How Much Does the Average Renovation Cost in Australia?

Overview

• Renovation Costs By Project Type
• How To Create A Budget For Your Renovation
• Renovation Costs Room-By-Room
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Lounge Room
  • Bedroom
  • Backyard

If you’re researching renovation costs Australia-wide, you won’t find a one-size-fits-all average figure that accurately represents every project. Painting and replacing flooring differ vastly in scope and cost from moving walls, updating plumbing, or adding another room.

For an initial guide for 2026/2027, the following price ranges can help you understand the scale of different projects:

Source: HiPages 2026 Guide

Consider these figures to be broad planning estimates, not quotes or guaranteed prices. Costs vary by location and project scope, among several other factors, so always get itemised quotes from licensed professionals for any planned renovations. Minor cosmetic updates may cost less, while extensive structural work or premium finishes can exceed these ranges. Check current local quotes before budgeting.

As you plan your home renovation budget, consider these key factors, as they will all impact your total spend. If your final figure exceeds your savings, a secured loan can provide the added funds you need to bridge the financial gap.

1. The total area you’re renovating: You’ll use more materials and labour when renovating more rooms or a larger floor area, so factor that into your budget.
2. The scope of work: Keeping an existing layout is different from relocating plumbing or changing your home’s structure.
3. Materials and finishes: Shop around and weigh up your flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and appliance options.
4. The condition of your home: You may need to address existing problems in and around the house before you can begin the planned improvements.
5. Labour and specialist work: Consider which jobs require qualified tradespeople and which tasks you can reasonably manage yourself.

So how do you actually plan your renovation budget? It’s a highly valuable process, one that helps you decide what to renovate, compare quotes, and monitor your overall spending across the project. Start by identifying the essential repairs, then determine which “nice-to-have” updates or upgrades fit your budget.

1. Set the scope: Make a list of the rooms, repairs, and finishes involved in your renovation project. Determine the fixtures, appliances, and other parts of the house you plan to keep, as well as everything you intend to replace.
2. Get itemised quotes: Scout local contractors for any work that requires a licensed professional or that you’re uncomfortable attempting yourself. Give them the same description of the work so you can compare prices and inclusions fairly.
3. Check for any exclusions: Ask each contractor whether their quotes include materials, labour, demolition, rubbish removal, appliances, and GST. Include design, approval, or temporary accommodation costs where they apply.
4. Allow for unexpected work: Set aside part of your available budget for any expenses that might come up unexpectedly. Just how much that part needs to be will largely depend on the property’s condition and the uncertainty involved in the project. Alternatively, a cash loan may offer some financial relief when your savings get a little tight.
5. Track changes: Record spending against your budget and confirm the price of variations before agreeing to extra work.

Once you have quotes, revisit your priorities. If the total amount comes in higher than you’d planned for, consider simpler finishes, keeping the existing layout or breaking down the renovation project into stages and completing each one step by step.

According to the experienced team at Renovation Junkies, the bathroom and kitchen are the most renovated rooms in the house. In addition to being the rooms most likely to suffer damage or become outdated, they’re also the most valued areas to potential home buyers. But as you’ll see below, they’re also the most difficult and expensive to renovate, given the many different trades involved.

Average Cost Of Renovating A Bathroom

Making cosmetic bathroom updates is quite different from undergoing a complete renovation. Replacing selected fittings can involve less labour than removing tiles, renewing waterproofing, or relocating plumbing. Refer to the bathroom cost range in the table above, then ask for an itemised quote covering the work your bathroom needs.

Some bathroom renovation costs include:

• Adding a double basin
• Upgrading the toilets
• Adding floor-to-ceiling tiles
• Changing the shower to a double shower
• Replacing the light and exhaust fan system
• Adding new mirrors with LED lights

Average Cost Of Renovating A Kitchen

They don’t call kitchens the heart of the home for nothing. Between late-for-work breakfasts and after-school snacks, your whole family flows in and out of the kitchen. And if you’re looking to spruce it up, it’s likely a good chunk of your budget will flow into it too.

Many factors can influence total kitchen renovation costs, from the room size to the installation of any cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, as well as the work needed to change the layout. As a preliminary guide, refer to the cost ranges in the table above, then seek quotes from licensed professionals for your chosen design.

Some renovation ideas to consider include:

• Creating a walk-in pantry
• New appliances like a fridge, freezer, oven, stovetop, and dishwasher
• Adding a dual sink and stone benchtops
• Replacing the flooring
• Building floating cabinetry
• Installing downlights
• Adding a kitchen island and breakfast bar

Average Cost Of Renovating A Lounge Room

The lounge room is the communal space in the house where memories are shared, and visitors are usually entertained. Refreshing this space is important to make your guests feel more comfortable.

Your renovation budget will depend on whether you’re refreshing the finishes or overhauling the layout. Price any painting, flooring, window coverings, and cabinetry separately from structural work or electrical changes.

Common costs for this room include:

• Painting the walls
• Replacing the floors
• Removing walls to make it open-plan
• Installing additional power points or aerial points
• Installing floating shelves or cabinetry on the wall
• New curtains or shutters

Average Cost Of Renovating A Bedroom

For most of us, the bedroom is our true safe haven. Adding those special touches to make it feel truly yours can make all the difference. The perfect walk-in robe or an added ensuite can significantly increase your comfort, and if you’re looking to sell in the future, it can also add value to your home.

Sprucing up the bedroom with a planned refresh may involve painting, flooring, lighting, and storage. But when you add an ensuite or change the structure of the room, you have a much larger project on your plate, so make sure you budget for that work separately rather than treating it as a standard bedroom update.

There are many different upgrades and changes that you can do to renovate your bedroom, such as:

• Knocking down walls to build an ensuite and walk-in robe
• Built-in cabinetry and a make-up station
• Adding built-in bedside tables or smart storage solutions
• Designing a custom reading nook or statement feature wall
• Change the flooring
• Add new lighting or a ceiling fan

Average Cost Of Backyard Improvements

A 2023 report by Houzz and Home Australia found 57% of Australian property owners included outdoor areas in their renovation plans. Some landscaping or backyard improvements can help tie everything together, making the outside of your home just as appealing as the inside. Backyard renovation costs depend on the size of the area and the work involved. If you can, get individual quotes for landscaping, decking, pools, or additional buildings so you can budget for each part of the project.

Some new plants and a refresh of the garden soil won’t set you back much and can still make a huge difference to the feel of your backyard. If you have room, adding a shed or installing a pool can be fantastic outdoor improvements.

Here are some other projects you can do to renovate your backyard:

• Build an outdoor pergola or alfresco area
• Add a deck and outdoor kitchen
• Create garden beds or vegetable gardens
• Build an outdoor granny flat or activities room
• Add a fire pit

Get Help Funding Your Renovation Project From Red Tree Finance!

A home renovation should be a fun experience that adds value to your home, and understanding the average renovation costs Australian homeowners often face can make planning much easier. Before you start planning your renovations, work out how you’ll cover the full project cost, including any expenses excluded from your quotes. If the budget is too high, consider reducing the scope or completing the improvements in stages.

If you’re considering a personal loan to cover a specific renovation expense, Red Tree Finance offers same-day loans to help you keep your project on track without compromising your vision. Check that the available amount suits your needs and compare the repayments, fees, and total cost before applying. For any more information or any enquiries, feel free to contact our expert team today.

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature and is provided without considering your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or other professional advice.

Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information presented, you are strongly encouraged to assess its appropriateness in light of your individual circumstances. Red Tree Finance does not intend to provide personalised financial advice, and you should seek independent financial, legal, tax, and other relevant advice tailored to your unique situation.