Renovating in Melbourne is a big financial and emotional investment. Get the right builder and it feels exciting. Get the wrong one and you’re reading horror-story emails about delays, defects and budget blowouts.
This 2025 guide walks you through 11 simple checks to help you shortlist the best renovation builder for your Melbourne home, whether you’re planning:
- a new kitchen renovation in Melbourne,
- a bathroom renovation, or
- a full home renovation or extension.
What “Best Renovation Builder in Melbourne” Really Means
“Best” doesn’t mean the cheapest quote or the shiniest Instagram feed.
For most Melbourne homeowners, the best renovation builder is the one who can:
- Deliver the quality and style you want
- Stick as closely as possible to the agreed budget
- Communicate clearly and honestly
- Understand your local area and council quirks
- Stand behind their work with licences, insurance and warranties
1. Get Clear on Your Renovation Scope & Budget First
Before you compare builders, get your own thinking straight:
- Are you doing a single room (e.g. kitchen or bathroom) or a whole-home renovation/extension?
- Are you staying within the existing footprint or adding space?
- Roughly what budget range are you comfortable with?
This matters because:
- Some builders specialise in bathroom and kitchen renovations.
- Others focus on extensions and major structural changes.
2. Only Shortlist Licensed & Insured Builders in Victoria
In Victoria, major residential work (including many renovations) must be done by a registered Domestic Builder. For full projects, that usually means a Domestic Builder Unlimited (DB-U) licence from the VBA.
When you’re checking a builder:
- Look them up on the VBA / Building & Plumbing Commission register
- Confirm they hold the appropriate Domestic Builder registration
- Ask for proof of:
- Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) where required
- Public liability and other standard insurances
This protects you if something goes wrong and is a legal requirement for many renovation contracts over certain values.
3. Make Sure They Actually Work in Your Part of Melbourne
“Melbourne” is big. Builders who regularly work in:
- Inner Melbourne deals with tight sites, heritage overlays and tricky access.
- Bayside & South East deal with different council rules, soil types, and sometimes coastal conditions.
- The Mornington Peninsula has its own character and planning quirks.
Choosing a builder who already works in your area means:
- They know local councils and permit pathways
- They understand typical house types and site constraints
- They likely have local projects you can visit or at least see in photos
4. Review Their Renovation Portfolio (Real Melbourne Homes)
Great renovation builders show their work.
Look for:
- Before/after photos
- Case studies for kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, and extensions
- Projects similar to your style: coastal, Nordic, contemporary, Hampton, etc.
Pay attention to:
- Joinery details
- Tiling and finishes
- How new and old parts of the house blend together
5. Read Independent Reviews (Not Just Website Testimonials)
Testimonials on a website are useful but you also want independent reviews:
- Google reviews
- Social media comments
- Third-party directories or articles
What to look for:
- Comments about communication (big one)
- How they handled delays or variations
- Cleanliness, respect for neighbours, and site management
If a builder has the odd average review but responds professionally and fixes issues, that’s often a green flag. Constant unresolved complaints are not.
6. Compare Renovation Quotes Line by Line (Not Just the Total)
When comparing renovation quotes in Melbourne, don’t just jump to the last page.
Look at:
- Scope of works is it detailed, or just a vague summary?
- Inclusions fixtures, fittings, demolition, rubbish removal, painting, flooring
- Prime Cost (PC) items allowances for things you’ll choose later (e.g. tapware, tiles)
- Provisional Sums estimates for work that can’t be pinned down yet (e.g. structural repairs)
Two quotes might look very different simply because one has low allowances and lots of provisional sums; that’s where budget blowouts often start.
For a detailed quote comparison checklist, download our Melbourne Homeowner’s Renovation Checklist
7. Ask About Design & Planning Support (Design + Build)
Some renovators expect you to arrive with complete plans. Others, like CD Construct, offer building design + construction under one roof.
Ask:
- Do they have an in-house or partnered building designer for renovation projects?
- Can they help with concepts, 3D design and drafting?
- Who handles planning and building permits?
Design–build can be simpler for homeowners because:
- The design is shaped with realistic costs in mind
- You have one team responsible from concept through to handover
8. Understand Their Project Management & Communication Style
Even with a great design and a solid quote, a renovation can feel stressful if communication is poor.
Ask each builder:
- Who will be my main point of contact?
- How often will I get updates weekly, fortnightly, key milestones?
- Do you use written schedules, apps, email summaries or regular site meetings?
Good renovation builders in Melbourne usually have a clear process from:
- Initial consult
- Design & selections
- Fixed or refined pricing
- Permits
- Construction
- Handover
If they can’t explain their process simply, that’s a warning sign.
9. Clarify Timeframes & Living Through the Renovation
One of the most-searched questions is “how long do Melbourne renovations take?”
Timeframes vary, but your builder should be able to give you rough durations for:
- Bathroom renovation
- Kitchen renovation
- Extension or second-storey addition
- Whole-home renovation
If you’ll be living at home during the renovation, ask:
- How will they manage dust, noise and safety?
- Will you always have at least one working bathroom/kitchen?
- Are there specific times when you’ll need to move out?
10. Nail Down Contracts, Variations & Payment Terms
Before you sign anything, make sure you understand:
- What type of building contract they use (e.g. HIA, Master Builders)
- The progress payment schedule
- How variations are handled written quotes, approvals, and time/cost impacts
The best renovation builders are transparent here. If someone pressures you to pay large deposits without proper DBI where required, or won’t give you time to review the contract, walk away.
11. Ask About Warranties, Aftercare & Support
A good builder’s relationship with you doesn’t end on handover day.
Ask:
- What is the defects liability period?
- What structural and workmanship warranties apply under the contract and Victorian law?
- How do they handle minor issues that pop up in the first few months?
Builders who plan to be around for the long term care about reputation and repeat referrals they should be happy to explain their aftercare process.
Red Flags & Price Traps to Watch For
Even if a builder talks a good game, watch out for:
- No licence number on their website or paperwork
- Being unwilling to show DBI and insurance where required
- Very short timelines that ignore design/permit lead-ins
- Quotes full of “TBA” and vague allowances
- No local project examples or references
- Poor communication before you sign (it rarely improves afterwards)
These are the kinds of traps that lead to unfinished jobs, disputes and, sometimes, front-page news.
How CD Construct Ticks These Boxes for Melbourne Renovations
CD Construct isn’t the only renovation builder in Melbourne but if you run the 11 checks above, they stack up well:
- Licensed Domestic Builder Unlimited (DB-U) with full insurances, working across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
- Specialist renovation builders in Melbourne, handling kitchens, bathrooms, full home renovations and extensions.
- In-house building design and drafting to take projects from concept to completion.
- A growing portfolio of local renovation projects Nordic, coastal, contemporary and more.
FAQs about Choosing the Best Renovation Builder
How much does a home renovation cost in Melbourne?
There’s no single price, but as a rough guide, Melbourne renovations are usually cost based on scope, size, structure and finish level. Cosmetic updates are cheaper; structural changes, extensions and high-end finishes sit higher.
How many quotes should I get for a renovation?
Most experts suggest getting two to three detailed quotes from licensed renovation builders who are genuinely interested in your project. Too many quotes can become confusing, but one quote alone doesn’t give you a sense of the market. Just make sure you’re comparing like-for-like scope and inclusions, not just the total price.
How do I check if a renovation builder is licensed in Victoria?
You can search the Victorian Building Authority / Building and Plumbing Commission records to confirm a builder’s Domestic Builder registration (e.g. DB-U). You should also ask for copies of domestic building insurance (where required) and other insurances before signing a contract or paying a deposit.
Do I need planning or just a building permit for my renovation?
Some Melbourne renovations only need a building permit (structure and safety). Others, especially extensions or façade changes, may also need a planning permit, which is about what you’re allowed to build on the site. A good renovation builder or building designer will help you map out the right approval path for your suburb and project.
What’s the next step if I want to talk to CD Construct?
If you’re at the research stage, you can start by browsing recent projects, reading the Melbourne renovation checklist article, or sending an enquiry with a rough outline of your ideas, budget and location.
Ready to Shortlist the Best Renovation Builder for Your Melbourne Home?
Choosing the right renovation builder in Melbourne is the single biggest factor in whether your project finishes on time, on budget and with the result you pictured.
Use these 11 checks as your decision filter, then have a conversation with builders who tick the boxes.
Want to see if CD Construct is the right fit for your renovation?
Share your ideas, suburb and rough budget and we’ll walk you through what’s realistic and what’s next.
Get A Quote
We’re here to help. Send us a message to start your project.
- Recent Posts
- Share this Article