Planning a Home Renovation in Victoria? 5 Essential Checks Before You Build

Planning a renovation, house extension, townhouse, new home or major upgrade in Victoria? The most successful projects start before construction – with clear planning, site-aware design and the correct approvals.

Whether you are improving a family home, preparing an investment property or building a new residence, these five checks can help you make better decisions from day one. We work across greater Melbourne, including Werribee, Point Cook, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Williamstown, Footscray, Sunshine, Altona, Craigieburn and the inner and eastern suburbs.

Planning Permit Victoria: Check Your Local Planning Controls First

A planning permit is not required for every project, but the answer depends on your property and the applicable Victorian Planning Scheme. Your site may be affected by zoning, overlays, heritage controls, vegetation protections, bushfire risk, flooding, neighbourhood character or other local requirements. These controls can influence building height, setbacks, site coverage, design and use of the land.

Start with your local council’s planning information (Victoria Planning: planning permits) and seek project-specific advice before finalising your design. A planning permit relates to land use and development; a building permit deals with construction compliance. If a planning permit is required, it must be obtained before a building permit can be issued.

Building Permit Victoria vs Planning Permit: Know the Difference

These permits have different roles, and confusing them can delay a project. A planning permit considers whether the proposed use or development is suitable for the site and surrounding area. A building permit, issued by a registered building surveyor, confirms that plans comply with the applicable building regulations before work begins.

Do not assume that an approved planning permit means construction can start. Your project may still require detailed documentation, engineering information and a building permit.

Sustainable Home Design in Victoria: The 7-Star Energy-Efficiency Standard

Energy-efficient design is now a core part of building well in Victoria. New homes must meet a minimum 7-star NatHERS energy-efficiency rating and a Whole of Home energy-use budget covering fixed appliances such as heating, cooling, hot water, lighting and pool or spa pumps. These requirements came into effect in Victoria on 1 May 2024 (Victorian Energy: 7-star standards).

For homeowners, the practical opportunity is to make energy performance part of the early design conversation. Orientation, external shading, insulation, ventilation, glazing and appliance choices can influence comfort and running costs for years to come.

Significant renovations and extensions may also need to meet current energy-efficiency requirements (Building and Plumbing Commission: energy efficiency). The exact obligations depend on the scope of work, so consult a registered building surveyor and, where appropriate, a NatHERS assessor.

Choose Registered Practitioners and a Clear Written Contract

The right team is as important as the design.

Before appointing a builder, check that they are registered for the type of work proposed. For domestic building work involving more than one trade and valued above $10,000, a major domestic building contract is required before work starts (Consumer Affairs Victoria: building contracts). For work above $16,000, the registered builder must take out domestic building insurance.

Before signing, make sure your contract clearly addresses: plans and specifications; inclusions, exclusions and provisional allowances; permit responsibilities; progress payments; variations and how they are approved; expected timeframes and site access. A detailed written scope helps protect both the homeowner and the builder.

Allow Enough Time for Design, Permits and Selections

Quality takes coordination. Give your project enough time for concept design, planning advice, permits, engineering, energy assessment, product selections and construction documentation.

Early decisions can minimise expensive changes later. This is particularly valuable for Victorian house extension projects, knockdown-rebuilds and investment-property upgrades, where planning controls and energy-efficiency requirements can affect the project from the outset.

Build With Confidence

A well-designed Victorian home should be comfortable, compliant and suited to the people who will live in it. Begin with a site-specific brief, confirm your approval pathway, and put energy performance and clear documentation at the centre of the process.