Planning a big home upgrade in Paddington or Ashgrove can get stressful fast, especially when you want a team that turns your old layout into a beautiful space without blowing your life savings.

The trouble is that every builder seems to promise the world, so finding the best renovation contractors in Brisbane takes some real digging to separate the talkers from the teams that actually deliver.

So I spent weeks selecting local crews, from those who tackle tricky basement renovations to ones who nail full kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Here are the teams that consistently came out on top!

1. Built by Thomas – Brisbane Renovation Builders

Website: builtbythomas.com.au

Address: 114 Verney Rd E

Contact: 1300 828 458

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Finding a team that handles tight blocks in the inner-west is tough, but Built by Thomas makes it look easy. 

Founder Thomas Neuhold specialises in sustainable construction and small-lot builds that squeeze the most out of your property’s footprint. He brings over 25 years of building experience and personally guides each project.

The team also offers full design-and-construct services under one roof, plus help with insurance repairs and Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) defect rectifications.

That said, their quoting phase can cause some headaches. One client mentioned waiting weeks for a price breakdown after paying a $200 site fee, and that follow-up messages went unanswered. 

Still, once you are past that early stage, the hands-on management is hard to beat.

Very knowledgeable, efficient

We contacted Thomas for home renovation with a long wish list including a structure beam installation. Thomas is very knowledgeable, efficient and he is an excellent communicator. We had no idea where to start, but we’re now very excited to start the project and have him managing the project.

– Shuang gao | Google Review

Give an honest overview of what I should expect

I contacted Thomas on a friend’s recommendation as I have a renovation project coming up (yet to be secured) and he was happy to give an honest overview of what I should expect, process and cost-wise, along with a few things to watch out for. I’d have no hesitation in asking him to quote on this and look forward to working with him in the future.

– Dom Smyth | Google Review

2. Urban Scene Construction

Website: urbansceneconstruction.com.au

Address: 16 Lloyd St

Contact: 07 3324 9992

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Friday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Taking on a classic Queenslander transformation calls for a very specific touch, and Urban Scene Construction focuses on exactly those residential updates. 

Principals Jason O’Neill and Chantal Bruce bring over 25 years of industry experience and a highly personal approach. Their specialty is high-end, architecturally designed extensions that protect a property’s original character. 

I love how they coordinate the whole build, so you only deal with one main contact. When I spoke to a neighbour who used them for a big raise-and-build-under project, they raved about the daily site updates!

However, despite the great on-site work, getting your foot in the door can take patience. A few people have mentioned that early email inquiries occasionally go unanswered, so you might need to pick up the phone to get things moving.

Once you are in, though, the communication is excellent.

Made the experience so easy for us

We have recently completed a very extensive extension and renovation with Urban Scene Construction. Jason and Chantal made the experience so easy for us. We lived on site for most of the 6mth build and while I’m sure it complicated it for them, they were wonderful and supportive. The flow of information and general communication could not be faulted. The quality of work and the care they took meant we are delighted with every aspect of the job.

– Jacki Scott | Google Review

Could not have been happier with the quality of work

We engaged Urban Scene to undertake a major renovation on a Queenslander. We could not have been happier with the quality of work and the high degree of professionalism and communication. We would be happy to recommend Jason and Chantal to anyone looking for a quality, reliable and professional builder.

– Laurence Shaw | Google Review

3. 5 Elements Construction

Website: 5elementsconstruction.com.au

Areas Served: Brisbane and nearby areas

Contact: 0401 584 415

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, closed

Quality craftsmanship sits at the core of everything 5 Elements Construction does. This locally owned business is a dedicated specialist in luxury extensions and detailed interior updates, focusing on renovations rather than general building work.

You can lean on them for everything from complex plumbing upgrades to high-quality waterproofing.

They also offer free creative consultations, so you get a chance to bounce ideas around before committing any funds. They even manage the whole delivery through all the local council approvals.

Just keep in mind that they stick strictly to core residential services. So if your project involves extensive landscaping or complex pool building, you’ll need to bring in outside specialists for those tasks. 

For pure renovation work, the focus actually works in your favour.

Workmanship and finishing the work in the planned time

Adam employs top standard tradesmen who did my kitchen and bathroom renovation of my 1986 constructed house. Tiling in the bathroom was first rate done by one of Australia’s best tilers. The kitchen cabinetry was expertly done by Adam’s subcontractor. All done to quote though the quote might have been high, but at the end of the job, the workmanship and finishing the work in the planned time is what matters. A job well done.

– Neville Aganoff | Google Review

This company for any renovation work

We just had our bathroom fully renovated in our place at Greenslopes. Adam was helpful and knowledgeable from the start and helped us turn our run down old bathroom into something spectacular. The job was perfect and the guys were friendly and efficient. Highly recommend this company for any renovation work. The painter they used was amazing too.

– Andy Divine | Google Review

4. Brisbane Renovations Specialists

Website: installakitchen.com.au

Areas Served: Brisbane and nearby areas

Contact: 0452 498 287

Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Installing a flat-pack layout can quickly turn into a disaster if you go it alone. Luckily, Brisbane Renovations Specialists offer an all-in-one installation service built around the IKEA METOD cabinetry system. 

I love how they oversee the entire job from demolition to licensed plumbing and electrical work, and final tiling. Plus, the team hands you fully itemised quotes with clear pricing, so you don’t get hit with hidden surprises.

They also throw in free site measurements and professional kitchen design help to get things moving.

That said, their scheduling can be a weak spot. I experienced this firsthand when a consultant missed our morning meeting without any prior notice, and the lack of communication pushed me to look elsewhere. 

Once a job is locked in, though, people I surveyed mentioned that the on-site work is tidy and prompt.

The results are stunning

I recently undertook extensive renovation works at my unit which was in original condition since being built some 50 years ago, including the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobes. Igor and his team did a great job – they stuck to what was agreed, and were always prompt, professional and neat with all the on-site work. They definitely made a daunting task much easier and the results are stunning. I would highly recommend, and will definitely be a repeat customer.

– G K | Google Review

A hassle free renovation done perfectly

The service provided was awesome. The workmanship impeccable. Igor and his team were professional and the whole kitchen renovation was done in about 2 weeks. Each team member was on time and knew exactly what to do, all under Igor’s expert direction. I would recommend Igor and his team to anybody who wants a hassle free renovation done perfectly. Thank you Igor. We will be contacting you when we do our next project.

– Sanjay Sasidharan | Google Review

5. JDL Construction

Website: jdlconstruction.com.au

Address: 2083 Sandgate Rd

Contact: 07 3189 3261

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Preserving the charm of Brisbane’s historic family homes takes serious expertise, and JDL Construction focuses exclusively on high-end character property upgrades. 

They work closely with an in-house design team, Story+Lab, for a smooth transition from blueprints to construction. With this particular setup, you get finance-ready drawings upfront, which locks in your borrowing power early.

They even set clients up with a custom online portal for real-time budget tracking and timeline updates. 

It’s also worth noting that every material they suggest is chosen to boost your home’s long-term equity. However, because they cater to premium structural extensions, their price tag is undeniably steep. 

Overall, they’re the perfect fit for a heritage renovation you plan to keep for decades because that investment tends to pay off. They’re not just the right fit if you just want a fast, budget-friendly cosmetic flip. 

High quality built home to live in

Right from the start JDL were professional, friendly and accommodating – John, Kieran and their team were a pleasure to work with. They successfully dealt with all the challenges a post-war bungalow major renovation and a top floor addition could offer and delivered us a magnificent, contemporary, high quality built home to live in. We highly recommend this innovative company.

– Alannah Gunter | Google Review

Love all the builders they have

I am so happy we have choose JDL to be our builder for house renovation! They are professional, friendly(and kids friendly) easygoing and price wise! We love all the builders they have! If I need to do another renovation they will be my only choice!

– Ken Chiu | Google Review