How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne's northern suburbs?

Kitchen renovations in suburbs like Brunswick, Reservoir and Preston typically range from $15,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $60,000+ for a full structural renovation with new cabinetry, benchtops, splashback and appliances. We collect quotes from multiple local tradies so you can compare real prices side by side.

Are the builders and tradies VBA registered?

Yes. Every tradie we connect you with holds a current Victorian Building Authority (VBA) registration. We don't list unlicensed operators. You can also verify any tradie's licence yourself at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything.

Will I get cold-called by random tradies after submitting my details?

No. Your details are only shared with tradies who are a genuine match for your job and suburb. We don't sell your information to lead brokers or third-party lists. You choose who to engage — nothing gets passed on without your knowledge.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?

A basic bathroom renovation runs from around $8,000–$15,000. A full wet area renovation with new tiles, plumbing, waterproofing and fixtures is typically $18,000–$35,000. Getting at least two or three quotes is essential — and that's exactly what we help you do.

Do I need a building permit for a home extension in Victoria?

Most extensions over 10m² require a building permit in Victoria. Your builder is legally required to obtain it before work starts. The tradies we work with handle permits as part of the job.

How long does a kitchen or bathroom renovation actually take?

A bathroom typically takes 2–4 weeks once trades are booked. A kitchen runs 3–6 weeks depending on whether cabinetry is custom or flatpack. Extensions vary widely — a single-storey rear extension might be 10–16 weeks from permit to completion.

What areas in Melbourne do you cover?

We focus on Melbourne's northern suburbs — Brunswick, Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote, Bundoora, Lalor, Pascoe Vale, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Oak Park, Glenroy, Hadfield, Fawkner, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Mill Park, Thomastown, Greensborough, Eltham, Fitzroy North and Diamond Creek.

Is it actually free to get quotes through Melb Renovations?

Yes — completely free for homeowners. You describe your project, we match you with vetted local tradies, they quote you directly. You're under no obligation to accept any quote. We're paid by the tradies, not you.

How much does a home renovation cost in Thornbury in 2026?

A kitchen refresh in Thornbury starts around $15,000, a full kitchen renovation runs $30,000 to $55,000, and a bathroom renovation typically costs $20,000 to $40,000. A single storey rear extension ranges $130,000 to $220,000, and a second storey extension $280,000 to $420,000.

Does Thornbury have heritage overlays?

Yes. Large sections of Thornbury fall under the Darebin City Council heritage overlay, particularly Victorian and Edwardian streetscapes around High Street, Rossmoyne Street, and Normanby Avenue. External changes typically require a planning permit. Internal renovations usually do not.

How do I find a licensed builder in Thornbury?

Verify any builder's Domestic Builder licence at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything. MelbRenovations connects Thornbury homeowners with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders for free.

Home Renovation Costs in Thornbury 2026

Thornbury has become one of Melbourne's most sought-after inner-northern suburbs. A vibrant cafe strip along High Street, quick access to the city, and a strong stock of Victorian and Edwardian period homes have driven buyer demand — and with it, a wave of renovation activity across Thornbury homes.

Most Thornbury housing was built between 1880 and 1940 and was never designed for modern living. Renovating — rather than relocating — is often the smartest way for homeowners to unlock the potential of these properties. Here is what a renovation costs in Thornbury in 2026.

Renovation Cost Ranges in Thornbury (2026)

Project Type	Cost Range
Kitchen refresh	5,000 – 5,000
Full kitchen renovation	$30,000 – $55,000
Bathroom renovation	0,000 – $40,000
Single storey rear extension	30,000 – 20,000
Second storey extension	80,000 – $420,000

What Affects Renovation Cost in Thornbury

Thornbury's period housing stock and heritage streetscapes create specific cost drivers. Understanding these before you get quotes will help you budget realistically.

Darebin City Council requirements

Any structural work, extension, or external alteration in Thornbury requires a building permit through a private building surveyor. Planning permits from Darebin City Council are typically required for extensions, works within a heritage overlay, and anything that affects setbacks or overshadowing. Allow 8 to 16 weeks for planning permit approval.

Heritage overlays

Large parts of Thornbury sit within Darebin's heritage overlay, particularly around the Victorian and Edwardian streetscapes off High Street and Station Street. External changes to properties within a heritage overlay require a planning permit and must respect the character of the streetscape. Internal renovations including kitchen renovations typically do not require a heritage permit, but structural changes visible from the street may.

Period home structural considerations

Thornbury's Victorian and Edwardian homes come with quirks that add cost — lath-and-plaster walls, original timber floors that need protection or restoration, stumps requiring replacement, and load-bearing walls that were never designed for open-plan living. Structural wall removal typically adds

5,000 to $30,000. Restumping runs

0,000 to

5,000 depending on floor area.

Site access

Thornbury's narrow terrace and semi-detached blocks often have tight rear access. Difficult site access adds cost across every trade and can require craning materials in.

Finish quality

Thornbury's design-conscious buyer market rewards quality finishes. Budget joinery, laminate benchtops, and off-the-shelf tapware will not attract the price uplift that stone benchtops, custom joinery, and premium fixtures do. Spend accordingly to the property's price bracket.

Does Renovating Add Value in Thornbury

Yes — and often significantly. Thornbury has been one of the strongest performers in Melbourne's inner-northern market. Buyer demand is high, competition at auction is fierce, and renovated period homes routinely sell at a premium over unrenovated comparables.

A well-executed renovation that combines original period character with modern open-plan living, a quality kitchen, and updated bathrooms consistently returns more than its cost at sale. For owner-occupiers, any uplift in value is exempt from capital gains tax — a significant tax-free return.

Finding a Renovation Builder in Thornbury

Any builder carrying out structural work in Victoria must hold a current Domestic Builder licence issued by the Victorian Building Authority. Check any builder's licence at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything. Confirm a minimum of $5 million public liability insurance, ask for a detailed written quote covering scope, inclusions, exclusions, timeline, and payment schedule, and look for demonstrable experience with Thornbury's period housing stock.

MelbRenovations matches Thornbury homeowners with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders — completely free, no obligation, no cold calls.

Ready to Get Renovation Quotes in Thornbury

MelbRenovations matches Thornbury homeowners with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders for kitchens, bathrooms, and extensions. Free for homeowners, no obligation.