What We Design
Working with what's there is harder than starting from scratch.
Extension and renovation design has constraints a new build never faces: existing structure, existing levels, existing roof lines, boundary setbacks that were generous in 1975 and aren't anymore. Good extension design resolves all of it — and the documentation proves to your certifier or council that it complies.
Home Extensions & Additions
Ground floor extensions, second-storey additions and reconfigurations — designed to work structurally and visually with the existing dwelling.
Renovations & Alterations
Internal reconfiguration, structural openings, kitchen and living conversions — documented for approval where the works require it.
Carports, Garages & Sheds
Most need approval — size, height and boundary setbacks decide the pathway. Designed and documented correctly the first time.
Decks, Verandahs & Patios
Outdoor structures that owners are most often surprised to learn need approval. We confirm the pathway and document to it.
Secondary Dwellings & Granny Flats
Where your site allows one, we design and document it for the fastest available approval pathway in your state.
Approvals By State
Yes, it probably needs approval.
The most expensive renovation mistake is building first and asking later. Approval requirements differ by state and by site — we confirm yours before design begins.
New South Wales
Many extensions qualify for the fast CDC pathway through a private certifier; others need a DA through council. Exempt development provisions cover only the smallest structures — and the limits are stricter than most owners assume.
Victoria
Extensions and outbuildings need a building permit, and the zone or overlays on your property can trigger a planning permit first. Heritage and neighbourhood character overlays catch many renovators by surprise.
Queensland
Building approval through a private certifier applies to most extensions, carports and decks, with planning approval needed where the planning scheme triggers it. We coordinate certifier requirements through to approval.
Not sure whether your extension will clear setbacks and overlays — or whether your block could support something bigger? A fixed-fee Feasibility Assessment answers it with independent written advice before you commit to design.
Feasibility AssessmentsCommon Questions
Extensions, answered straight.
Do I need approval for a home extension?+
Almost always, yes. Extensions and most substantial renovations require approval — a DA or CDC in NSW, a building permit (and sometimes a planning permit) in Victoria, and building approval through a private certifier in Queensland. The pathway depends on your site's zoning, overlays and the scale of the work. We confirm which applies before documentation begins.
Do carports, decks and verandahs need approval?+
Usually, yes — this surprises many owners. Most carports, decks, verandahs and patios require building approval, and sometimes planning approval, depending on size, height, boundary setbacks and your state's exempt development provisions. Building first and seeking approval later is far more expensive than documenting it correctly upfront.
Can you design an extension to match my existing home?+
Yes. Extension design starts with measuring and documenting the existing dwelling, then designing additions that work structurally and visually with what's already there — roof junctions, floor level transitions, and matching or deliberately contrasting materials.
What does the design process involve?+
Site measure and documentation of the existing dwelling, concept design for your brief and budget, then full approval documentation — site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections and the compliance notations your certifier or council requires, with RFIs handled through to approval.
How do fees work?+
Fixed fee, agreed in writing before work begins, based on your home, the scope of works and the approval pathway. Send your address and a short description of what you're planning and you'll have a written proposal within 48 hours.
Get Started
Planning an extension or renovation?
Start with the right drawings.
Send your address and what you're planning — fixed-fee proposal within 48 hours.