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Forever Home or Stepping Stone? Why Renovations Make Both Work

  • Writer: Eli Maguire
    Eli Maguire
  • Aug 21
  • 2 min read
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When it comes to buying property, Australians are more divided than ever before. The latest Mortgage Choice Home Loan Report shows a clear generational split in how people see their first home:

  • 41% of Baby Boomers bought their first property with the intention of staying for life.

  • Millennials (54%) and Gen Z (47%) are more likely to treat their first place as a stepping stone — a way to get on the ladder and trade up.

  • And increasingly, younger buyers (22% of Gen Z) are jumping straight into fixer-uppers, hoping to create value through renovations.

Here’s the truth: you could be either.A forever-home thinker.A stepping-stone strategist.Or even a fixer-upper adventurer.

But no matter which mindset you lean towards, renovations are the missing link that make both approaches work.


Renovations for the Forever-Home Thinker

If you love your suburb and never want to leave, renovations mean you don’t have to. You can modernise, extend, or reconfigure your home to match your lifestyle today.

Take the Boomer couple in Minnamurra who added a light-filled extension to their original brick home. They’d lived there for 30 years and didn’t want to leave their neighbours or the view they loved. Renovating gave them their dream forever home — without saying goodbye to the community they’d built.


Renovations for the Stepping-Stone Strategist

For younger buyers, the first home is often just the start. Adding value is everything, and the right renovation can supercharge your property’s potential.

A great example? A young couple in Oak Flats who bought a tired fibro cottage. They invested in a new kitchen and bathroom renovation — two years later, they sold with enough equity to move into their forever suburb of Kiama.

That’s the power of a smart renovation: it accelerates your path forward.


Renovations for the Fixer-Upper Adventurer

Then there are those who see opportunity where others see work. Buying a fixer-upper might look like a compromise, but it doesn’t have to be.

We’ve seen first-home buyers in Shellharbour turn “rough diamonds” into standout homes — combining smart design, quality finishes, and strategic upgrades to create properties that shine brighter than new builds on the market.


The Local Reality in the Illawarra

Across Oak Flats, Shellharbour, Gerringong, and Kiama, this story repeats itself every week. Families upgrade character homes, younger couples take on older properties, and investors unlock hidden value.

The common thread? Renovations are the lever that deliver both lifestyle and long-term value.

Why EDM Building? Clarity Before Construction

Of course, the biggest fear around renovating is cost blowouts. At EDM, we do things differently:

  • Fixed-price quoting — no surprises, no stress.

  • Accurate construction cost estimating — clarity before you commit.

  • Free tools like our Kitchen & Bathroom Calculators — so you can plan smarter from day one.

Whether you’re staying put or planning your next step, we give you the security to make confident decisions.


Final Word

So, are you a forever-home thinker or a stepping-stone strategist? You could be either.The key is making the choice work for you — and that’s where renovations come in.

Renovations don’t just improve homes. They unlock opportunities.

 
 
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  • Building Plans
    • How long will the project take from start to finish?
      Once approvals are in place, we lock in a clear timeline—and stick to it. You’ll also get access to our project tracking platform with live photo updates.
    • Which areas do you service?
      We work across Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa, Jamberoo, Shellharbour, Berry, Nowra, and the wider Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and Southern Highlands.
    • What makes EDM Building different from other builders?
      We’re a local, family-owned company with a reputation built on trust, care, and delivery. Every team member—from carpenters to apprentices—operates by our values: excellence, integrity, communication, and attention to detail. We don’t just build houses. We build long-term relationships.
    • Do you take on small renovation jobs?
      Yes—we tailor our approach to suit everything from bathroom upgrades to full-home renovations.
    • What’s actually included in the quote?
      Our quote isn’t just a number on a page. You’ll receive a professionally bound booklet with itemised details of inclusions, allowances, and scopes of work—no smoke and mirrors. This makes it easy to compare quotes apples to apples, not apples to lemons.
    • Do I need plans before contacting you?
      Nope. If you’re at square one, our Dreams to Reality Package includes everything from design development to 3D renders.
    • Do you offer free quotes?
      We provide an initial consultation, and from there, our Pre-Construction phase includes detailed quoting, scope definition, and timelines.
    • Can you help me stick to a budget without sacrificing quality
      Absolutely. One of our strengths is value engineering—helping you achieve your vision by prioritising what matters most. We’ll guide you on smart material choices, efficient layouts, and stages of work that fit your goals and budget.
    • How much will my renovation or build really cost?
      At EDM Building, we don’t do vague estimates or “ballpark” quotes. Through our Vision to Value and Dreams to Reality pre-construction services, we provide a detailed, transparent pricing breakdown—right down to materials and labour. Our quotes are realistic, not optimistic. And if we can see ways to save you money without sacrificing quality, we’ll tell you.
    • How long does the pre-construction process take?
      Typically 4–6 weeks depending on complexity. This phase covers everything needed before building begins.
    • What is included in the Pre-Construction Agreement?
      Our Pre-Construction Agreement includes site review, concept development, budget planning, selection guidance, architectural coordination, and a fixed-price quote.
    • How do I know if I’m being overcharged?
      This is a fair concern, and one we hear often. That’s why we break down every cost in a clear and open format. We also help you compare other quotes during our pre-construction meetings—explaining the gaps or shortcuts that might be hidden in a cheaper option.
    • Will I receive regular updates during the build?
      Yes. We provide clear communication via your preferred method—calls, site visits, emails—plus milestone updates.
    • Can I live in my home during construction?
      In some cases, yes—but it depends on the scope and safety of the project. We’ll help you weigh up cost, comfort, and disruption so you can make the best choice. If we think it’ll be a nightmare for you or your family, we’ll be honest and advise against it.
    • What happens if I change my mind during the build?
      We follow a structured variation process—any changes are documented, repriced, and discussed with you before we move forward, so you stay in control.
    • Will my neighbours hate me during the renovation?
      Not if we can help it! We believe in respectful site etiquette. Our team minimises mess, noise, and parking issues—and if your neighbours have concerns, we’re happy to meet them. A smoother project starts with good relationships all around.
    • How long will the project take from start to finish?
      We know how disruptive building can be. That’s why we lock in clear start and finish dates once we have council approval, and we stick to them. You’ll always know what’s happening and when. Our project management software also allows you to track the build from wherever you are—right down to the photo updates.
    • How do you manage timeline delays or surprises during construction?
      We use our PSR approach—Problem, Solutions, Recommendation—to manage anything unexpected. You’ll be brought into the conversation early, so you're never blindsided.
    • Who will be on-site managing my project?
      EDM assigns a dedicated site supervisor, and Eli Maguire oversees all projects to ensure quality and communication are maintained.
    • What qualifications do you have?
      EDM Building is fully licensed and insured in NSW. Our team includes qualified supervisors, tradespeople, and experienced project managers who follow strict industry standards and building codes. Eli is a Master Builders Association of NSW (Master Builders) member.
    • What guarantee do you provide?
      All work is backed by our workmanship guarantee and statutory warranties. We’re committed to doing things properly—and standing by what we build.
    • Do you use local suppliers and trades?
      Yes—we proudly support local trades and suppliers across the Illawarra. They know our standards, and we’ve built strong relationships over the years. This means better communication, faster solutions, and reliable quality for you.
    • Do you offer sustainable or eco-friendly building options?
      We’re all for eco-friendly options—as long as it’s not greenwashing. We can help you choose materials and methods that genuinely reduce your footprint, increase your comfort, and save money long term. Think smart insulation, solar-ready designs, and efficient glazing.
    • What happens if I have questions or concerns during the build?
      We offer open communication at every stage—just reach out. You’ll never be left wondering what’s next.
    • Can I speak to past clients before signing?
      Definitely. Many of our past clients are more than happy to speak with you—and they’ll give you the straight-up version of what working with us is really like. We can also show you photos, testimonials, and walkthroughs of past work.
    • What resources can help me plan my renovation?
      We’ve created a range of practical tools to guide you—whether you’re in the early planning stages or fine-tuning the details. Explore our free renovation eBooks, interactive calculators, and expert-led blog articles, all designed to help you make informed decisions.
    • How do I contact you?
      Call us on +61 483 905 586 or email info@edmbuilding.com.
    • How can I stay updated with renovation tips and EDM news?
      Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly inspiration, project highlights, sustainability insights, and new resources—delivered straight to your inbox.
    • Do you provide aftercare once the build is complete?
      Yes—we’ll walk you through everything and are always available post-handover for advice or support.
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