Building costs in Melbourne vary based on home size, site conditions, engineering requirements, architectural complexity and the level of finishes selected.
As a general guide, custom residential construction in Melbourne typically ranges from approximately $1,500 to $4,500+ per square metre depending on specification level, site access and engineering requirements. A modest project-home style build will sit at the lower end, while architect-designed or high-specification custom homes will sit considerably higher.
Volume builders may advertise lower base prices, but these often exclude site costs, engineering, flooring, fencing, landscaping and driveway works — which can add $30,000 to $150,000 or more to the final cost.
Before pricing, Builda Group reviews your plans, specifications, engineering, site conditions and inclusions so the scope and cost are clearly defined from the outset.
→ Contact Builda Group for an initial consultation and project estimate.
When comparing Melbourne home builders, look beyond the lowest price. Verify the builder’s registration with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), confirm they hold formerly Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) or newly Home Warranty Insurance, and review their previous projects and construction experience.
Ask who will supervise your project on-site, how variations are handled, and what post-handover support is provided. Key things to check:
Builda Group holds a Domestic Builder Unlimited licence (DB-U 101965) and is a Master Builders Victoria member with over a decade of hands-on residential construction experience across Melbourne.
A custom home builder designs and constructs a home specifically around the client’s land, lifestyle and budget — rather than limiting them to a standard catalogue design.
Custom home building in Melbourne typically includes architectural coordination, structural engineering, energy-efficiency compliance (NatHERS), material and finish selection, site-specific construction solutions and detailed project management from permit through to handover.
Builda Group builds single-storey and double-storey custom homes across Melbourne and selected regional Victorian areas.
Yes. Builda Group provides custom home building services across Melbourne’s northern, western, southern and eastern suburbs, as well as selected regional Victorian locations.
Projects include single-storey homes, double-storey homes, architect-designed residences, contemporary homes and individually designed residential builds.
We can engage early in the design process or review completed architectural and engineering documentation prior to construction.
A knockdown rebuild involves demolishing an existing house and constructing a new home on the same block. It is often worth considering when:
A knockdown rebuild in Melbourne typically involves demolition, site investigation, planning and permit approvals, service disconnections and reconnections, energy compliance and full construction of the new home. Builda Group coordinates the entire process from planning and demolition through to construction and handover.
Knockdown rebuild costs in Melbourne depend on demolition complexity, site conditions, home size and specification level.
Demolition alone typically ranges from $10,000 to $35,000 for a standard suburban home, with additional costs for asbestos removal, service disconnections and site preparation. New construction costs then apply on top.
The key advantage of a knockdown rebuild over a renovation is that you receive a fully compliant new home on a block you already own, without the hidden costs and constraints of working within an ageing structure.
→ Contact Builda Group to assess your existing property and discuss the knockdown rebuild process.
This depends on the condition of the existing home and the extent of the proposed changes.
Renovation may be the better choice when the existing structure is sound and the required changes are relatively contained — a kitchen update, bathroom renovation or minor extension.
A knockdown rebuild often becomes more cost-effective when the project involves extensive structural alterations, complete services upgrades, significant extensions and major internal renovation — particularly in older properties where asbestos, substandard framing or ageing services are discovered once work begins.
Builda Group can assess your property and proposed scope to help determine the most practical and cost-effective path.
Yes, in most cases involving structural work. Building permits are generally required for:
Minor cosmetic work — such as painting, re-tiling over existing tiles or replacing fixtures — may not require a permit. Note that a planning permit and a building permit are separate approvals administered through different channels. Builda Group can help identify the approvals required for your specific project.
A planning permit determines whether and how land can be used or developed under the local planning scheme and is administered by your local council. It relates to matters such as land use, height, setbacks, overlays, neighbourhood character and development type.
A building permit confirms that the proposed building work complies with the National Construction Code and applicable Victorian building legislation. It is issued by a registered building surveyor and relates to structural, fire-safety, energy-efficiency and construction requirements.
Some projects require both. Establishing the correct approval pathway early reduces delays, avoids costly redesigns and keeps your project on programme.
Home renovation costs in Melbourne vary considerably. As a rough guide:
These ranges vary significantly depending on the existing property, site access, structural condition, finishes selected and engineering requirements. Always assess renovation costs against a documented scope rather than relying on a generic square-metre rate.
→ Contact Builda Group for a project-specific assessment.
Yes. Builda Group provides home extension services throughout Melbourne. Projects include rear extensions, ground-floor additions, new bedrooms and living areas, second-storey additions and substantial alterations to existing homes.
Extensions require careful integration with the existing structure, including foundations, framing, roofing, waterproofing, services connections and energy compliance.
In many cases, yes — but your existing home must be assessed first. A second-storey addition typically requires:
An early feasibility assessment is strongly recommended before committing to detailed architectural drawings.
Dual occupancy refers to two dwellings on one property — commonly configured as side-by-side homes (duplexes) or front-and-rear developments. Whether dual occupancy is achievable on your land depends on:
Not all Melbourne blocks are suitable, and requirements vary by council. A development feasibility assessment before committing to detailed plans is strongly recommended. Builda Group provides dual occupancy construction and can coordinate with your designers, town planners and other consultants.
A side-by-side dual occupancy (duplex) in Melbourne typically ranges from $500,000 to $1,400,000+ for construction (excluding land, design, planning, engineering and subdivision costs). Front-and-rear configurations or three-bedroom dwellings with higher specifications will sit toward the upper end.
Early cost modelling relative to your land value, expected end value and development costs is essential before committing to a dual occupancy project.
→ Contact Builda Group to discuss your site and development options.
Yes. Builda Group undertakes townhouse construction and small to medium multi-unit residential developments across Melbourne.
Multi-unit construction requires detailed coordination across planning, design, engineering, service connections, occupancy requirements and (where applicable) subdivision. Getting the builder involved early in the development process helps avoid design decisions that increase cost or complicate construction later.
→ Contact Builda Group to discuss your proposed development.
Design and construct is a project delivery method that integrates design coordination and construction management into one streamlined process. Rather than separately managing an architect, structural engineer, energy assessor and builder, the project is coordinated as a single construction pathway.
This can improve cost control, constructability, accountability and communication throughout the project. Builda Group provides design and construct services for residential projects across Melbourne.
Yes. If you already have an architect, building designer or completed documentation, Builda Group can review the existing drawings and work alongside your consultants to progress the project to construction.
Early builder involvement — even with an existing design team — can identify constructability issues, cost pressures and construction details that are more efficiently resolved during documentation than after contract execution.
Construction time depends on the size and complexity of the home, site conditions, permit timeframes, weather, material lead times and trade availability. As a general guide:
The overall project timeline from initial consultation to handover should also account for design development, engineering, energy assessment, permit approval and pre-construction planning — which can add 3–6 months or more before physical construction begins.
Renovation timeframes vary widely:
Existing buildings frequently reveal conditions not visible during initial inspection — ageing services, substandard framing, previous unauthorised works or moisture damage. Thorough pre-construction investigation reduces the likelihood of programme delays.
Yes. Builda Group provides NDIS-funded accessibility modifications and specialist disability accommodation (SDA) works for residential properties across Melbourne. NDIS building modifications may include:
Builda Group works with NDIS participants, support coordinators and occupational therapists to deliver modifications that meet individual needs and comply with applicable building requirements.
→ Contact Builda Group to discuss NDIS modification requirements for your property.
Yes. Builda Group undertakes residential insurance repair and reinstatement projects across Melbourne.
Insurance repair work typically involves coordinating with the insurer, loss assessor and property owner to reinstate damaged building elements to their pre-loss condition (or better), in compliance with current building requirements.
Builda Group’s experience across structural work, waterproofing, tiling, joinery, framing, roofing and finishing trades allows us to manage insurance repairs efficiently and to a standard that meets both insurer and owner expectations.
→ Contact Builda Group to discuss an insurance repair project.
A detailed building quotation should clearly identify the proposed scope of work, materials, fixtures, finishes, allowances and exclusions.
When comparing builders, ensure each quotation is actually pricing the same scope. A lower initial number may not represent a lower final cost if key items have been excluded, underpriced as provisional sums, or listed as prime cost allowances below realistic market rates.
Builda Group focuses on clearly documenting the construction scope before contract execution to reduce the likelihood of material variations during construction.
A fixed-price building contract establishes an agreed contract price based on a defined scope, plans, specifications and contractual conditions.
However, variations requested by the owner, unforeseen site conditions and items treated as provisional sums or prime cost allowances may affect the final cost. Thorough documentation and scope definition before signing is critical — the more clearly the scope is defined at contract stage, the less exposure there is to cost movement during construction.
A variation is a change to the contracted scope of building work — whether adding, removing or modifying elements of the design, materials or construction method.
All variations should be documented in writing, including the scope change, the cost impact and any effect on the construction programme, before the work is carried out.
Poorly managed variations are one of the most common sources of disputes between owners and builders on residential construction projects.
Progress payments are payments made when construction reaches defined stages under the building contract — such as base, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion.
Rather than paying the full contract price in advance, payment is released progressively as each stage of work is completed. Homeowners should understand the progress payment schedule and their contractual obligations before signing. If construction is being financed, confirm that the bank’s drawdown schedule aligns with the contract’s payment stages.
Under the current National Construction Code (NCC 2022) provisions applicable in Victoria, new homes must achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS thermal performance rating, along with Whole of Home energy requirements covering fixed appliances and on-site energy generation or storage.
These requirements influence orientation, window sizes and placement, glazing performance, insulation levels, shading, heating and cooling system selection and hot water systems. Addressing energy compliance during early design is significantly more cost-effective than attempting to achieve compliance after the design has been completed.
Before signing with any Melbourne builder, ask:
If the answers are vague or the builder is reluctant to answer in writing, consider it a warning sign.
The most effective way to reduce unexpected costs is to resolve as much information as possible before the contract is signed — completing drawings, structural engineering, soil testing, energy assessment, site investigations and material selections before pricing.
In addition:
Yes. Builda Group provides residential construction project management services across Melbourne.
Depending on the project, this can include consultant coordination, construction programming, trade coordination, quality control, cost management, documentation management, site supervision and owner communication throughout the construction process.
Project management is particularly valuable for custom homes, architectural projects, dual occupancy and multi-unit developments, complex renovations and insurance reinstatement work.
Builda Group services Melbourne’s northern, western, southern and eastern suburbs, as well as selected regional Victorian areas.
Our office and showroom is located at 7 Mareno Road, Tullamarine VIC 3043, and we regularly work across suburbs including Greenvale, Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Pascoe Vale, Brunswick, Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, Epping, Roxburgh Park, Sunbury, Melton, Werribee, Williamstown, and across the inner south and east.
→ Contact us with your property location and project details to confirm availability.
Yes. Builda Group undertakes residential construction across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs, including new custom homes, knockdown rebuilds, dual occupancy developments, renovations and extensions.
The northern and western growth corridors remain among Melbourne’s most active residential construction markets, with strong demand for custom homes, dual occupancy and townhouse development on existing suburban lots.
→ Contact Builda Group to discuss your property and project.
Yes. Before committing to detailed design, Builda Group can review your property to identify key development factors including zoning, overlays, title restrictions, easements, lot dimensions, access and the proposed development type.
This initial review can help clarify whether your site is suitable for a new home, knockdown rebuild, dual occupancy, extension or other development before you spend money on detailed design.
Yes, subject to reviewing the available project documentation. If you have architectural drawings, structural engineering, energy documentation or a building permit already issued, Builda Group can review what is available and advise what is required to progress to construction.
Ideally, before the design is finalised. Builder involvement during the design stage can identify construction complexity, expensive design elements, site constraints, constructability issues and cost-effective alternatives — while changes can still be made relatively efficiently.
Waiting until documentation is complete before engaging a builder can result in significant cost surprises, redesigns or construction delays. This is particularly important for custom homes, second-storey additions, dual occupancy developments, architectural projects and complex renovations.
Sometimes — but it depends on the extent of the works. Structural renovations, particularly those involving kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, flooring or services, can significantly disrupt day-to-day living and in some cases create temporary safety or access issues.
For extensive renovations or full-home rebuilds, temporary accommodation is often more practical and can actually allow construction to proceed more efficiently. The most appropriate approach should be discussed during project planning before work commences.
At practical completion, the project goes through a final inspection and handover process. You should receive relevant documentation relating to your completed home — including warranties, maintenance information, as-built information and applicable certificates.
Any identified defects or outstanding items should be managed in accordance with the contract and applicable requirements. Builda Group’s process continues through handover and post-construction support, including the defects liability period.
Residential building work in Victoria must be carried out by an appropriately registered builder. Using a registered and insured builder means:
Always verify a builder’s BPC registration and confirm that Domestic Building Insurance or Home Warranty Insurance is in place before signing a contract.
Contact Builda Group with basic project information, including:
For projects at concept stage, we can discuss the proposed development and identify next steps. For projects with completed documentation, the plans and specifications can be reviewed before detailed pricing is provided.
