winner; 2022 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project over $1 million, winner (according to the firm)

    08 8449 4490Visit website
  9. 8

    Artesa Homes

    Unley. Adelaide and surrounding suburbs

    5.0 from 8 Google reviews

    Best for character home additions with fixed-price contracts

    • Won an HIA South Australian renovation category in 2023.
    • Works on fixed-price contracts with detailed costings, according to the firm.
    • Gives clients round-the-clock access to an online project portal.
    • Says it has experience with character and heritage-listed homes.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 278697
    Building since
    2016
    Builds
    Extensions, Heritage, Design and construct, Custom homes
    More about Artesa Homes

    Artesa Homes is a small Unley design and construct builder working since 2016 on renovations, additions and custom homes across Adelaide. The firm says it has experience joining new spaces to character and heritage-listed homes, and offers design through to construction for clients without an architect.

    HIA gave it a 2023 South Australian renovation category win for a compact addition the judges said suited its surroundings. Artesa says it uses detailed costings and fixed-price contracts, and gives clients access to an online portal for updates throughout the build.

    Awards: 2023 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $300,000 to $500,000, winner

    08 7131 1117Visit website
  10. 9

    Elmac Homes

    Peterhead. The Adelaide area

    4.4 from 7 Google reviews

    Best for extensions on tight western and coastal suburban blocks

    • Won an HIA South Australian renovation category in 2023.
    • Added HIA state wins for small lot housing in 2024 and specialised housing in 2025.
    • Director Lucas Maczkowiack works in the office and on site, according to the firm.
    • Shows its HIA membership number, licence and ABN on every page.
    SA builder licence
    BLD 241415
    Building since
    2011
    Builds
    Extensions, Renovations, Custom homes, Accessible homes
    Member of
    HIA
    More about Elmac Homes

    Elmac Homes is a Peterhead builder founded in 2011 that builds custom homes, extensions and renovations around Adelaide. Its extension gallery covers suburbs such as Alberton, Hazelwood Park, Unley, Wayville, Somerton Park and Largs Bay.

    HIA judges gave it a 2023 renovation category win for a light-filled addition on a very compact site, then state wins for small lot housing in 2024 and specialised accessible housing in 2025. The firm says director Lucas Maczkowiack, a former state apprentice of the year, stays hands-on in the office and on site.

    Awards: 2023 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project up to $300,000, winner; 2024 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Small Lot Housing, winner; 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards: Specialised Housing, winner

    08 8341 0202Visit website
  11. 10

    Dornford Building Group

    Adelaide CBD (Building Ideas Centre, Grote Street). Adelaide, with recent projects in Belair, Seacliff, Christies Beach and St Morris

    4.9 from 61 Google reviews

    Best for design and build extensions in the southern suburbs

    • Won the 2025 HIA South Australian Small Business Management award.
    • Offers building design and drafting as well as construction, the firm says.
    • Reports more than 400 completed projects and 60 repeat clients.
    • Lays out a four-step process from consultation to handover.
    SA builder licence
    BLD309351
    Builds
    Extensions, Design and construct, Custom homes
    More about Dornford Building Group

    Dornford Building Group began more than ten years ago as JD Building Works under founder Jake Dornford, according to the firm. It now offers design and build extensions and custom homes from its office at the Building Ideas Centre on Grote Street, with much of its recent work in Adelaide's southern and foothills suburbs.

    HIA gave the business its 2025 South Australian Small Business Management award. The firm says it has completed more than 400 projects and does its own building design and drafting, so clients can go from concept plans to construction with one team.

    Awards: 2025 HIA South Australian Awards: Small Business Management, winner

    08 7084 4545Visit website

What a renovation costs in Adelaide

Adelaide's kitchen and bathroom prices sit below the eastern capitals. Extension rates are national figures.

WorkTypical cost
Ground floor extension (national guide)$2,000 to $4,000 per sqm
Ground floor extension (Adelaide guide, incl. GST)$2,500 to $5,000 per sqm
Second storey addition$1,850 to $3,500 per sqm, often $200,000 to $450,000
Kitchen renovation, mid-range$23,000 to $41,400
Bathroom renovation, mid-range$18,400 to $32,200
Demolition, house (QS rate, Adelaide)$80 to $180 per sqm

Extension and second storey ranges are national hipages figures (January 2026), with What's The Damage's Adelaide builder guide (October 2026) for comparison. Kitchen and bathroom totals are Adelaide figures from What's The Damage, including GST. Demolition is RLB Riders Digest 2026 for Adelaide, excluding GST and asbestos removal. All exclude land.

Approvals for an Adelaide renovation

In SA it's one development approval, made up of two consents, applied for through PlanSA.

Building work in South Australia needs development approval, which has two parts:

  • Planning consent: whether the extension suits the zone and the planning rules for your lot.
  • Building consent: whether the design meets the building rules. This can be granted by the council, an assessment panel, or an accredited professional such as a private building certifier.

You apply through PlanSA, the state's online planning system. Your builder or designer may lodge it for you. Ask to see what's been submitted.

Development approval also decides whether some of your protections apply. Building Indemnity Insurance is only required for domestic work that needs development approval and costs $20,000 or more.

South Australian rules that protect you

SA lifted its key thresholds from $12,000 to $20,000 on 10 November 2025, and raised insurance cover a lot.

  • Licence: SA has no dollar threshold. Anyone carrying out or contracting for building work needs a building work contractor's licence (numbers start with BLD), and the licence conditions can limit building height and contract value. How to check a licence.
  • Written contract: domestic building contracts of $20,000 or more must be in writing, signed by both parties, show the builder's business name and licence number, and come with the prescribed Form 1 notice.
  • Deposit: no more than 5% for domestic work of $20,000 or more.
  • Progress payments: only for work already done, and you don't have to pay without a written request.
  • Cooling-off: 5 clear business days after signing. Give notice in writing, in person or by certified mail.
  • Building Indemnity Insurance: required for domestic work that needs development approval and costs $20,000 or more. The builder pays for it before work starts and gives you a certificate. For contracts from 10 November 2025 it covers up to $250,000 (up from $80,000) if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent, with defect claims usually up to 5 years after completion. How it works.

Jobs under $20,000 count as minor domestic building work and have lighter contract and insurance rules, so a small kitchen or bathroom job may not carry these protections. For contract types, see fixed price or cost plus. For disputes, contact the builder first, then use the CBS building disputes advice form.

How to choose a renovation builder in Adelaide

Check the licence conditions, not just the licence. They tell you what size job the builder can take on.

  • Read the conditions. An SA building licence can be limited by building height and contract value. Make sure your job fits inside them.
  • Search the public assurances register on the CBS site for any past regulatory concerns.
  • Ask for extension work, not just new homes. Tying an addition into an older brick or stone house is a different skill from building on a clear block.
  • Ask who lodges on PlanSA and who pays for the certifier and any engineering.
  • Watch the $20,000 line. If a quote lands just under it, ask whether the job has been split. Contracts of $20,000 or more get the written contract, 5% deposit cap and insurance rules.
  • Get the insurance certificate before work starts.

More in questions to ask a builder.

Checking an SA builder's licence

It takes a couple of minutes, and it's the same check we ran for every builder above.

  1. Search the CBS register

    Ask to see the builder's licence, then search the CBS licensing register. Building work contractor licence numbers start with BLD. CBS licence search

  2. Check it is current

    The licence should be current. In SA there is no dollar threshold: anyone contracting for building work needs a licence.

  3. Read the conditions

    Licence conditions can limit building height and contract value. Make sure they cover your job, especially for a two storey home or a large renovation.

  4. Check the assurances register and the contract

    Search the CBS public assurances register for past regulatory problems. The contract must show the builder's business name and licence number, and both should match the register. CBS: find a licence holder

How we chose these builders

We started from builders working across Adelaide, then kept only those with a current CBS licence, a clear record of renovation work on their own site, and a solid independent reputation. Order weighs fit for this kind of project, reviews and awards, years trading, and how openly each builder explains its process, licence and warranty. Size and advertising spend don't count.

No builder pays to be listed or ranked. If you request quotes through this page, we pass your project to builders that suit it. Read the full method.

Renovation builders in Adelaide: common questions

How much does a home extension cost in Adelaide?

National guides put a ground floor extension at $2,000 to $4,000 per square metre, and an Adelaide builder cost guide gives $2,500 to $5,000 per square metre including GST, typically about $3,500. A second storey addition usually totals $200,000 to $450,000. Land isn't included.

Do I need council approval for an extension in Adelaide?

You need development approval, which is planning consent plus building consent, applied for through PlanSA. Building consent can come from the council, an assessment panel or a private building certifier.

What changed for building contracts in SA in November 2025?

From 10 November 2025, the threshold for written contracts, the 5% deposit cap and Building Indemnity Insurance rose from $12,000 to $20,000. Maximum insurance cover rose from $80,000 to $250,000.

How much deposit can a builder ask for in South Australia?

No more than 5% of the contract price for domestic building work of $20,000 or more.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Adelaide?

A mid-range kitchen renovation in Adelaide costs about $23,000 to $41,400 including GST, with $32,200 typical. Budget flat pack kitchens start around $11,050 and premium kitchens reach $73,600 or more.

Does every builder in SA need a licence?

Yes. There's no dollar threshold in South Australia: anyone carrying out or contracting for building work needs a building work contractor's licence. Search the CBS register before you sign.

This list is a guide only. Check the builder's licence, insurance and contract yourself before you sign.