Planning a New Home or Renovation in 2026? Read This First:

If you’re planning a new home, knockdown rebuild or major renovation in 2026, the most important decisions will be made long before construction begins. Across Sydney and NSW, planning controls are becoming more nuanced, approval pathways more site-specific, and build costs something that must be addressed early, not after design is complete.

Distinct Innovations is an award-winning building designer in Sydney, specialising in custom home design and residential renovations across NSW. This guide is intended to help homeowners understand what to consider early, so projects begin with clarity, confidence and thoughtful direction.

Start the Design Process Earlier Than You Expect When Planning a New Home or Renovation.

For most custom homes and major renovations in Sydney, the design process should begin 6–12 months before your intended construction start date.

This allows time for:

• Site analysis and feasibility

• Considered concept design

• Refinement without rushed decisions

• Early advice on council or certifier requirements

Good residential design is deliberate. Time invested early leads to better outcomes, smoother approvals and homes that work beautifully long-term.

Clarify Your Approval Pathway First: DA or CDC

Before committing to a design direction, it’s essential to understand how your project can be approved.

Development Application (DA)

Typically assessed by council and often required for:

• Heritage or conservation areas

• Flood-affected land

• Sites with specific planning constraints

Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

Assessed by a private certifier and generally faster, provided the design fully complies with NSW planning controls.

Understanding which pathway applies before detailed design begins helps avoid redesigns, delays and unnecessary stress. An experienced residential building designer can identify constraints early and guide the process.

Address Budget Realistically - From the Beginning

Whether you’re planning a custom home design in Sydney or a major renovation, early budget alignment is essential.

Thoughtful design focuses on:

• Efficient, well-planned layouts

• Buildable, practical solutions

• Long-term value rather than short-term trends

Clear conversations early allow your designer to prioritise what truly matters - space, light, functionality and longevity.

Design for Everyday Living, Not Just Appearance

The most successful homes are those that quietly enhance daily life. We take the time to understand how our clients live and move within their home, ensuring each design is shaped by real needs rather than assumptions. Our award-winning work reflects a commitment to careful consultation and considered design from the very beginning.

Key considerations include:

• Orientation for natural light and cross-ventilation

• Storage integrated into the layout, not added as an afterthought

• Flexible spaces that adapt as households change

• Simple, practical indoor–outdoor connections

When design decisions are made with real living in mind, homes feel comfortable, intuitive and enduring. By understanding our clients’ lifestyles, habits and priorities early, we translate those insights into thoughtful layouts that support everyday living and continue to work well over time.

Renovation or Knockdown Rebuild?

This decision depends on your site, planning controls and long-term goals.

A renovation or extension may suit if:

• The existing structure is sound

• Retaining character adds value

• Planning controls limit new builds

A knockdown rebuild may be more appropriate if:

• The existing layout cannot be resolved efficiently

• Energy performance is difficult to improve

• Greater design flexibility is needed

A qualified building designer specialising in custom homes and renovations in NSW can help assess both options and provide clear, balanced advice.

Why Work With a Building Designer in Sydney?

A skilled building designer brings a balance of creativity, technical knowledge and practical construction understanding.

At Distinct Innovations, we guide clients through:

• Personalised design consultations

• DA and CDC approval pathways

• Complex site constraints such as flood, bushfire or heritage controls

• Thoughtful, buildable architectural design

Our work across custom homes, renovations and heritage projects has been recognised through multiple industry awards, reflecting a consistent focus on considered, client-centred outcomes.

Looking Ahead to 2026

If 2026 is the year you plan to build or renovate, now is the right time to begin planning. Early engagement leads to stronger design outcomes, smoother approvals and a more enjoyable process overall.

Well-designed homes don’t happen by chance, they’re shaped by informed decisions made early.

A Christmas Message from Our Studio

As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to wish our clients, collaborators and community a peaceful Christmas season and a Happy and Prosperous 2026.

In a world that has felt increasingly complex and unsettled at times, home remains a place of comfort, safety and connection. We hope this festive season brings moments of peace, love and harmony, time with those who matter most, and a sense of calm as we all look ahead to a new year.

Thank you for trusting us with your homes and your stories throughout the year. We look forward to continuing to create thoughtful, meaningful spaces in 2026.

From Albina and myself here at Distinct Innovations, Merry Christmas and warm wishes for the year ahead.