Manning is small, leafy and tightly held. It was first subdivided as the Manning Estate in 1948, so many of the original homes are now 60 to 75 years old. They're usually solid, on good-sized blocks, and close to the Canning River, Curtin University and some of Perth's best schools. People who live here tend to stay, which is why so many Manning owners are asking the same question: renovate or knock down?

Renovate or rebuild in Manning?

A knockdown rebuild isn't always the better option. Pulling down a sound post-war home means paying for demolition, a full new build and often a longer wait before you can move back in. Renovating or extending can give you the space you need for less, and you keep the parts of the house that still work.

Renovating usually makes sense when:

• The walls, roof and footings are in good condition
• You like the block and the position of the house on it
• You mainly need more living space or a better layout
• You want to stay close to Aquinas, Manning Primary or St Pius X while the work happens

We'll look at your home honestly and tell you which way we think it should go. If a rebuild makes more sense, we'll say so.

Popular renovations in Manning

Rear extensions. Adding a family room, kitchen and alfresco across the back of the house is the most common job for post-war homes. It turns a closed-in layout into one that opens onto the backyard.

Kitchen and bathroom updates. Original kitchens and bathrooms from the 1950s and 60s are usually due for replacement. We redesign the space, not just swap the fittings.

Going up. On smaller blocks or where you want to keep the garden, a second storey can add bedrooms without losing outdoor space.

Future-proofing. Wider doorways, step-free showers and a main bedroom on the ground floor help long-term owners stay in their home for years to come.

Getting approvals through the City of South Perth

Manning is in the City of South Perth. Some renovations and most extensions need a building permit, and some need planning approval too. We prepare the drawings and handle the applications, so you don't have to chase the council yourself.

If you are living outside of this area, check out our home renovation builder Perth page.

Your local consultant

Stephen Milton is the Refresh Renovations consultant for Manning, Como, Salter Point, Karawara and the rest of Perth South East. He'll meet you at home, walk through the house with you and help you work out a budget before design begins. Everything from design to handover is managed by Refresh under one contract.

Common questions from Manning homeowners

How much does it cost to extend a house in Manning? It depends on the size of the extension, the finishes and the condition of the existing house. Stephen can give you an early estimate after a site visit, before you commit to design.

Can you renovate while we live in the house? Often, yes. For rear extensions we can usually keep part of the house liveable. For larger renovations, we'll talk you through timing so you can plan around it.

Do you also work in Salter Point and Waterford? Yes, along with Como, Karawara, Kensington and South Perth.

Not sure whether to renovate or rebuild? Book a free consultation and get an honest answer.