Should You Live in Your Home During Renovations? Pros And Cons

An eye-level shot of a large room in the middle of a renovation, showing exposed concrete ceilings, unfinished block walls, and a variety of construction tools and equipment scattered across the space.

It is the classic renovator’s dilemma. On one hand, renting a separate place for six months is expensive. That is money that could be going into better tapware or upgraded flooring. On the other hand, living in a construction site is tough. We are talking about dust in your toothbrush, 7 am start times, and […]

What is Trending in Extension Designs in Australia?

Modern rear home extension with timber decking and large sliding doors

If you love your street and your neighbours but you are tripping over the kids’ school bags in the hallway, you are probably thinking about extending. Moving can be expensive, between stamp duty and agent fees, you can blow $50k before you have even packed a box. It is usually smarter to fix the house […]

What Design Features Boost Resale Value in an Extension?

An open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space featuring wooden flooring, a large island, a wood-burning fireplace, and a light beige sofa by Extrabuild

A home extension is one of the most effective ways to add value and comfort to your property. But if you’re thinking long-term, it’s smart to plan your design with resale in mind. The right layout, finishes, and features can significantly boost your home’s market appeal and sale price. At Extra Build, we’ve helped homeowners […]

Common Mistakes in Home Extensions and How to Avoid Them

A conceptual architectural rendering showing a finished modern two-storey house with a swimming pool and luxury lighting, overlaid with a technical floor plan in the foreground.

Extending your home can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll ever take on. It adds space, increases value, and can make your home more functional for a growing family. But home extensions can also be stressful and costly if the planning isn’t right from the start. At Extra Build, we’ve seen it all […]

How to Add Natural Light to New or Existing Living Space

A bright, sun-drenched sunroom featuring white-framed windows and doors that open onto a wooden deck, furnished with comfortable white seating and a neutral area rug.

Living in Newcastle means abundant sunshine, so why not invite more of that natural light into your home? If you are building a new house or renovating an old one, bringing in daylight can transform your living spaces. The Benefits of Natural Light Natural light does more than just illuminate a room; it can improve […]

Extrabuild’s Commitment to Apprenticeships

Two construction workers wearing "Extrabuild" shirts and tool belts working together on a residential building site.

At Extrabuild, building homes is only part of what we do. Since we started in 1992, we have also been committed to supporting apprentices and giving them the chance to grow into skilled tradespeople who will carry our industry forward. Our Story Extrabuild is a family business founded by Paul and Kathleen Dyett. Over the […]

Celebrating the Building Industry: 2023 National Building and Construction Awards

Owners Paul and Kathleen Dyett attending 2023 National Building and Construction Awards representing Extrabuild as a family-run business.

Last month we set our tools aside and headed to Perth for the prestigious 2023 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards. As MBA members and with Paul’s position on the MBA Newcastle Board of Directors, we were delighted to be a part of these celebrations. Over the three days, we connected with some of […]

6 Clear Signs That It’s Time to Consider Adding a Home Extension

High-end custom home kitchen in Carey Bay by Extrabuild

While Lake Macquarie boasts stunning parks, trails, and beaches, our homes are where we spend a significant amount of our time – so it’s natural to want it to be comfortable and functional. But what should you do when your current home no longer meets your needs? Adding an extension can be an excellent way […]

How to Reduce Stress During a Home Renovation

An open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space featuring wooden flooring, a large island, a wood-burning fireplace, and a light beige sofa by Extrabuild

At Extrabuild we’ve been building homes for over 30 years, so we know how exciting renovating your home is, but also how stressful it can be.  From choosing the right builder to dealing with unexpected issues, there are many factors that can cause renovation stress. We’ve made a list of some steps you can take […]

Home Additions: Should I add a Parents’ Retreat or a Kids’ Escape?

A view from a bedroom looking into a sunlit living space with armchair seating and large windows overlooking the water by Extrabuild

When it comes to a home addition or extension, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is how to allocate the new space. For families with children, one common debate is whether to build a parents’ retreat or a kids’ escape. Here are some things to consider when making this decision. Parents’ Retreat […]