Home Renovations Kew
Kew Homes,
Reimagined
Complete home renovations in Kew and across Melbourne for over 20 years, from a single room to the whole house. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your Kew 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 Kew.
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 Kew
Kew has some of Melbourne’s finest Victorian, Federation and interwar architecture, set among established gardens and wide streets, along with Modernist houses near Yarra Boulevard and apartments closer to the main roads. Many large homes have had several rounds of additions, leaving awkward layouts, dark middle rooms and poor thermal performance. Postwar homes tend to be simpler brick houses with more room to extend.
That shapes how we approach home renovations in Kew: rebuilding rear extensions as open family living, adding a second storey set back from the street, restoring period facades, joinery and plasterwork, and upgrading insulation, glazing and heating throughout. Heritage Overlays cover large parts of Kew, so planning permits from the City of Boroondara are a regular part of the process, along with building permits for structural work.
Kew at a Glance
- Postcode
- Kew VIC 3101
- Council
- City of Boroondara
- From the CBD
- About 7 km east
- Typical Homes
- Federation and Edwardian homes
- Interwar homes
- Victorian villas
- Apartments and townhouses
- Property Market
- Median house price$2,604,000
- Median unit price$980,000
- House rent$1,200 a week
- Unit rent$650 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 Kew
Heritage
Heritage Precincts Across Kew
Kew has many Heritage Overlay precincts in the Boroondara Planning Scheme, including Barry Street, Barrington Avenue, Walmer Street and Yarra Boulevard, along with individually listed houses. Heritage controls mainly cover external changes and demolition. Extensions are usually possible, but they are designed to respect the original house and the streetscape.
Planning
Significant or Contributory
Within a Kew heritage precinct, each property is graded, usually as significant, contributory or non-contributory. The grading affects how much change council is likely to support, particularly to the front of the house and the roof. We check your property’s grading early because it shapes the whole design.
Permits
Near the Yarra River
Properties close to the Yarra in Kew may be covered by permanent Yarra River corridor controls, a Design and Development Overlay and a Significant Landscape Overlay, which manage siting, height and vegetation. Melbourne Water is generally a referral authority within 100 metres of the river, and some low-lying land has a flood overlay. We check these for your address.
Slope
Steep Sites in Studley Park
Homes on the Studley Park side of Kew can sit on steep slopes, which affects footings, access and where an extension can go. Retaining walls, suspended floors and crane or small-machine access may be needed. We assess the site at your property so the design and quote reflect how the block falls.
Structure
Second Storeys Set Back
Adding upstairs bedrooms is common in Kew, but in a heritage area a second storey is usually set well back from the front so it is less visible from the street. The existing structure of a period home needs careful assessment. We plan the structure, stairs and services so the addition sits comfortably with the original house.
Materials
Restoring Period Detail
Ornate cornices, ceiling roses, fireplaces, leadlight and original timber floors are worth keeping in Kew’s older homes. During a renovation we protect what stays and repair what’s damaged, while bringing wiring, plumbing and insulation up to modern standards behind the scenes. Heritage controls generally don’t cover interiors, so these choices are usually yours.
Get a Free Home Estimate in Kew
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Kew 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 Kew
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 Kew 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 Kew
Kew (3101) is about 7 km east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate homes in Kew and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Home Renovations MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
How do I know if my Kew home is significant or contributory?
The grading comes from the heritage study for your precinct and is referenced in the Boroondara Planning Scheme. You can ask council, or we can check it for you before design starts. The grading affects how much change is likely to be supported, especially at the front of the house.
We live near the Yarra in Kew. Are there extra controls?
Possibly. Properties near the river can be covered by Yarra River corridor overlays that manage building siting, height and vegetation removal, and Melbourne Water is generally consulted on applications close to the banks. Some low-lying land also has a flood overlay. We check all overlays for your address early.
Can I add a second storey to a heritage home in Kew?
Often, yes, but it is usually set back from the front so the original roof and facade remain the main feature from the street. A planning permit from the City of Boroondara is generally needed, and the property’s heritage grading matters. We plan the design with these controls in mind from the start.
Can we stay in our Kew home during a major renovation?
For many rear extensions, families stay while the new section is built and move out briefly when it is joined to the house. For whole-house work in a large period home, moving out is often more practical. We plan the stages with you and keep the work area contained and cleaned up.
How should I prepare a Kew home for sale or lease?
Kew homes have often been through several rounds of additions, which can leave dark middle rooms, mismatched floor levels and cold spaces. Before selling, it is usually more useful to fix what a building inspection will find, such as roof leaks, cracked plaster, old wiring and tired wet areas, than to start a major redesign. Keep and repair period details. A heritage overlay can add time to external changes, so plan early.
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.