Behind the Build
Honest insights, expert advice, and real project stories from Dreamline Homes.
Welcome to Behind the Build — a curated space where we share expert guidance, project deep-dives, and practical advice for homeowners navigating renovations, extensions, and heritage restorations in Melbourne. Whether you're mid-project or just starting to explore what’s possible, our goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and inspired to take the next step.
Author: Scott Hammond
Registered Builder
How Long Does a $500k+ Renovation Really Take in Melbourne?
When families ask how long a $500k+ renovation will take, they often hear fragments — “six months for construction” or “a couple of months for permits.” Add them together and it seems simple. But without seeing the whole journey, expectations quickly become unrealistic.
At Dreamline Homes, we take a different approach. We always begin with your completion milestone — whether that’s being in before Christmas, ready for the school year, or celebrating a family event — and we map every stage backwards.
For most families in Melbourne’s North-East, a $500k+ renovation takes 9–13 months without planning permits, and 12–25 months if planning is required. That’s the full picture: design, selections, permits, and construction.
By planning with transparency and care, you know exactly how your renovation will align with your life — and when you can step back into a finished home with confidence.
Move or Renovate? What Melbourne Families Need to Know in 2025
Should you move or renovate? For Melbourne families, it’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll face. This guide compares the real costs, lifestyle trade-offs, and long-term value of each option — with insights from Dreamline Homes on how to decide with confidence.
Design + Build vs Build Only: What’s Best for Your Renovation?
Planning a major renovation in Melbourne’s North-East often raises the question: should you choose a “build only” approach or a “design and build” process? While both can deliver results, they come with very different risks, timelines, and levels of certainty. This guide explains how each model works, where families like Mark and Wendy can run into costly delays, and why more homeowners are choosing design and build for clarity, budget control, and peace of mind.
Why Choosing a Registered Builder Matters in Melbourne
When planning a renovation or extension in Melbourne, choosing a registered and insured builder isn’t just a formality, it’s your family’s protection. From unfinished projects to cost blowouts, the risks of hiring an unregistered builder can be devastating. Discover how one Alphington family found peace of mind and lasting quality with Dreamline Homes; a fully registered, insured, and trusted builder backed by over 45 years of experience.
Why Quality Craftsmanship Matters More Than the Cheapest Quote.
When planning a renovation or extension in Melbourne’s North-East suburbs, it’s tempting to compare quotes and choose the cheapest option. But in building, “cheaper” rarely means “better.” Hidden extras, inferior materials, and inexperienced trades can quickly turn a dream renovation into a stressful, costly experience.
At Dreamline Homes, we believe quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and transparent pricing create far greater value than the lowest quote ever could. With over 45 years of experience across Ivanhoe, Alphington, and Fairfield, our focus is on helping families reimagine the home they love — built to last, with integrity and care at every stage.
What Does a $500k+ Extension & Renovation in Melbourne Really Include?
When families in Melbourne start planning an extension and renovation, the question isn’t just “how much will it cost?” but “what will my investment actually buy?”
At Dreamline Homes, we’ve guided projects from $200k to over $2M. For many, $500k is a powerful entry point — enough to deliver a well-built, functional, and beautiful transformation. For others, investing $800k or $1M+ means layering in premium kitchens, bespoke joinery, and lifestyle-driven upgrades.
Whatever the figure, the key is clarity. Understanding where your money goes, avoiding hidden traps, and working with a builder who applies the same transparency and care at every budget level is what turns a renovation into a legacy investment.
Why You Should Share Your Budget With Your Builder: And How It Helps You
Being upfront about your renovation or construction budget doesn’t limit you—it empowers you. Here’s why transparency with your builder is one of the smartest steps you can take.
What to Expect During a Custom Home Renovation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a renovation but unsure where to start? This guide breaks down the process from the first consult to the final walkthrough—so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
The Hidden Costs of Home Renovations: And How to Budget With Confidence
Renovating your home can be life-changing—but unexpected costs often catch homeowners off guard. Here’s how to plan ahead, avoid common budget blowouts, and invest with confidence in your next renovation.
What to Do When Your Builder Goes Bust: A Homeowner’s Guide to Recovery
When a builder collapses mid-project, the financial and emotional toll is devastating. This guide explains exactly what to do in Victoria: from securing your site and making a Domestic Building Insurance claim, to choosing a trusted completion builder. At Dreamline Homes, we help families stabilise, assess, and rebuild with clarity, care, and fixed-price transparency.
Ready to Turn Inspiration Into Your Dream Home?
You’ve got the ideas — we have the expertise to make them a reality. Let’s talk about your vision, budget, and how we can design and build a home you’ll love for years to come.