0403 069 879

Home Building, Renovation, Extension & Repair Advice

Expert advice, ideas and updates for Melbourne homeowners planning new homes, renovations, extensions and repairs. Explore practical guidance on design, costs, building approvals, maintenance and choosing the right construction approach for your property.

 

Single-Storey House Extension Ideas for Melbourne Homes

25 Oct 2026
This guide details smart single-storey extension ideas for Melbourne homes, emphasizing open plan designs, rear/side extensions, heritage-sensitive renovations, alfresco areas, energy efficiency, and planning steps including budgeting, permits, and professional management.
Two-storey house screened by mature trees and a timber fence

Rear House Extension Ideas for Melbourne Homes

11 Sep 2026
This guide outlines smart rear house extension ideas for Melbourne homes, emphasizing open-plan living, alfresco areas, skylights, heritage considerations, passive design for the climate, and benefits of integrated design-build services for efficient, stylish, and energy-conscious renovations.
Dining room with a timber table and grey pendant light

How to Improve Liveability in an Older Melbourne Home Without Moving

07 Sep 2026
Upgrade Melbourne's older homes by improving insulation, adding double-glazed windows, maximizing natural light, and using passive design. Consider open-plan layouts, indoor-outdoor spaces, or double-storey extensions. Preserve heritage features with subtle modern comforts and navigate council approvals with professional help. Custom cabinetry enhances storage without compromising style.
Bathroom with a freestanding bath and timber vanity beside garden glazing

What Affects the Timeline of a Home Extension in Melbourne

17 Jul 2026
Home extension timelines in Melbourne depend on planning/design, council permits, and construction phases. Factors like council delays, builder availability, weather, heritage restrictions, and site conditions impact duration. Early planning and professional guidance help ensure a smooth process.
Open-plan white kitchen and dining room with black stools

The Melbourne Design & Build Renovation Process Explained

25 Apr 2026
The Melbourne design and build renovation process involves feasibility assessment, concept design aligned with budget, obtaining planning permits, fixed-price contracts, quality construction, and after-care, with special attention to heritage homes, extensions, and kitchen/bathroom upgrades.
Rear house elevation with upper gable and garden lawn

Rising Interest Rates and Renovation Trend

13 Sep 2023
Rising interest rates are prompting more Australian homeowners to renovate rather than sell. The reasons for this trend, including payment methods and tips for those considering renovation or selling this spring, will be explored further.
Timber wall framing on a residential construction site

Home Renovation Builder

05 Apr 2023
Home renovation projects can be exciting, but they can also be overwhelming if you try to tackle them on your own. A home renovation builder can help take the stress out of your renovation project by guiding you through the process and ensuring that everything is done correctly. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of hiring a home renovation builder and what to look for when selecting one for your project. What is a Home Renovation Builder? A home renovation builder is a professional who specializes in renovating homes. They work with homeowners to design, plan, and execute...
Read More
Upper-storey balcony and gabled roof above an existing home

Second Storey Addition

05 Mar 2023
Adding a second storey to your home can be a great way to increase your living space without having to move. Whether you need extra bedrooms for a growing family, a dedicated home office, or just more room to spread out, a second storey addition can be a practical and cost-effective solution. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of a second storey addition and what you need to consider before embarking on this type of home renovation project. Benefits of a Second Storey Addition There are many benefits to adding a second storey to your...
Read More
Two-storey house extension under construction

House Extension: How to Add More Space to Your Home

05 Feb 2023
As your family grows or your needs change, you may find yourself in need of more space in your home. Moving to a new house is one solution, but it can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. A more practical solution is to consider a house extension. Not only does it increase the living space, but it can also add value to your property. In this article, we’ll take a look at some key considerations when planning a house extension. Assess your needs: Before you start planning your house extension, you need to think about why you need it. Do you...
Read More
Group meeting around a table with plans and laptops

House Extension Approval: A Guide to Obtaining Planning Permission

05 Jan 2023
If you’re thinking of extending your home, you’re not alone. Many homeowners choose to extend their properties rather than moving to a bigger house. However, before you start work on your house extension, you need to obtain planning permission. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of obtaining planning permission for your house extension. Check if you need planning permission The first thing you need to do is check if you need planning permission. In some cases, where there are no overlays or zone requirements, you may be able to carry out certain types of extensions without planning...
Read More
Second-storey addition above a house behind a tall hedge

How Much Does a House Extension Cost in Australia? A Detailed Price Guide

05 Dec 2022
House extensions are a great way to add space and value to your home. However, the cost of an extension can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. In this article, we’ll take a look at the average cost of a house extension and what factors can affect the price. What is the Average Cost of a House Extension? The cost of a house extension can range from $300,000 to $600,000 or more. However, the average cost of a single-storey house extension in Australia is around $350,000. This includes the cost of materials, labour, and any planning or building...
Read More
Black kitchen island beside an open timber staircase

Complete Home Renovation: Tips, Benefits, and Considerations

05 Nov 2022
Undertaking a complete home renovation can be a daunting task, but it can also be one of the most rewarding projects you will ever take on. From giving your home a fresh, new look to increasing its functionality and value, a complete home renovation can transform your living space into a dream home. However, before you dive into a complete home renovation, there are a few things you need to consider. Benefits of a Complete Home Renovation A complete home renovation offers several benefits, including: Improved functionality: A complete home renovation allows you to redesign your living space to meet...
Read More
Red-brick period facade with a projecting bay window

Home Heritage Restoration: Preserving the Beauty of Your Home

05 Oct 2022
As homeowners, we take pride in our homes and want to keep them looking beautiful and functional for years to come. However, as time passes, the wear and tear of everyday life can take a toll on our homes. That’s where home heritage restoration comes in. Home heritage restoration is the process of preserving and restoring the historic beauty and integrity of a home. It is a specialized field that requires a deep understanding of architectural design, historic preservation, and modern construction techniques. Preserving the Historic Charm of Your Home Home heritage restoration is particularly important for historic homes. These...
Read More
Transformed homestead viewed from above

How Far Can You Extend Your House Without Planning Permission?

03 Apr 2022
Organising a home extension can be an exciting yet stressful endeavour. There are many elements to consider before undertaking such a project. Not only do you need to do your research to find the best professionals for the job, but you’ll need to ensure that you’ve thoroughly looked into the complex maze of legal requirements, otherwise known as red tape. Cameron Construction is here to help you every step of the way, and with our wealth of construction expertise, we can advise you on some of the legalities when it comes to extending without planning permission.
Two-storey building under construction with concrete pumping equipment

How To Plan Building A Home Extension

03 Apr 2022
Your family has suddenly grown, and it feels like any minute, your current home will surely burst at the seams in one enormous explosion. This can happen when you have that extra bub or two. Or perhaps one day you wake up, and suddenly your children are now pesky teenagers desperately needing their own space. Extending your home is a cost-effective investment that will increase the value of your property over time. Adding that extra space turns your home into an ideal place to relax, and when everyone comes together, it’s truly quality family time. Extending your home has the...
Read More
Two-storey rear exterior with timber decking and a leafy courtyard.

Aim High – Second Storey Extension Costs

08 Feb 2022
Have you been dreaming of adding an additional living space and a second or third bathroom to your home? Maybe a home office or gym is on the cards. Or perhaps you’re starting to grow your family and you’ll need some additional bedrooms. Whatever the reason for needing to add an extension to your existing home, you have two choices – build out or build up. If you don’t have the land to add to the ground floor, then adding a second storey extension is ideal. In this blog we’ll break down the average costs associated with this process.
Long white laundry with paired front-loading appliances

Laundry Renovation Costs and Considerations

08 Feb 2022
It’s easy enough to discount the importance of maintaining and renovating your laundry and instead focus on revamping the other main living areas like the kitchen, lounge room and bathroom. However, renovations are not all about aesthetics – updating the functionality of a space is just as important, particularly for a room like the humble laundry. Organisation, space optimisation and practicality are paramount in a laundry and as the size can often be quite limiting, planning for these can be very important.
Aerial view of a homestead with complex rooflines

Do You Need a Building Permit for Home Renovations?

27 Jan 2022
Whether you’re undertaking a DIY home renovation or hiring a professional to remodel your home, ensuring you have the right permissions and permits prior to starting is crucial. Before you invest loads of time, money and energy into a renovation project, sorting out this part of the process will ensure everything runs smoothly and your efforts don’t go down the drain.
White bathroom with glass shower and freestanding bath

Important things to Consider before Choosing a Bathroom Designer

09 Oct 2018
When you eventually get your dream house, you always want to make sure that everything is in perfect order, and this includes the bathroom. Having a beautiful bathroom means that you would have to invest in designing your bathroom with the help of a professional. This can be quite expensive sometimes, and to get the best service for your money
House entrance with a timber door and dark window trim

What You Need to Know When Doing a Home Extension for Your Heritage Building

31 Jul 2018
Anyone who owns a heritage building might have thought of renovating it and adding an extension to make the place more livable. It is actually a nice thing to do but many people fail at considering a lot of things before doing so. As a result, the Heritage buildings in Melbourne lose their charm and value and instead of making them better places for occupancy, they could become a problem.
Sitting room with a fireplace and built-in display shelves

How much to renovate a house?

19 Jun 2018
House renovation is the best way to make a home feel more comfortable and look more beautiful. It’s also the best way to increase the value of a home if it’s on the market. Renovating requires careful planning; it does not matter whether it’s a single room or the entire home. If you’re renovating the entire house, you need to plan on where you are going to stay until the project is over. For a single room, you will need to move the things from one place to the other.
Timber roof trusses viewed from inside a building frame

3 Things to Consider When You Plan to Do Home Extension

13 Jun 2018
Many people get an excellent idea of revamping and remodelling their homes or to do an extension. They do not know how to proceed with the plan or what they should be doing to execute the project. Without any doubt, a home extension is one of the best things to do as you need not vacate or sell the house you like. It means you can live in the same locality with your neighbours and friends. You can quickly add in more space and value to your home by doing an extension project which also helps in meeting your requirement.
White laundry with storage baskets and a front-loading washing machine

Factors to Consider Before Renovating your Laundry Room

30 Apr 2018
This is a planning checklist for laundry renovation projects. For professional design and construction, see our laundry renovations in Melbourne. The laundry area is perhaps one of the most overlooked places in a home, regarding design and construction. If yours is a modern home, then having a well presented, and properly functioning washing space is critical. If you’re planning to revamp your laundry area and give it a complete makeover, think about how long the project is going to take and how you’ll carry on with laundry midway through the project. This way, you’ll know when and where to DIY...
Read More
White floating vanity beside a dark blue bathroom wall

3 Things You Need to Consider When You Are Planning Home Extension

27 Mar 2018
Sometimes, the house that you stay may not work well for you when your needs have significantly increased. You should plan to extend your house instead of moving to a different place. On top of it, shifting from your existing home is not a simple job. It requires you to spend hefty money and planning. You might be comfortable living in the present locality, moving your home will deprive you of the comfort. You might also miss meeting your good old neighbours and friends. House extension is the only possible way as well as the best solution to this impending...
Read More
Slim kitchen with timber cabinets and glazed garden wall

Getting Beauty and Function through Home Improvement and Renovation

27 Mar 2018
Homes renovations and improvements are one of the most rewarding and cost-friendly options for improving your living space. The benefits of this process are one that you, as a homeowner, will get the pleasure from and receive value for your money. The construction of most homes is such that it is bound to maintain its outlook for decades maintaining its original design and supporting daily living with much ease. However, there comes a time when you feel your home has become outdated and would do with some bits of improvements or a large-scale renovation whichever suits the conditions. This could...
Read More
Seven tips for selecting a new home builder graphic

Infographic: 7 Tips for selecting new Home Builder!

14 Dec 2017
Now that you have signed a contract to purchase your new home, how do you customize it to make your own? Choosing a home builder may be one of the most important decision that you will make in your entire life. Through this Infographic, you will find some tips to ensure you select the custom new home builder. When you decide to invest in a new home, the selection of a reputable quality builder is of utmost importance. Taking steps to hire a builder who is the best match for you can help to reduce the anxiety and amp up...
Read More

Bathroom Renovations; Melbourne Wants Beauty and Function

21 Apr 2017
Many of us cannot afford to build the right house in the right neighbourhood, exactly the way we want it. Therefore, we settle for a house in a good neighbourhood, close to our work and our children’s school and then dream of the day we can get our dream home built with the bathroom exactly the way we want it. Why wait? Maybe you cannot afford that big house, but you can do bathroom renovations in the house you are currently living in Melbourne. At Cameron Construction  we have the professionals that can make your renovations dreams a reality.

Timely Bathroom Renovations

14 Mar 2017
The undertaking of bathroom renovations is on the rise in Australia with an estimated 230,000 bathroom renewal projects predicted for 2018. The homeowner who takes on this task wants a modern look, with durability and functionality. They want a perfect bathroom facelift. Unless you are an electrician, a plumber, and a carpenter, this is not a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, but a complex project. Some DIY projects do not hit the mark when planning their budget. Why is this? The cost of removing the old plumbing and installing new involves adequate prior planning by licensed professionals.

Kitchen Renovations: Melbourne Deserves Better

11 Feb 2017
The refrigerator does not cool, the freezer does not freeze and the repairman says you need a new one. Yet, all the appliances are that same lime green from the ‘80s. Maybe it is time to do that kitchen renovation you have been considering. Now that the children are grown, you can use that space to open up your kitchen and add a formal dining room to your home in Melbourne. Kitchen renovations can be a painful do-it-yourself project. Giving up your kitchen for months is too much to ask of anyone. Yet, it will take time to add the...
Read More

Bathroom Renovations, Melbourne Deserves the Best

15 Jan 2017
Now that the children are grown and gone, maybe you have been considering using that bedroom space to create the ultimate bathroom renovations. Melbourne Cameron Construction has everything you need. When you lack the skill or motivation for that large do-it-yourself project, we can help. Follow these tips to add luxury, as well as privacy to your bathroom renovation project. Turn that old bedroom into a dressing room or workout room. It can be your personal retreat from the rigors of work for relaxation. This is particularly true when you add a personal sauna or sauna for two. Go from...
Read More

The Ideal Kitchen Renovations

15 Aug 2016
Kitchen renovations are often essential, since the kitchen is the room in the house which gets most of the traffic. Yet, these renovations provide the largest returns on investment in the way of a family happiness. The total cost of renovating your kitchen varies due to various factors. These factors include the kitchen size, the value of the kitchen appliances as well as the design implemented. Whilst planning any kitchen renovation project, it is prudent to consult an expert. This saves you a lot of time and expense while making the right decision. The kitchen is the heart of any...
Read More

Laundry and Bathrooms: Melbourne Value Updates

03 Aug 2016
Considering updates to both rooms? Start with our bathroom and laundry planning tips. For construction enquiries, visit our laundry renovation service or bathroom renovation service. You don’t have a lot of needs, wants, or desires. Yet, you don’t need anyone to tell you that your bathroom is a nightmare. It needs to be better organised. A laundry room adjacent to the bathroom would be ideal. Clothes pile up because it is just too much hassle to take them to the other end of the house. You have been looking at some of the showrooms of bathrooms and laundry. Melbourne has...
Read More

Bathroom and Laundry Renovation Planning Tips

13 Jul 2016
Planning bathroom and laundry improvements? This guide covers practical considerations before work begins. For a complete project, see our laundry renovation service in Melbourne and bathroom renovation service. Are you planning a bathroom or laundry room renovation? Here are a few tips to consider before starting those bathroom renovations. Top Three Tips for Bathroom Renovations. Tip #1 Make a wish list of the things you would like to accomplish. Brainstorm; look at magazines and current TV restoration shows such as, The Block, Renovation Rumble, or House Rules. Walk around one of those big home renovation showrooms. Look at tubs and...
Read More

Kitchen Renovations: Melbourne Has the Experts

26 Jun 2016
The centre of any home is the kitchen, especially at brekky. However, if it is too dark, you might want to add a large window to let the light pour into your home’s centre as part of your kitchen renovations. Melbourne kitchen renovation experts at Cameron Construction can help you decide which wall to put that window on to make maximum benefit of the sun’s warming rays pouring into your kitchen each morning. Kitchen renovations done with white marble and light coloured cabinets can make your kitchen bright and cheerful. Just the décor your family will enjoy at every meal,...
Read More

What Are The Benefits Of Double Glazing?

17 Oct 2015
Are you looking for ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency, but aren’t sure where to begin There are many upgrades and home improvement projects which can help to reduce your household energy use and environmental impact… View full story

HOME PRICE GROWTH CONTINUES AT SUSTAINABLE RATE

10 Feb 2015
Latest ABS data show that dwelling prices continued to rise at a sustainable rate during the December 2014 quarter, said the Housing Industry Association (HIA), the voice of Australia’s residential building industry. View full story

RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS LOOKING FORWARD TO A BUSY YEAR AHEAD

24 Jan 2015
Residential builders in Victoria are optimistic about the year ahead according to the latest Master Builders Building Trends survey. Master Builders Association of Victoria Executive Director Brian Welch said that 45 per cent of the builders who responded to the quarterly survey described their current level of business activity as good. View full story

HOW LONG DOES THE AVERAGE MELBOURNIAN LIVE IN THE SAME HOME?

13 Oct 2014
On average, the length of ownership for Melbourne houses is eleven years, nine years of average ownership for units. Research data from property analysts RP Data show that the length of ownership terms for Melbourne properties outstrips all other capital cities in Australia. View full story

REALITY TV “THE BLOCK”

16 Jan 2012
In 2011, when “The Block” made its debut in Melbourne, Cameron Construction took the opportunity to work with contestant duo Josh & Jenna on their magnificent Edwardian-style home located on Cameron Street in Richmond. View full story

CAMERON WIN HIA AWARDS

15 Nov 2011
Cameron Construction were very honoured to be recognised for building excellence at this years 2011/2012 Housing Industry Association Awards Gala. The Company received an outstanding 3 Awards Including; Best Renovated Bathroom $25k-40k, Best Bathroom OVERALL, and Best Renovation/Addition up to $300,000. View full story

LEADER NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL

18 Oct 2011
This spring has been one of the busiest times so far for the team at Cameron Construction. “Our team has been hard at work finalising our existing home additions and renovations in preparation for the wave of new projects currently in design as eager home owners prepare for the warmer months ahead.” Rod Cameron said. View full story

MAJOR RENOVATION ACTIVITY HIGHEST IN TWO YEARS. HIA

13 Apr 2011
Major renovations activity posted a 1.8 per cent rise in the March 2011 quarter to reach an annual worth of $6.91 billion, the highest in two years. “Major renovations have started 2011 on a brighter note. Australians are increasingly looking to improve their existing homes rather than face the mounting transaction costs and new housing taxes and charges they will incur if they trade-up to another property or build a new home,” said Harley Dale. View full story

DO I NEED A PLANNING PERMIT?

27 Feb 2011
There are generally two types of permits required when building or altering your home.Building permits are a system of control for the construction or alteration of a building and, in most instances, are required. Planning permits, specifically for alterations and extensions, are generally only required when there is a planning overlay. The most common overlay’s being heritage, and significant landscaping. We typically find that 1 in every 8 projects require planning. The best way to find out if you need a planning permit is to contact Cameron Construction and ask to speak with one of our design consultants. View full...
Read More

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY. BY MICHAEL CAMERON.

15 Jan 2011
Australians have had a long love affair with property and a history of aspiring to own their own home. Home ownership reached almost 70% in the early 1960s, an amount considered to be extraordinary at the time. Still today, this love affair continues. Despite house prices climbing some 9% per annum for the last 15 years, approximately 69% of Australians currently own their own home. View full story
🗓️ Book Your Free Consultation