House Extension Design In Melbourne: Everything You Need To Know

As your life evolves, you might need extra space. Perhaps you desire a dedicated home office, combined indoor and outdoor spaces, a sun-drenched dining room, or simply more space for your growing family. A well-designed house extension can unlock the potential of your property and transform your dream home into a reality.

Designing Your Home Extension

The prospect of embarking on a house extension project can be both exciting and daunting. Extensions Unlimited is your one-stop shop for house extensions in Melbourne. We are here to work with you every step of the design process, ensuring smooth and successful projects.

Excellent

Based on 44 reviews

Ksana Playfair

18/12/2023

We highly recommend Extensions Unlimited if you are looking to complete an extension to your home! My first phone call to enquire, I spoke to Sandy Pavey who explained the entire process and immediately put me at ease. Ted Bolte, our designer, listened and understood our vision and worked closely with us as we arrived at a design for our extension/renovation that we were excited about. Penni Winter, the pre-construction manager, has unending patience dealing with council and was always reassuring. She seamlessly manages everything leading up to the start of construction. Brett Harvey, our builder and project manager, was a delight to work with. He is responsive, calm and always happy to discuss questions and explain everything. We found all the trades that came into our home were fantastic - the quality of work is great and everyone was friendly and always happy to have a chat and answer questions. From start to finish, we always felt that our home was in good hands and everyone involved was invested in giving us a home our family will enjoy for years to come. Thank-you Extensions!

Stephanie Jordan

19/11/2023

Extensions Unlimited were simply amazing! From the very first point of contact to the handover at the end, it was just seamless, much like a well-oiled machine. Barry West, the designer, listened to what we wanted and came up with a design we were so happy with. He has a real eye for detail and made our second storey extension blend seamlessly with our existing period home. Brett, our Project Manager was great too and kept us informed via sending us schedules every few weeks. He was always available to take our call if needed and very helpful. We lived in our house while the second storey went on; we were a bit worried how we would cope, living in a construction site, but it honestly was so easy. We would recommend Extensions Unlimited to anyone looking for a builder. We are over the moon with our result!

Dave Burt

16/09/2023

Very happy with our new extension and the experience we received through Extensions Unlimited. Its certainly turned our home into a very functional space for our growing family! From the design, to dealing with council, prebuild and building we found the process fairly streamlined. We appreciated the communication and organization we received from our project manager- things happened when he said they would (Thanks Nick!). We had a three year old who was heavily involved in the building process and we especially loved how the crew would engage his love for all things construction (Thanks Richie, Trav and PJ). We found all the contractors to be professional and the team really responsive to anything that we weren't quite sure about. Would certainly recommend Extensions Unlimited for anyone considering an addition to their home.

Fapiola Tapusoa

17/08/2023

We had the most amazing experience with Extensions Unlimited. They listened, they communicated and they delivered. I can't praise them highly enough for their prompt response, transparency and their professionalism. Living in the house through an upstairs extensions and renovations with three teenage girls and a dog was not so bad after all. Our Designer, Barry, was so dedicated and patient, went above and beyond to make sure we were happy. Emilio our Project Manager is calm, trustworthy and very understanding, made this journey most enjoyable and stress free. Shane and Lachie for their excellent craftsmanship. Always keep things tidy and clean. Penny in the office, always ready to assist. To sum them up - “They Care”

Vincent Zhou

04/08/2023

It has been a great pleasure to work with Extension Unlimited (EU) team in the last 2 years on our home extension (up) project. EU has such a capable and supporting team that made our extension journey a smooth process. Special thanks to Emilio for his effective project management and meticulous execution; Shane and Lachie for their workmanship; Penni for her patience in obtaining all the permits; PJ for his final touch. All tradies involved in the construction have done a fantastic job. We would highly recommend EU team for your extension/renovation project.

Igor M

14/07/2023

It was a pleasure dealing with the EU Team, who delivered the project on time and on budget. From our first meeting with Ted who helped us to design our second floor extension, to Penni and the office staff who were always there to assist us. Our Project Manager Nick and his team were professional and wonderful to deal with. Nick was very proactive in keeping us up to date and ensuring everything is on track. I would highly recommend engaging the EU Team for any of your renovations needs.

Ainsley Fernandez

03/05/2023

Thank you Extensions Unlimited for doing a wonderful job on my extension. New 4th bedroom, kitchen, laundry, extra bathroom and toilet and a walk in pantry to boot. A very, very big thank you to Emilio, my project manager, so pleased to have you as my manager, always there to make things happen. I was always happy to see you and will miss you coming round to check on progress. Thanks also to Barry for designing the fantastic extension and Penni for keeping me informed of progress with the permits etc. Lastly thank you PJ for clearing the site of all the extra building material. Job well done. Highly recommended company for renovations.

Zena Cadman

27/04/2023

We extended our home (up) with Extensions Unlimited and we could not recommend them enough! The process from start to end delivered what we wanted and more. On time and on budget. The ladies in the office were very professional, friendly and always answered any questions we had about the process. Ted was our designer and he was just terrific with us and really listened to our suggestions. The final result was better than we hoped. We could not have asked for a better project manager in Nick. Nick is amazing at what he does, is very professional and always took the time to listen and explain anything we didn't understand. We lived in our home through our extension and Nick always considered our needs through the build. Ritchie and Travis were our carpenters and they are just awesome at what they do. All of the trades involved in the build were highly professional and all did a great job. We want to thank everyone at Extensions Unlimited including the owners for helping us build our dream spaces upstairs. We absolutely love our home!

Greg and Emma McDonald

26/04/2023

We engaged Extensions Unlimited for a second story renovation of a free standing house on a strata title. Our appointed designer Barry was fantastic and really made our vision of what we were trying to achieve come to life. He listened to all our needs and kept the charm of our California bungalow as requested, as well as designing a functional internal space, giving us the second living zone we wanted as our kids approached the teenage years. Penni in permits was great and guided us seamlessly through this portion getting us to building stage. Our appointed project manager Emilio was super. He was a pleasure to deal with and helped us navigate living through the build. The appointed trades were fantastic and did a fabulous job. The company directors were great at checking in and letting us know they were available if needed.

Marnie Horne-Spalling

12/04/2023

Wow! Our extension looks amazing!! The professionalism from Extensions Unlimited was outstanding through the entire project!! Even through the height of covid, our design consultations were still accommodated through zoom meetings. Thank you, Ted, for a lovely design, he listened to everything we asked for and nothing was ever considered outrageous or too hard. We were converting our outdoor patio into an indoor living space, the patio was filled with natural light, this would be our main source of light through to the kitchen, we were concerned that the natural light would disappear with the extension, so we asked if this could be replicated within the new space, this wasn’t an issue, Ted added two large beautiful velux roof windows to accommodate this, what an amazing feature, the house is beautifully lit with natural light, its so beautiful seeing the blue sky and the stars at night!! The pre-construction phase is always a daunting time for any build, engineers, soil tests, you name it, all part of the process. Penny and team put us at ease, they were always quick to answer any concerns we had, and explained in detail, any questions about the contract. Our construction team was sensational, Nick, our project manager, would communicate everything to us through text message, would text us both, which we highly recommend, Trade schedules and times were always clearly communicated, all the trades were always on time’ all extremely hard working and professional. Even with small delays of materials, like our roof trusses, Nick would always let us know. Our builders Ritchie and Travis were great! Very friendly, we were in each other’s lives for 8 months, even on the hard mornings getting the kids to school and work, they always understood and kept a friendly attitude. Thank you, Shane, our plasterer, for making our roof and extension look seamless, the workmanship is beautiful. If you want a professional and a stress-free extension, then look no further than Extensions Unlimited! Mark & Marnie. Endeavour Hills

Design Considerations for Single Storey and Second Storey Extensions

While both single storey and second storey extensions offer exciting possibilities for expanding your Melbourne home, the design process for each has unique considerations. Let’s explore the key factors to keep in mind:

Designing a Ground Floor Extension

Even with a single storey addition, there are ways to maximise the feeling of spaciousness. Extensions Unlimited’s design team will explore incorporating open-plan layouts to create a more expansive feel. Strategic use of built-in storage solutions can help keep the space clutter-free and functional.

Connecting with Your Backyard

Imagine blurring the lines between your indoor and outdoor living space. Large sliding doors or bi-fold doors can transform your new space into an extension of your outdoor entertaining area, perfect for summer barbecues or relaxing evenings under the stars.

Optimising Existing Space

The success of a single storey extension often hinges on how well it integrates with your existing floor plan. Our designers will carefully consider the flow of traffic within your home and ensure the new room complements the layout, creating a cohesive living environment.

Considering Purpose

Single storey extensions are incredibly versatile and can cater to a variety of needs. Do you dream of contemporary living? Perhaps a garden room overlooking your yard is your ideal sanctuary. Our design team will work closely with you to understand your desires and translate them into a functional and stylish extension.

Designing a Second Storey Extension

A well-designed second storey extension should complement the existing architectural style of your home. Our design team will be matching materials and finishes that harmonize with your property’s character, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Maximising Square Footage

Second storey additions are a great solution for Melbourne homeowners yearning for more space without encroaching on their backyard area. This approach allows you to add significant square footage without sacrificing precious outdoor space.

Light and Ventilation

Our experienced designers understand the importance of maintaining a bright and airy feel, even with a second storey addition. Skylights, strategically placed windows, and light wells can be incorporated to ensure ample sun light reaches the new space.

Roofline Considerations

The existing roof of your home will play a significant role in designing your second storey extension. Our team will assess the roof structure and determine if any modifications are required to accommodate the new level. While a complex roof structure can add to the cost, it can also create a visually striking addition to your property.

Ground Floor Extensions

Second Storey Extensions

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Home Renovations

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Forming Design Ideas

The first step is to envision your dream extension. Close your eyes and imagine the possibilities. Do you crave a seamless connection from your dining area to your garden space with expansive patio doors? Consider the purpose of the new space and how it will integrate with the original building. Mood boards and online resources can be a great source of inspiration to help refine your design aesthetic, or you can check out our guide to home extension ideas.

The Difference Expert Collaboration Can Make

Partnering with a reputable home extension builder like Extensions Unlimited unlocks a world of advantages. Our team of skilled architects and designers possess the knowledge and expertise to transform your vision into a cohesive and functional design. They’ll navigate building codes, optimise a closed or open plan layout, and ensure your extension complements your existing architecture.

Extension Design and Build vs. DIY

When it comes to house extensions, there are two main approaches:

• Design and Build: This is a streamlined and stress-free option. Extensions Unlimited manages the entire project, from initial design ideas to final construction, with a single point of contact for clear communication and a fixed price with no hidden costs for peace of mind.

• DIY: Taking on a house extension yourself can be a rewarding experience, but it requires significant time, expertise, and navigating complex building regulations. For most Melbourne homeowners, the benefits and peace of mind offered by our professional design and build service outweigh the challenges of a DIY approach.

Our Extension Process

Now that you’ve envisioned your dream extension and explored the various design and build options, let’s delve into the construction process you can expect with Extensions Unlimited. Our commitment is to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience, from groundbreaking to final handover.

DESIGN SERVICE

Free initial meeting with your house extension designer.

 

BUILDING PERMITS AND PLANS

We’ll get council approval and take care of any fees for you.

 

CONTRACTS

Three stages of work: Design Development, Preliminary Works Agreement, Final Contract.

 

CONSTRUCTION

Regularly inspections by independent surveyors with a final certificate upon completion.

 

Additional Considerations:

• Maximising Small Spaces: Living in a compact home doesn’t have to limit your extension possibilities. Extensions Unlimited specialises in clever design solutions to add space in even the most modest properties. From built-in storage solutions to multipurpose rooms, we can help you create a functional and stylish extension.

• Adding Value to Your Property: A well-designed and executed house extension design is a proven way to add significant value to your Melbourne property. Extensions Unlimited’s team considers resale value when designing your extension, ensuring it complements your existing architecture and appeals to a broad range of potential buyers.

• Sustainable Design Principles: At Extensions Unlimited, we understand the importance of sustainable building practices. We can incorporate energy-efficient materials, features like skylights for natural light, and water-saving fixtures to create an extension that’s not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

• Engaging with Heritage Properties: Melbourne is renowned for its beautiful heritage homes. Extensions Unlimited has the experience and expertise to design and build extensions that complement the character and heritage significance of your property. We’ll work closely with you and heritage authorities to ensure a respectful and compliant renovation.

Ready to Breathe New Life into Your Melbourne Home?

Don’t let your dream extension remain a dream any longer. Contact Extensions Unlimited today for a free consultation and design quote. Let our team of experts transform your extension design into a reality and create a home you’ll love for years to come.

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