Renovation FAQs

Renovation costs vary depending on the scope of work, structural changes and finish selections.

As a general planning guide:

• Bathroom renovations typically range from $25,000 – $45,000+
• Structural wall removals may range from $8,000 – $25,000+
• Larger renovations and extensions often range from $80,000 – $300,000+

Ranges as at October 2026, including GST.

Early planning and clear documentation help refine these ranges into a realistic project budget.

It depends on the condition of the existing home and the extent of the renovation.

Renovations can be more cost-effective when the existing structure is in good condition and the layout can be improved without major structural changes.

However, if significant structural modifications are required throughout the home, rebuilding may sometimes be more practical.

An early assessment of the existing structure and the proposed scope of work can help determine which option is most suitable.

The time between the first conversation and the start of construction can vary depending on the scope of the project, documentation and approvals required.

As a general guide, renovation projects often involve several planning stages before construction begins:

Initial discussions and feasibility review
This stage can take a few weeks depending on project clarity and scheduling.

Design and documentation
Preparing drawings with a draftsperson, designer or architect may take around 4–8 weeks depending on complexity and consultant availability.

Approvals and permits
Building permits or council approvals may take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2+ months depending on the scope of work.

Pricing and contract preparation
Once documentation is clear, pricing and contract preparation can sometimes occur within a few weeks.

Because each project is different, these timeframes can vary depending on consultant availability, approval requirements and builder scheduling.

Clear documentation and early planning generally lead to smoother construction once work begins.

Most renovation projects take around 3–6 months to construct depending on the scope and complexity of the work.

Projects involving structural changes, extensions or significant remodelling may take longer.

Planning, design and documentation stages typically occur before construction begins.

Some renovations require council approval while others do not.

Projects involving structural changes, extensions, significant alterations or changes to the building envelope will often require planning approval or a building permit.

Smaller internal renovations may not require planning approval but may still require a building permit depending on the work involved.

Because approval requirements vary depending on the scope of work and local council regulations, it is often helpful to review the project early with a designer, building surveyor or builder.

Renovation quotes can vary because builders may be pricing different assumptions about the project.

Factors that influence pricing include:

• level of documentation
• allowances for fixtures and finishes
• structural work required
• unknown conditions within existing structures
• site access and construction complexity

Clear documentation helps reduce these differences and creates more accurate pricing.

Renovations are more complex because they involve working within an existing structure where many conditions may be hidden.

New homes begin on a clear site where conditions are known.

Renovations often require investigation and flexibility as services, structure or previous work are uncovered during construction.

Allowances are estimated amounts included in a quote for items that have not yet been selected.

These are typically listed as:

Prime Cost (PC) items
Provisional Sums (PS)

Common examples include tiles, tapware, appliances and cabinetry.

If the final selection exceeds the allowance, the difference becomes a variation.

No, but involving a builder early can be very helpful when planning a renovation.

Many homeowners begin with a designer or architect to explore layout ideas.

However, builders approach projects from the perspective of how the work will actually be constructed.

Early builder input can help identify:

• efficient construction methods
• structural considerations
• realistic cost drivers
• potential construction challenges

Early builder involvement helps ensure that design decisions align with how the project will actually be built.

Builders think about structure, materials and construction sequencing.

This can help identify efficient construction methods and prevent redesign or variations later in the project.

Yes, C3 Builds offers an early-stage Project Feasibility Review.

This review helps homeowners understand the practical construction considerations before committing to design or construction.

It can identify structural constraints, construction challenges and potential cost drivers early in the process.

A feasibility review is an early assessment of a renovation project from a builder’s perspective.

The review typically considers:

• structural considerations
• service relocations
• construction sequencing
• potential cost drivers

Identifying these factors early can often prevent costly redesign or variations later in the project.

Yes, where documentation allows we provide fixed-price contracts.

These contracts clearly define the scope of work.

If changes are required during construction, they are managed through documented variations so homeowners understand the cost implications before work proceeds.

Yes, C3 Builds manages renovation projects from early planning through to construction and completion.

This includes trade coordination, site management, communication during construction and the defects liability period after completion.

Yes.

C3 Builds is the trading name of C3 Builder Pty Ltd, a Registered Domestic Builder (Unlimited) in Victoria: CDB-U 102214.

No. Pricing a renovation properly means working through the drawings, the existing structure, the allowances and the order of the work, and we charge for that time. Our fees: estimate $845, quote $1,267, both including GST.

For larger renovations we usually start with a Feasibility Review, so the price we give you is one we can stand behind.

Yes, if the scope is clear and you're flexible on timing. Decks, verandahs, stairs, gates and other well-defined jobs are fitted in between our larger builds, so start dates move with those projects. See Small Projects & Custom Works.

For general maintenance or handyman work, a handyman or a single trade will usually suit you better.

The first step is usually a conversation about the project and the existing home.

This helps determine whether the project is likely to be feasible and what the next planning steps may involve.

For larger renovations, this may lead to a Feasibility Review to assess structural considerations, construction constraints and likely cost drivers before moving into design or construction.

Yes. In Victoria, for building work over $20,000 on a home of three storeys or less, the builder takes out Home Warranty insurance on your behalf after you sign the contract. This scheme started on 1 July 2026 and is run by the Building and Plumbing Commission. If the work is incomplete, faulty or non-compliant and the builder can't or won't fix it, you can claim. Structural defects are covered for 6 years and non-structural defects for 2 years. Contracts signed before 1 July 2026 come under the older Domestic Building Insurance.

We also carry $10 million public liability insurance and WorkCover.

More detail: consumer.vic.gov.au, “Domestic building insurance and insolvency”.

We walk through the finished job with you against the agreed scope and hand over the compliance documents.

We build under the HIA contract. For 3 months after handover, tell us in writing about any defect in our work and we fix it at no cost to you. Anything that affects safety or security, or could cause damage, we fix as soon as practicable.

Beyond that, Victorian law protects you for much longer. Home Warranty insurance covers major (structural) defects for 6 years and other defects for 2 years after completion, if a builder can't or won't fix them. A claim for defective building work can be brought up to 10 years after the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection.

For thermal upgrades you also get a Thermal Performance Documentation Pack recording the insulation, wrap, sealing and windows.

Yes. On bathroom renovations we complete our own waterproofing and tiling, so we control the quality of the parts you can't see once the tiles are down.

Your price comes with a payment schedule (step 4 of our process), so you know every amount and when it's due before you sign. The deposit is 5% for jobs over $20,000 and 10% for jobs under $20,000.

We take on a limited number of projects at a time. We're typically booked about 6 months ahead, depending on the job. Small, well-defined jobs can sometimes fit in sooner, between our larger builds.