Duncan Thompson Extensions

Business Details

Trusted Home Extensions & Renovations in Melbourne

Duncan Thompson Extensions has been crafting quality home extensions and renovations since the 1980s, establishing itself as a leader in Melbournes residential construction industry. With over 30 years of experience, our team combines design innovation and construction expertise to deliver tailored solutions for families seeking to expand their living spaces. Our dedicated designers, draftspeople, and builders collaborate closely with clients to ensure every project reflects their unique needs while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. We specialise in single- and double-storey extensions, heritage renovations, and full-scale home transformations, prioritising quality materials, transparent communication, and timely delivery.

Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by our 1,000+ successful projects and a strong referral base, reflecting our dedication to client satisfaction. Registered with the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV), we adhere to rigorous industry standards and offer extended warranties that exceed regulatory requirements. By integrating sustainable practices through HIAs GreenSmart program, we ensure our projects are both environmentally responsible and built to endure. Our collaborative 'concept to completion' approach minimises disruption to homeowners lives, allowing families to remain in their homes during construction without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Services

House Extensions Heritage Extensions Renovations Double Storey Extensions Design & Build Service Home Additions Single Storey Extensions Bungalow Renovations Kitchen Relocations Period Home Restorations

Highlights and features

Over 30 years of experience in residential extensions and renovations
Integrated design & build service ensures seamless project execution
Commitment to premium materials and craftsmanship standards
Proven track record of on-time, on-budget project delivery
Collaborative approach minimising disruption for homeowners

Associations and certifications

HIA
MBAV

What people say

Eye for quality Completed ahead of schedule Professional team Transparent pricing Innovative design solutions

Website

Update Listing

Services

House Extensions

Specialists in creating functional, aesthetically integrated house extensions across Melbourne. Our team delivers single- and double-storey solutions tailored to property constraints and family needs. With 30+ years of experience, we ensure structural integrity while maintaining architectural harmony with existing homes. Clients benefit from fixed timelines, transparent pricing, and minimal disruption during construction.

Heritage Extensions

Expert restoration and extension of heritage-listed and period homes. Our accredited specialists preserve historical integrity while incorporating modern amenities. Using traditional techniques and materials, we ensure compliance with local council requirements while enhancing livability for contemporary families across Melbournes older residential areas.

Design & Build Service

Integrated design and construction solutions eliminating coordination challenges between architects and builders. Our in-house team translates concepts directly into reality, maintaining design intent throughout construction. This approach guarantees consistency, cost efficiency, and accountability from initial plans to final completion across all project types.

Double Storey Extensions

Maximise property potential with structurally sound double-storey extensions. Our engineers specialise in complex roof modifications and load-bearing solutions while maintaining weatherproofing during construction. Clients receive space-optimised designs that enhance property value without compromising existing garden areas or outdoor living spaces.

Bungalow Renovations

Tailored renovations preserving character features of early 20th-century homes while modernising layouts. Our team expertly integrates contemporary kitchens, bathrooms, and open-plan living areas without losing original architectural details like ornate cornices, timber fretwork, and leadlight windows.

People

Chris French

Managing Director

Second-generation builder with nearly 35 years in residential construction. Oversees all projects personally, ensuring adherence to quality standards and client expectations across Melbournes competitive housing market.

Jim Despotellis

Design Manager

Architectural designer specialising in space-optimised solutions. Translates client briefs into functional designs that balance aesthetics with practical living requirements, particularly for heritage and compact properties.

Bryn Richards

Senior Design Consultant

Experienced in client consultation and project visualisation. Focuses on creating designs that maintain original home character while incorporating modern spatial requirements for growing families.

Sam

Site Manager

Project supervisor known for exceptional communication and on-site problem-solving. Ensures minimal disruption to households through meticulous scheduling and trades coordination during live-in renovations.

James Tsivilis

Project Manager

Manages complex builds with emphasis on quality control and client liaison. Recognised for attention to detail in heritage restorations and ability to maintain timelines without compromising craftsmanship standards.

Questions

What areas of Melbourne do you service?

We specialise in inner eastern, south-eastern, and bayside suburbs including Camberwell, Kew, Brighton, Box Hill, and Doncaster.

Can I live in my home during renovations?

Yes, our team minimises disruption to allow homeowners to remain onsite during construction, with proven strategies to manage dust and access.

How long does a typical extension take?

Most projects complete within 6 months, with exact timelines provided during initial consultations and guaranteed through fixed contracts.

Do you handle council permits and approvals?

Yes, our design team manages all council submissions, neighbour consultations, and permit applications as part of our end-to-end service.

What warranties do you offer?

We provide extended warranties exceeding statutory requirements, covering both structural and non-structural components of our work.

How are project costs managed?

Fixed-price contracts prevent unexpected costs, with transparent budget tracking and regular financial updates provided throughout the build.

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Reviews (5)

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Marilyn Small

Nov 04, 2020 Report

When we told friends we were going to extend, they said 'be prepared for all sorts of hidden costs, the time will blow out etc etc'. Not only did that not happen, the team at Duncan Thompson kept us in the loop from beginning to end, not surprising us at any time throughout the build. From the time I rang the company to enquire about extending and spoke to Bryn Richards, the Design Consultant, (who was great), to meeting the boss Chris, and our wonderful site supervisor Sam, to the very final day of the build, Duncan Thompson did the most professional, job leaving us with a gorgeous second storey

Craig Sayers

Oct 13, 2020 Report

We engaged Duncan Thompson to renovate and extend our 1930s California Bungalow chiefly adding a second storey. From the outset they were excellent to deal with. Jim, the architect, come up with a great design for our family, listening to what we needed, and blending the design in with our existing home. James, the site manager, and all the tradesmen were very professional and delivered a high quality build. I would highly recommend them to friends and family. Their after completion follow up and maintenance shows why they have such a successful business. At the end of the day, their business

Camilla Fiorini

Sep 18, 2020 Report

I originally reached out to Duncan Thompson through a recommendation after my original builder pulled out three weeks prior to commencing our renovation (in the end, what a blessing!!).
Chris, the owner, made the time to meet me with his team and from the get-go they were professional, helpful and did quality work. My Project Supervisor, Sam, was a delight; forever flexible, helpful and patient. The tradespeople - special shout-out to Nick - were polite and respectful and would always try and deliver any random requests. As a bonus, they are one of few building companies that will extend up

Derek Nicholas

Jun 22, 2019 Report

It was a pleasure dealing with Duncan Thompson. From the first appointment with Jim our designer it was a case of doing everything they promised when they said it would be done, unlike the other builders we spoke to while trying to organize our renovation and extension. This continued once the actual construction commenced and the entire project was completed ON TIME AND ON BUDGET. Our initial discussions with Jim our designer, were very helpful and he was able to formalise our wants and ideas into a concrete proposal. At all times he was open to discussion and willing to explain why an idea was

David Button

Jun 07, 2019 Report

We engaged Duncan Thompson to manage and build a second storey on our existing home. We initially interviewed three companies and although Duncan Thompson didn't provide a 'free design', we thought it was worth the money due to Jim's architectural experience. We weren't disappointed as Jim came to us with a very different design to the others, even incorporating an existing fireplace and chimney - which the other two companies told us to convert to gas - Jim thought outside the box. The three quotes we received were very close to each other. We decided to engage Duncan Thompson due to their local