Home Renovations - Northern Brisbane, we are your trusted Builders of choice!
A Personal Touch
Turning Your Dream Home into a Reality in North Brisbane
Is your North Brisbane house just not cutting it anymore ? It's cramped, dated, and no longer fits your family's lifestyle. But selling up and starting over can be a costly and stressful process. Not to mention all the upheaval that comes with it. A well-planned renovation, on the other hand, can breathe new life into your home without the need to start from scratch. Whether it's a suburban home in Aspley or a rural custom renovation on acreage near Samford Valley, the right renovation project can give you more space, a better layout and a genuinely improved lifestyle.
Some of the most common reasons we get people are family growing up and therefore needing more bedrooms, a home office which has suddenly become less viable to have in the kitchen, a rather tired old 1990s house that's just screaming for an open plan, or people who simply want to sell and get the most value out of their property. Penelope Homes is a mid- to high-end renovation company (our projects generally run from $500k to $5m), and we do extensions, full-home reconfigurations, and custom builds throughout northern Brisbane and rural areas.
Got a project in mind? We'd be interested to talk about it - just request a design consultation or a detailed renovation quote today! We can't wait to see what we can do for you, click now to get started.
Why Penelope Homes is the go-to choice for North Brisbane Homeowners
Renovating in North Brisbane needs a builder who knows what they're doing - particularly if you're looking at Queenslander homes, sloping blocks, reactive clay soils and all the various Brisbane City Council requirements. Penelope Homes have been in the game for a long time and have done a number of projects throughout the North Brisbane suburbs as well as the surrounding acreage properties.
Why Our Clients Choose Us
- Fully licensed & insured Queensland Building contractor
- Decades of combined experience in Brisbane residential construction (from character homes to new builds) - we're absolutely experts at bringing your vision to life.
- Detailed, upfront quotations that show you exactly what you're getting, so there are no nasty budget surprises - detailed quotes really should include a breakdown of costs
- We're passionate about quality workmanship - our projects have even been recognised at state and national level (KBDI named a custom kitchen we designed a finalist in 2018)
- We've got you covered for the long term with QBCC home warranty insurance (which also gives our clients peace of mind).
What sets our North Brisbane Renovations apart
When it comes to renovations, we're all about delivering real results rather than making empty promises. That's why locals choose to work with us - it's the value we provide, and the care we take that makes the difference.
- Climate-responsive design - Our layouts are all about bringing cross-ventilation and natural light in to create comfortable, energy-efficient living spaces that work with Brisbane's subtropical climate.
- Staged construction planning - we endeavour to stage the work so that you can remain in your home throughout the renovation - resulting in significantly less disruption and a far more pleasant experience.
- Premium, durable fittings and finishes - we use high-quality materials that will withstand humidity and storm seasons. We know how frustrating it is when the waterproofing is done badly and you end up with termites and mould.
- We cover the suburbs and the country - whether you're in Chermside, North Lakes, Redcliffe or you've got an acreage property north of the city we're there for you.
- A personal touch from the directors - we communicate with you very clearly from the concept stage all the way through to completion - no big head office to get involved with.
Our Home Renovation Services in North Brisbane
We specialise in major renovations and extensions rather than just quick cosmetic jobs. The total cost of a renovation can vary enormously depending on the scope, the finishes and the site conditions. Budgets are generally in the $500k to $5m range. All our work is fully tailored to the North Brisbane suburbs and the surrounding rural properties.
Whole-Home Renovations & Reconfigurations
Major internal renovations that will change the home's layout: opening up walls to create an open-plan living and dining area, a new kitchen and bathroom, new wiring and plumbing, and a complete refresh of the colour scheme throughout. A lot of the homes in North Brisbane are traditional Queenslanders built prior to 1946, and, as such, any renovations to those homes will generally trigger a more stringent approval process under the character overlay requirements. We also do a fair bit of work on the brick homes from the 80s through to the 2000s - delivering a much brighter, more functional home whilst still respecting the character of When you're renovating an older home, it's always wise to allow for a contingency of 10 to 20 per cent to cover any unforeseen structural issues.
Major Extensions & Additions
Ground floor extensions to increase the living area, add guest suites or a dedicated office. Raising a house is a common way of getting double the living area on a sloping block - very much the Queensland way. We can also provide second storey additions as an alternative to moving, providing more bedrooms, more parents' retreats and of course the option of city or mountain views. Approval pathways are frequently required for structural changes and extensions so we deal with height restrictions, overshadowing, engineering of older timber homes and high wind conditions. Always check the local soil conditions as the footing design is critical - a lot of Queensland homes are on reactive clay soils or on sloping blocks.
Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations as Part of a Larger Project ...
We actually specialise in integrating bathroom renovations & kitchen makeovers into broader home renovation projects, rather than just doing low-budget standalone refits. A custom kitchen installation can give your home a real market-value boost & a kitchen design that shows off your personality. We use modern materials to give your utility areas in the kitchen a real edge - think smart storage that's actually smart, butler's pantries that work like a charm, and benchtops that can take the rough stuff.
For our bathroom styling work (whether you're just doing a bit of a refresh on an existing bathroom or going full hog with a completely new one) we use membranes, tiles and fittings that are all compliant with S4858-2004 and the whole moisture resistant bit to keep it dry and stop any damage to the structure of the house. Quality waterproofing is essential in a bathroom.
And no worries at all on the budget front either as a bathroom renovation can be both stylish and affordable if you've got a good design and the right materials. We design with the day-to-day flow of the bathroom and storage in mind.
Outdoor Living & Alfresco Upgrades
Covered decks, outdoor kitchens, poolside pavilions and a real sense of indoor-outdoor flow that makes the most of Brisbane's climate - that's what we do. We're all about creating the ideal space for summer entertaining, safe play areas for the kids and shade to get away from the heat. Our designs are all about the orientation of your home and how you want to connect the inside with the outside.
Rural Custom Renovations on Acreage Properties
We're absolutely specialists at the renovation of homes on acreage properties north of the city - taking down old farmhouses, turning huge sheds into living space and building country style homesteads from the ground up. It's all about the challenges of acreage - the long drives, the water tanks, the septic systems and the like - you've got to work through all of that and get a solid plan in place. The end result is a lot more functional homes - you end up with guest wings, multi-generational living, massive workshops etc.
How Our North Brisbane Renovation Process Works
We have a very clear, step-by-step process, which means you know precisely what to expect from the moment you first contact us until we hand the keys back to you. We manage expectations and ensure the job gets done smoothly.
1
Step 1: Design Consultation, Site Visit & Detailed Quote
Book a time to come out to your place in North Brisbane or the country to talk through your goals, budget and timeline. We'll do a walk-through of the property to get a feel for what you're after, and you'll receive some concept designs and a rough price estimate. We'll then provide you with a detailed, fixed-price quote once we've worked out exactly what the project will entail. Don't forget to review the property overlays on the Brisbane City Plan and identify any flood and drainage issues prior to our meeting.
2
Step 2: Approvals, Selections & Construction
Next, we deal with the architecture, the structural engineering, and all the relevant permits (whether that's for an extension, new plumbing, or just minor internal alterations). North Brisbane (and Brisbane in general) has some very specific rules when it comes to home renovations, so we'll handle all that for you. We are your local builder who is fully aware of the rules and can ensure your renovation design complies with the character overlay requirements. You'll get regular updates during the build, and we'll make sure that all the trades are working as unobtrusively as possible for you and your neighbours.
3
Step 3: Handover, Aftercare & Future-Proofing
Once we've finished, we'll walk you through the property and ensure everything is in order. You'll get all the documentation you need - the plans, the appliance manuals, the maintenance contacts, etc. Our work is covered by standard warranties, and we'll make sure you have all the support you need to keep your renovation running smoothly in the long term.
Renovation Results Our Clients See
When you do a major home renovation, you're really transforming how you live, how you entertain, and how you work from home. Here are a few real-world examples:
- Raised Queenslander transformation: we lifted the whole house, built under and created extra bedrooms, a double garage and a modern living area below - basically doubling the usable space on that sloping block.
- Northern suburb major renovation: we did a full on remodel to make the most of the breeze and the views - open plan living, a new kitchen and a luxury ensuite - our client was absolutely thrilled.
- Rural homestead overhaul: we completely took the old farmhouse apart and rebuilt it from the ground up - it's now a proper modern homestead with big verandahs, open plan living and a huge workshop. Perfect for the family to live and work in together.
What North Brisbane Clients Say
We get the majority of our business via referral and from repeat customers - we take that very seriously. We're a proud lot, and we genuinely believe we do a good job. We communicate clearly, and we work hard to deliver quality for the price that we charge. We're very proud of our record, and we're always happy to provide genuine testimonials from our clients.
North Brisbane & Surrounding Areas We Service
For the most part, we focus on the northern side of Brisbane and the surrounding rural areas:
- Aspley, Chermside, Everton Park, Stafford, Kedron
- Albany Creek, Eatons Hill, Bridgeman Downs
- North Lakes, Mango Hill, Griffin, Murrumba Downs
- Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Brighton, Redcliffe Peninsula
- Samford Valley, Dayboro, Mount Glorious and other acreage areas north of the city
Of course we can look at projects a bit further afield as well - just get in touch, and we'll see what we can do.
Ready to get started on your North Brisbane home renovation?
Custom-designed renovations and extensions that will turn your North Brisbane or rural property into the home you've always dreamed of - more space, a better flow, long-term value and our support throughout the whole process from concept to completion.
Give Penelope Homes a call - or just drop us a line to arrange a meeting and get a quote for your project. Penelope Homes Servicing North Brisbane and surrounding rural areas.
Acreage Home Builders
Penelope Homes specialises in constructing acreage homes throughout North Brisbane.
Custom New Homes
For clients seeking to move beyond their current residence or desiring an alternative to large estate homes.
Building Consultant
Thinking of buying a parcel of land or acreage in North Brisbane and not quite sure where to start?
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Renovations in North Brisbane
These FAQs are all about the things we keep getting asked about - cost, timescales, disruption and approvals. Below goes in to more detail on how Penelope Homes can assist you from day one!
How much does a major home renovation in North Brisbane typically cost?
Home renovations can be a real investment - and we're talking anywhere from a few hundred grand to a few million dollars. Total renovation costs range from $3,500 to $5,000 per square metre, depending on the size of the job, any major structural changes, the finishing touches, and how easy or difficult it is to get the crew onto your site.
Every renovation project is one of a kind - and we'd love to invite you to get in touch to organise a site visit so we can give you a fixed-price quote that really reflects your ideas and what’s needed for your individual property.
How long is a piece of string? How long is my renovation going to take from start to finish?
Design and securing the requisite approvals can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months (again it all depends on the complexity of the job). Work in a conservation area or work which requires special council consent will obviously take longer. The actual construction work on the larger projects will take several months. We like to give you a good idea of what to expect prior to commencement and we'll keep you up to date as we go.
Can I stay in my home during the renovations?
Can I stay in my home during the renovations?
Some jobs will allow you to remain in the property, others (particularly the big jobs - the ones involving major structural work or adding a second storey) will require you to find accommodation elsewhere for a period of time. We'll plan how we're going to keep the site safe, how we're going to make access for the crew as easy as possible and how we're going to try and keep the disruption to your life to a minimum whilst you're still living in the house.
Do you handle the plans, the engineering, and all the requisite planning permissions and approvals?
Yes we do. Penelope manages/co-ordinates the architectural plans, the structural engineering and all building permits and approvals required for work in North Brisbane and for private certifiers. Your role is to provide us with your design preferences, make the decisions and sign off on the paperwork. Renovation projects can be quite complicated, particularly when it comes to local council requirements - we take care of all that for you so you don't have to.
Do you do custom rural renovations and also do any work on suburban properties?
We do large custom renovations on acreage properties north of Brisbane (as long as they're big enough). We've got the experience to deal with the particular issues that arise on rural properties - upgrading services, building big sheds, working out the logistics of getting the crew in and out of the site and all the other little things that make it work.