Home Renovation Specialists in Melbourne
If you’re planning kitchen renovations in Alexandra, you want a builder who understands the property, not just the postcode. We work with homeowners across Alexandra and the wider Murrindindi Shire to design and build kitchens that suit the way these homes are actually lived in — from weatherboard cottages to acreage properties with room to entertain. Jake, who leads every JBK Homes project personally, has spent 15 years building and renovating homes across Victoria, and that hands-on experience shapes how we plan and price every kitchen we take on.
This page covers what actually matters when you’re renovating a kitchen in this area: the planning steps, the regional factors that affect design and cost, and what to expect once work starts on site.
Posted on Google Tessa PozzobonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had JBK Homes renovate our bathroom and separate WC at our home in Briar Hill, and we couldn't be happier with the result. Jake was fantastic to deal with from start to finish. With young children at home, he was always incredibly considerate, keeping the site clean and tidy every day and working around nap and sleep times wherever possible. His communication was excellent, and both he and his team were friendly, respectful and professional throughout the renovation. The workmanship and attention to detail were exceptional, and the finished bathroom exceeded our expectations. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend JBK Homes to anyone looking for a builder who genuinely cares about quality, communication and making the renovation process as stress-free as possible.Posted on Google Sharon KepperTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used JBK Homes for several jobs and I have always found Jake to be extremely polite and pleasant to work with as is his team. Nothing is too much trouble and their standard is perfection. He has done several smaller stonework projects for me at my home in Wonga Park which have been completed to my utmost satisfaction. This includes a complete bathroom renovation which included removing all wall tiles and giving the whole bathroom a modern and fresh finish. The latest project he has done for me was a complete renovation of a 3 bedroom with 2 bathroom unit in Warranwood. The result again is amazing with attention to detail showing in every aspect of the work. This was difficult as the tenants were still living in the unit and they only had to move out for 10days in order to complete the flooring. He and his team were extremely respectful of their requirements and worked around their needs. I highly recommend JBK Homes for your next project, his pricing is very reasonable and he comes with complete honesty and openness in his planning and keeps you informed of progress along the way.Posted on Google Joshua NaveTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted Jake at JBK for our home renovation in Greensborough. Jake was originally contracted for the carpentry work, though not only was the work fantastic but Jake also took initiative to manage trades on site and offer advice on improvements. For any of our projects we will be using JBK/Jake again.Posted on Google Sarah SavioTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jake has been amazing to deal with not just for our project but for clients of mine that I refer. The one stand out (besides his craftsmanship) was his communication. I received a generous amount of updates throughout the progress which was handy & he provided recommendations along the way with good justification for long term durability. Look forward to our next project with JBK Homes.Posted on Google Robert KirkbyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jake did a number of fix up carpentry and joinery jobs on our home. He and his assistant were knowledgeable, efficient and straightforward to work with. We are happy with the quality of the work and the overall outcome.Posted on Google NickTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jake and the JBK Homes team were outstanding from start to finish. We did a major renovation to our family home. Jake is a fantastic builder, leader and organiser with extensive trade experience who brings great ideas to every project. His craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none. Our outdoor entertaining area, custom BBQ, decking, steel doors and concrete-look render exceeded our expectations and were completed on time. Jake and the entire team were an absolute pleasure to deal with, with a special mention to Dan, whose professionalism and workmanship were exceptional. Jake always answered my calls and whether it was after hours or on weekends, his customer service was outstanding. I would not hesitate to recommend JBK Homes. I didn't know Jake or his team personally before the project but I would be more than happy for any prospective client to contact me directly if need be.Posted on Google Tony GiannopoulosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We engaged JBK Homes to complete a large extention and renovation to our home and we were extremely happy with both the process and the finished result. Jake was professional and took genuine pride in his work. His attention to detail and workmanship were outstanding and he always made the time to discuss ideas and work through any challenges as the project progressed. Nothing was ever too much trouble. The quality of the work was exceptional, communication was always clear and it was obvious that Jake genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome rather than simply getting the job finished. We have no hesitation in recommending JBK Homes to anyone looking for a builder for an extension or renovation. Jake is honest, hardworking and delivers a quality result.Posted on Google CaitlynTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently had a bathroom and WIR built by Jake and couldn’t be happier with the result. From the very beginning, Jake was incredibly thorough - everything was clearly explained and quoted properly, so there were no surprise costs along the way. The whole process was organised and stress-free with Jake overseeing everything. All the trades Jake brought in were excellent - reliable and the quality of work was fantastic across the board. We were so stoked to find a builder who is this detailed and transparent from the start. Couldn’t recommend JBK Homes any higher!Posted on Google Megan SkinnerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely fantastic experience! From day one, everything that was promised was delivered. The turnaround time was incredibly fast without compromising on quality. Super easy to deal with, kept me updated all the way through, and the end result is better than I imagined... Highly recommend!Posted on Google Simone TindallTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had 3 people quote for the replacement of a deck on a flat roof and Jake (JBK Homes) quickly became the obvious choice. It was his professionalism and clear communication that was so impressive and helpful. As we didn't know the state of the sub floor and the water proofing situation, there were unknowns. Jake was very transparent and detailed the unknowns and provided best case and worst case and scenarios. Jake was onsite for the whole job with two other quality tradesman, qualified carpenters. Great consideration was given to our family, tidying up each day and a detailed site clean when the job was complete. The result is terrific, couldn't be happier. Quality workman ship and great attention to detail. I would highly recommend Jake and his team, for extensions, renovations and the smaller jobs. I wish I'd known Jake (JBK Homes) when I had my Hampton Californian Bungalow, he would have done a beautiful job there.
Most kitchen renovation problems don’t come from bad tradespeople. They come from a lack of planning before the first wall comes down. That’s where a builder-led approach makes the difference. Jake is on site from the first measure-up through to handover, so decisions get made once, not re-explained to a rotating cast of project managers.
We’re a small, consistent team. The tradespeople who quote your job are the same ones who build it, which keeps quality steady from the demolition stage through to the final cabinetry fit-off. For homeowners in Alexandra, that consistency also means we’re not learning your property type as we go. We’ve worked on older timber-frame homes, character weatherboard cottages, and larger rural properties, and each comes with its own quirks worth planning for early rather than discovering mid-build.
A kitchen renovation in Alexandra isn’t identical to one in inner Melbourne, and pretending otherwise leads to budget blowouts.
Parts of the Murrindindi Shire fall within the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), a planning control that can require a permit for certain building works, including some structural kitchen changes that affect external walls or openings. The BMO applies to specific mapped properties rather than the shire as a whole, and it generally doesn’t apply retrospectively to existing homes without new permit triggers. Because coverage varies property to property, we check your address against the current planning scheme maps before finalising any design involving structural change, rather than assuming a standard rule applies.
Many Alexandra properties rely on septic systems and tank water rather than mains connections. If your renovation involves moving the sink, dishwasher, or plumbing stack, this affects both the trade sequencing and the layout options available to you. We factor this in at the design stage, so you’re not hit with a redesign once plumbing is underway.
Weatherboard and early timber-frame homes often have non-standard wall cavities, uneven floor levels, or wiring that predates current safety standards. None of this stops a renovation, but it does mean allowances need to be built into the plan and quote from the start, not added as surprise variations later.






Cost depends on a few clear factors rather than a flat rate per square metre. A layout change, such as relocating plumbing or knocking through a wall, costs more than a like-for-like replacement of cabinetry and benchtops in the same footprint. Material choices matter too. Stone benchtops, custom joinery, and higher-end appliances shift the budget noticeably compared with standard fittings.
Trade travel is worth mentioning, honestly. Alexandra sits outside metro Melbourne, and while this doesn’t change the quality of the build, it’s factored into scheduling and quoting from the outset, rather than treated as a hidden cost. Structured upfront budgeting, one of the reasons we plan thoroughly before quoting, is what keeps variations to a minimum once the job starts.
Jake visits your home, discusses how you use the kitchen day to day, and takes accurate measurements. This is where property-specific issues like overlay checks or plumbing constraints first get flagged.
You'll receive a layout suited to your home and a written quote that reflects the real scope of work. We use HIA contracts on every project, so the terms, inclusions, and payment stages are documented clearly from day one.
Where council permits or overlay approvals apply, we manage the paperwork and liaise with the relevant authority, so you're not left navigating it alone.
Work proceeds in a set sequence, with the same trusted trades on site throughout. Any changes to scope are documented as approved variations, not verbal add-ons, keeping the project accountable to the original quote.
Once the kitchen is complete, you'll walk through the finished space with Jake. Structural work carries warranties in line with Victorian building regulations, and Domestic Building Insurance applies where required by law, giving you cover beyond the day we hand over the keys.
Modern farmhouse kitchens suit the rural character of many Murrindindi properties, pairing practical storage with warmer timber tones and durable benchtops built for daily use.
Classic weatherboard cottage kitchens work with the existing character of older homes, keeping period details like exposed beams or original window placements rather than fighting against them.
Open-plan kitchens for acreage living suit larger blocks where entertaining and family living happen in the same space, often opening onto a deck or outdoor area.
Lets Get Started
If you’re ready to discuss kitchen renovations for your Alexandra property, get in touch with Jake directly. As a licensed and fully insured Melbourne builder with 15 years of hands-on experience, he’ll walk your property, talk through what’s realistic for your home, and provide a clear, written quote with no pressure to commit on the spot.
Yes. We take on renovation projects across the Murrindindi Shire, including Alexandra and the surrounding towns.
They can, depending on whether your property falls within the Bushfire Management Overlay. Not all Alexandra properties are affected, and existing homes generally aren't caught by the overlay unless the renovation triggers a new permit. We check this against your specific address and current council mapping before finalising any design.
Timeframes depend on scope, from cabinetry updates through to full layout changes. We provide a realistic schedule as part of your written quote, not a generic estimate.
Some layout changes require council approval, particularly where structural walls or overlays are involved. We manage this process directly where it applies to your project.
Yes. We regularly plan plumbing layouts around septic and tank water setups common across the region.