California Bungalow Builder

California Bungalow Builder Melbourne

The lovely California bungalow is a delightful design style that can be found all over Melbourne. Looking to renovate one? Choose Sherbrooke Constructions!

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Hughesdale

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Californian Bungalow Renovation and Extension

Are you looking to bring your California bungalow into the modern era? Our California bungalow renovations combine elements of classic American design and modern style, to create a unique, one of a kind look. Our experienced team is passionate about creating designs suited to your wants and needs, so you can be sure that your dream home will look just as you imagined it.

With our knowledge of classic Californian style architecture, you know that your new home will be designed with quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure a durable finish that is sure to last for many years to come. We understand how important your home is to you and your family, so we ensure that every detail is considered when creating the perfect look.

At Sherbrooke Constructions, we are passionate about giving our clients a home that they will love. So if you’re looking to bring your Californian Bungalow into the modern age, then let us help you. Contact our team today to find out more about how we can create a home that will be the envy of your neighbours!

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WORKING WITH SHERBROOKE GIVES YOU

TAILORED DESIGNS

We work with you step by step to custom design a unique and functional home to suit your needs and lifestyle.

PEACE OF MIND

You have peace of mind knowing that Sherbrooke Design and Construction is a registered building practitioner.

24/7 ONLINE PORTAL

Our Project Management Portal provides you with 24/7 access to your project information via your devices.

AFTER BUILD SUPPORT

We guarantee we will return long after your project is complete with 6-week, 3-month & 12-month warranty reviews.

Our California Bungalow Design and Building Process

We’ll look after you every step of the way by providing a complete architectural design and construction service for your California Bungalow. Here’s a brief overview of the easy step-by-step design and building process we’ll enjoy together while bringing your dream home to life.

Meet

You will meet with one of our Design Team to discuss your Californian Bungalow project. They will listen to your needs and requirements and ask relevant questions to develop a proposed scope of works. They will also discuss your budget range so that we can develop a design in line with your budget.

Concept Design

After our meeting, our Design Team will then prepare a draft Concept Design based on our discussions with you. When the draft Concept Design is ready, you’ll meet with your Designer once again to review and confirm that the home design is what you’re looking for and we have interpreted your ideas correctly. If required, any changes can be made to accommodate your needs.

Budget Estimate

Once you have approved the design, our design team will prepare a Budget Estimate and preliminary specifications while using our industry knowledge to help you stay within your chosen budget. We review these with you so you can see what is included in the estimate for your new home and make final adjustments if necessary. We guarantee our budget estimates to be within 5% of a fixed price* quote/contract based on the information we have from our initial meetings with you.

Preliminary Building Agreement

When you are completely comfortable with the information provided, we can then begin to discuss the next step which is the preparation of your documents. These will be presented to you in the form of a Preliminary Building Agreement which includes Structural Drawings, Town Planning (if required), Soil Reports and final contract specifications.

Contract

Once you’re happy with all your relevant documentation, you will receive a Fixed Price Building Contract along with a comprehensive specification list for your custom new home. These documents detail your fixed completion date, homeowners’ warranty guarantee, insurances, permits and exactly what your final price includes giving you confidence and peace of mind.

Construction

Our Construction Manager will ensure your project is built in line with the plans and specifications and your Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of trades and materials. Your Contracts Administrator will guide you through the selections process and help you with all the administrative detail through Buildertrend. You have access to our Interior Design Consultant to assist with colour selections, and access to well-known industry professional brands and reputable suppliers.

After Build Support

We guarantee we will return long after your project is complete. On top of the regulation 3-month warranty review, we provide you with a complimentary 6-week and 12-month warranty review through our Sherbrooke For Life Membership Program. Your Online Client Portal remains active so you can simply log in and place any warranty or maintenance requests which are sent through to our dedicated Maintenance and Warranty Team.

what our clients love aboUT sherbrooke

Sherbrooke Design and Construction gutted our old house and turned it into a modern luxury home. The very experienced team has done a fantastic job from design, renovation to handover and beyond. They took away the construction stress and delivered the highest quality end results. Not only that, they look after you like family even after the completion of your project.

Hui CToorak

We engaged Sherbrooke’s design team in 2022 and we had a specific brief in mind. From the very beginning their professionalism, care and listening to our brief was second to none. The team from the top down, are highly professional and experienced and they have built the luxury home we always wanted. Highly recommend the team for your next project!

Melanie NSt Kilda

The team at Sherbrooke were extremely accommodating and professional prior to, throughout and after our build. We were extremely impressed by the attention to detail and quality of finishes, and the desire to get things right. In particular, intelligent and harmonious resolution of any issues through the process removed so much potential stress. I would recommend Sherbrooke to anyone considering a new build or renovation.

Robert RMalvern East

FAQs about Californian Bungalows

What Makes a California Bungalow?

A California bungalow is a distinctive style of building found primarily in the United States and quickly gained popularity in certain areas of Melbourne in the early 20th century.

These homes are distinguished by their peaked roofs, overhanging eaves, low-slung profile, and broad porches that lend them a rustic and cosy charm. They typically feature light-coloured stucco exteriors, lattice windows, and exposed rafters under the eaves. Inside, they often make use of a central hall leading from the entryway that connects all of the adjacent rooms with the kitchen and living areas that are usually situated at the back of the house.

Though the name references the sunny American state of California, the California bungalow has been a very popular style of home in Australia for many years. In Melbourne, especially in the 1920s, California bungalows were by far the most commonly constructed housing style. Many of these Melbourne bungalows feature the use of red brick in large verandah pylons to support the sloped roof that hangs over the front porch.

What Era is a California Bungalow?

The California bungalow era dates back to the late 19th century, when their distinctive style first appeared in the western United States. The design of these homes was heavily influenced by earlier forms from Europe, particularly the English arts-and-crafts movement. In this particular period in history, craftsmen and artisans were eager to return to more traditional building styles that featured heavy use of woodwork, as well as a strong emphasis on handcrafted details.

But the heyday for California bungalows is really thought to be the ‘inter-war’ period of 1920-1945. This was due largely to the economic conditions of the era – when only the wealthiest people could afford large multi-storey dwellings. But for the expanding middle class looking to get out of the city, the California bungalow was the style of the day.

What Are the Benefits of Building a California Bungalow?

California bungalows are known for being efficient and attractive homes with simple designs that make them relatively easy to build and maintain. They have deep eaves which provide shade during hot summer months and many of these homes also feature fireplaces that provide a charming, cosy atmosphere in the winter months.

The simple, classic look of California bungalows makes them incredibly popular with many Melbourne homebuyers. They provide an aesthetic that is both timeless and welcoming, making it easy to create a space that feels like home.

Is It Worth Renovating a California Bungalow?

Though California bungalows are popular for their classic style, they can start to look a bit dated after several decades. If you’re wondering if it’s worth renovating your own bungalow to make it more modern and comfortable, the answer is: absolutely!

Renovations can help update the interior of your home with modern amenities like new appliances and fixtures, as well as upgrade the exterior with updated siding and landscaping. Plus, investing in a renovation will also add value to your property, making it easier to sell when the time comes.

At Sherbrooke Constructions, we specialise in helping homeowners bring their California bungalows back to life. We understand that every project is unique, and our designers are adept at adding to the property and refining what is needed – while still being careful to protect the classic charm of the original home.

How Do You Modernise a California Bungalow?

There are plenty of great places to start when renovating a California bungalow. The kitchen is a great place to begin, and as with most renovations, it’s the area where you’re likely to see the highest return on investment.
Next is to deck out the heating system with modern appliances. Though it isn’t an obvious one, if you’re planning to live in the home through Melbourne winters, you’ll want to seriously consider this one.

Lastly, the rear/garden area is a great way to modernise one of these homes. Most California bungalows were made with a lot of emphasis on the front verandah, so many unrenovated ones tend to lack a top-quality outdoor living space out the back of the house.