5 Basement Renovations Melbourne Homeowners Trust
Most Melbourne homeowners don’t give their basement a second thought until they’re forced to. Usually, it’s because of a flood, a desperate need for more space, or the realization that the only way to expand on a small city block is to literally dig deep.
We went looking for the teams who actually know how to handle the “Melbourne mix” of clay and coastal soil. We didn’t just look for general builders.
We sought out specialists who live and breathe waterproofing, drainage, and the high-stakes structural work that comes with going underground.
How much does a basement renovation cost in Melbourne?
Fitting out an existing basement starts from around $30,000 to $80,000. This is depending on size, scope, and ground conditions.
1. Melbourne Renovations
Address: 7/1488 Ferntree Gully Rd, Knoxfield VIC 3180, Australia
Contact Details: +61382046720
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Melbourne Renovations is a family-owned builder led by Kris and Tim, who bring over 40 years of combined experience in both residential and commercial building.
We love that their building crew is on-site throughout every project. Not a project manager passing messages back and forth, but the actual builders.
People told us they appreciate that every step is explained proactively and any small issue is raised and resolved before it becomes a bigger problem.
We like how they are punctual, contactable, and if they said they’d do something, it gets done. Having design support also keeps everything cohesive and removes the friction of managing multiple consultants.
Homeowners pairing a basement project with a bathroom renovation or kitchen renovation, love that Melbourne Renovations handles permits and approvals directly.
The one thing worth noting is that they mainly focus on the Eastern and South Eastern suburbs. So, those in the north or west of Melbourne would need a builder whose coverage fits.
Thanks for the great result
“The Melbourne Renovations team gave our 1990’s apricot bathroom, toilet & powder room a well deserved facelilt and we are glad we chose Tim, Kris & the team. Tim and Kris were super responsive, great communicators, and their attention to detail was second to none. The entire team were friendly & professional. Nothing could be faulted. Highly recommend Melbourne Renovations. Thanks for the great result.”
Carolyn Gunther Google Reviews
Thank you to the team at MR, Tim, Crystal, Scott, Nayab and the tradie crew
“From design to delivery, the team at Melbourne Renovations professionally managed our project and helped us make the right decisions along the way to realise our bathroom renovation. Our ambition was to take an aged and cold en-suite and make it into something warm and wonderfully inviting with both great functionality and a high end finish in fixtures and fittings, and of course within a budget of sorts. We were not disappointed. Thank you to the team at MR, Tim, Crystal, Scott, Nayab and the tradie crew.”
Tony Santos Publishing Google Reviews
2. Renovation Builders Melbourne
Address: 22 Collins Ave, Altona North VIC 3025, Australia
Contact Details: +61416535435
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 7 AM to 7 PM
Renovation Builders Melbourne is led by Chadi, who has years of renovation experience. We love how Chadi and his team manage multiple basement renovation projects without it becoming a drawn-out ordeal.
His flexibility is something people told us they appreciate because he works with their schedules to get the project done.
We liked that the communication here is consistent and honest. People aren’t left wondering what’s happening on-site.
Several people said when they asked questions about basement waterproofing, the answer was specific and they were given a clear idea of the best approach for their homes.
We like that their team has handled structural work within renovation projects, which becomes relevant in basement conversions when load-bearing elements need to be understood and sometimes modified.
But we will say it’s best to get a site assessment scheduled early, because their schedule gets booked fast with other projects.
Would definitely recommend Chadi and Renovation Builders Melbourne
“A well-deserved 5 stars to Chadi and his team.
A full renovation of Melbourne’s ugliest bathroom, laundry and toilet resulted in a beautiful and stylish area that would fit in any day spa. The before and after photos show the final fit out.
The job was under budget and on time – even allowing for my last minute changes and additions.
Chadi was in daily contact during the renovations and I was kept up to date as the works progress.
His team were excellent. Great at their trades.
Would definitely recommend Chadi and Renovation Builders Melbourne.”
- Karen Sloane Google Reviews
Chadi and his team are an excellent choice for any home renovations you require
“Chadi and his team are an excellent choice for any home renovations you require. This bathroom project was my partner and I’s first renovation – and as you would expect, we wanted a lot done but had limited budget.
Nevertheless, Chadi and his team delivered as evidenced in the photos attached. What made this experience stand out for us is Chadi’s character – there was never a question or adjustment that was too annoying, or task too difficult. He made us feel reassured throughout the process that we will get the bathroom we want, and is always easy to get hold of.
Thank you Chadi for your and your team’s hard work, we highly recommend!
Edit – I’ve attached two photos of the ‘before’ so there is something to compare.”
- Gerard Nisperos Google Reviews
3. Melbourne Bathroom & Balcony Renovators
Address: 1 Mallard Cl, Williams Landing VIC 3027, Australia
Contact Details: +61411558200
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM
Melbourne Bathroom and Balcony Renovators is primarily known for wet area bathroom work, and basements are essentially a large-scale waterproofing challenge.
The skills that go into making a bathroom watertight and properly ventilated transfer directly to the concerns of a below-grade living space.
We discussed the overlap with their team, and they were candid about where their expertise runs strongest.
They do great with handling the membrane systems that prevent water ingress, and the ventilation that keeps basements from accumulating moisture.
We love how they address the structural foundations of a basement before making any changes to it. People tackling basement projects told us that the team made sure to nail the waterproofing before handling design changes.
We think this is great because a beautiful basement that starts developing damp issues two years in is not a renovation success story and the cause is almost always in the early technical decisions.
The only real complaint we’ve heard is that because they are a very technical team, the designing process does lack a bit. So, homeowners seeking an aesthetic basement might want to consider other options.
I highly recommend Sasa to anyone who is looking for quality work
“Sasa stepped in when our renovator walked off the job. Sasa was excellent, listening to what I wanted, asked me about decisions as we went along and did a sterling job of completing my ensuite renovation to my stringent requirements. Sasa was alway courteous and genuinely cared about getting me the result I wanted. I highly recommend Sasa to anyone who is looking for quality work from a tradesman who genuinely values the relationship with the customer.”
- Rena Leigh Google Reviews
If you’re looking for a renovation team that combines skill, honesty, and incredible work
“We recently had our bathrooms(Ensuite and Common) renovated by Mr & Mrs Sasa, and they were fantastic. They worked tirelessly, delivered excellent workmanship, and kept us updated throughout. They were extremely respectful of our home — keeping the premises clean during the renovation and leaving everything spotless at the end. It’s clear they take immense pride in their work, and it shows in the final product.
If you’re looking for a renovation team that combines skill, honesty, and incredible work ethic, look no further. We are thrilled with our new bathroom and wholeheartedly recommend Mr & Mrs Sasa to anyone seeking a high-quality renovation.”
- Naveen Ramadas Google Reviews
4. Refresh Renovations Melbourne Paul Cree
Contact Details: +61 1800 609 103
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Refresh Renovations is a national renovation consultancy and Paul Cree leads the Melbourne operation. We like how people get a dedicated renovation consultant who manages everything from design through to completion.
We think this model makes particular sense for basement renovations. A basement typically involves multiple trades in sequence like excavation, waterproofing, and so on. So, having one person accountable for all of it, rather than the homeowner coordinating trades independently, changes the experience considerably.
What stood out in our assessment was the consultation process. Paul’s team goes through a structured briefing before any design work, which surfaces decisions that are easy to miss when people are just trying to visualise a finished basement.
For investors converting a basement into a rental or Airbnb unit, their Refresh model includes design input that helps the space work practically for tenants.
That transparency makes it easier to calibrate between what people want and what their budget actually supports.
The trade-off is that there is less flexibility to operate outside the standard process than you might have with an independent builder.
Had a fabulous experience with Paul and the Refresh team
“Had a fabulous experience with Paul and the Refresh team
We had some roadblocks and obstacles on the way, but Paul and Tas always found a solution
We were based overseas while the renovation took place, and communication and process was great
Renovated a linen press storage ro ensuite
Internal garage access with separate entry
Staircase
Numerous other tasks”
- Julie-Anne Howell Google Reviews
But the team were able to complete it in good order
“Had a great experience with Paul and the team at Refresh. They were always quick to respond to any questions and kept me well informed on the progress of the renovation. Paul is easy to talk to and was very accommodating to what I wanted to do… my renovation being a little bit unusual, but the team were able to complete it in good order. Would happily use the Refresh services again.”
- Stephen McMillan Google Reviews
5. Melbourne Basement Constructions PTY LTD
Address: 4 Faversham Ct, Greenvale VIC 3059, Australia
Contact Details: +61410427032
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Melbourne Basement Constructions is a business built around below-grade construction. This means their knowledge, the tools they use, and their problem-solving instincts are all for the particular demands of basement work.
Melbourne has specific challenges when it comes to basement construction. But they’ve tackled almost everything from clay-heavy soils, groundwater management, to annoying drainage issues.
We asked detailed questions about their approach to underpinning, waterproofing system selection. We like how they handle unexpected groundwater during excavation swiftly and don’t leave anything to chance.
People we spoke to appreciate that their explanations are detailed and easy for non-builders to understand. They point out on the building plans what is being changed and why.
Others told us that the team is reliable and show up on time and tidy up after themselves.
Although their lead times can run up to a few weeks, we like that they give each job proper attention. They also identify scope issues early, which customers told us have lowered their costs.
It’s a monument to resilience, dedication, and a love for the craft.
“There’s something deeply poetic about the way they pour concrete — like they’re not just laying down a foundation, but sealing in trust, strength, and the promise of something lasting.
From the moment they arrived, this team worked with a rhythm and purpose that felt almost orchestral. Their tools were instruments, their hands steady as if guided by instinct and care. What they built beneath our home wasn’t just a slab of reinforced concrete — it was the silent strength on which our lives now rest.They shaped the very bones of our future. Each pour was clean, each formwork precise. Watching them work was like watching love take a solid form — raw, honest, grounded. It’s rare to see this kind of craftsmanship these days: built to last, but also built to mean something. Thanks to them, our basement isn’t just a space. It’s a monument to resilience, dedication, and a love for the craft.”
- Marwan Hashish Google Reviews
Five stars, pure class
“Look mate, if you’re after some construction, maybe some tiles, concrete, you name it. You don’t just ring a random phone number, you ring Melbourne Basement Constructions. At least, that’s what I do. Five stars, pure class.”
- Bryan Clarke Google Reviews