5 Signs Your Renovator Is Ready to Handle the Quirks of an Older Melbourne Home
Renovating an older Melbourne home can end up costing 2 to 3 times as much as a new build — but only if you hire the wrong builder.
This is mostly because older homes have older bones. They have quirks and limitations that can easily catch inexperienced builders off guard, leaving you with unexpected costs or a construction site instead of a finished home.
But with the right renovation team, you can avoid the common pitfalls and modernise your Melbourne home while respecting its character.
So, What Sets a Quality Renovator Apart From the Rest?
A quality renovator is much more than just a tradie; they’re a planner, a communicator, a problem-solver — and often a wellspring of local knowledge and connections.
When searching for a renovator, keep an eye out for these 5 traits:
Trait #1: Local expertise and knowledge. A good local renovator knows Melbourne’s regulations and restrictions inside and out, helping you avoid compliance headaches that could delay or derail your project. They’ll also have strong relationships with trusted suppliers so they source the right materials for your home — on time and for a fair price. To gauge a candidate’s local expertise, see if they can point out a few past projects in the area or name a few suppliers they’ve worked with.
Trait #2: A track record of controlled costs. A reliable renovator will stick to a proven process for keeping your budget on track. To begin with, they’ll offer clear quotes that cover every detail of your renovation — every labour cost; every finish, fixture, and fitting — and may even offer a fixed-priced contract so you don’t run into any financial surprises mid-project. To see if a prospective renovator is on top of all this, just ask them about their quoting and budgeting process. If they’re solid, they’ll proudly share this information.
Trait #3: Strong planning skills. Quality renovators plan every step of a renovation upfront, scheduling material deliveries and trade work well in advance. For you, that means less downtime due to last-minute orders — and a higher quality of work because they’ve likely secured a reliable, experienced team. To get a feel for a renovator’s planning skills, ask them how they manage timelines and coordinate trades. If they use dedicated project management software, it’s usually a good sign for your Melbourne home.
Trait #4: A commitment to long-lasting quality. A good renovator will suggest materials and finishes that can handle Melbourne’s climate and look great for years to come. For instance, they might recommend moisture-resistant coatings for mould-prone areas like bathrooms and laundries – or opt for high-quality external cladding that withstands the elements. To see if a renovator cares about your home’s longevity, ask for past client references and check how their work has held up over time.
Trait #5: An eye for future-proof design. A quality renovator knows that a good reno isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating spaces that can adapt to your lifestyle as it changes. For instance, they might suggest pre-wiring for future tech upgrades like automated lighting or EV chargers, or installing wider doorways and structural supports so grab bars or handrails can be added later without a major overhaul.
But How Does All That Actually Play Out in Real Life?
Let’s consider Chris and Beth, long-time Carlton locals who needed more functionality out of their heritage-listed home.
Moving wasn’t an option; they were too attached to the area. So, with a budget of $1.4 million, they decided to renovate, hoping to keep the charm of their home while gaining some much-needed space.
This came with more than a few major challenges.
Challenge #1: The first major challenge was the original facade, which couldn’t be altered due to heritage restrictions. One way the renovator overcame this was by reinforcing a load-bearing wall with a steel beam. This allowed them to remove part of the wall and open up the kitchen, creating a more spacious, open-plan layout without altering the exterior of the home.
Challenge #2: Blending new finishes with the home’s original details, like the cornices and woodwork, was another challenge. One of the renovator’s solutions was to source custom mouldings that matched the existing woodwork. This ensured the new kitchen and dining areas felt like a seamless extension of the original home.
Challenge #3: Modernising for comfort while preserving the home’s historical style presented another hurdle. One way we overcame this was by installing energy-efficient windows that replicated the original window frame’s design. In the kitchen and bathroom, underfloor heating was also added, providing modern comfort while preserving the existing tiles.
In the end, Chris and Beth were thrilled. We delivered exactly what they’d asked for, and even left them with a few hundred thousand to spare.
Bottom Line: Do Your Homework Before You Sign Anything
Renovating an older Melbourne home is no small feat, especially with all the quirks and limitations. But with the right renovator in your corner, you can tackle these challenges head-on, modernising your home while keeping its character (and your budget) intact.
But remember, finding the right renovator is just one piece of the puzzle.
That’s why we’ve put together a free guide for you to download:
7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It’s packed with insights to help you bring your dream home to life while avoiding the pitfalls that catch many homeowners off guard.
Learn about Warrington Homes, a proud partner of APB, and HIA, and discover how they can help turn your vision of a perfect Melbourne home into reality.
