Older homes. Considered extensions. Built with care.
Extending older homes starts with understanding what's already there.
Extending a heritage or period home requires careful consideration of the existing building. Structural connections, original features, restricted access and heritage requirements can all influence how a new addition is designed and constructed.
Starting early? We work alongside your architect or designer to review the proposed extension, assess construction challenges and align the design with your budget and heritage considerations.
Already have plans? We'll review the documentation, identify potential construction challenges and prepare a detailed fixed-price proposal for your extension.
- Early builder input or plans-ready renovation pricing
- Practical advice on existing structures, heritage constraints and buildability
- Hands-on involvement from planning through construction
Complete Clarity
We'll discuss your heritage or period home, proposed extension, budget and existing plans. It's an opportunity to understand the project, any known heritage considerations and whether we're the right fit.
We visit your property to assess the existing structure, site access and how the proposed extension connects with the original home. We'll identify potential construction challenges early.
We work alongside your architect or designer to review structural connections, heritage requirements and buildability. Whether you're starting early or have completed plans, we'll establish a clear scope before preparing a detailed fixed-price proposal.
Our dedicated team manages your extension with hands-on builder involvement, clear communication and careful attention to the connection between old and new construction.
Our Commitment
We believe extending a heritage or period home deserves the time, care and attention it takes to do it properly. Bringing old and new construction together requires careful planning, practical problem-solving and respect for the original home.
It's challenging work, and exactly the kind of building we enjoy. We deliberately limit the number of projects we undertake, allowing me to remain personally involved on site, working closely with our carpenters, clients and designers throughout construction.
For us, success is measured by the relationships we build, the experience we provide and the homes we're proud to hand over.
Director
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Client Testimonials
Matt and his team from Rival Building Group were fantastic to work with! Matt was extremely easy to deal with and patient throughout the whole process, from beginning to end.
The team were attentive, had a great turnaround on the renovation, and communicated really well the entire way through. We were very happy with the renovation — it turned out amazing! Highly recommend!
From the very beginning the service was personalised. We were able to work directly with Matthew and his team and felt we had input into the whole process. This gave us a real sense of comfort that we were being looked after.
Thank you for being flexible with our changes along the way. Our dealings with Rival building group were more than professional, reliable, and the communication was excellent . Building done with precision. Highly recommend!
Very responsive and easy to deal with, Matt and his team delivered exactly what we wanted! Fast turn around, precise detail, and a very fair price! Couldnt recommend Matt and his team enough!! 10/10, AAA+++++++
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We work with homeowners who have completed plans and those still exploring their options. We can collaborate with your architect or designer, or introduce suitable professionals. Early builder involvement helps identify structural requirements, heritage considerations and construction costs before designs are finalised.
Heritage extension costs depend on the size of the addition, existing structure, site access and level of finishes. At Rival, we focus on substantial extensions, generally starting from $400,000, with larger or more complex projects often exceeding $600,000. We prepare a detailed fixed-price proposal once the scope and documentation are finalised.
Yes. Heritage overlays don't necessarily prevent extensions, but the design, location and impact on the original home may affect planning approval. We work alongside architects, designers and relevant consultants to understand the requirements and plan the construction of new additions to heritage properties.
Rival Building Group undertakes heritage and period home extensions across Melbourne's eastern and inner-eastern suburbs, including Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Canterbury, Balwyn and surrounding areas. We also consider suitable projects elsewhere in Melbourne.
We'll discuss your existing home, renovation plans, budget and timeframe during an initial discovery call. If the project is a good fit, we'll arrange a site consultation to review the property, discuss construction challenges and establish the next steps towards planning and pricing.
Planning a heritage or period home extension in Melbourne?
Tell us a little about your home and what you're planning. Matt will personally review your enquiry and get in touch to discuss your renovation and the next steps.
