Custom Home Builders in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Building, Renovating & Extending with Quality & Confidence

If you’re planning a custom home, renovation, or extension in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia —or nearby Greensborough, Kew, Thornbury, or Northcote—this guide explains how our process works and why clients choose CDK for high-quality craftsmanship.

Why choose CDK as your builder

• Specialists in building, renovating, and extending: We deliver custom homes as well as extensions and renovations tailored to your lifestyle.

• We work with your architect from as early as concept stage: Our early engagement service is crucial to achieving a smooth process from the early concept design right through to handover. This ensures we work closely with you architect to achieve the most efficient and cost effective design to suit your needs.

• Connections to trusted professionals: If you don’t yet have plans, we can connect you with experienced architects and engineers from our extensive list of professionals we trust.

• Upfront, transparent inclusions: No guesswork—our fixed-price contracts make costs clear.

• Local knowledge: Familiar with council requirements and site conditions across Melbourne’s inner north/east so we can identify those potential issues well before the project is underway.
  

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Budget & finance (start smart)
   Define your priorities (size, finishes, sustainability, timeline).
   We provide cost guidance from day one.
   

2. Site review & feasibility
   We review orientation, slope, soil, and overlays that affect cost.
   Early advice on council pathways in areas like Banyule, Darebin, and Boroondara.
   

3. Architectural design (via your architect)
   Most clients work with their own architect to develop concepts. Our early engagement service can happen at any stage of the design phase.
   We can recommend trusted architects if you need one.
   

4. Detailed documentation
   Once plans are prepared, we ensure engineering, energy reports, and specifications are reviewed thoroughly and any grey areas are cleared up.
   Comprehensive inclusions schedule (fixtures, finishes, allowances) provided.
   

5. Fixed-price contract & approvals
   Scope, inclusions, and timeline are confirmed.
   Fixed-price building contract locks in clarity.
   We coordinate building permits and approvals.
   

6. Construction (from slab to completion)
   Stages: site prep → slab → frame → lock-up → fix → completion.
   Weekly updates with photos and site walkthroughs.
   

7. Handover & aftercare
   Quality inspection, rectifications, and warranty pack before move-in.
   Ongoing support long after completion.
   

What we specialize in

• Luxury custom homes built to your architect’s plans

• High-quality renovations and extensions

• Early Engagement services in design phase for cost management peace of mind

• Fixed-price contracts for peace of mind
  

FAQs

• Do you manage building permits and approvals?
  Yes. While building permits and approvals must legally be delivered through a registered Building Surveyor engaged by the client, as your luxury builder in Melbourne, we guide you every step of the way. Our experienced team ensures the process is smooth and stress-free, making sure all building permits and documentation for your new home, knockdown rebuild, extension, or renovation are in order.

• Can you build from my architect’s plans?
  Absolutely. As an architectural builder and custom builder in Melbourne, we can work seamlessly with your architect’s plans. Provided you have the required engineering drawings, soil reports, energy reports, and other documentation required by the building surveyor, we’ll deliver a high-quality, family-friendly home that reflects your vision. Our team specialises in translating architectural plans into stunning, high-end homes, additions, and extensions.

• What if I don’t have plans yet?
  Not a problem. We have an extensive network of leading architects and designers across Melbourne. Because every family, lifestyle, and build is unique, we take care to match you with the right architect for your vision, whether it’s a luxury new home, a custom renovation, a modern family-friendly extension, or a high-end knockdown rebuild. This ensures your project reaches its full potential with the right design foundations in place.

• What drives cost the most in a custom build?
  The biggest cost drivers in any architectural build are labour and scale. Larger homes or complex installation methods can increase timelines and budgets. As a high-end custom builder in Melbourne, we collaborate closely with architects early in the process to keep design, construction, and costs aligned with your goals. Whether it’s a luxury new home, a family-friendly renovation, or a detailed extension, our early engagement service ensures quality outcomes without unnecessary blowouts.

Ready to build?

Speak with our team about your custom build, renovation, or extension.
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