Home Renovations South Melbourne
South Melbourne Homes,
Reimagined
Complete home renovations in South Melbourne and across Melbourne for over 20 years, from a single room to the whole house. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your South Melbourne 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 South Melbourne.
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 South Melbourne
South Melbourne is one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs, with rows of single and double-storey Victorian terraces, small cottages and corner shops, plus apartments and converted warehouses close to the city. Homes are on narrow blocks with shared walls and rear lane access, and many have original front rooms with cramped, dated additions behind.
Common projects include replacing old rear additions with open-plan living, adding upstairs rooms set back from the street, restoring period features such as fireplaces, ceilings and floors, and improving insulation and heating. Much of South Melbourne is covered by heritage controls, so the City of Port Phillip often requires a planning permit for external work, and we plan around tight access and neighbours.
South Melbourne at a Glance
- Postcode
- South Melbourne VIC 3205
- Council
- City of Port Phillip
- From the CBD
- About 2 km south
- Typical Homes
- Victorian terraces
- Workers’ cottages
- Apartments
- Warehouse conversions
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,556,500
- Median unit price$597,500
- House rent$825 a week
- Unit rent$680 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 South Melbourne
Heritage
Emerald Hill Estate and the State Register
The Emerald Hill Estate, roughly bounded by Clarendon, Dorcas, Park and Cecil Streets, is on the Victorian Heritage Register as well as the local heritage overlay. Works there can need a permit from Heritage Victoria, sometimes for internal changes too. Elsewhere in the Emerald Hill precinct, council handles heritage permits. We confirm which applies.
Design
Building Upwards on Narrow Lots
On South Melbourne’s narrow blocks, with walls shared on one or both sides, the main way to gain space is up. A second storey at the rear, set back so the original front roof stays visible, is the usual approach in heritage areas. We plan the stair, structure and light together, as each takes valuable floor space.
Access
Laneway Access
Rear lanes in South Melbourne, some still paved in bluestone, are often the only way to get materials and skips to the back of a terrace. They can be narrow and shared with neighbours’ garages. We check lane width and turning space, and work with the City of Port Phillip on any permits for skips or temporary occupation.
Planning
Shop-Front and Corner Homes
Some South Melbourne homes started as corner shops, with a display window and a residence behind. Converting or upgrading them can involve heritage controls on the shopfront, fire separation from a neighbour and different zoning considerations. We check the planning history and controls before redesigning the front rooms.
Neighbours
Party Walls and Footings
Terraces in South Melbourne share walls with neighbours, and many were built on shallow footings. A second storey or new rear wall can load the party wall or dig near the neighbour’s footings, which may need protection work notices. We involve the engineer and building surveyor early so the neighbour process is clear.
Get a Free Home Estimate in South Melbourne
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your South Melbourne 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 South Melbourne
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 South Melbourne 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 South Melbourne
South Melbourne (3205) is about 2 km south of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate homes in South Melbourne 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 South Melbourne home in a heritage overlay?
Many are. A significant share of South Melbourne is in a heritage precinct such as the Emerald Hill residential area or the City Road industrial area, or has an individual listing. Your VicPlan planning report shows the controls. We check your address and explain what they mean before any design work.
Can I add a second storey to a South Melbourne terrace?
Often, with careful design. In heritage areas, upper levels are usually set back from the street and kept below the height that would dominate the original front. A planning permit and a building permit are both required. We prepare drawings that address heritage and neighbour impacts from the start.
Can we stay in our South Melbourne home during the renovation?
For smaller projects, often yes, with the work area sealed off. Rear extensions and second storey additions usually mean moving out for part of the build, as the kitchen, bathroom or roof may be out of action. We plan the stages with you and tell you when the house is likely to be unusable.
How long do approvals take in South Melbourne?
It depends on the scope and the controls. Internal work may need only a building permit, while extensions in a heritage precinct need a planning permit first, which can take months. Works to a property on the Victorian Heritage Register go through Heritage Victoria. We include approvals in the program we give you.
Is a renovation worthwhile before leasing out a South Melbourne terrace?
For a South Melbourne terrace you plan to lease, practical work usually matters more than a major extension. Fixing damp, updating the kitchen and bathroom, servicing heating and repairing floors make the home easier to rent and maintain. Larger changes involving heritage permits are better planned for when you will live there or hold the property long term.
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.