Business Details
46 Years
experience
Expert Home Extensions in Melbourne
Duncan Thompson Extensions has been crafting quality home extensions and renovations since the 1980s, establishing itself as a leader in Melbourne's residential construction sector. With over 1,000 successful projects completed, we combine decades of expertise with a dedicated design-and-build approach to deliver tailored solutions for families across Melbourne's inner, eastern, south-eastern, and bayside suburbs. Our Managing Director, Chris French, oversees every project personally, ensuring our team of qualified designers, draftspeople, and builders maintains the highest standards of craftsmanship. We prioritise transparent communication, fixed timelines, and budget adherence while using premium materials from trusted suppliers.Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our HIA GreenSmart-certified designs that balance environmental sustainability with modern functionality. By managing projects from concept to completion, we minimise disruption to homeowners' lives while maximising property value and livability. Our industry recognition through HIA and MBAV memberships underscores our dedication to excellence, supported by extended warranties that exceed regulatory requirements. With a strong referral base and a reputation for transforming heritage homes and contemporary properties alike, we focus on creating spaces that enhance family life for decades to come.
Services
House Extensions
Heritage Extensions
Renovations
Design & Build
Concept to Completion
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of experience in Melbourne residential extensions
- Dedicated design-and-build process ensures seamless project delivery
- Skilled team of certified designers and builders
- Premium materials from trusted industry suppliers
- Proven track record with 1,000+ successful projects
Associations and certifications
- HIA
- MBAV
What people say
Eye for quality
Professional team
On time and budget
Minimal disruption
Transformative results
Services
House Extensions
Specialising in single and double-storey extensions that maximise living space while maintaining architectural integrity. Our design-and-build approach ensures seamless transitions between existing structures and new additions. With over 30 years of local experience, we create functional, value-adding spaces tailored to family needs and property characteristics. Projects typically complete within 6 months with liveability maintained throughout construction.
Heritage Extensions
Expert preservation and enhancement of heritage-listed and character homes. Our accredited team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern building techniques to maintain historical integrity while introducing contemporary comforts. Specialised services include period-appropriate material sourcing, council compliance management, and structural integration of modern amenities without compromising original aesthetics.
Design & Build
Integrated design-and-construction solutions eliminating coordination challenges between separate providers. Clients work directly with lead designers and project managers throughout the process. This approach guarantees design intent translates precisely into built outcomes while maintaining strict budget and timeline controls. Includes 3D visualisations and fixed-price contracts for complete transparency.
Concept to Completion
Comprehensive project management covering all stages from initial consultation through to final handover. Services include council approvals, engineering, trades coordination, and quality assurance. Dedicated site managers ensure continuous oversight while weekly progress updates keep homeowners informed. Typically delivers projects 15% faster than industry averages through streamlined workflows.
Renovations
Full-scale renovations transforming outdated spaces into modern, functional areas. Specialised teams handle kitchen/bathroom overhauls, structural modifications, and energy-efficient upgrades. Projects incorporate smart storage solutions, improved natural lighting, and contemporary finishes. Post-completion support addresses any maintenance needs within the first 12 months of occupancy.
People
Chris French
Managing Director
Second-generation builder with nearly 35 years in residential construction. Oversees all projects personally, ensuring quality standards and client satisfaction. Recognised industry leader with HIA and MBAV affiliations. Specialises in complex heritage projects and large-scale renovations.
Jim Despotellis
Design Manager
Lead architect with expertise in blending modern design with period homes. Manages council approvals and engineering coordination. Known for innovative space optimisation solutions and 3D visualisation skills. Holds multiple design excellence awards from Melbourne building associations.
Bryn Richards
Senior Design Consultant
Specialises in client consultation and custom design solutions. Translates homeowner requirements into practical plans while maintaining budget parameters. Recognised for exceptional communication skills and problem-solving approach during project scoping phases.
Questions
What areas of Melbourne do you service?
We operate across inner, eastern, south-eastern, and bayside suburbs including Camberwell, Kew, Brighton, and Box Hill.
Can I live in my home during renovations?
Yes, our team specialises in occupied-site construction with minimal disruption strategies and temporary safety measures.
What's included in your design-and-build process?
Full-service package covering concept design, council approvals, engineering, construction, and final inspections with one fixed price.
Do you handle heritage property regulations?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Heritage Overlay requirements and council compliance for period homes.
What warranties do you provide?
We offer 7-year structural warranties plus extended coverage on finishes, exceeding standard 6-year requirements.
How long do typical projects take?
Most extensions complete within 5-7 months, including design and approvals phases.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Marilyn Small
Nov 04, 2020
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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
Derek Nicholas
Jun 22, 2019
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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
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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
Terence McAleenan
Sep 26, 2018
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We initially engaged Duncan Thompson due to their reputation and experience. Bryn was personable, a good listener and made sure he understood our needs. He and owner Chris were flexible in negotiations, ensuring a win win outcome. Site manager Sam, foreman Robbie and team, were highly professional, excellent communicators and made sure the work was completed on schedule and to budget. We now have an attractive and spacious family home which we have no intention of leaving! My wife and I would not hesitate to recommend Duncan Thompson.
