Trevor Fry Building Design

10/03/2026

This is an interesting design project where the owners have asked for an upper level, an upper floor deck and a connecting stair well to be designed for their existing single level house. I have designed a number of these added level projects, they all have their challenges, including Council applications for relaxed boundary setbacks, however this has worked out well for the friendly family who are the owners. Please contact me for advice on your design project on 0439 673 705.

12/02/2026

This is another secondary dwelling (smaller house on the same lot as the main house) that I designed for a family with an elderly relative and an adult child. These second houses allow people to expand their accommodation at the property that they currently live in, adding value to their property, while keeping the family together. I am designing more of these recently, so please let me know if I can help you with a second house or any other residential design project.

02/02/2026

Had a great day today in the design office..a Council planning application that I submitted for boundary relaxations for a secondary dwelling (two storey small house behind a main house), which had some challenges, was approved in full. I completed more work on a project involving adding a second level to an existing house..currently working on the framing for a lovely spotted gum floor for this one. Also near completion of the design for a two level house in Habana. Finished by cooking a tasty bolognaise for the family…a great day. 😃

21/11/2025

This is an interesting two-level building extension to a 1960's single-level cottage in Mackay. The new work, while very different to the existing cottage, complements the older house and provides the owners with a parents' space and large deck above a storage area. This will sit very well on this heavily treed suburban lot and provide a pleasantly cool outlook through the trees.

Please contact me to discuss your building design ideas.

21/10/2025

These are the design elevations for a secondary dwelling beside a low-set Queenslander cottage. Secondary dwellings are a great way to take advantage of extra space on the allotment and provide accommodation for older sons and daughters, or to rent out for passive income. A great way to increase value in your property and possibly gain some income. Please contact me if you would like to discuss your options for a secondary dwelling on your property.

25/07/2025

This is a renovation design project of mine that I had a chance to visit on my way to a new project. The scope included a new front deck and roof, a fly-over roof carport which joins into a generous patio at the rear. The new cladding has given a lift to this house. This was for a local small business owner and his family and I believe that it has given the old cottage a new life. The builder, Matthew Brady, has done an excellent job. Please let me know if I can assist you with design ideas to put life into your existing house.

14/05/2025

We are hoping that the wet summer/autumn is fading so that builders and projects can get some positive traction. I have been speaking to a lot of people about secondary dwellings eg a small house on the same lot as the main house. These are an as of right to build as long as they comply with some simple guidelines, and may be home to an adult child, aged parents or rented to anyone else. A great way to utilize the existing property, increase the value, provide a home for that adult child or parents or rent for passive income. Give a call 0n 0439673705 if you would like to discuss how this works.

14/01/2025

This is another design project centered around a 1980's circa Hi-Set House...enclosing the ground floor, renovating the first floor, adding a deck and entry, and giving the house more living space and a new life! There are so many ways to increase your existing house's living areas and bedrooms to improve and bring life to the house! Please contact me if you are interested in designing some new life and spaces into your house.

I have completed the project drawings for Matt's renovations and extensions to his early 80s high-set house. I'm very happy with the outcome and can't wait to see the build start.

Please check out our website www.trevorfrybuildingdesign.com.au

13/01/2025

Just putting this up as an example of a simple renovation. Lo-set house lifted to increase living spaces and bedrooms...one of many ways to improve on an existing house to meet your requirements. Please contact me if I may help with advice or design services.

This is a renovation of a simple low-set beach cottage at one of our beautiful northern beaches. Very simple lines, very simple cladding, concentrating on lots of breeze, view paths and a relaxed beach lifestyle.

If you would really like to upgrade or renovate your house, please contact us at Trevor Fry Building Design to discuss your needs.

03/10/2024

Good day to our friends in Mackay and surrounding areas! Just a note to let you know that for people who are struggling to provide housing for elderly parents, young adults, etc, we have successfully designed secondary dwellings eg a smaller house/unit on the same block of land as the existing house, for a number of clients over recent years. This allows a family to provide much needed housing on the same lot of land. Of course, there are always considerations regarding flood height, boundary setbacks, Council infrastructure, etc, however these may often be resolved fairly easily by your building designer. I thought that you may like to know this. Please contact me if you have interest in discussing this approach and how it might apply to your requirements.

27/09/2024

These are the external views of a project I am working through. The design brief was to lift the existing high-set Queenslander to a height that allowed a ground floor above flood height. The house is a delightful, well-preserved Queenslander circa 1940s and the clients are a wonderful younger couple that are delightful to work with.

27/07/2024

We are enjoying a great winter in our Mackay region...having just returned from another road trip to the south of the state, we are reminded again of how great this town and region are to live in. We have the usual number of southern people enquiring about building/renovating here...our property prices are still very attractive. We have lots of exciting renovate/extend/new build projects in the office with more coming. Please contact me if you would like any advice on your design projects.