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How much do Home Renovations Cost?

$1,800 - $4,500 per m2

    How much do home renovations cost?

    Australians have many reasons for renovating their home. Sometimes, renovations are necessary, and other times, they are to update the house and create an atmosphere that is perfect for your family. Renovations can often cost more than most people think but will vary greatly. A small home renovation can cost as little as $15,000 and can reach up to $200,000+ for large homes. 

    Considering the endless options and ability to spend on renovating your home, it is recommended to spend no more than 5% of the total value of the home on renovations to avoid over-capitalising.

    Below is the average hourly labour cost for common rooms involved in a home renovation such as a kitchen:

    State Average Hourly Cost
    NSW $75 – $85
    VIC $50 – $60
    WA $50 – $60
    SA $65 – $70
    QLD $60 – $70

     

     

    Kitchen renovation with white cabinetry and black benchtops.

    Kitchen renovation with white cabinetry and black benchtops. | Source: Handy Kitchens Pty Ltd

    Benefits of a home renovation

    Australians embark on the home renovation journey for many reasons. Some of the top reasons for doing a renovation job might include: 

    Increase the value of your home

    This is the number one reason why many people do home renovations. If you are planning to sell your home any time soon, a home renovation can result in significant returns if you are careful about your budget. 

    Increase and improve living space

    Some people decide to renovate their homes to improve how they feel about the space. Additions to give them more space, and projects to improve the living space are often the result of life changes, such as having a baby or other family changes. 

    Personalised style

    Updating your home to reflect your style is an excellent reason to do a home renovation. Our home is our sanctuary and a place where we can relax. Creating a space that is a reflection of us is an excellent way to get more enjoyment out of the area. 

    Factors that impact the cost

    Local council regulations

    Make sure you check the local council website to get an idea of what you’ll need to pay in fee’s to get your renovation underway.

    Asbestos removal

    Depending on the size of your renovation, asbestos removal can potentially add a significant cost to your home renovation. For a small space, asbestos removal can cost anywhere from $300 to $850, all the way up to a whole house which can cost up to $9,500. This is one job you must outsource as it’s highly unsafe to do yourself.

    Labor

    The obvious labour costs for a renovation include builders, electricians, plumbers and speciality trades like tiling or glaziers. But keep in mind the additional costs that come well before the first wall is knocked down. Architects and engineers can be pricey if required for the job, so be sure to do your research and get several different quotes before settling on a business.

    Rubbish removal

    Getting a skip bin on site is a cost-effective and convenient way of removing rubbish from the site. Keep in mind a skip can cost anywhere from $300 for a small skip to $2,000 for a large skip.

    Finishes

    The quality of finishes used for the renovation can add extra cost to the overall project. If the budget is tight, there are many ways to get good quality fittings, at a fraction of the price (keep reading).

    DIY vs professional

    As mentioned, one of the significant costs involved in a renovation is the cost of labour. Minor jobs like painting, small demolition work, outdoor landscaping, plastering, manual labour, tiling and cosmetic changes can all be done yourself. This will save you money, but not necessarily time.

    It is highly recommended that jobs requiring specific qualifications, that are unsafe or could cause major damage should be left to the professionals. These services include plumbing, electricals, gas fitting, structural work, roofing, floor sanding and any major demolition work.

    Home renovation grant (HomeBuilder SchemeSometimes, the cost of extensive renovations can be offset by the HomeBuilder government grant of up to $25,000. You must meet specific requirements, but if you qualify, this program an save you quite a bit. 

    Home loan/mortgage. Sometimes, the cost of renovation can be included in the home loan or mortgage. Other times you must get a separate home renovation loan. The interest cost on these loans can add to the final cost of the project significantly, depending on the loan terms. 

    Offsite living during the process. If the project is extended and will involve significant work, you might have to move out of your home for a time. This is a cost that many do not consider in the budget, but it is a good idea to calculate the cost of this inconvenience into the budget from the beginning. 

     

    Powder room with green herringbone tiles.

    Powder room with green herringbone tiles. | Source: Modern Era Constructions

    Price estimates for different home sizes

    The size of the house is a critical factor in the cost to rebuild a home. Here are some examples of what you might expect.

    Small homes/apartments 

    Small homes and apartments often involve the least complicated types of work. A reasonable average cost for a small, 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $15,000 to $73,000. 

    Medium homes  

    With medium homes, the building costs per m2 can go up with the complexity of the job. For instance, an addition might mean running new plumbing or electrical, which can add to the cost of the renovation significantly. A 2000 m2 home will cost between $30,000 to $120,000. 

    Large homes

    Renovating a larger home is often more complicated. Also, it is more likely to involve high-end fixtures and materials. The cost of renovation a larger home typically begins at $150,0000. If you need a new roof or carpentry work, this can also add to the cost. 

    What to expect from different home renovation budgets

    If you cannot afford to strip your home to the studs, there are still a few renovations that you can do. One of the major cost factors is the price of materials that you choose for your completed project. Here are a few examples of what it might cost for a whole-house renovation of a typical 400 m2 home. 

    Budget. There are many cheap ways to renovate your house, including choosing lower-end materials. This type of renovation can cost between $15,000 – $40,000, for lower-end materials. If you’re working with a smaller budget you can prioritise to just renovate a few key rooms rather than the whole house. 

    Mid-range. A mid-range renovation with materials that are average quality, but not luxury, on the same house would cost $40,000 – $75,000. With a mid-range budget, you can renovate an entire house if you choose your materials wisely. 

    Luxury. A luxury upgrade on the same house would cost upwards of $100,000-$200,000 or more. 

    Cost estimates for common renovation jobs

    Here are some estimates for other home renovation jobs within Australia (average reported cost):

    Renovation job Average reported cost
    Bathroom renovation $5,000 – $35,000
    Living room renovation $5,000 – $20,000
    Bedroom renovation $2,000 – $20,000
    Kitchen renovation $10,000 – $75,000
    Flooring installation $50 – $200 per square meter (depending on flooring type)
    Carpet installation $175 – $750 (not including materials)
    Lighting installation $150 – $280 per hour
    Interior decoration $170 – $320 per hour
    Interior house painting $600 – $3,400 (including paint)

    Tips on how to get an accurate estimate

    Tip #1: Get multiple quotes from builders

    Speak to several builders in your area. This will give you an idea of what you should be charged for certain renovation services as well as average renovation costs.

    Tip #2: Know what you want

    Being able to articulate what you want to your builder will help them give you the most accurate quote possible.

    Tip #3: Do your research

    Know roughly what kind of costs you’re up for. By having an understanding of approximately what you’ll be quoted, you’ll be able to engage in negotiations from a position of knowledge. Some companies may even have a renovation cost calculator to help give you an accurate estimate before you ask for a specific quote.

    Tip #4: Budget a buffer

    Unexpected things will almost always pop up during a renovation. To avoid stress and worry allow an additional 10% to 15% buffer to your renovation budget in case you need it.

    Bathroom with deep marble tiles.

    Bathroom with deep marble tiles. | Source: Hunter Building Group

    How to hire a builder

    Small or large business? 

    Both big and small builder both have advantages and disadvantages. One benefit of going with a big builder is that the products and materials they source are often purchased in bulk and that saving can be passed down to you. Bigger builders also tend to have better procedures in place if and when something goes wrong. A smaller builder is more likely to be flexible and allow to changes on the fly without charging as much for the change. Customer service with smaller builders also tends to be more personal with fewer builds on their calendar each year, it means you get more of their undivided attention.

    Should I do it myself? 

    For any small jobs that are low risk, absolutely you can attempt them yourself. Anything that might require a specific accreditation or certificate or anything that may result in possible large damages should be left to the professionals. Any jobs which require plumbing or electrical changes must be done by a registered professional.

    Meet the people you’ll be working with. 

    For a big job like home renovations, it’s highly likely the builder will need to come and do a site inspection to see what needs to be done. Ensure you are home and able to walk them through exactly what you want to ensure they can do it, and also that you get the most accurate quote possible. 

     

    * The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

     

    FAQ

    Can you put renovation costs into your mortgage?

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    In some cases, your house renovation cost can be included in the mortgage. Typically, you must be the one who will be living in your home, and there are often other requirements that must be met. However, home remodelling costs cannot be included if the property will be a rental or other investment property.

    How much does renovation add to home value?

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    The answer to this question will vary greatly depending on your budget. In general, renovating a home will add to the home value. Still, it depends on the local market and what is popular. Also, the area the home is located can have an impact on whether the renovation will add to the home value and the value or renovation.

    What is the best wood filler for exterior use?

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    For exterior renovations, the best option is polyurethane-based wood filler. It offers excellent adhesion, flexibility, and durability even in areas with extreme temperature changes. It is water-resistant, easy to paint over, and can be used to patch holes or fill gaps caused by warping or shrinking wood. Clean the surface thoroughly before applying a wood filler so that it will adhere properly and last longer.

    Real Oneflare customer quotes

    Paul's renovation job

    Location PinNorth West Perth, WA
    Job type

    Bathroom renovation

    Size of bathroom

    8 - 11m²

    Plans provided

    Yes

    $8000inc. gst

    Quoted by Alex @ Alsoma Renovations

    Angela's renovation job

    Location PinGold Coast, QLD
    Job type

    Kitchen renovation

    Installation

    New cupboards and bench-top

    Tiling

    Splashback

    $5000inc. gst

    Quoted by Hudson Constructions & Renovations

    Nicole's renovation job

    Location PinBrisbane, QLD
    Job type

    Tiling installation

    Area of home

    Bathroom that is stripped and gutted

    Size of tiles

    600 x 600mm

    $10000inc. gst

    Quoted by Prestige Tiling

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