Home Renovations Cremorne
Cremorne Homes,
Reimagined
Complete home renovations in Cremorne and across Melbourne for over 20 years, from a single room to the whole house. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your Cremorne Home, Done Properly
Hi, I’m Tony Simonovski, owner and founder of our family-run business, Smarter Home Renovations. Established in early 2002, we have over 20 years of professional experience in carpentry, construction, design and home renovations in Cremorne.
What Our Clients Say
5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 25 reviews
Exceptional service at reasonable prices!
“We can't recommend Tony and his team enough and we're very grateful for their service. From the onset of the quote, Tony was very professional and clear about what was included. The team were prompt, tidy and the quality of the workmanship was excellent. We will definitely be using Tony and the team again for future renovations.”
Great Experience
“I really can't say enough good things about Smarter Home Renovations! Tony and Milan were wonderful to deal with. They explained every detail of the process and were very responsive with the questions I had along the way. Their attention to detail was outstanding and they really worked hard to make it a great experience for me. Workmanship was great quality, their work ethic was solid and presentation was very professional. I'm extremely pleased with my renovations and would not hesitate to recommend their workmanship. Thanks again.”
Professional all the way
“We initially talked to Smarter Home Renovations due to their reputation and experience. Plus we were referred to them through someone who had already updated their laundry and they were rapt. Tony was personable, a good listener and made sure he understood our needs. He was very flexible in negotiations, ensuring a win-win outcome. The team were highly professional and excellent communicators making sure the work was completed on schedule and to budget. We now have an attractive and spacious family home which we have no intention of leaving! My wife and I would not hesitate to recommend Tony from Smarter Home Renovations.”
Renovating Homes in Cremorne
Cremorne’s homes are mostly small single-fronted Victorian cottages on narrow lots, many with almost no yard and rear lane access, surrounded by offices, warehouses and new apartments. With commercial buildings close by, light, privacy and noise are all part of the brief, and space is always the challenge. Many cottages have changed little inside since early renovations.
Cremorne home renovations often involve reworking the rear of tiny cottages for open living, adding an upper level or loft where planning allows, using skylights and internal courtyards for light, and improving acoustic and thermal insulation. Parts of Cremorne are under Heritage Overlays, and the City of Yarra generally requires a planning permit for external changes in those areas, so we plan for approvals and tight access from day one.
Cremorne at a Glance
- Postcode
- Cremorne VIC 3121
- Council
- City of Yarra
- From the CBD
- About 3 km south-east
- Typical Homes
- Victorian workers’ cottages
- Single-fronted terraces
- Warehouse apartments
- New apartments
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,215,000
- Median unit price$627,000
- House rent$850 a week
- Unit rent$700 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
What to Plan For When Renovating in Cremorne
Heritage
Thomas Bent’s Cremorne Estate
Much of residential Cremorne grew from the 1885 Cremorne Estate subdivision on the site of the old Cremorne Gardens, and the Cremorne heritage precinct protects its cottages, bluestone kerbs and laneways. Extensions, demolition and visible changes generally need a planning permit. We check the controls and plan designs that respect the streetscape.
Design
Going Up on a Narrow Lot
With little room to extend at ground level, many Cremorne owners consider a loft or second storey. In the heritage precinct, upper levels are usually set back from the street and kept modest in height. We test the design against heritage policy and neighbour impacts before you commit.
Insulation
Noise From Roads and Offices
Cremorne sits between busy Punt Road, Swan Street, Church Street and the freeway along the river, with offices and new developments nearby. Acoustic insulation in walls and ceilings, double or laminated glazing and well-sealed doors make a real difference. We include these in the plan from the start.
Access
Bluestone Laneway Access
Many Cremorne cottages have rear lanes, some still paved in bluestone, but they are often narrow and shared. Materials and skip bins may need to come through the lane or the front door. We check lane access and work with the City of Yarra on any permits needed for skips or occupation.
Neighbours
Shared Walls and Close Neighbours
Cremorne cottages often share walls or sit on the boundary, so extensions can affect neighbours’ walls, light and footings. Old party walls between single-fronted cottages may also sit on shallow footings. Protection work notices may be needed under Victoria’s building rules. We involve the building surveyor and engineer early and keep neighbours informed about the work.
Get a Free Home Estimate in Cremorne
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Cremorne home.
- 1Tell us about your project
Two quick steps. It takes about two minutes.
- 2We call you back
Tony will be in touch within one business day to talk through your ideas.
- 3Free on-site consultation
We visit, measure up and listen to how you want the space to work.
- 4Fixed-price quote
A detailed, itemised quote. What we quote is what you pay.
No obligation, no pressure
Family-run since 2002. Your estimate is free and your details are never shared with third parties.
Your Home Renovations in Cremorne
Living Areas & Open Plan
Knock out walls, open up floor plans, upgrade flooring and lighting, transforming how your family uses the heart of your home.
Extensions & Additions
Need more space? We design and build home extensions that integrate seamlessly with your existing structure, inside and out.
Flooring & Finishes
Timber, tiles, polished concrete or carpet; we supply and install quality flooring, paired with painting and plastering to match.
Built-In Joinery
Custom wardrobes, entertainment units, bookshelves and storage walls, built to your exact dimensions and finished to a high standard.
Electrical & Lighting
Updated power points, new light fittings, downlights, dimmer switches and data cabling, all by licensed electricians.
Painting & Plastering
Interior and exterior painting, skim coating, patching and full repaint, finished with precision and cleaned up completely.
Your Cremorne Home in 5 Steps
Meet & Greet
We get to know you and your specific needs. And you find out more about us to make sure we are a good fit.
Consult & Design
We ask lots of questions to understand your ideal outcome for your project. We discuss layout, budget, colours and more.
Quote
A comprehensive quotation outlining all the details, costs and timelines to complete your project.
Construct & Manage
Time to get to work with all our suppliers and trades to construct your project and deliver it as promised.
Deliver
We strive to deliver your project on time and on budget. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction from start to finish.
Home Renovations In and Around Cremorne
Cremorne (3121) is about 3 km south-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate homes in Cremorne and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Home Renovations MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
Is my Cremorne home in a heritage overlay?
Many Cremorne homes are, as the Cremorne heritage precinct covers a large part of the residential streets. Your VicPlan planning report shows whether your property is affected. Heritage controls mainly cover external changes, demolition and new additions. We check your property before design.
Can I add a second storey to my Cremorne cottage?
Sometimes, with careful design. In heritage areas, upper levels are usually set back from the street so the original cottage front stays prominent. A planning permit and a building permit are needed. Overlooking, overshadowing and neighbour impacts also matter. We assess feasibility before you commit.
Can we live in our Cremorne home during the renovation?
For smaller jobs, sometimes, with the work area sealed off. For extensions or second storeys, most owners move out for part of the build, as small cottages leave little room to live around the work. We plan stages and tell you when the home will be unusable.
How long do approvals take for a Cremorne renovation?
It depends on the scope. Internal work may only need a building permit, while extensions in the heritage precinct need a planning permit first, which can take months. We prepare the drawings and information council needs and include approvals in your program.
Is a renovation worth doing before selling a Cremorne cottage?
In Cremorne, buyers often look for a cottage that has kept its character but works for modern living. Repainting, repairing floors, updating the kitchen or bathroom and improving insulation may be enough before listing. A major extension takes months and permits, so it usually suits owners planning to stay. Original fireplaces and timber floors are worth keeping.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
No matter the project, our team has the right solution. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let's get your renovation underway.