SERVICES
Concept Designs only for Feasibility purposes (stages 1-2)
Design for Town Planning Approval (stages 1-3)
Design + Documentation up to Building Permit Approval (stages 1-4)
Full Architectural and Interior Design Services (stages 1-5)
Use your own builder - or we can help you find one! (stage 6)
LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH STAGE BELOW:
We offer flexible service options:
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$500 - $850 +GST
Unlocking Your Land’s Potential. Before you commit, we deep-dive into the 2026 Victorian Planning Reforms and your specific site overlays. This high-level audit confirms exactly what you can build (SSD or Townhouse Code) and identifies the fastest path to approval.
Desktop Audit $500+GST: A comprehensive remote analysis of your property’s title, easements, and planning overlays. We provide a digital report outlining your fastest "Deemed-to-Comply" pathway and which Expandabode models best fit your site. Available Victoria-wide.
On-Site Audit $850+GST:* Includes the full Desktop Audit plus an in-person site visit to assess topography, existing vegetation, and service connection points.
*Note:On-site consultations are available within Melbourne metro areas. Travel surcharges apply for regional locations.
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CONCEPT DESIGN VISION
Matching Lifestyle to Model.
Select from our curated suite of "Pre-Architected" models - Nook, Nest, or Elevate. We align your project goals with a design that is already optimized for 7.5-star energy efficiency and the "Deemed-to-Comply" standards. While our models are proven systems, your site is unique. In this stage, we refine the orientation, cladding, and internal layouts to ensure the design sits perfectly on your block and meets your specific aesthetic and functional needs.
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Navigating the New Codes. Leveraging our status as Registered Architects, we manage the "Deemed-to-Comply" certification or Townhouse Code application. We handle the technical paperwork to bypass traditional council red tape and secure your 10-day or 30-day approvals.
You could sell the property with these ‘approved plans’ if you don’t plan to proceed with construction.
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Precision Documentation for Building Permit.
While many of our clients prefer our full-service involvement to the finish line, we offer a Strategic Handover Point following the Building Permit stage. This is a high-value option specifically designed for:
Developers: Who have their own established construction teams and internal procurement systems.
Builder-Ready Clients: Who have already selected a builder capable of managing final interior selections and onsite coordination.
By providing the full Building Permit Documentation at this stage, we give you a 'Permit-Ready' package. You gain the design certainty of an architect-led model while retaining the flexibility to manage the final fit-out and construction details independently.
Our 'Permit-Only' package delivers all structural and compliance documentation required to start. From there, the site is 'Shovel-Ready' for your preferred construction team to take the lead on-site.
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Further Documentation of the Interiors and/or Bespoke Finishes
We produce the comprehensive "Construction Set" - the detailed technical drawings and specifications. This stage eliminates guesswork, ensuring your builder has a clear, fixed-price roadmap for a high-performance, all-electric home with your selection of interior and bespoke finishes.
Essential level of documentation if you plan to have more than 1 builder provide pricing.
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From Blueprint to Doorstep.
The final step where design becomes reality. We connect you with our network of preferred builders who understand the Expandabode system, ensuring your project is delivered on time, on budget, and to an architect-led standard.
We can be retained to provide the following services if required
Building Permit Approvals Process
Builder Pricing Coordination
Contract Administration
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
INVESTMENT + FEES
We believe in total transparency. Our fee structure is designed to give you architectural certainty at the start, followed by the flexibility to choose the best-value builder for your project. We separate our architectural expertise from the build cost to give you maximum transparency and financial control.
1. Architectural Strategy - Fixed fees
Traditional custom architectural fees in Melbourne typically range from 8% to 15% of the build cost. Because Expandabode uses a "Pre-Architected" system, we provide a high-end result at a reduced fee.
Feasibility Audit ($500 - $850* + GST): Our essential first step to confirm your site's fastest legal pathway.
Design & Documentation: We offer fixed-price packages for our standard models, by-passing the costly "blank page" design phase while ensuring 2026 compliance.
Refer to our Info Guide for current rates.
2. Construction - Market Rates + Choice
Expandabode gives you the freedom to choose how you build. We don't lock you into a single builder’s margin; instead, we provide the architectural documentation that puts the power in your hands:
The Competitive Tender Path: Use our detailed "Shovel-Ready" tender set to obtain quotes from multiple local builders. This ensures you pay a fair market rate and can compare "apples with apples."
The Fast-Track Path: Take your "Permit-Ready" documents directly to your preferred builder. Because we have already solved the technical compliance, you can negotiate from a position of strength and move straight to a contract.
CONSTRUCTION MARKET REALITY (2026)
While renovations can often exceed $4,000–$5,000 per m² due to structural complexities, a new detached Expandabode benefits from "clean site" efficiencies. However, to meet 2026 high-performance standards, a realistic budget is essential.
To help with your initial planning, here is the current snapshot of Melbourne market rates for high-quality, architect-documented construction:
The NOOK & NEST (60m² – 100m²): For a high-performance, turn-key secondary dwelling, expect construction costs to range between $270,000-$450,000+.
The ELEVATE & TOWNHOUSES: Multi-storey or larger dwellings typically start from $3,500–$4,500 per m², depending on the site’s complexity and final inclusions.
Important: Site-Specific Costs When budgeting for your build, we advise allowing for additional "Site Costs" which are determined by your builder and usually include:
Services & Connections: The distance from your street mains (sewer, water, electricity) to the new dwelling.
Site Access: Whether a builder can use standard machinery or requires smaller, specialised equipment for a tight backyard.
Terrain & Footings: Your soil type and the slope of your land, which may require additional excavation or retaining walls.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Require more information on how you might be able to develop your property?
Apply for our Free Introductory Guide to Detached Secondary Dwellings via button below