Home Renovations Doncaster
Doncaster Homes,
Reimagined
Complete home renovations in Doncaster and across Melbourne for over 20 years, from a single room to the whole house. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your Doncaster 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 Doncaster.
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 Doncaster
Doncaster sits on an elevated plateau, and its homes are mostly 1960s to 1980s brick veneer houses built as the orchards were subdivided, many on large, sloping blocks with city views. Townhouses and newer double-storey homes have replaced some originals, and apartments have grown around Westfield Doncaster on Doncaster Hill. The older houses are solid, but their layouts, kitchens and bathrooms show their age.
Common home renovation projects in Doncaster include opening up closed-off rooms, renovating kitchens and bathrooms, and making better use of sloping sites with decks or lower-level living. Sloping blocks need careful planning for drainage and footings, and a few older houses along Doncaster Road are in the Heritage Overlay, so we confirm permit requirements with Manningham City Council before work starts.
Doncaster at a Glance
- Postcode
- Doncaster VIC 3108
- Council
- Manningham City Council
- From the CBD
- About 14 km east
- Typical Homes
- 1960s to 1980s brick veneer homes
- Split-level homes on sloping blocks
- Double-storey family homes
- Townhouses and units
- Apartments around Doncaster Hill
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,504,000
- Median unit price$660,500
- House rent$830 a week
- Unit rent$650 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Renovating or Extending in Doncaster: What to Plan For
Slope
Building on Sloping Blocks
Many Doncaster blocks fall towards the street or the rear, so an extension may need stepped footings, retaining walls or a suspended floor. The site levels shape where new rooms can go and how they connect to the existing house without awkward steps. We survey the levels early and plan the drainage around the new structure.
Heritage
Heritage Houses on Doncaster Road
A small number of Doncaster houses, including early homes linked to orchard families along Doncaster Road, are in Manningham’s Heritage Overlay. Most of the suburb is not. Where an overlay applies, external changes and demolition generally need a planning permit. We check the planning scheme for your address before any design work.
Drainage
Stormwater on Hillside Sites
On sloping Doncaster sites, new roofs and paving add stormwater that has to reach a legal point of discharge, usually a street drain or an easement. Where the block falls away from the street, an easement drain or another approved solution may be needed. We get the council’s drainage information early because it can shape the design.
Flooding
Overland Flow in Storms
The SES lists Doncaster among the Manningham locations at risk of flooding, mainly from overland flow in heavy storms. Parts of the suburb may be covered by a Special Building Overlay, which can require a planning permit and minimum floor levels for an extension. We check your property report before designing so the floor heights are right.
Layout
Reworking 1970s Floor Plans
Doncaster homes from the 1970s and 1980s often have formal lounge and dining rooms at the front and a small family room at the back. Reworking the plan can turn the front rooms into a study or guest suite and open the rear to the garden. That can reduce how much new floor area you need to build.
Privacy
Upper Levels and Overlooking
A second storey on a Doncaster house can open up views, but it may also look into neighbouring yards. Planning rules limit overlooking and overshadowing, and a planning permit may be needed depending on the zone and lot size. We design window positions, sill heights and screening to suit the rules while keeping as much of your outlook as possible.
Get a Free Home Estimate in Doncaster
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Doncaster 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 Doncaster
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 Doncaster 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 Doncaster
Doncaster (3108) is about 14 km east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate homes in Doncaster 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 Doncaster house heritage listed?
Most Doncaster homes are not. A small number of older houses, mainly along Doncaster Road and associated with the suburb’s orchard families, are in the Heritage Overlay. Your VicPlan property report shows whether any overlay applies. If one does, external alterations and demolition generally need a planning permit from Manningham City Council.
Can we add a lower level under our sloping Doncaster house?
Sometimes. Where the block falls away, space beneath the house can become a rumpus room, studio or storage, but it needs excavation, engineered footings or retaining walls, waterproofing and enough ceiling height. A building permit is required. We assess the soil, site levels and drainage before suggesting it as an option.
Can we stay in our Doncaster home during an extension?
For many rear or side extensions, yes, with the new work closed off until the two parts are joined. Second storey additions involve opening the roof and are more disruptive, so a short move-out is common. We plan the stages with you, contain dust and clean up the work area every day.
Do we need a planning permit to extend in Doncaster?
It depends on the zone, any overlays and the size of the work. Many single-storey extensions only need a building permit, but heritage, flood or design overlays, or a second storey on a smaller lot, can require a planning permit from Manningham City Council. We look up the controls on your lot before any drawings are done.
Should we renovate before selling our Doncaster home?
Major work such as an extension takes months, so it rarely suits a sale. For a 1970s or 1980s Doncaster home, repairing obvious defects, painting, replacing worn carpet, updating lighting and tidying the garden and driveway usually present it well. Buyers planning their own renovation may prefer a sound original home they can change to suit themselves.
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.