Home Extensions Brisbane

At Livit Constructions, we deliver our exceptional home extension services throughout Greater Brisbane, from the inner city to the outer suburbs. Our builders are familiar with the unique building requirements, council regulations, and architectural styles across all Brisbane regions. Here are the main areas we service:

• North Brisbane: Aspley, Chermside, Everton Park, Stafford, Kedron, Wavell Heights, Nundah, Northgate, Sandgate, Brighton, Bracken Ridge, Carseldine, Zillmere, Taigum, Boondall, Banyo, Nudgee
• South Brisbane: Mount Gravatt, Holland Park, Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills, Runcorn, Kuraby, Rochedale, Eight Mile Plains, Wishart, Calamvale, Mansfield, Mackenzie, Salisbury, Moorooka, Yeronga, Annerley, Greenslopes
• East Brisbane: Carindale, Carina, Camp Hill, Coorparoo, Norman Park, Morningside, Bulimba, Hawthorne, Balmoral, Murarrie, Cannon Hill, Tingalpa, Wynnum, Manly, Wakerley, Gumdale, Belmont
• West Brisbane: Indooroopilly, Kenmore, Chapel Hill, Fig Tree Pocket, St Lucia, Toowong, Taringa, Chelmer, Graceville, Sherwood, Corinda, Oxley, Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, Jamboree Heights, Sinnamon Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks
• Central Brisbane: Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Teneriffe, Newstead, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, Paddington, Red Hill, Kelvin Grove, Herston, Milton, Auchenflower, West End, Highgate Hill, South Brisbane, East Brisbane

No matter where you're located in Brisbane, our builders can bring their expertise to your home extension project. We understand the specific challenges and opportunities that come with different Brisbane suburbs, from character protection overlays in heritage areas to flood zone considerations in riverside locations.

At Livit Constructions, we follow a structured, transparent process for all our Brisbane home extensions to ensure exceptional results and a smooth experience for our clients:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Our process begins with a thorough consultation where we visit your home, discuss your needs and vision, and assess the potential for extension. We listen carefully to understand how you want to use the new space, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget considerations. This initial meeting helps us develop a clear brief for your project.

Step 2: Concept Design Development

Based on our consultation, we create concept designs that show how your extension will look and function. These designs include floor plans, elevations, and 3D visualisations where appropriate. We present these concepts to you and refine them based on your feedback, ensuring the final design perfectly matches your vision.

Step 3: Detailed Planning and Documentation

Once the concept is approved, we develop detailed plans and specifications. This comprehensive documentation includes structural details, material selections, fixture choices, and all elements needed for council submission and construction. We provide a detailed quote based on these finalised plans.

Step 4: Council Approvals and Building Certification

We manage the entire approvals process, preparing and submitting all required documentation to Brisbane City Council or your local council. Our builders handle building applications, development approvals, and engineering certifications. We work closely with private building certifiers to ensure all aspects of your extension comply with building codes and regulations.

Step 5: Pre-Construction Preparation

Before construction begins, we schedule a pre-start meeting to review all aspects of your project. We finalise the construction timeline, confirm all material selections, and ensure everything is ready for a smooth build. This is also when we complete any necessary temporary arrangements for your comfort during construction.

Step 6: Construction Phase

Our experienced builders execute the building work with precision and care, following the approved plans and specifications. Throughout construction, your dedicated project manager oversees all trades and provides regular updates on progress. We maintain a clean, safe worksite and minimise disruption to your daily life as much as possible.

Step 7: Quality Inspections

At key stages throughout construction, we conduct thorough quality inspections to ensure all work meets our high standards. These inspections are in addition to the mandatory building certifier inspections required at various stages of the build.

Step 8: Completion and Handover

Upon completion, we conduct a final walk-through with you to ensure everything meets your expectations. We provide all relevant documentation, including warranties, maintenance information, and owner's manuals for any new systems or appliances. Our builders ensure the extended area is clean and ready for you to enjoy.

Step 9: Post-Completion Support

Our relationship doesn't end at handover. We provide ongoing support after completion, addressing any questions or concerns that may arise as you settle into your newly extended home. Our workmanship is backed by comprehensive warranties for your peace of mind.

Beyond our specialist home extensions, Livit Constructions offers a comprehensive range of renovation services to transform your Brisbane home. Our 20 years of experience enables us to deliver exceptional results across all types of residential renovations:

• Kitchen Renovations: We transform outdated kitchens into functional, stylish spaces with custom cabinetry, quality benchtops, and modern appliances. Our kitchen renovations focus on improved workflow, storage solutions, and designs that suit Brisbane's lifestyle.
• Bathroom Renovations: Our bathroom renovations create beautiful, practical spaces with superior waterproofing, quality fixtures, and finishes that withstand Brisbane's humid conditions. From simple refreshes to complete transformations, we deliver bathrooms that combine style and functionality.
• Interior Remodelling: We specialise in reconfiguring internal spaces to improve flow and functionality without extending. This includes removing walls to create open-plan living, repurposing rooms, and modernising interiors while respecting your home's character.
• Queenslander Renovations: Our builders have specific expertise in renovating Brisbane's iconic Queenslander homes, preserving their heritage features while adding modern conveniences and improved layouts for contemporary living.
• Outdoor Living Areas: We create custom decks, patios, and alfresco spaces that extend your living area outdoors, perfect for Brisbane's climate and lifestyle. These spaces can be standalone projects or integrated with other renovations.
• Character Home Restorations: For Brisbane's period homes, we provide sensitive restoration services that preserve original features while updating essential systems like plumbing, electrical, and insulation for modern comfort.
• Whole Home Renovations: For comprehensive transformations, we offer whole-home renovation services that can include multiple aspects of your property in a coordinated project with efficient scheduling and integrated design.
• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: We help Brisbane homeowners improve comfort and reduce energy costs with upgrades like improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, and passive cooling solutions suited to Queensland's climate.

Selecting the right contractor for your Brisbane home extension is important for a successful project. Here are the essential criteria to verify when choosing a home extension specialist:

• Valid QBCC Licence: Always verify that your contractor holds a current Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence appropriate for the work being undertaken. This licence ensures they meet industry requirements for skills, financial stability, and insurance coverage. You can check a builder's licence status on the QBCC website by entering their licence number. Livit Constructions maintains all required licences and operates in full compliance with QBCC regulations.
• Specific Brisbane Experience: Look for a contractor with extensive experience building in Brisbane specifically. Local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to understanding Brisbane's unique climate considerations, council requirements, and common housing styles. Ask about their experience with your particular type of home and extension. Livit Constructions brings 20 years of specific Brisbane building experience to every project.
• Comprehensive Portfolio: Review the contractor's past projects, particularly those similar to your planned extension. A quality portfolio should include before and after photos, project descriptions, and examples that demonstrate versatility and attention to detail. Ask to visit completed projects if possible. Livit Constructions maintains an extensive portfolio of Brisbane extension projects across various suburbs and housing styles.
• Strong References and Reviews: Seek testimonials from previous clients and, if possible, speak directly with homeowners who have completed similar projects with the contractor. Online reviews can provide additional insights into the company's reputation. Livit Constructions is proud of our many positive client reviews and can provide references upon request.
• Clear Communication and Documentation: Professional contractors provide detailed written quotes, contracts, and project timelines. They should explain all aspects of the project clearly and respond promptly to your questions. Assess their communication style during initial meetings to ensure it matches your expectations. At Livit Constructions, we prioritise transparent communication throughout every project.
• Proper Insurance Coverage: Ensure your contractor carries appropriate insurance, including public liability and home warranty insurance. This protects you and your property throughout the construction process. Livit Constructions maintains comprehensive insurance coverage for all projects.
• Quality of Subcontractors: Ask about the subcontractors they use and how long they've worked together. Established relationships with quality tradespeople often indicate consistent workmanship. Our builders at Livit Constructions work with a trusted network of skilled Brisbane tradespeople developed over many years.
• Detailed Contracts and Planning: Professional contractors provide comprehensive contracts covering all aspects of the work, including specifications, payment schedules, and timelines. They should also handle council approvals and building certifications efficiently. Livit Constructions ensures all projects have complete documentation and proper approvals.

With 20 years of dedicated experience in the Brisbane construction market, Livit Constructions has established a reputation as a leading home extension specialist across the region. Our builder's deep understanding of Brisbane's unique architecture, from traditional Queenslanders to post-war homes and contemporary designs, ensures extensions that complement and enhance your existing property.

Our commitment to quality workmanship is evident in every project we complete. We employ skilled tradespeople who take pride in their craft, using superior materials and proven building techniques to create extensions built to last in Brisbane's subtropical climate. Our attention to detail extends from the structural elements to the finishing touches, ensuring seamless integration between old and new sections of your home.

Navigating Brisbane City Council's approval processes can be challenging, but our expertise in this area streamlines the journey for our clients. We have established relationships with council officers and private certifiers, and our thorough understanding of local building codes and planning regulations ensures your extension proceeds without unnecessary delays. We handle all documentation and submissions, making the approval process stress-free for you.

All our extensions comply with current energy efficiency requirements, incorporating appropriate insulation, ventilation, and orientation to maximise comfort while minimising energy consumption. Our designs consider Brisbane's climate, creating spaces that remain cool in summer and warm in winter without excessive reliance on artificial heating and cooling.

What truly sets Livit Constructions apart is our personalised design approach. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we carefully consider your specific home style, whether it's a traditional Queenslander with VJ walls and ornate features, a brick post-war home, or a contemporary design. Our extensions respect and enhance the character of your existing home while meeting your modern lifestyle needs.

Home extensions involve adding new living space to your existing property, whether through outward expansion, upward addition, or internal reconfiguration. Unlike a simple renovation that updates existing spaces, extensions create additional square meterage, requiring structural work and often external changes to your property's footprint or profile. Extensions can range from adding a single room to building an entire second storey, depending on your needs and property constraints.

Choosing a reliable builder like Livit Constructions is key for the success of your extension project. The complexity of extending an existing structure requires specific expertise that many general builders lack. An experienced extension specialist understands how to integrate new construction with existing building elements, ensuring structural integrity, consistent finishes, and seamless transitions between original and new sections. The right builder will also anticipate and address challenges that commonly arise during extension projects, such as discovering unexpected issues in existing structures once work begins.

The connection between using a professional builder like Livit Constructions and achieving a successful outcome begins with proper planning and approvals. Most extensions require building permits, development approvals, and sometimes relaxations or variations to existing codes. Professional builders navigate these requirements efficiently, preparing proper documentation and liaising with council officers to secure necessary permits. Without these approvals, your extension may face costly delays, rectification works, or even demolition orders.

Beyond compliance, professional builders ensure quality results through proper structural work, appropriate materials selection, and skilled craftsmanship. They coordinate various trades, maintain site safety, and manage the project timeline effectively. The investment in a qualified, experienced builder like Livit Constructions ultimately protects your property value and ensures your extension enhances your lifestyle for years to come, avoiding the disappointment and expense of poor workmanship that often results from choosing less qualified contractors.

Home extension costs in Brisbane vary widely depending on multiple factors, with each project having unique requirements that influence the final investment. Rather than quoting specific price ranges, it's more helpful to understand the factors that affect your extension budget:

1. Extension Type: Second-storey additions typically cost more than ground-floor extensions due to additional structural reinforcement, stairs, and roof modifications. Kitchen and bathroom extensions involve specialised trades and fixtures that influence costs differently than bedroom or living area extensions.
2. Size and Complexity: Larger extensions naturally require more materials and labour, while complex designs with unique architectural features increase engineering and construction costs. Simple, rectangular extensions are generally more economical than designs with multiple angles and roof lines.
3. Site Accessibility: Properties with difficult access, steep slopes, or limited workspace often involve higher costs due to additional equipment needs and more complicated construction methods. Brisbane's hilly suburbs sometimes present challenges that affect pricing.
4. Quality of Finishes: Your choice of materials, fixtures, and finishes significantly impacts the overall cost. From basic to premium options, the selections you make throughout your home will substantially influence your budget.
5. Existing Home Condition: Older Brisbane homes may require additional work to bring existing structures up to current building codes before extension work can begin. Issues like restumping, rewiring, or asbestos removal can affect your budget.

Home extensions in Brisbane typically follow a two-phase timeline, with 4-6 weeks for the approvals phase and 10-16 weeks for the construction phase. This means most extension projects take between 3-6 months from initial concept to completion.

The approvals phase includes finalising designs, preparing documentation, and obtaining necessary permits from Brisbane City Council or local authorities. Simple extensions might progress through this phase in 4 weeks, while more complex projects or those in areas with special requirements may take 6 weeks or longer.

The construction phase timeline varies significantly based on extension type:

• Small, single-room extensions: 8-10 weeks
• Kitchen extensions: 10-12 weeks
• Ground floor extensions: 12-14 weeks
• Second-storey additions: 14-16 weeks

Several key factors can affect your extension timeline:

1. Design Complexity: Unique or intricate designs require more detailed planning and often more complex construction techniques, extending both planning and building timeframes.
2. Weather Conditions: Brisbane's summer storms and seasonal heavy rain can cause unavoidable delays, particularly during initial site works, concrete pouring, and roofing stages.
3. Trades Availability: High demand for quality tradespeople in Brisbane can affect scheduling, particularly for specialised trades like electricians, plumbers, and cabinetmakers.
4. Material Lead Times: Some materials, particularly custom items or imported products, may have extended lead times that must be factored into the project schedule.
5. ‍Unforeseen Issues: Discoveries during construction, such as hidden structural problems or termite damage, can necessitate additional work and timeline adjustments.

Brisbane City Plan 2014 establishes specific zoning regulations that limit home extensions. These include maximum building heights (typically 9.5 meters or 2 storeys in most residential zones), site coverage restrictions (often 50% in low-density areas), and minimum boundary setbacks. Neighbourhood plans can impose additional requirements in certain suburbs to maintain local character while allowing reasonable development.

Design challenges that may limit extension possibilities include heritage listings, which require preservation of significant features and often involve additional approval processes. Lot boundaries and easements for services or drainage cannot be built over, creating limitations on where extensions can be placed. Brisbane's hilly topography often requires complex structural solutions, while privacy considerations necessitate careful window placement to minimise overlooking neighboring properties. Properties in flood overlay areas face restrictions on floor heights, and significant trees may be protected under vegetation protection orders, further constraining extension locations.

Home extensions provide increased livable space without the disruption of relocating. This additional area allows for dedicated purpose rooms like home offices or entertainment spaces, alleviates crowding in growing families, enables larger kitchens and living areas for modern lifestyles, creates separate zones for different family members, and adds bathrooms to reduce morning congestion.

Well-designed extensions typically increase property value beyond construction costs. Additional bedrooms and bathrooms directly raise valuation metrics, while modernised layouts and improved indoor-outdoor flow attract premium prices in Brisbane's market. Extended living areas appeal to buyers seeking spacious family homes, often delivering strong investment returns in sought-after suburbs.

Extensions offer custom lifestyle upgrades perfectly tailored to your needs. You can design spaces that reflect your specific family requirements, incorporate modern energy efficiency features, create indoor-outdoor living areas suited to Brisbane's subtropical climate, improve natural light and ventilation, address functional issues while maintaining loved aspects of your home, and remain in your established neighborhood with its familiar schools and community connections.