Renovating in Melbourne: The Questions Every Homeowner Asks First

Before any renovation gets underway, almost every homeowner we talk to has the same three questions: do I need a permit, how long will this take, and what's it actually going to cost? Here's a straight answer to each.

Do I need a permit?

Most structural renovation work in Victoria — removing or altering load-bearing walls, changing a building's footprint, plumbing and electrical work, and anything affecting fire safety or energy efficiency compliance — needs a building permit from a registered building surveyor. Cosmetic work (new kitchen cabinetry in the same layout, repainting, replacing floor coverings) generally doesn't. If you're not sure which category your project falls into, that's exactly the kind of question to raise in a first consultation — a registered builder can tell you quickly rather than you guessing.

How long will it actually take?

Timelines vary a lot by scope, but as a rough guide:

• Kitchen or bathroom renovation: typically 4–8 weeks of on-site work, once permits and materials are sorted.
• Full home renovation: 3–6 months depending on scale and whether you're living on site during the works.
• Permit and approval lead time: often the part homeowners underestimate — allow several weeks to a few months before the first tradesperson arrives, depending on council and the complexity of the application.

A builder who gives you a start date without first confirming permit timelines is giving you a guess, not a plan.

What's it going to cost?

Cost depends heavily on finish level, structural complexity, and access to the site — but the single biggest driver of a blown budget isn't the quote itself, it's what's not in the quote. Before you sign anything, make sure you know:

• Whether the price is fixed or an estimate that can move
• What allowance has been made for fixtures, tiles and fittings — and what happens if you choose something above that allowance
• Whether permit fees, council contributions and a contingency for unexpected issues (like what's actually behind an old wall) are included

We always recommend budgeting an extra 10–15% on top of the quoted price as a contingency, even on a well-scoped renovation.

Getting started

The best first step is a conversation with a registered, insured builder who can walk through your specific project — not a generic price list. Register your project with EBC for a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll answer these questions for your exact situation.