How Much Does a Home Remodel Cost in Australia?
Struggling to pin down what your home renovation will actually cost? You’re not alone. Between fluctuating materials prices, hidden permit fees, and varying labour rates, it’s all too easy for a seemingly simple remodel to spiral well beyond your budget. In 2025, Australians are looking at anywhere from A$1,800 to A$5,000 per m² for a quality home overhaul. Kitchens typically begin around A$25,000, bathrooms from A$15,000, and those figures don’t even account for contingency buffers, council approvals, or design fees. If you’ve found yourself asking “how much does it cost to renovate a home?” or “how much to remodel a home?” this problem‑solving guide from Shafbuild will break down each expense, room by room, highlight hidden costs, outline budget‑friendly versus high‑end scenarios, and share proven tips to keep your project on track and on budget.
Average Home Renovation Costs in Australia (2025)
In 2025, the national average for a good‑quality home renovation is A$3,000–A$5,000 per m², reflecting mid‑range finishes and trades. More basic projects can start around A$1,800 per m², while high‑end custom renovations climb to A$4,000+ per m². For projects that involve structural additions like bedroom or living extensions expect A$1,500–A$4,000 per m², heavily influenced by complexity and local labour rates. Smaller refreshes (e.g., painting, minor re‑tiling) may cost A$10,000–A$50,000, whereas comprehensive remodels (full kitchens, bathrooms, extensions) can range from A$100,000 to A$300,000+.
Renovation Costs by Room Type
Kitchen Remodel Costs
- Basic Refresh (cabinet refacing, new benchtop, paint): A$10,000–A$30,000
- Mid‑Range Remodel (new cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, fixtures): A$22,000–A$45,000
- High‑End Makeover (layout changes, premium materials, appliances): A$50,000–A$75,000+
| Level | Typical Cost (AUD) | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10,000–30,000 | Cabinet refacing, paint, benchtop |
| Mid‑Range | 22,000–45,000 | Cabinets, splashback, appliances |
| High‑End | 50,000–75,000+ | Layout changes, premium finishes |
Bathroom Renovation Costs
- Low Range (<A$15,000): Cosmetic updates, fixtures replacement
- Mid Range (A$15,000–A$30,000): New tiles, vanity, shower/bath, minor layout tweaks
- High End (A$30,000+): Structural moves, premium fixtures, tile selection
- Per m² Rule of Thumb: A$2,300–A$4,600 per m²
Bedroom & Living Area Costs
- Flooring & Painting: A$5,000–A$20,000
- Structural Changes (e.g., built‑in wardrobes, feature walls): A$10,000–A$50,000
Outdoor & Landscaping
- Deck/Patio: A$1,800–A$9,000, depending on materials
- Full Landscape Makeover: A$10,000–A$50,000+
Renovation Costs by Project Scope
- Cosmetic Upgrades (paint, fixtures, minor wear & tear):
A$1,800–A$3,000 per m²
- Structural Remodels (extensions, new rooms):
A$3,000–A$6,000+ per m², depending on complexity
- Complete Gut & Refit (gut kitchen/bath, rewire, replumb): A$4,000–A$8,000 per m²
Renovation Cost Per Square Metre
| Project Type | Low-End (A$/m²) | Mid-Range (A$/m²) | High-End (A$/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Home Reno | 1,800–2,200 | 2,200–2,800 | 2,800–3,500 |
| Custom Reno | 2,500–3,000 | 3,000–3,800 | 3,800–4,500+ |
| Luxury Home Reno | 3,500–4,000 | 4,000–5,000 | 5,000–6,500+ |
Additional Renovation Costs to Consider
- Building Permits & Approvals: From A$200 (levies) to several thousand for extensions; state levies vary by scope and value.
- Inspections & Surveyor Fees: A$200–A$500 per inspection in Melbourne and Sydney; multi‑storey work can attract A$3,+ permit fees.
- Demolition & Waste Removal: A$1,000–A$5,000 depending on volume.
- Contingency Fund: Always budget an extra
10–20% for hidden issues (e.g., rot, wiring, structural surprises).
- Professional Consulting (structural engineer, architect): A$2,000–A$10,000 per service cluster.
| Total Budget | Typical Scope |
|---|---|
| A$20,000 | Cosmetic updates, bathroom refresh, painting, flooring |
| A$50,000 | Mid‑range kitchen or bathroom remodel |
| A$100,000 | Full kitchen + bathroom + select room upgrades |
(Based on room budgets: kitchens A$25k–50k; bathrooms A$15k–30k; bedroom extensions A$35k–100k)
High ROI Renovation Projects (Value‑Adding Upgrades)
- Kitchen Upgrades: Minor remodels yield up to
87.5% ROI, focusing on resurfacing and hardware.
- Bathroom Refreshes: New fixtures, tiles, vanities can boost resale value by 60–70%.
- Curb Appeal (Paint, Entry Door, Landscaping): A fresh facade and garden can return
100–200% on spend.
- Energy‑Efficient Additions (solar panels, insulation): Adds both appeal and value in a green‑minded market.
- Multi‑Functional Spaces (home office, flexible layouts) garner strong buyer interest.
Cost‑Saving Strategies That Don’t Compromise Quality
- Phase Your Renovation: Tackle high‑impact rooms first.
- Standardise Where Possible: Use builder‑grade cabinets with custom accents.
- Bulk‑Buy Materials: Leverage Shafbuild’s supplier networks for volume discounts.
- Reuse & Repurpose: Salvage existing fixtures or reuse materials on secondary surfaces.
- Detailed Scopes: Avoid change orders by having clear plans and fixed‑price bids.
Common Renovation Challenges (and How to Avoid Them)
The most frequent hurdles involve budget overruns, planning gaps, unexpected site issues, and schedule delays. To mitigate:
- Thorough Pre‑Renovation Inspection: Uncover hidden rot or wiring issues.
- Detailed Project Plan & Timeline: Map every phase and hold contractors accountable.
- Contingency Fund: Allocate 10–20% extra for surprises.
- Regular Budget Reviews: Track spending against milestones.
Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?
While small cosmetic tasks can be DIY-friendly, overlooking structural or technical work often leads to costly mistakes. Shafbuild’s licensed team ensures compliance, quality, safety, and warranty protection vital for complex or high‑value projects.
How to Choose the Right Renovation Contractor
- Check Credentials & Registration: Use a registered practitioner, especially for work >A$10,000.
- Review Portfolios & References: Ask to see completed Shafbuild commercial and residential fitouts.
- Obtain Multiple Quotes: Compare scope, inclusions, timelines.
- Verify Insurance & Warranties: Ensure public liability and domestic building insurance are in place.
- Clear Contracts: Fix price, detailed scope, payment milestones.
Renovation vs Rebuild: What’s Right for You?
For many homeowners, the choice between renovating an existing structure or completely rebuilding hinges on budget, scope and long‑term goals. Renovations generally suit cosmetic upgrades, minor extensions or heritage restorations often costing 2–3× less per m² and delivering quicker turnarounds when the existing build is sound. However, extensive works such as major layout changes, additional storeys or remediation of hidden defects can inflate renovation costs beyond those of a knock‑down rebuild, making a new build the more cost‑effective and predictable route particularly given streamlined planning processes for fresh construction and the ability to tailor every detail from floor plan to energy efficiency standards. A rebuild also delivers modern warranties, superior build quality, and uncompromised design flexibility, though it typically requires a larger initial investment and thorough site planning. Ultimately, the right path depends on your home’s condition, desired outcomes and total life‑cycle costs. Shafbuild’s experts can provide detailed estimates for both options to help you decide.
Final Thoughts: Is a Home Remodel Worth It in 2025?
A thoughtfully priced renovation not only enhances your living experience but can also deliver significant property value uplift often outpacing the cost of how much does it cost to renovate a home. With clear planning, realistic budgeting, and the right partner (like Shafbuild), you’ll transform your space on time, on budget, and with results that last.
Ready to get started? Contact Shafbuild for a tailored quote and expert guidance on pricing a renovation that meets your goals and maximises your investment.
Shafbuild News
