Basement Builders Melbourne - Sherbrooke Constructions

Maximise Your Space with a Basement Build

Increase your property’s value and functionality with a bespoke, luxurious basement. Learn more about our custom basement and underground construction builds for extensions and new homes. And if you’re ready to get started with Sherbrooke Design and Construction, fill out our form at the bottom of this page or get in touch via our Contact page.

Our Previous Custom Built Basement Projects

Looking to Design and Build a Basement as part of your New Home or Extension?

Adding space to your house is typically done by adding levels, or extending existing ones, yet many often overlook creating an underground space as a worthwhile alternative. A bespoke basement construction or conversion could be the answer to maximising your living footprint and adding value to your property.

Consider creating a stunning atmosphere with a smart and elegant underground basement that utilises land you rarely think about – the earth beneath your feet.

Basements Designed Around Your Property

You may have a sloping or narrow block, poor soil conditions or water tables higher than your average block, which may deter you from considering a basement build – however, don’t let this stop you from exploring the possibility of a basement extension. We can design and build your custom home or extend your current home with a basement that is specific to your land’s unique conditions, whatever they may be.

Considering a Basement in your New Home or Extension?

One of the main reasons people move house is to acquire extra space for a growing family, but this may not always have to be the case. Adding a basement to your home extension or custom new home can be the difference between settling into your forever home comfortably or eventually needing to sell and move.

A basement can be utilised for many different purposes including a multi car garage, extra bedrooms, extra living space, wine cellar, home office, gym or any combination of the above. It offers true versatility that can enhance the utility, value, and appeal of your home. Another benefit is that basements are naturally insulated by the ground, which results in both thermal and noise efficiency.

Our team of expert designers and builders apply the latest technologies to assess:

The strengths and weaknesses of elements included in your basement design
Thermal efficiency, comfort and adaptability to different seasons
How to ensure you get the largest amount of available daylight in your basement
The use of colour schemes, materials and ergonomics to create a light space
How to minimise noise pollution
How to maximise energy efficiency

Working with Sherbrooke Design and Construction gives you:

Tailored designs to suit your needs
Access to industry professionals, well known brands and reputable suppliers
Fixed price contracts so there will be no hidden cost surprises during construction
A robust Online Communications Portal to track your project
Professional Support and Assistance from our Contract Administrators and Project Managers
Dedicated Process Management so your new home or extension is delivered on time
After Build Support through our Extended Warranty Inspection Service
Membership Rewards through our ‘Customer for Life’ Membership Program

If you’re struggling with ideas on how to make the most of your block while staying true to your wants and needs, contact us to explore how we can help design and build a basement as part of your extension or new home.

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WORKING WITH SHERBROOKE GIVES YOU

TAILORED DESIGNS

We work with you every step of the way to custom design a unique
and functional basement that
suits your needs and lifestyle
while adding true value
to your home.

PEACE OF MIND

You have peace of mind knowing that Sherbrooke Design and Construction is a registered building practitioner that has been active and excelling in the custom home build and extension space since 1990.

24/7 ONLINE PORTAL

Our Project Management Portal provides you with 24/7 access
to your project information via
your devices, ensuring you know exactly how the project is
coming along at any time.

AFTER BUILD SUPPORT

We guarantee we will return
long after your project is complete
with 6-week, 3-month & 12-month warranty reviews. The success of
your build is at the heart of
everything we do.

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

Our Extension and New Home Design and Building Process

At Sherbrooke Design and Construction, we’ll look after you every step of the way by providing a complete design and construction service for your new home or extension with a basement. Here’s a brief overview of the easy step-by-step design process we’ll enjoy together in realising your vision.

Meet

First, you’ll will meet with one of our design teams to discuss your extension, renovation or new home build. They will listen to your needs and requirements and ask relevant questions to develop a proposed scope of work. They will also discuss your budget range so that we can develop a design that works in line with your budget.

Concept Design

After the initial meeting, our design team will 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 or extension 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, renovation or basement extension. These documents detail your fixed completion date, homeowners’ warranty guarantee, insurances, permits and exactly what your final price includes.

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 selection 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. Your Online Client Portal remains active so you can simply log in and place any warranty or maintenance requests. These are sent through to our dedicated Maintenance and Warranty Team.

FAQs About Basement Extensions

What are the Main Benefits of Adding a Basement to My Melbourne Home?

There are several benefits that come from adding a basement to your home or having a new custom home built with a basement included. One of the most immediate benefits is in the fact that a basement allows you to unlock significant additional space without increasing your home’s external size. This is ideal in suburbs where height limits, setbacks, heritage overlays or neighbouring constraints make building up or out less feasible.

The extra space offered by a basement means you can implement purposeful additions to your home – these could include a home cinema, gym, wine cellar, office, storage, or plant rooms.

How Do I Know if My Property is Suitable for Basement Construction in Melbourne?

While basements can be built for many homes, not every property will be well-suited for such construction. So, to determine suitability, a proper feasibility process is undertaken.

Before any design progresses, we arrange the right investigations – geotechnical input, structural advice, and drainage assessment – to understand soil conditions, groundwater, stability and access. While some sites can benefit from a natural slope, allowing a stepped lower level and improved light and ventilation; others may require more excavation and retention to achieve the same result. Access for machinery and spoil removal, proximity to boundaries, heritage considerations and council overlays all shape what is practical.

Our role is to give you clarity from the very start. If conditions make a basement too cost-prohibitive or will introduce unacceptable risks, we’ll let you know. If a basement is appropriate, we’ll define the parameters to ensure buildability, budget alignment and the best use of the additional space.

What is the Average Cost of Basement Construction in Melbourne?

There is no way to average out the prices of a basement construction – prices simply vary too much depending on the property, desired build, and a multitude of other factors.

So, rather than relying on broad industry figures, we’ll provide clear-cut budget clarity at concept stage so you can make the right informed decisions for you before committing to a detailed design.

What is the Process for Waterproofing a Basement in Melbourne?

Waterproofing is one of the most critical aspects of a successful basement build. Our process begins with robust design detailing and the engagement of specialist installers. The external structure is prepared with continuous membranes or tanking solutions appropriate to the site conditions, and drainage is carefully planned behind retaining walls to move water away from the structure.

Where risk or water table conditions demand it, internal drainage paths and sump systems are integrated to ensure excess water is removed. Protection boards are used during backfilling to prevent membrane damage, and testing is undertaken before finishes are installed.

When you engage with Sherbrooke for a basement build, we’ll provide you with a clear breakdown of how proper waterproofing for your space is achieved, ensuring it stays dry and durable.

How Long Does it Take to Complete a Basement Construction Project in Melbourne?

As with costs, timeframes for a complete basement build will depend on a variety of factors, from the scope of the work to ground conditions and the ease of access for construction.

Other factors, such as weather, approvals and site-specific factors, will also influence the duration of construction. This is why we emphasise planning and transparency from the very start.

You’ll receive a clear program and regular updates via our project management portal, giving you 24/7 access to schedules, documents and progress. Where appropriate for the scope, we can commit to fixed-time or fixed-price arrangements to provide added certainty.

Our focus is to anticipate constraints early, coordinate trades effectively and keep communication open so you always know where your project stands.

Custom Homes with Basements