Home Renovations Watsonia
Watsonia Homes,
Reimagined
Complete home renovations in Watsonia and across Melbourne for over 20 years, from a single room to the whole house. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your Watsonia 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 Watsonia.
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 Watsonia
Watsonia grew around its station on the Hurstbridge line, with most of its housing built after the Second World War: postwar brick veneer and weatherboard homes, many on blocks now being subdivided for units and townhouses. Original homes usually have three bedrooms, one bathroom and a closed layout that doesn’t suit modern family life. Many owners choose to renovate and extend rather than sell, keeping their larger backyard.
Common home renovation projects in Watsonia include rear extensions with open living, adding bedrooms or an ensuite, renovating kitchens and bathrooms together, and improving insulation, glazing and heating. Some families also add a second living area or study at the rear. Extensions need a building permit, and some sites can need a planning permit, so we confirm requirements with Banyule City Council early.
Watsonia at a Glance
- Postcode
- Watsonia VIC 3087
- Council
- Banyule City Council
- From the CBD
- About 16 km north-east
- Typical Homes
- Postwar brick veneer and weatherboard homes
- 1960s and 1970s family homes
- Units and townhouses
- Newer infill homes
- Property Market
- Median house price$992,500
- Median unit price$756,000
- House rent$600 a week
- Unit rent$570 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Before You Renovate or Extend in Watsonia
Layout
Rear Extensions and Backyards
A rear extension with open kitchen and living, an ensuite and a study is the most common way to update a three-bedroom Watsonia home. The design needs to leave a usable backyard and meet site coverage and setback rules. We check the zone and lot size before design and show you how much yard remains.
Trees
Trees and Vegetation Controls
Parts of Watsonia have a Vegetation Protection Overlay, and canopy tree rules may also apply in some residential zones. Removing or lopping a protected tree for an extension can need a planning permit and an arborist’s report. We check which controls apply to your lot before deciding where the extension goes.
Access
Major Road Works Nearby
Major road works near Watsonia can affect traffic and access on surrounding roads. That can change how deliveries, skip bins and concrete trucks reach your site. We plan delivery times and site storage with access in mind and keep you informed if the program needs to adjust.
Structure
Stumps and Floors
Weatherboard and some brick veneer homes in Watsonia sit on stumps that may have moved over the decades. Before joining an extension, the existing floor needs to be level and sound so the old and new floors meet without a step or crack. Restumping generally needs a building permit, which we arrange if needed.
Asbestos
Asbestos in Older Homes
Watsonia homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos in eaves, wet area linings, cladding and old floor coverings. Before walls are opened for an extension, suspect materials are tested, and larger amounts are removed by a licensed removalist. We include this in the early program.
Insulation
Insulation and Glazing
Postwar Watsonia homes often have little insulation and single glazed windows. An extension is a good time to insulate ceilings and opened walls, use double glazing in new rooms and seal draughts in the old part of the house. These steps make the whole home more comfortable through the year.
Get a Free Home Estimate in Watsonia
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Watsonia 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 Watsonia
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 Watsonia 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 Watsonia
Watsonia (3087) is about 16 km north-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate homes in Watsonia and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Home Renovations MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
Do we need a planning permit to extend in Watsonia?
Many single-storey extensions only need a building permit, but it depends on the zone, lot size and overlays. A Vegetation Protection Overlay, a second storey or a smaller subdivided lot can bring in a planning permit from Banyule City Council. We look up the zone and overlays for your lot before design.
Should we extend or subdivide our Watsonia block?
That depends on your plans, the lot size and the planning controls. Many Watsonia owners extend to keep the backyard and stay in the area. Subdivision needs planning approval and is a different kind of project. We can design an extension that leaves options open and explain how it sits on your lot.
Can we live in our Watsonia home during an extension?
For a rear extension, often yes, with the new work closed off until it is joined to the house. Kitchen, bathroom or floor work may need short periods away. We plan the stages with you and keep the work area contained and cleaned up each day.
Can we add a second storey to our Watsonia house?
Sometimes. A second storey needs the existing footings and walls checked by an engineer, and overlooking and overshadowing rules apply. For many single-storey Watsonia homes a rear extension is simpler and keeps the house liveable during the work. We compare both options.
What is worth doing before selling a Watsonia house?
Buyers looking at postwar Watsonia homes often check stumps, roof, wiring and wet areas. Repairing defects, painting, sanding floors and tidying the garden usually present the house well. An extension takes months and permits, so it suits owners planning to stay rather than those selling soon.
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.