On this page you will find information about:
The difference between extensions and renovations General things to consider Engaging contractors The difference between extensions and renovations
An extension is an improvement that adds extra floor area to your property. This is generally building extra rooms or extending current rooms - eg extending a kitchen into the yard.
A renovation is considered to be any improvement that doesn’t add additional floor area to your property. This can include:
- redecorating and painting
- roof restoration
- replacing floor coverings - eg carpeting
- re-cladding
- retiling
- kitchen or bathroom remodelling
- window replacements
- installation of home improvements - eg roller shutters, solar panels, rainwater tanks.
Adding an extension or carrying out renovations can add extra value to your home, but you should assess the point at which it would be unwise to invest further in the property to avoid over-capitalising. This is when the amount of money you put into the property is more than its expected or actual sale price.
You can get a good idea of your property’s current value by:
- asking real estate agents to give a valuation
- looking at ads for similar properties in similar areas
- accessing information online about house sales that have occurred in a nominated suburb within the last two years
- checking your property’s valuation details - eg on council rates notices, SA Water notices.
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General things to consider
You can choose to carry out the work yourself, with the exception of specialist work - eg plumbing, gas fitting or electrical work, or you may decide to engage contractors to carry out all or some of the work for you.
If you choose to carry out some or all of the work yourself your responsibilities are much the same as an
owner builder.
Before you can begin construction you will need to create a plan or drawing for the work. An architect or draftsperson can help you design your home or you may decide to do this yourself.
Things you should take into consideration at this stage include:
Once your plans are complete and have the detailed measurements and features of the property, you will need to give them to your builder and to the relevant authorities for approval - eg local council.
Before you start construction you should:
- get preliminary approval for finance, if applicable
- get preliminary advice from a building designer, architect or builder with regards to the feasibility of your plans - eg proposed materials to be used, structural integrity
- consider how your family will manage during construction - eg will the bathroom be usable or will you need to consider an alternative
- make sure that your current home insurance will cover you during construction
- consider what the expected weather conditions are for the duration of the project and whether this will effect the date of completion for the extension.
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Engaging contractors
Although you can choose to carry out most of the work yourself you must engage a
licensed professional to carry out any specialist work required, including:
If the work is valued at less than $12,000 you don’t need to enter into a domestic building work contract with a builder or have
building indemnity insurance in place during construction.
If the work is valued at $12,000 or more you will need to:
- enter into a domestic building work contract with your builder
- get a signed certificate of completion from all contractors you employ when their work has been finished
- ensure your builder has building indemnity insurance in place if council approval is required for your extension or renovation.
Once your renovation or extension is finished, you will need to have it inspected by a professional building work supervisor or building surveyor to have a certificate of compliance signed.
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More information
On this site
Loans and mortgages Residential building regulations Permanent Survey Marks Energy efficiency Other websites
Renovator's guide - Your Home
Downloads Building extending or renovating home (PDF 2.2MB)
For an alternative version of this document contact
Consumer and Business Services consumer affairs.
A guide to building or renovating your ideal home (PDF 162KB)
For an alternative version of this document contact
Planning general enquiries.