EBC BUILDING GUIDES
Building & Renovation Advice Hub
Practical information for Melbourne homeowners planning a renovation, extension or new build — explained in plain English and organised around the decisions you actually need to make.
START WITH THE QUESTION YOU HAVE NOW
12 practical guides, one place to start
These guides are general information, not a substitute for project-specific planning, engineering, legal or building-surveyor advice. Where Victorian requirements matter, we link to current official guidance.
Costs & Budget
How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost in Melbourne?
What really drives renovation costs, from structure and wet areas to services, finishes and approvals.
Read guide →How Much Does a Home Extension Cost in Melbourne?
A practical Melbourne home extension cost guide covering scope, structure, site conditions, wet areas, services, finishes, approvals and quote comparisons.
Read guide →What Affects the Cost of Building a New Home in Melbourne?
Understand the main factors that affect new home building costs in Melbourne, including site conditions, design complexity, structure, services, specification and external works.
Read guide →Planning & Permits
Planning Permit vs Building Permit in Victoria
Understand the difference between planning approval and building approval before your project starts.
Read guide →Planning a Home Extension: What Should You Check First?
A practical pre-design checklist for Melbourne home extensions covering planning controls, title, site conditions, existing structure, services, access, budget and approvals.
Read guide →Choosing the Right Approach
Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne Eastern Suburbs
Site feasibility, demolition, approvals, project costs and the knockdown-rebuild process.
Read guide →Renovate, Extend or Rebuild?
Compare the practical trade-offs between renovating, extending and starting again.
Read guide →Contracts & Process
Building Variations in Victoria: Cost, Time and Approval Explained
A practical homeowner guide to building variations in Victoria, including scope changes, written approval, price changes, time impacts and record keeping.
Read guide →Before You Sign a Building Contract: A Victorian Homeowner Checklist
A practical Victorian homeowner checklist covering builder registration, scope, plans, specifications, price, payments, dates, variations, allowances and contract review before signing.
Read guide →Process & Planning
The Home Building Process in Victoria: From First Idea to Handover
A homeowner-friendly guide to the Victorian home building process from project brief and site checks through design, approvals, contract, construction, inspections and handover.
Read guide →What Happens During a Builder Site Inspection?
Learn what a builder looks for during an initial residential site inspection, what information to prepare and how the visit helps improve feasibility and pricing.
Read guide →Still deciding what your project needs?
Register the project and EBC can help identify the practical next information, checks and decisions.
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