Planning a home addition or renovation involves more than choosing finishes or adding rooms. The useful questions start earlier: what kind of space will solve the problem, whether the existing home can support the work, which approval pathway may apply, how the design should connect with the original house, and how the construction process will affect day-to-day life.
These guides bring those decisions together in one place. They are designed for Sydney homeowners considering a first-floor addition, ground-floor extension or substantial renovation, with links to more detailed Wal Robbins articles and completed projects where useful.
Start with the type of project
First-floor addition planning guide — for homeowners who need major extra accommodation without giving up more backyard.
Ground-floor extension planning guide — for projects that expand the footprint and improve living, kitchen or indoor-outdoor space.
For changes within the existing home, read the home renovation planning guide, explore our home renovation service and learn about the order of a renovation.
Before you commit
Compare second-storey additions versus ground-floor extensions, read our guide to choosing a home addition builder, and find out what to look for in a quote.
NSW planning and approvals for home additions explains the difference between a DA and complying development at a practical homeowner level, while linking to the current NSW Planning Portal for the rules that apply to a specific property.
See completed projects for examples of how different homes have been extended and renovated, or visit frequently asked questions for more practical information.