Renovation vs Knockdown Rebuild: Complete Comparison

Choosing between a renovation and a knockdown rebuild is one of the most consequential decisions a homeowner can make. The right choice depends on your existing structure’s condition, your budget, your timeline, and what the property can realistically achieve. This guide walks through every factor side by side so you can make a clear, confident […]
Fibro Home Renovation Guide: Asbestos, Costs & What to Expect

Fibro homes are renovated every week across Sydney, and with the right builder and a clear plan, they can be transformed into comfortable, modern homes. The key is understanding what fibro homes contain, where asbestos is likely to be, and what that means for your renovation scope and budget before any work begins. This guide […]
Rear Extension Guide: Adding Space Without Losing Your Backyard

A rear extension is the most practical way to add usable living space to a Sydney home without touching the street frontage. For terraces in Marrickville and Newtown, and bungalows across Oatley and Hurstville Grove, the rear is often the only direction a home can grow. This guide covers everything you need to know: design, […]
Granny Flat Guide Sydney: Rules, Costs & Design

A granny flat is one of the most practical additions a Sydney homeowner can make to their property. Rental income, a private space for ageing parents, or a home for adult children – a well-built granny flat delivers long-term value. At Dura Group Building & Renovations, we have helped families across the Sutherland Shire and […]
Knockdown Rebuild Cost in Sydney: Full Breakdown

A knockdown rebuild in Sydney typically costs between $450,000 and $900,000 or more for a standard four-bedroom home, depending on the size of the new build, site conditions, and the specification level you choose. That figure includes demolition, site preparation, construction, and all the associated approvals and fees. It does not include the land, which […]
Asbestos in Sydney Homes: What Renovators Need to Know

If your Sydney home was built before 1990, there is a real chance it contains asbestos. Asbestos is not dangerous when it is left undisturbed, but renovation work that cuts, sands, drills, or demolishes materials containing asbestos can release fibres into the air – and that is the point at which it becomes a serious […]
Heritage Renovation Sydney: Working with Listed Homes and Conservation Areas

Heritage renovation in Sydney is one of the most rewarding types of building work we do, and also one of the most regulated. If your home is listed on a heritage register, sits within a conservation area, or is classified as a contributory item under a local environmental plan, the rules governing what you can […]
Cost Per Square Metre to Build in Sydney 2026

The cost per square metre to build in Sydney in 2026 ranges from $1,800 to $6,500+, depending on the project type, site conditions, materials, and scope of works. New builds sit at the lower end of that range per square metre, while high-specification renovations and heritage-constrained work push costs toward the upper end. Understanding what […]
Council Approval Process Sydney: A Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Guide

What is the council approval process in Sydney? The council approval process in Sydney is the series of steps a homeowner must complete before legally building, extending, or significantly renovating a property. Depending on your project scope, location, and local council requirements, you will need either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate […]
Renovating in the Sutherland Shire: Complete Local Guide

The Sutherland Shire is Dura Group Building & Renovations’ home territory. Mark and the team have been building and renovating across the Shire for over 16 years, working on everything from post-war fibro cottages in Jannali and Gymea to waterfront homes in Sylvania Waters and Burraneer. This guide covers what you need to know before […]





