We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to ancestors, country and community. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and to their enduring cultures.
As you stroll through Brunswick’s leafy streets, the architecture tells a story of time. Weatherboard cottages and Victorian terraces stand as cherished history, but beneath their charm lies untapped opportunity: transforming them into light-filled, energy-smart homes that honour their past and flourish into the future.
At Terra, we create this balance with design that is beautiful, sustainable, and originally yours. But there's always the big question at the start:
The truth is, every home is unique, and the real value of a renovation isn’t just in the square metres, it’s in transforming your space into a light-filled, energy-smart home that honours its past while thriving into the future. Here's a quick guide of what to expect when planning a renovation and/or extension of your home and why a bespoke design and Energy Efficiency matter, not only for your own comfort but also for the future value of the house.
Every renovation or extension is unique, but here’s a guide to help you plan:
Ground floor extensions: AUD 3,500–6,500/m²
Second storey additions: AUD 4,500–7,500/m²
Internal renovations: AUD 2,000–3,000/m²
Kitchens: AUD 20,000–60,000+
Bathrooms: AUD 25,000–40,000+
Remember to budget for:
Professional fees: 10–20%
Council permits
Contingency: 10–20%, especially for heritage sites
The figures above are indicative only and represent an average for residential extensions and renovations in this area but can become easily higher depending on architectural features and level of finishes. Engaging a builder early in the process can help to control the costs and make sure budget expectations are met.
Architect-designed renovations in Melbourne outperform standard renovations, adding around AUD 256,000 extra in value over 10 years for an average home, or $11.40 for every $1 spent on design fees.
Homes with energy-efficient features in Melbourne sell for 23.8% more (allhomes.com.au).
Adopting Passivhaus standards may carry a 10% premium per square metre, but the value lies in unmatched comfort, long-term energy savings, and growing buyer recognition.
European data suggests properly built Passivhaus homes attract a 3–7% resale premium, with early indications showing similar trends in Australia (ecoarkdesign.com).
Your investment is not just in square metres. It is in transformed living, enhanced comfort, and future value.
Example: 80 m² ground floor extension
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Base cost (80 m² × AUD 5,000) | AUD 400,000 |
| Professional fees (~15%) | AUD 60,000 |
| Permits + contingency (~15%) | AUD 60,000 |
| Total | ~AUD 520,000 |
At Terra, every home tells a story of heritage, warmth, and future readiness. Our design philosophy is grounded in:
Contextual Intelligence – deep knowledge of inner north nuances
Human-Centred Design – homes tailored to how you live
Sustainable Precision – materiality, orientation, and detailing that endure and perform
Discover how thoughtfully crafted, energy-smart design can elevate your home and its value.
Visit www.weareterra.com.au to explore our ethos, process, and past transformations.
Let us design a home that is as smart as it is soulful, beautiful today and invaluable tomorrow.