Everything you need to make a confident decision about your home renovation.
Book a free consultationThinking about renovating, extending or rebuilding? Before you invest in full design, our fixed-fee Renovation Feasibility Study tells you what's possible on your site, what it's likely to cost, and what it could add to your home — so you can decide with confidence, not guesswork.
Why start here?
Three questions answered.
What is possible?
You'll receive concept plans that show you what can be achieved. We assess council planning controls that govern your property — zoning, setbacks, heights, privacy, heritage and more — and translate them into a clear picture of what you can actually build.
What will it cost?
We coordinate an indicative construction estimate, prepared by an independent cost consultant and tested against the concepts, so your budget shapes the design from day one.
What value will it add?
The Feasibility Study allows you to assess the design against the likely increase in your home's value, so you invest where it genuinely counts and avoid overcapitalising.
What you get
Clarity on your home renovation,
before you commit.
- On-site check measureAn initial meeting and inspection of your home so we understand its constraints and opportunities first-hand.
- Council planning reviewA summary of the planning controls, overlays and heritage requirements that apply specifically to your property.
- Concept Plan OptionsConceptual floor plans exploring different ways to achieve your brief — testing ideas, exploring how you live, demonstrating possibilities.
- Site Assessment ReportA written summary of the applicable council controls and a discussion of any compliance issues we anticipate.
- Cost-check coordinationWe arrange a construction cost estimate, prepared by an independent cost consultant, so you understand the likely cost of each option.
- Recommended next stepsClear, tailored advice on how to proceed — matched to your home, your brief and your budget.
One fixed fee. No surprises.
A complete Renovation Feasibility Study — site assessment, council review and up to three concept options — so you know exactly what's possible. There's no obligation to proceed.
- Inspection of your home
- Review of council requirements
- Concept Plan Options
- Estimate of Construction Cost*
- Clear process to building your renovation
*Optional add-on — an independent construction cost estimate prepared by our preferred independent cost consultant, from $850 + GST.
How it works
Renovation Feasibility Study.
Explained step by step.
- 01
Brief Development
We get to know you, your family and how you want to live, then visit your home for an on-site inspection and check measure. The clearer your 'why', the better we can show you the 'how'.
- 02
Feasibility Design
We combine your brief, the site's opportunities and council requirements into up to three options — then meet with you to walk through them together.
- 03
Cost Check
We coordinate an indicative estimate from an independent cost consultant, so the concepts are tested against a realistic budget.
- 04
Clarity & Next Steps
You finish with concept plans, a planning report and a clear recommendation for how to move forward with confidence.
Get the most from it
How to prepare
for your feasibility study.
Share your inspiration
Show us what you like and don't like in a home. Pinterest and Instagram are a great place to start.
Choose one contact
If you're doing this with a partner, nominate one person for emails and calls to keep communication clear.
Think why, not how
Tell us what you're trying to achieve and why. If you can communicate the 'why', we can best show you the 'how'.
Be open with us
Share your budget, your concerns and what excites you. The more we understand, the better your home will be.
Not quite ready?
Let's talk it through first.
Have a few questions? Book a free, no-obligation consultation or give us a call — no cost, just a conversation about your project.
What our clients say
Trusted by homeowners across
Newcastle and the Hunter region.
"Ed's bespoke design of our house in Islington showcases remarkable attention to detail. Every aspect, from the layout to the finishes, reflects a commitment to quality and sophistication."
Isaac Lowe — Islington"Edward demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise designing within a heritage area, producing a beautiful design that is contemporary while respecting the context. I'd have no hesitation recommending Hutch."
Zoran Kirkovski — Cooks Hill"Ed was excellent to deal with and facilitated a seamless process from design to council approval. The design work was of a high standard and the quality of service was excellent."
Leigh Gibson — Newcastle EastFrequently asked questions
What is a Renovation Feasibility Study?
It's Phase 1 of our process. We visit your home, review the council planning controls that apply, and prepare up to three conceptual design options plus a written site assessment report — so you understand what's possible, what it's likely to cost and what it could add, before you invest in full design.
How much does a feasibility study cost?
One fixed fee of $2,700 + GST for the Feasibility phase. If you'd like a construction cost estimate, you can add our independent cost estimate, prepared by a preferred independent cost consultant, delivered within your feasibility timeframe.
Do I have to proceed to full design afterwards?
No — there's no obligation. The study is designed to give you clarity and confidence to decide. If you do proceed, the concept work flows directly into the later design phases.
Does it tell me what construction will cost?
We coordinate an indicative construction budget, prepared by an independent cost consultant and tested against the concept options. It's an early-stage estimate to guide direction — not a fixed quote, which comes later once the design is fully resolved.
What costs should I budget for beyond construction?
Construction is the biggest piece, but a project involves more than the build. Alongside the construction estimate we help you account for the other costs — consultant fees such as engineering, council and authority fees, and a sensible contingency — so you have a realistic all-in budget from day one. Where you'd like a single total-project figure, we can brief the independent cost consultant to include allowances for these on-costs in their cost plan.
How long does the feasibility study take?
We deliver your concept plans, planning report and recommendation within around three weeks of the check measure. If you add a construction cost estimate, timing depends on the route: our preferred independent cost consultant works to a scheduled turnaround (usually within 5–10 business days).
I just want a quick chat first — is that possible?
Absolutely. Book a free 45-minute consultation, call Edward directly on 0426 457 431, or send an enquiry. There's no cost and no obligation to talk it through first.
