Home Renovations Fitzroy
Fitzroy Homes,
Reimagined
Complete home renovations in Fitzroy and across Melbourne for over 20 years, from a single room to the whole house. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy.
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 Fitzroy
Fitzroy is often called Melbourne’s first suburb, with land sold as early as 1839, and it is packed with Victorian terraces, workers’ cottages and converted warehouses, mostly on narrow blocks with tiny backyards and rear lane access. Much of the suburb is covered by heritage precincts in the Yarra Planning Scheme.
That shapes most of our Fitzroy home renovations: reworking dark, narrow interiors with skylights and open rear living, fitting modern bathrooms into small footprints, and repairing the brickwork, floors and plaster that older homes need. The City of Yarra generally requires a planning permit for external changes in heritage precincts, so we plan for approvals, tight access and neighbours on both sides.
Fitzroy at a Glance
- Postcode
- Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Council
- City of Yarra
- From the CBD
- About 2 km north-east
- Typical Homes
- Victorian terraces
- Workers’ cottages
- Warehouse conversions
- Apartments
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,450,000
- Median unit price$811,000
- House rent$998 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 a Fitzroy Home
Heritage
Heritage Precincts and Gradings
Fitzroy has several heritage precincts in the Yarra Planning Scheme, including South Fitzroy (HO334) and precincts along Brunswick Street and Smith Street. Properties are graded as individually significant, contributory or not contributory, and the grading affects what changes council is likely to approve. We check your home’s grading first.
Permits
Victorian Heritage Register Places
Some Fitzroy buildings, such as Glass Terrace on Gertrude Street, are on the Victorian Heritage Register. Work on these needs a permit from Heritage Victoria, which can cover internal changes as well as external. We check whether your property is on the register before planning any work.
Neighbours
Party Walls and Protection Work
Fitzroy terraces share walls with their neighbours. Building work close to or on a shared wall may need protection work notices under the building permit process, and neighbours need notice. We handle this early so it doesn’t delay the job, and keep neighbours informed throughout.
Planning
Building Within the Boundaries
Fitzroy blocks are narrow and short, with neighbours on both sides and a laneway or another house behind. Extensions usually go on or near boundaries and must meet siting rules for height, overshadowing and overlooking. Rear lane access, and whether a garage or carport opens onto the lane, also shapes the design. We work around these rules from the start.
Structure
Second Storeys in Heritage Streets
Adding an upper level to a single-storey Fitzroy cottage is possible in many cases, but in a heritage precinct the City of Yarra usually wants it set back so the original facade still reads clearly from the street. We design with this in mind so the plans have a realistic chance of approval.
Materials
Repairing Old Brick and Plaster
Fitzroy’s older terraces often need repairs to soft brick, lime mortar, cracked plaster and timber floors. Using compatible materials, such as lime-based mortar for old brickwork, helps the building last. We assess the condition of the house before quoting, so repairs are included in the price.
Get a Free Home Estimate in Fitzroy
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy
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 Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy
Fitzroy (3065) is about 2 km north-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate homes in Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy home in a heritage overlay?
It is quite likely, as much of Fitzroy is covered by heritage precincts in the Yarra Planning Scheme. You can check your address through the Victorian Government’s planning property report, and we confirm the overlay and your home’s grading at the start, because that affects what changes are likely to be approved.
Can I extend my Fitzroy terrace?
In most cases, with the new rooms at the back. In a heritage precinct, the City of Yarra generally requires a planning permit, and the extension has to meet siting rules on a narrow block. Party walls may need protection work. We design the extension to suit the terrace and the neighbours.
Can I add a second storey to a Fitzroy cottage?
In many cases, yes, but it usually needs to sit back from the street in a heritage precinct. It will need a building permit and usually a planning permit, and the original walls and footings need checking to carry the extra load. We look at all of this at the first visit.
Can I stay in my Fitzroy home during the renovation?
For a rear extension, many owners stay in the front rooms while the back of the house is rebuilt, and we seal off the work area. For larger work, such as a second storey or a full renovation, moving out for part of the job is usually easier, and we talk this through at the first visit.
What should I focus on when renovating a Fitzroy home to sell or lease?
Fitzroy buyers are usually drawn to the character of a Victorian terrace or a converted warehouse, so original details like cast iron lacework, fireplaces and exposed brick are worth repairing rather than covering up. Common problems are rising damp, cracked walls, old wiring and a cramped rear lean-to. Fix those and present the rooms well. Because much of Fitzroy is in heritage precincts, keep external work modest unless you have time for permits.
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.