At Doncaster and Templestowe Carpentry and Building Services, we’re proud to be one of Ivanhoe’s most trusted names in home renovations and building. With a strong local reputation and a history of delivering outstanding results, we’ve built our business on quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and a genuine passion for what we do.
Led by experienced builder David Schwarzer, our team brings years of hands-on knowledge and a stack of industry awards to every project we take on. Whether it’s a full home renovation, a custom-designed extension, or a brand-new build, we take the time to understand your needs and deliver a finished product that’s tailored to your lifestyle.
We’ve worked on all sorts of properties across Ivanhoe—from sleek, modern townhouses to charming granny flats and spacious family homes. No matter the size or style, we treat every job with the same level of care and attention to detail, ensuring every part of your home is both beautiful and built to last.
When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a builder—you’re partnering with a team that values honesty, reliability, and top-quality work. We’re here to take the stress out of renovating by managing your project from start to finish, keeping you in the loop every step of the way. If you’re in the Ivanhoe area and looking for skilled, down-to-earth home renovation builders, give us a call. We’d love to help you create a home you’ll be proud of for years to come.
At Doncaster and Templestowe Carpentry and Building Services, we provide a full suite of renovation and building solutions tailored to suit the diverse needs of homeowners in Ivanhoe. Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a complete home transformation, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process with expert advice and top-quality workmanship.
We understand that every home—and every homeowner—is different. That’s why we take a personalised approach to every project, ensuring the final result reflects your style, functionality needs, and lifestyle. From initial planning and design to construction and final finishes, we handle it all with care and precision.
Renovating your home is a significant investment, and we’re here to make sure it’s a smooth and rewarding experience. Whether you’re updating a single room or giving your entire house a facelift, our team works closely with you to bring your vision to life.
We manage every detail, including council approvals (if needed), sourcing high-quality materials, and working to agreed timelines and budgets—so you can relax and enjoy the transformation.
Your bathroom should be a sanctuary, blending comfort, functionality, and style. Whether you’re after a sleek, contemporary ensuite or a spacious master bathroom retreat, we design and build bathrooms that tick all the boxes. We focus on efficient layouts, premium fittings, waterproofing, and smart storage solutions to make the most of your space—without compromising on aesthetics.
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and we believe it should look and feel that way too. We specialise in crafting beautiful, custom kitchens that are as practical as they are stylish. From open-plan layouts and smart storage to stone benchtops and feature splashbacks, we’ll help you create a kitchen that’s perfect for cooking, entertaining, and everyday living.
Laundries may be one of the most used rooms in the house, yet they’re often overlooked. We believe even functional spaces deserve attention. Our team can redesign your laundry to be a well-organised, efficient area that makes household chores easier and tidier, with clever cabinetry, bench space, and appliance integration.
Looking to add more liveable space without building out? A garage conversion could be the ideal solution. We can transform your existing garage into a practical and comfortable extension of your home—whether that’s a home office, teenager’s retreat, guest bedroom, or even a self-contained studio. We ensure the converted space blends seamlessly with the rest of your home, both inside and out.
Second Storey Additions:
Maximise your block’s potential by building up instead of out. Add extra bedrooms, a private parents’ retreat, or a home office upstairs—without sacrificing your backyard space.
Rear Extensions:
Great for homeowners who want to add space at the back of the house for more natural light, bigger entertaining areas, or extended living zones that open up to outdoor spaces.
Open-Plan Living Conversions:
We can reconfigure your current layout and remove non-load-bearing walls to create a more spacious, flowing, and modern home interior—perfect for family living and entertaining.
We handle everything—from planning and design, to council permits, engineering, building regulations, and construction. Our team coordinates all trades and keeps you informed every step of the way, so there are no nasty surprises or hidden costs.
Our extensions are built to last, using high-quality materials and skilled workmanship to ensure your investment stands the test of time. And most importantly, we work with your budget and schedule to make the entire process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Custom Builds: Townhouses, Granny Flats & Basements
We’re not just renovators—we’re experienced custom builders who can bring new living spaces to life with precision and style. Whether you’re after a secondary dwelling, a multi-unit development, or a purpose-built room underground, we’ve got the skills, team, and know-how to make it happen.
Townhouse Builds
Thinking of developing your block or building modern homes for the market? We work with both developers and homeowners to deliver stylish, high-quality townhouses that meet council regulations and maximise property value. From initial design concepts and planning approvals to construction and handover, we offer an end-to-end service that ensures every detail is taken care of.
Granny Flats
A granny flat is a fantastic way to add versatile, functional space to your property—whether it’s for elderly parents, adult children, guests, or rental income. We design and build self-contained flats that are compact, comfortable, and tailored to suit your block and your needs. Each build complies with local planning laws and is crafted with the same care as our full-size homes.
Basement Construction
Need more space but can’t build out or up? Building under might be the perfect solution. Our team specialises in basement construction, a complex and technical building process that requires real expertise. Whether you’re after a home theatre, wine cellar, gym, or additional storage, we can create a functional and beautifully finished basement that enhances both your lifestyle and your home’s value.
At Doncaster and Templestowe Carpentry and Building Services, we believe that great building experiences come from strong partnerships. That’s why our process is designed to be open, transparent, and completely centred around you. From the very first conversation to the final handover, we work closely with you to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as the result.
We kick things off with a friendly, no-obligation meeting to discuss your vision, ideas, and goals for the project. Whether you’re full of inspiration or still unsure of what’s possible, we’re here to listen, offer advice, and help shape a clear direction. We also talk through your budget, timeframe, and any specific site considerations.
Once we understand your needs, we move into the design and planning stage. This is where your ideas start to take shape. We’ll help you finalise the layout, finishes, and materials that best suit your home and lifestyle. We also take care of all the behind-the-scenes work, including building plans, council permits, and any required engineering approvals.
No guesswork, no nasty surprises—just clear and honest pricing. Once the design is locked in, we’ll provide a detailed fixed quote outlining all costs involved in your project. That way, you know exactly what to expect from day one, giving you peace of mind.
With approvals in place, our fully licensed and experienced builders get to work. We manage every aspect of construction with care and precision, keeping you updated regularly and always available to answer any questions. Clean worksites, respectful trades, and quality control are all part of the package.
Once construction is complete, we’ll walk you through the finished product to ensure everything meets your expectations. We take pride in delivering a flawless result, down to the smallest detail. And of course, we’re always just a phone call away if you have any questions post-handover.
No matter the size or scope of your project, we’re committed to making the experience positive, professional, and tailored just for you.
- 2010 - CPD Excellence Award - 5 star sustainability
- 2010 - Nominee for the CPD Excellence Award - 12-Point
- 2012 - Commended - Sustainability CPD Excellence Award
- 2012 - Commended - Continuing Professional Development Awards (for Registered Building Practitioners)
At Doncaster and Templestowe Carpentry and Building Services, we are industry-leading specialists in renovations and home additions. Our goal is to make the building process stress-free by delivering exceptional craftsmanship and ensuring you get exactly what you envision.
Expertise & Experience
With years of experience, we bring the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality projects that exceed expectations.
Expertise & Experience
With years of experience, we bring the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality projects that exceed expectations.
Personalized Service
We listen to your ideas and work closely with you to design and build a home that suits your lifestyle, ensuring every detail reflects your vision.
Personalized Service
We listen to your ideas and work closely with you to design and build a home that suits your lifestyle, ensuring every detail reflects your vision.
Exceptional Design Services
Our team can create and modify plans to ensure your home is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound, offering the perfect balance of style and functionality.
Exceptional Design Services
Our team can create and modify plans to ensure your home is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound, offering the perfect balance of style and functionality.
Proven Industry Reputation
We have built a strong reputation by consistently delivering outstanding workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Proven Industry Reputation
We have built a strong reputation by consistently delivering outstanding workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Truly Unique Projects
Every home we build is designed to your specifications, ensuring you get a custom home tailored to your needs rather than settling for a generic design.
Truly Unique Projects
Every home we build is designed to your specifications, ensuring you get a custom home tailored to your needs rather than settling for a generic design.
Practical Guidance
We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing expert advice throughout the design and building process, ensuring efficiency and the best results.
Practical Guidance
We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing expert advice throughout the design and building process, ensuring efficiency and the best results.
Direct Communication
We work with you one-on-one, eliminating middlemen or salespeople to ensure a seamless and transparent building experience.
Direct Communication
We work with you one-on-one, eliminating middlemen or salespeople to ensure a seamless and transparent building experience.
Passion for Quality
We are truly passionate about delivering high-quality homes with impeccable attention to detail, completed on time and within budget.
Passion for Quality
We are truly passionate about delivering high-quality homes with impeccable attention to detail, completed on time and within budget.
At Doncaster and Templestowe Carpentry and Building Services, we are dedicated to making your dream home a reality, providing expert craftsmanship, personalized service, and a commitment to excellence in every project.
Before embarking on a renovation, assess your home’s needs and your long-term goals for the space. Prioritize areas like kitchens and bathrooms, which typically offer the best return on investment. Ensure you have a clear budget and consider consulting with professionals to avoid common pitfalls and to streamline the design and construction process.
Selecting the right contractor is crucial. Look for someone with a solid reputation in Ivanhoe, verify their credentials, and review their past project portfolio. It’s also recommended to get detailed estimates and check references to gauge their reliability and quality of work
Home renovation typically involves several key phases: planning and design, securing necessary permits, actual construction, and final inspections. Each phase plays a critical role in ensuring the renovation runs smoothly and meets all local regulations
The duration of a renovation project can vary significantly based on the scope of work. Minor updates may take a few weeks, while extensive renovations could last several months. Factors such as permit acquisition, material delivery times, and the complexity of the work can all influence the timeline
To manage costs effectively, establish a clear and realistic budget at the start. Include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Consider options like phased renovations or choosing cost-effective materials to keep expenses under control. Regular communication with your contractor about the budget and project scope can also help avoid cost overruns
Ensure that your renovation complies with all local building codes and regulations. This will likely involve applying for and obtaining the necessary permits. It’s also important to ensure that all contractual work is performed by licensed and insured professionals to avoid legal issues down the line