Home Extension

Introduction

A home extension is the most significant renovation you can undertake. It changes how the entire household lives. Most of our extension projects share a common brief: open up the rear of the home, connect the kitchen, living and dining areas into one space, and create a direct relationship with the backyard.

Below are five extension projects we completed across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. They range from a 20sqm dining room addition to a full two-storey extension. Each one includes the scope, the timeline, the cost and the result.

Home Extensions Projects

Open Plan Extension with Skylights and Bifold Doors

A 1970s brick veneer home in Mooroolbark was extended at the rear to create a 38sqm open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. The original house had small, separated rooms with low ceilings and no connection to the backyard.

Dining Room Extension with Floor-to-Ceiling Glazing

This Vermont home had a small, enclosed dining room with a single window. The homeowners loved their established garden but could not enjoy it from inside.

Rear Extension with Skylight Strip and Polished Concrete

A family home in Lilydale was extended at the rear to create a combined kitchen and living space with a contemporary aesthetic. The design centres on a large dark-toned kitchen island with a white stone benchtop.

Barn-Style Extension with Exposed Timber Trusses

This Kilsyth property sits on a large block with rural views. The homeowners wanted an extension that reflected the semi-rural character.

Two-Storey Extension with Timber Cladding

This Knoxfield home needed more bedrooms and a home office but had limited ground to extend. The solution was a two-storey rear extension adding approximately 70sqm across both levels.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a home extension cost in Melbourne?

A single-storey rear extension in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs typically costs between $3,000 and $4,500 per sqm. A 30sqm extension usually falls between $100,000 and $165,000 depending on finishes. Two-storey extensions cost $2,800 to $4,000 per sqm for the upper level. The five projects on this page ranged from $95,000 to $285,000.

Do I need council approval for a home extension?

Yes. Most home extensions require both a planning permit and a building permit. VICO Renovations manages the entire permit application process including preparation of plans and liaison with council. Approval timelines vary from 6 to 12 weeks depending on the council and project complexity.

How long does a home extension take to build?

The construction phase for a single-storey extension typically takes 8 to 14 weeks. A two-storey extension may take 14 to 20 weeks. Council permit approval adds 6 to 12 weeks before construction begins. Our projects on this page ranged from 10 to 18 weeks total.

Is it cheaper to extend or move?

In most cases, extending is more cost-effective than selling, buying and moving, especially when stamp duty, agent fees and moving costs are factored in. A well-designed extension also adds value to the property. Our Knoxfield two-storey extension added an estimated $350,000 to $400,000 in property value for a $285,000 investment.

Thinking about extending your home?

Contact us for a free site visit and quote. We service Mooroolbark, Vermont, Lilydale, Kilsyth, Knoxfield and all surrounding suburbs.

Every extension starts with a site visit to assess the existing structure, discuss your brief and identify any planning or structural considerations. We provide a detailed scope and fixed-price quote before any work begins.