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Single Storey Extensions for Homes in Melbourne

Specialists in customised single storey and ground floor extensions

When the size of your home no longer works for your family and lifestyle needs, but you don’t want to leave your preferred neighbourhood, adding a single storey extension to your Melbourne property can be an excellent option.

Often, a simple home renovation project won’t accommodate a growing family’s preferences, or a love of entertaining and hosting guests. Extra bedrooms and bathrooms, more living, working and entertaining areas or more storage space are usually top priorities, but they can be difficult to fit into your existing floor plan. If there’s simply not enough room for everybody and everything in your home, a ground floor extension could be the perfect solution, allowing you to stay put while enjoying the many benefits of a larger home in Melbourne.

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Love where you live

There are many advantages to staying in your current home and the area you live in. Adding a single storey extension to your Melbourne home means you won’t need to look for another property, pay for moving costs or take the time to settle into a new suburb. If you and your family already love the area you live in, building a single storey extension so you can stay in your beloved neighbourhood may be the best choice.

Improve your lifestyle

Opting for a single storey extension in Melbourne can make a big difference to how you use your home, and getting the whole family involved so everyone has a say in the end result can be fun and rewarding. Even a small ground floor extension will positively affect your home’s appearance, functionality and livability, helping to improve your daily life.
Port Melbourne Spring street demolition, renovation and extensions - diagonal view of bedroom with ample light and windows

Create your dream abode

Custom-built single storey home extensions specifically designed for your family’s lifestyle, and filled with creative finishing touches that make the new spaces your own can deliver your dream home. When your family has enough space to accommodate their changing interests, priorities and developmental stages in a home they love, they can grow and thrive.
Kitchen renovation, Wheelers Hill, Melbourne

Increased value

Adding to your home isn’t just about convenience and lifestyle. A new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or even a laundry extension is also a substantial asset, boosting the overall value of your home and representing a wise financial investment.

Hawthorn East project rear exterior alfresco

Endless options

Versatile, flexible and adaptable, single storey extensions offer limitless possibilities for Melbourne homeowners to reimagine their spaces. Turn your kitchen, living and dining rooms into an open, spacious entertainment area, create an extra bedroom that doubles as a home cinema, or enjoy a peaceful home office or studio away from the bustle of family life. You may not even need to move out while we’re working—building a single storey home extension doesn’t have to disrupt your life!
Glen Iris extension and renovation - bathroom

Build with the experts

With over 50 years of experience, hundreds of customised single storey home extensions and many home building awards under our belts, Spacemaker is the logical choice to transform your Melbourne property. We love helping families change their lifestyles for the better simply by adding a home extension that is tailored to their needs and wants. 

Why embark on a single storey extension?

Every project is different, but our clients often come to us seeking a ground floor extension in Melbourne for additions and features including:

Hawthorn East project living room
  • More entertaining space (either inside or out).
  • A light-filled studio.
  • A powder room with convenient access from living areas.
  • A work-from-home space or office.
  • An alfresco dining area (effectively adding an extra living space).
  • An additional bathroom.
Bathroom
  • A relaxation zone, such as a home theatre.
  • Better storage.
  • A bigger, more efficient kitchen.
  • A butler’s pantry.
  • An ensuite and walk-in robe attached to the main bedroom.
  • A parents’ retreat. 
Malvern extensions and renovation - the diagonal view outside of the house from the pool, looking in

Save on moving costs

Giving your existing home a facelift is often a more cost-effective solution than a new build or buying a bigger house. The costs of moving, such as stamp duty, advertising, agent fees, conveyancing and removalist hire, are sometimes greater than 8% of the home’s value. This money could be better spent on extending your existing home without the hassle and stress of moving.

A single storey extension is also often more affordable than building a second storey extension. While the foundation needs to be solid, less serious structural work is required to accommodate an extended ground floor.

Getting the right team on board to undertake single storey home extensions in Melbourne is crucial. Our designers work with you to create a plan that effortlessly complements your existing home. House extensions and renovations give you the freedom to unleash your personality and creativity throughout your home. 

Spacemaker has numerous loyal clients who have enjoyed building with us so much that they have confidently returned to repeat the process when they move on to their next home.

A ground floor extension introduces a new dimension of space that can be personalised to your taste and style. For example, you can create your dream kitchen with an expansive area bathed in natural light that is ideal for cooking, dining and hosting guests. Whether your extension integrates harmoniously with your current home structure or becomes a striking contemporary addition, it will enhance your property’s functionality and visual appeal.
Single storey home extensions are appealing for families with young children for whom stairs are a hazard or older household members who may find climbing to the second floor challenging. Ground floor houses can also be more easily adapted for those with mobility issues or other special needs.

From the first visit with our designer to the final finishing touches on your new space, you can be confident that Spacemaker will handle the entire process efficiently and professionally, always with a friendly, personal touch. Spacemaker is a full-service design and construct builder, so before starting work on your single storey home extension, we handle all the planning and building permits and approvals that are needed.

We are accustomed to working with local councils and are familiar with planning requirements such as heritage overlays and water-sensitive urban design. We also deal with provisions and permissions that are specific to your property. 

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Impressive ground floor extensions in Melbourne residences

Browse our completed single storey home extension projects and be inspired by the craftsmanship of our expert builders.

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Circa 1900s-era to ultra-modern Camberwell home

Although the owners were happy with the size of their living spaces, they wanted to update their home’s functionality to better suit their modern Australian lifestyle. The Spacemaker team demolished the split-level kitchen, dining and living areas to create a practical open-plan design. We also completely overhauled the home’s exterior, replacing weatherboards, timber trims and gable details, enhancing the aesthetics while increasing durability.
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Refreshing home makeover in Glen Huntly

The single storey extension our team added to this Glen Huntly home over 28 weeks transformed it into a cutting-edge, practical space customised to the owners’ needs. The extension features a spacious kitchen with ample storage, a bathroom upgrade into a stylish ensuite, an updated laundry room and a contemporary dining room designed for comfort.
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Merging classic with contemporary in Brunswick West

Our team maintained this beautiful home’s classic charm, including its distinctive stained-glass windows and wooden floorboards, while expanding the space to accommodate a growing family. This custom ground floor extension gave the owners a spacious five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence complete with two living areas, an ultra-modern kitchen, and new decking for outdoor enjoyment.
This brilliant Brunswick West home was an entrant in the Master Builders Association (MBA) and Housing Industry Association (HIA) awards in Victoria.
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Why choose a single storey extension over a two storey extension?

Deciding whether to undertake a single storey or a double storey extension can be influenced by several factors. These include your block size, planning constraints, overall goal for the project and budget.

Here are some other factors to consider: 

Hawthorn extension and renovations - kitchen and lounge area

Advantages of a single storey extension

  • A great option if you want to expand specific zones, including living areas and outdoor entertainment spaces.
  • Simpler construction.
  • Usually more affordable.
  • Typically requires less engineering work.
Glen Iris extension and renovation - view of house from lawn

Single storey extension disadvantages

  • The result often means less garden and floor space than a two storey extension.
  • Less flexibility to move living spaces around. For example, you can’t move the bedrooms upstairs to make more living space downstairs.
  • Sometimes a ground floor extension may add less value to your property than a two storey extension.
  • May not be a long-term solution if you plan to expand your family.
caulfield south project thumb

Advantages of a two storey extension

  • Maximises space, allowing you to extend rooms and also change rooms around.

  • Provides a long-term space solution for a growing family.

  • Increased property value.

  • Extra upstairs space for an office, an extra bedroom or additional storage.

  • Increase the size of your home without sacrificing valuable garden area.

Hawthorn home in heritage overlay

Disadvantages of a two storey extension

  • Potential complaints from neighbours if the extension affects their light and view.
  • Local council planning restrictions relating to height and size limits.
  • Often involves more engineering, plumbing, electrical and structural analysis to ensure the upper floor meets safety requirements.

Ideas for rear single storey extensions

The possibilities are endless when it comes to rear single storey extension ideas. You may have a specific look you wish to achieve which will influence the design of the extension and materials you use.

Rear ground floor extension features

Whatever the reason for your rear single storey extension in Melbourne, Spacemaker will guide you through the process to ensure the design meets your specific needs and wants. 

Here are some ideas and features to consider:

  • If you have a large garden area, opt for a long rear extension which will elongate the entire depth and rear living area of your home.
  • Wall-to-wall windows or skylights are a great way to welcome more natural light.
  • Incorporate bi-folding doors or a canopy to add an alfresco dining area where the indoors seamlessly blends with the outdoors.
  • Ventilation with louvre-style panels is a creative way to add more air and shade to your home.
  • A flat roof in conjunction with steel or timber adds a modern feel to your home, while a pitched roof with reclaimed bricks can create a traditional look.

For more inspiration and ideas, browse through our recent single storey home extension projects. 

Why choose Spacemaker for a single storey home extension in Melbourne?

Spacemaker has specialised in custom home renovations and extensions for over 50 years, and has a reputation as one of Melbourne’s most reliable, trustworthy and respected builders. Our multiple industry awards and hundreds of satisfied clients demonstrate our experience, commitment to quality and excellent customer service. 

We are proud of our achievements, but our greatest satisfaction comes from working with our clients to identify their needs and tailor a solution that perfectly suits their properties and lifestyles.

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Award-winning team with an impeccable reputation

Spacemaker’s talented and dedicated design and construction team has regularly helped us win major industry awards over the past 50 years. Our staff are long-term building professionals who care about you and your goals and take immense pride in the final result.

If you are considering a renovation, single storey extension, second storey extension or custom new home, Spacemaker’s friendly, knowledgeable design team can guide you through the decision-making process.

Clear communication and collaboration with you

We have multiple meetings with you to listen to and understand your vision so we can provide innovative design ideas that match your living requirements and budget. Our process also includes detailed documentation and extensive site investigations.

For greater peace of mind, we also offer genuine fixed prices. This transparency of process means you know exactly what is, and what is not included before construction begins.    

Learn more about our simple six step process.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Single Storey Home Extensions

Can I build on top of a single storey extension in Melbourne?

Yes, you can convert your single storey extension to a double storey extension. However, you will need to ensure that your home has adequate foundations to accommodate the additional floor. You may also need to consider the house’s age and condition, ensuring that your plans for the extension comply with all local council planning regulations. When engaging Spacemaker to help you with your extension project, we can assist you with the extension and renovation recommendations that will be most suitable for your existing home.
You may need planning permission for a ground floor extension in Melbourne. Each local government area has its own rules about permits for any form of building or renovation work. If you engage Spacemaker for your home extension project, we will help you determine what permits you need to apply for.

Planning permission does not strictly relate to the size of an extension in Melbourne. It can be required for any extension if your local council deems it necessary. While building a ground floor extension is an exciting way to enhance your home’s space and functionality, navigating regulations about extension size can be tricky. The rules vary depending on your location, local council requirements and property specifics, and each local government area has its own town planning restrictions. These can include heritage overlays or design and development overlays, which may require permission to be sought for an extension of any size. It’s crucial to ensure compliance with council guidelines and building regulations to avoid setbacks. Having your heart set on a design that doesn’t meet them can lead to unnecessary delays and additional costs. 

Always consult with local authorities or a qualified professional for a smooth process. We recommend that you speak with your local council to check planning permission requirements in your area. Land.vic is an excellent resource for planning permits. The Spacemaker team handles the entire process and paperwork involved for planning permission approval for our clients in Melbourne.

The cost of a single storey extension in Melbourne can vary depending on the type of extension, the design and materials required. Speak to us regarding your single or ground floor extension project to request a quote.
The cost of a ground floor extension of the home and other related dwellings, including garages, lofts and granny flats, can vary significantly depending on factors including the size, the type of extension, the design and the materials used. Our single storey house extensions start from $200,000. Spacemaker are experts in this area, and we provide in-depth recommendations, detailed design concepts and accurate quotes to ensure each project is delivered to the highest standards whilst remaining on budget.
No, you do not need an architect for a single storey house extension project in Melbourne. Some homeowners choose to hire an architect for design ideas, but this is entirely their preference. Spacemaker is a full-service design and construction builder, which means you can avoid the cost of engaging an architect. We take care of all the design and planning processes with you to ensure your ground floor home extension is within your budget and achieves the goals you have in mind for you and your family.

Engage an award-winning builder for single storey home extensions in Melbourne

If you feel a single storey extension could be the right choice for your Melbourne property, our award-winning team can offer complete peace of mind—your new ground floor extension project will be carefully planned, cleverly designed and expertly constructed to meet your individual needs.

Spacemaker specialises in single storey house extensions across the Melbourne metro area, including Port Melbourne, Glen Iris, Brighton, Ringwood, Blackburn and the city’s inner suburbs. To find out more about our approach to designing and delivering a single storey home extension your family will love, contact us today.

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