By Urban
The same named team — designer Renette, ops manager Chloe, and site supervisors — appears across years of reviews from repeat clients.
Customers who name Renette, Chloe, and the two Daves across separate projects are describing the same process working consistently, which matters for a three-month multi-room renovation. The rating trajectory is worth noting honestly: both the earlier and more recent halves of the sample sit around 4.5–4.6★ on average, but a handful of 1-star reviews do appear in the sample, raising concerns about plumbing workmanship and communication breakdown in at least one case — so it's worth asking specifically how they handle disputes and what trades licences their plumbers hold before signing. The business's 22-year operating history and company structure offer some baseline protection, but given that one reviewer mentions difficulties verifying registration through consumer channels, confirming their builder's licence and trade certifications directly before work begins is a sensible step.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (50 total)
“trades clean up after themselves and are all professional to deal with”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 259 bathroom renovations in Adelaide
Credentials & background
Sourced from 4 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About By Urban
By Urban is a full-service renovation company led by owners David and Tammy, specialising in bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, and kitchens — typically managing four-space renovations in a single engagement rather than one-off jobs. The team operates with clearly defined roles that reviewers praise individually: Renette handles interior design and concept work (multiple customers credit her with translating their vision into a finished plan), Chloe manages day-to-day operations and sends daily SMS updates on which trades are attending and when, and the two Daves — one an owner, one a site supervisor — oversee quality checks and problem-solving on the ground. Martin and Mark are the tilers named across multiple jobs, suggesting a stable, recurring trade team rather than whoever's available. The business is GST-registered and structured as a company, with roughly 22 years of operating history — a level of longevity that's relevant when you're committing to a multi-stage project over several months. They work almost exclusively on residential renovations in existing homes, including occupied houses during live builds, and reviewers specifically mention dust containment screens and consistent daily cleanup as standard practice. Their showroom presence in Glenunga means you can review materials and finishes in person before committing, which several customers cite as important to getting selections right.
Best for: multi-room bathroom and kitchen renovations in existing Adelaide homes, homeowners who want a single company to manage design through to handover, and occupied-home renovations where daily communication and site management matter.
Location
Often needed together
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about By Urban
Who are the key people I'll work with at By Urban?+
Reviewers consistently name a core team across multiple projects. Renette is the interior designer customers credit with concept development and turning briefs into finished plans. Chloe manages operations and sends daily updates on which trades are attending the next day. Two site supervisors both named Dave handle quality checking and problem-solving on the ground. Martin and Mark appear across multiple reviews as the primary tilers on jobs.
Does By Urban handle the full renovation project, or just specific trades?+
By Urban operates as a full-service renovation company that manages the entire process from design through to final handover. Multiple reviewers describe engaging them for bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and ensuite work in the same project, with all trades coordinated through the one team. Several customers highlight that the trades feel like an in-house team rather than ad hoc subcontractors, though it's worth confirming how specific trades are licensed and engaged for your particular job.
Can By Urban work on my home while I'm still living in it?+
Yes — several reviewers specifically mention that By Urban completed renovations while the household was occupied, including during Covid. Customers note that plastic dust screens are used to contain mess to the work zone, and that tradespeople clean up after themselves each day. One reviewer described having a kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and flooring done simultaneously while living in the house, with the team working around the family's schedule as much as possible.
How far in advance do I need to book, and how long do projects typically take?+
Reviews don't give specific lead times for booking, so you'd need to confirm current availability directly. Project durations mentioned in reviews range from a few weeks for a single bathroom to around five months for a multi-stage four-bathroom renovation done in two stages. Given the team's project management structure and the volume of work they handle, early consultation is likely worthwhile for larger jobs.
What should I check before signing a contract with By Urban?+
Based on the reviews available, it's sensible to confirm trade licences for plumbing and any structural work before signing, as at least one reviewer raised concerns about plumbing workmanship and difficulty resolving the issue through consumer channels. Ask specifically which licensed plumber will be assigned to your job and request their licence number. The majority of customers report a smooth, well-communicated process, but doing this upfront protects you if any issues arise after completion.