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The 10 best renovation builders in Melbourne

Melbourne builders who take on extensions, second storeys and renovations of period homes, from Victorian terraces to post-war brick. Every builder's registration was checked with the Building and Plumbing Commission.

Updated October 2026.

Builders listed
10
Licences confirmed on the register
10 of 10
Average Google rating
4.8
Google reviews, combined
237
Builders paying to be here
None
  • LicenceA current BPC builder licence, matched to the business.
  • ReputationIndependent reviews, awards and years trading.
  • Right kind of workExtensions, second storeys and period home renovations shown on their own site.
  • No paid placesNobody pays to be listed or to move up.

Renovation builders in Melbourne, ranked

A ranked list of registered Melbourne builders whose own sites show extension and renovation work on existing homes, including period and heritage properties.

  1. 1

    Spacemaker Home Extensions

    Vermont. Melbourne, from the inner city out to suburbs such as Glen Iris, Brighton, Blackburn and Ringwood

    5.0 from 26 Google reviews

    Best for Second storey and rear extensions on established homes

    • Trading since 1969, with extensions and second storeys as its core work.
    • Earned a 2024 Master Builders Victoria special commendation for a renovation and addition.
    • Confirms a fixed price before building starts, according to its website.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 50884 Checked
    Building since
    1969
    Builds
    Extensions, Second storeys, Renovations, Heritage, Custom homes
    Member of
    Master Builders Victoria
    More about Spacemaker Home Extensions

    Spacemaker has designed and built home extensions in Melbourne since 1969. Its work centres on single and second storey extensions, whole home renovations and heritage alterations, plus a smaller number of custom new homes.

    The firm runs a six step design and construct process from its Vermont office and manages the whole job, from design through to construction, under one roof. It says the final price is fixed once the scope is agreed, and that more than 70 per cent of its work comes from referrals.

    Awards: 2024 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards: Best Renovation/Addition $750,000 to $1M, special commendation; 2020 HIA Victorian Housing Awards: Best Extension and Renovation $800,000 to $1M, winner (according to the firm)

    03 8873 7800Visit website
  2. 2

    Sherbrooke Design and Construction

    Mount Waverley. Inner Melbourne, the inner east and Bayside

    4.8 from 49 Google reviews

    Best for Period home extensions in the inner east and Bayside

    • Same two directors have run the business since 1990.
    • Fixed price contracts, with budget estimates the firm guarantees to within 5 per cent.
    • Scheduled warranty reviews at 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months after handover.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 51525 Checked
    Building since
    1990
    Builds
    Extensions, Renovations, Heritage, Custom homes, Knockdown rebuild
    Member of
    HIA, Master Builders Victoria
    More about Sherbrooke Design and Construction

    Sherbrooke was started in 1990 by directors Robert Drechsel and Graham Salan, who still own and run it. The firm designs and builds extensions, renovations and custom homes, with much of its work on period homes under heritage overlays in the inner east and Bayside.

    Every job runs as design and construct under a fixed price building contract, and the firm says its budget estimates land within 5 per cent of the final contract figure. After handover it books warranty reviews at 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months. It holds both domestic and commercial registrations and lists HIA and Master Builders membership.

    Awards: 2023 HIA Victorian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project over $2.5M, finalist (according to the firm); 2022 HIA Victorian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $2.5M to $3M, finalist (according to the firm); 2010 HIA Victoria: Professional Renovator Builder of the Year, winner (according to the firm)

    03 9594 8400Visit website
  3. 3

    Duncan Thompson Extensions

    Camberwell. Melbourne's inner, eastern, south-eastern and bayside suburbs

    4.8 from 39 Google reviews

    Best for Single and double storey extensions in the inner east

    • Extension specialist since the 1980s, with more than 1,000 projects completed, it says.
    • Price and specifications are settled before the building contract is signed.
    • Managing director personally oversees each extension, according to the firm.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 52012 Checked
    Building since
    1980s
    Builds
    Extensions, Second storeys, Heritage, Renovations
    Member of
    HIA, Master Builders Victoria
    More about Duncan Thompson Extensions

    Duncan Thompson Extensions has built home extensions in Melbourne since the 1980s and says it has completed more than 1,000 projects. Its focus is single and double storey additions, heritage extensions and renovations, run from a Camberwell office.

    Managing director Chris French, a second generation builder, oversees each job. A consultant first tests feasibility, then returns with plans, a 3D model, specifications and a price, so the contract is signed with the cost already confirmed. The firm says its warranties go beyond the regulatory minimum. It is a member of HIA and Master Builders Victoria.

    03 9836 8655Visit website

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  5. 4

    Fortem Projects

    Oakleigh South. Melbourne

    4.6 from 9 Google reviews

    Best for Large architect-designed period home renovations

    • 2024 HIA Victorian Renovation/Addition Project of the Year.
    • Won HIA Victorian renovation categories again in 2025 and in 2021.
    • Takes on a limited number of projects at a time, it says.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 51936 Checked
    Building since
    2016
    Builds
    Heritage, Renovations, Extensions, Custom homes
    More about Fortem Projects

    Fortem Projects has specialised in period renovations and architect-designed new homes since 2016. Director Chris Curtain leads a small team from Oakleigh South, and the firm says it takes on only a select number of projects at once.

    It works alongside architects and owners from the design stage, an approach it calls early builder involvement, so buildability, timing and cost are tested before plans are finalised. Its renovation of a circa 1897 Hawthorn house, including a new first floor and restored period detail, was named the 2024 HIA Victorian Renovation/Addition Project of the Year.

    Awards: 2025 HIA Victorian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $2M to $5M, winner; 2024 HIA-CSR Victorian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project of the Year and Renovation/Addition Project over $2M, winner; 2021 HIA-CSR Victorian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $2.5M to $5M, winner (according to the firm)

    0483 946 377Visit website
  6. 5

    Elevate Building Group

    Greensborough. Melbourne's eastern and northern suburbs

    5.0 from 12 Google reviews

    Best for Major renovations in the north and east

    • Won Master Builders Victoria renovation categories in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
    • Works from architects' and designers' plans as well as its own briefs.
    • Prints its company and director registration numbers on its website.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 60327 Checked
    Builds
    Renovations, Extensions, Second storeys, Heritage, Knockdown rebuild
    Member of
    Master Builders Victoria
    More about Elevate Building Group

    Elevate Building Group is a Greensborough builder working across Melbourne's northern and eastern suburbs. Its main work is major renovations and extensions, including second storeys and period homes, alongside custom homes and knockdown rebuilds.

    The firm builds from plans drawn by architects and building designers and says it offers pre-construction planning and cost engineering before work starts. It has won a Master Builders Victoria renovation category three years running, from 2024 to 2026, and is a Master Builders member.

    Awards: 2026 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards: Best Renovation/Addition $1M to $2M, winner; 2025 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards: Best Renovation/Addition $350,000 to $500,000, winner; 2024 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards: Best Renovation/Addition $500,000 to $750,000, winner

    0409 943 636Visit website
  7. 6

    Joncol Building Services

    Yarraville. Melbourne, especially the inner west and inner north

    5.0 from 38 Google reviews

    Best for Character home renovations in the inner west

    • Renovation and extension specialist since 2000.
    • Won a 2025 HIA Victorian renovation and addition category.
    • Founder Jonathon Grima meets clients directly to shape the brief.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 51506 Checked
    Building since
    2000
    Builds
    Renovations, Extensions, Second storeys, Heritage
    Member of
    HIA
    More about Joncol Building Services

    Joncol Building Services was set up in 2000 by Jonathon Grima, a carpenter turned registered builder, and has grown from a sole operator into a full team. It describes itself as a renovation and extension specialist, working on everything from St Kilda terraces to newer homes in Point Cook.

    Recent projects include heritage renovations in South Melbourne and a double storey extension in Brunswick. Clients can book a private consultation with Jonathon to work through concepts. The firm is an HIA member and GreenSmart builder, and won a 2025 HIA Victorian renovation category.

    Awards: 2025 HIA Victorian Housing Awards: Renovation/Addition Project $750,000 to $1M, winner

    1300 566 265Visit website
  8. 7

    Capital Building Contractors

    Mont Albert. Inner, northern, eastern and south-eastern Melbourne

    4.8 from 50 Google reviews

    Best for Design and build extensions in the eastern suburbs

    • Building since 2004, with extensions as its stated specialty.
    • 2026 Master Builders Victoria winner for a Glen Iris renovation.
    • Fixed price quotes and set completion times, according to its website.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 49783 Checked
    Building since
    2004
    Builds
    Extensions, Renovations, Second storeys
    More about Capital Building Contractors

    Capital Building Contractors has been building since 2004 and is based in Mont Albert. It specialises in home extensions and renovations, including rear, side and multi-storey additions, and lists 18 council areas it usually works in across the inner, north, east and south-east.

    Clients can use the in-house design team, led by a building designer and design consultant, or bring their own plans. The firm says it provides fixed pricing and completion times, with planning and design typically taking three to four months before construction. Its Glen Iris project won a 2026 Master Builders Victoria renovation category.

    Awards: 2026 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards: Best Renovation/Addition $350,000 to $500,000, winner

    03 9857 9200Visit website
  9. 8

    Cameron Construction

    Eltham. Melbourne, with offices in Eltham, Mount Waverley, Templestowe, Brighton and Moonee Ponds

    5.0 from 1 Google reviews

    Best for Family-run second storey additions across Melbourne

    • Family owned for more than four decades, with 6,000 plus projects claimed.
    • Design, estimating and construction teams work under one roof.
    • Managing director is a registered builder in three states.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 50425 Checked
    Building since
    Over 46 years ago (per the firm)
    Builds
    Extensions, Second storeys, Renovations, Heritage
    More about Cameron Construction

    Cameron Construction was founded by Rodney and Lucille Cameron more than 46 years ago and is now run by their son Michael, a registered builder in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The firm says it has completed more than 6,000 projects.

    Its core work is single and double storey extensions, renovations and heritage alterations, with some custom new homes. Designers, estimators and builders work as one team, taking projects through concept, planning, documentation and construction. It has offices across Melbourne and lists HIA and Master Builders awards dating back to the 1980s.

    Awards: 2019 HIA: Best Extension Project up to $400,000, finalist (according to the firm); 2017 Master Builders: Best Custom New Home, winner (according to the firm)

    1300 839 124Visit website
  10. 9

    A-Team Builders

    Oakleigh. Melbourne's inner and established suburbs

    5.0 from 10 Google reviews

    Best for Architect-designed renovations of period homes

    • 2026 Master Builders Victoria winner for Bridge House in Carlton North.
    • Offers a written budget and on-time guarantee, according to its website.
    • Clients get weekly updates and portal access during the build.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 63588 Checked
    Builds
    Renovations, Extensions, Heritage, Custom homes
    More about A-Team Builders

    A-Team Builders is an Oakleigh company led by founders Anthony and Josh, working on renovations, extensions, heritage restorations and custom homes in Melbourne's inner and established suburbs. It says it has completed more than 30 projects in five years.

    Its process runs through a site visit, an itemised estimate and a proposal meeting before contract. The firm offers what it calls a five point guarantee, including covering budget overruns and paying a credit if it misses the agreed finish date. Its Bridge House project in Carlton North won a 2026 Master Builders Victoria renovation category.

    Awards: 2026 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards: Best Renovation/Addition $750,000 to $1M, winner

    03 9067 5695Visit website
  11. 10

    Building Integrity Group

    Newport. Melbourne, Geelong and the Surf Coast

    3.7 from 3 Google reviews

    Best for Complex architect-designed extensions

    • Builds for well-known architecture practices, many of them repeat clients.
    • Prepares cost plans from concept stage, so pricing is tested early.
    • 2025 Master Builders Victoria special commendation for a Coburg extension.
    BPC registration
    CDB-U 64499 Checked
    Builds
    Extensions, Renovations, Custom homes
    Member of
    Master Builders Victoria
    More about Building Integrity Group

    Building Integrity Group is a small hands-on team led by builder Stuart Burgess. It builds architect-designed renovations, extensions and new homes, and says it favours detailed, non-standard and high performance projects. Melbourne jobs run from its Newport factory, and the firm now also works between Geelong and Lorne.

    The firm says it prices projects through a cost plan from concept stage onwards rather than waiting for tender, and puts airtightness testing into its wall details. Its two storey extension in Coburg for Steffen Welsch Architects received a 2025 Master Builders Victoria special commendation.

    Awards: 2025 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards: Best Renovation/Addition $750,000 to $1M, special commendation

    0413 078 093Visit website

What a renovation costs in Melbourne

Indicative 2026 figures. Period homes and heritage controls push jobs toward the top of each range.

WorkTypical cost
Ground floor extension (national guide)$2,000 to $4,000 per sqm
Ground floor extension (Melbourne 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$26,250 to $47,250
Bathroom renovation, mid-range$21,000 to $36,750
Demolition, house (QS rate, Melbourne)$125 to $230 per sqm

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

Permits for a Melbourne renovation

A building permit comes from a registered building surveyor. A planning permit, where needed, comes from council first.

In Victoria a building permit is written approval from a registered building surveyor. You can use a private building surveyor or your council's municipal building surveyor. One rule catches people out: your builder can't appoint a private building surveyor for you. They can recommend one, but you make the appointment, or you tell the builder to apply to the council's surveyor.

If your project needs a planning permit, you must get it from council before the building permit can be issued. Ask your council early, because planning is usually the slower step.

Heritage overlays

Many inner and middle ring Melbourne streets sit under a Heritage Overlay. Under the overlay you generally need a planning permit to demolish or remove all or part of a building, to build (including an extension), and to alter the outside of a building, even by rendering or sandblasting. Internal changes only need a permit where the overlay schedule for that property turns on internal controls, and most properties don't have them. You can look up your property's overlays on VicPlan or ask your council.

Victorian rules that protect you

Victoria changed its insurance scheme on 1 July 2026. Contracts signed since then get stronger cover.

  • Registration: a builder must be registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) for domestic building work over $10,000, apart from single trade jobs such as painting or tiling. Restumping, reblocking, demolition and removal of a home need a registered builder at any value. How to check a builder.
  • Contract: a major domestic building contract is required for work over $10,000 involving more than one trade.
  • Deposit: no more than 10% for contracts under $20,000, and 5% for $20,000 or more.
  • Progress payments: set by law. For a contract covering all stages: base 10%, frame 15%, lock-up 35%, fixing 25%, balance at completion. Partial contracts use different splits. Anything else needs legal advice.
  • Cooling-off: 5 business days after you receive a signed copy, unless you got legal advice before signing.
  • Home Warranty insurance: for contracts signed from 1 July 2026, required on work over $20,000 for homes of 3 storeys or less. It's now first resort cover, so you can claim when the builder won't or can't fix or finish the work after being asked, up to $400,000 per home. Before that date the threshold was $16,000 and cover was last resort. How home warranty cover works.

The builder takes out the cover after you sign and must do so within 10 business days or before work starts, whichever comes first. You'll receive a notice of cover. If you don't, ask. For disputes, BPC Dispute Resolution is a free first step before VCAT. On how to price a renovation contract, see fixed price or cost plus.

Renovating a Melbourne period home

Restumping, heritage rules and old services are where period renovations blow their budgets.

Older weatherboard homes on stumps may need restumping or reblocking before anything else can happen. In Victoria that work needs a registered builder whatever it costs, so don't let a handyman talk you into it.

Things to settle before you sign:

  • Whether the house is in a Heritage Overlay, and if so, whether the builder has worked to heritage permit conditions before.
  • Who you'll appoint as building surveyor. Remember it's your appointment, not the builder's.
  • How the quote handles what can't be seen yet: stumps, wiring, plumbing, asbestos in eaves or wet areas. Fixed provisional sums are better than open ended allowances.
  • That the payment schedule follows the stages set by law, and that no stage is invoiced before it's finished.
  • That the registration name on the BPC register matches the name on your contract. An unregistered builder can't get Home Warranty insurance for you.

More in questions to ask a builder.

Checking a Victorian builder's registration

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

  1. Search the BPC practitioner register

    Search by name, business name, registration number, location or type of work. The search still runs on the old VBA web address; that is expected. BPC practitioner search

  2. Check registration is current

    In Victoria builders are registered rather than licensed. The registration should show as current.

  3. Check the class fits the job

    For a new home or major renovation you want Domestic Builder (Unlimited), or a limited class that matches the specific work. Commercial jobs need a Commercial Builder class.

  4. Check for conditions and discipline

    Look for conditions or limits on the registration and search the BPC's compliance and enforcement register. Then make sure the registered name matches the builder on your contract. An unregistered builder can't get Home Warranty insurance for you. BPC: find and check a practitioner

How we chose these builders

We started from builders working across Melbourne, then kept only those with a current BPC 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 Melbourne: common questions

How much does a home extension cost in Melbourne?

National guide figures put a ground floor extension at $2,000 to $4,000 per square metre, and a Melbourne builder cost guide gives $2,500 to $5,000 per square metre including GST, typically about $3,500. Land isn't included, and design and permit fees are usually extra.

Do I need a planning permit for an extension in Melbourne?

Sometimes. You always need a building permit. A planning permit depends on your zone and overlays. Under a Heritage Overlay you generally need one to build, demolish part of the house or change its exterior. Check with your council before design starts.

Can my builder choose the building surveyor in Victoria?

No. A builder can recommend a private building surveyor but can't appoint one on your behalf. You appoint the surveyor, or instruct the builder to apply to the council's municipal building surveyor.

What changed with home warranty insurance in Victoria in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, new contracts get first resort Home Warranty insurance run by the BPC. The threshold rose from $16,000 to $20,000 and maximum cover from $300,000 to $400,000. You can now claim when a builder won't fix or finish the work, not only when they've gone broke.

How much deposit can a Melbourne builder take?

5% of the contract price for contracts of $20,000 or more, and 10% for contracts under $20,000. After that, payments follow the stages set by law, such as base, frame, lock-up and fixing.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne?

A mid-range kitchen renovation in Melbourne costs about $26,250 to $47,250 including GST, with $36,750 typical. Budget flat pack kitchens start around $12,600 and premium kitchens reach $84,000 or more.

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