Renovating a home is one of the most exciting and rewarding projects you can undertake. It allows you to update your living space, increase its value, and create a more comfortable environment. However, the cost of a full house renovation in Australia can vary widely depending on several factors.

Understanding these factors is crucial for budgeting and ensuring your renovation project stays within your financial means. In this article, we will break down the key considerations and provide a detailed guide to help you navigate the costs of a full house renovation in Australia.
From the factors that affect the price to the average costs associated with different types of renovations, we will cover everything you need to know.
Click Hop Over To These Guys For More Details
Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Full House Renovation
Before we delve into the specific costs, it’s important to understand the factors that will influence the final price of your renovation project. These factors can include:
A. Size Of The House
The size of the house is perhaps the most obvious factor that will determine the cost of your renovation. A larger home will naturally require more materials, labour, and time to complete the renovation. This will significantly increase the overall cost of the project.
For example, renovating a small two-bedroom cottage will likely be less expensive than renovating a large five-bedroom home with multiple bathrooms and living areas.
B. Scope Of Work
The extent of the renovations you wish to undertake will also have a major impact on costs. A full house renovation can range from updating a few rooms with cosmetic changes to gutting the house and rebuilding it entirely.
For example:
- Cosmetic Renovation: This may include tasks like painting, replacing flooring, updating the kitchen, and refreshing bathrooms. This type of renovation will generally cost less.
- Structural Renovation: This involves major work such as knocking down walls, rewiring, or re-plumbing the house. Structural renovations tend to be significantly more expensive.
C. Location
The location of your property in Australia can influence the renovation cost. Urban areas, especially in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, tend to have higher labour and material costs due to the increased demand for services.
Additionally, renovation regulations and council requirements can differ from state to state and even from one council area to another, which may affect the cost of permits and approvals.
D. Quality Of Materials
The materials you choose for your renovation will also contribute to the overall cost. For instance, opting for high-end finishes, such as marble countertops, hardwood flooring, or custom cabinetry, will increase the price significantly.
On the other hand, if you’re working with a limited budget, you may choose more affordable alternatives, such as laminate benchtops or engineered wood flooring, to keep costs down.
E. Labour Costs
Labour is one of the largest components of any renovation project. The hourly rates for tradespeople can vary depending on their experience, the complexity of the work, and the region in which they are working. For example, skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and builders may charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour or more, depending on their expertise and location.
F. Renovation Type
Different renovation types come with different costs. For example:
- Kitchen Renovation: This is often one of the most expensive areas to renovate due to the cost of appliances, cabinetry, and countertops.
- Bathroom Renovation: Similarly, bathroom renovations can also be costly due to the cost of tiles, plumbing, and fittings.
- Outdoor Renovation: Outdoor spaces, including landscaping, decking, and outdoor kitchens, are becoming increasingly popular but can also add significant costs depending on the complexity of the project.
Average Costs Of A Full House Renovation In Australia
The cost of a full house renovation in Australia can vary widely, but the following figures will give you an idea of what to expect.
A. Basic Renovation
A basic renovation typically includes cosmetic updates like painting, replacing carpets or flooring, and updating fixtures. For an average-sized home (around 120-150 square metres), you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 for this type of renovation.
B. Mid-Range Renovation
For a mid-range renovation, which may include updating the kitchen, bathrooms, and other living spaces with higher-quality materials, the cost is likely to range from $30,000 to $80,000. This will also include structural changes, such as removing or replacing non-load-bearing walls, or upgrading electrical and plumbing systems in certain areas.
C. High-End Renovation
A high-end renovation will involve significant structural changes, custom finishes, high-quality materials, and possibly even the expansion of the home. A renovation of this calibre can easily cost $100,000 to $500,000 or more. If you’re adding a second storey, extending your home, or working with premium materials, this type of renovation can be particularly expensive.
D. Luxury Renovation
For luxury renovations, the sky’s the limit. This could involve working with top-of-the-line architects, designers, and tradespeople, using high-end fixtures and finishes, and even custom-built elements. If you’re undertaking a luxury renovation, costs can exceed $500,000, depending on the size and scope of the project.
Breaking Down The Costs Of Specific Renovations
A. Kitchen Renovation Costs
Kitchens are often one of the main focal points of a renovation. A full kitchen renovation can cost anywhere between $15,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the level of finishes and appliances you choose.
- Basic Kitchen Renovation: Around $15,000 to $25,000. This could include new countertops, basic cabinetry, and a simple upgrade to your appliances.
- Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation: From $30,000 to $50,000. Includes high-quality cabinetry, better benchtops, and new appliances.
- High-End Kitchen Renovation: $50,000 and beyond. This may include premium materials, custom cabinetry, smart appliances, and top-tier design work.
B. Bathroom Renovation Costs
Bathroom renovations generally cost between $10,000 to $30,000, though high-end bathrooms can easily exceed this range.
- Basic Bathroom Renovation: Around $10,000 to $15,000. This could include new tiles, re-grouting, and modern fixtures.
- Mid-Range Bathroom Renovation: $15,000 to $25,000. This may include a new shower or bathtub, better quality materials, and new plumbing fixtures.
- High-End Bathroom Renovation: $25,000 to $30,000 or more. This might include luxury fixtures, custom vanities, and advanced technologies like heated floors and smart lighting.
C. Flooring Costs
Flooring is another critical component of any renovation. Depending on the material you choose, costs can range widely:
- Carpet: $30 to $60 per square metre.
- Vinyl: $50 to $80 per square metre.
- Timber (Engineered or Solid): $70 to $150 per square metre.
- Tiles: $40 to $150 per square metre, depending on style and quality.
D. Painting Costs
The cost to paint an average-sized home can range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the number of rooms and the quality of the paint used. This cost will include preparation work, priming, and multiple coats of paint.
E. External Renovation Costs
External renovations, such as landscaping, outdoor living spaces, or adding a new deck, can vary widely, but you might pay anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 or more for a high-quality outdoor renovation.
Additional Costs To Consider
In addition to the costs of the renovation work itself, you may encounter several other expenses:
- Council Fees and Permits: Depending on the scale of your renovation, you may need to obtain permits from your local council. These can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for major works.
- Contingency Budget: It’s always a good idea to include a contingency budget of at least 10-15% of your total renovation cost to cover unexpected issues that arise during the renovation.
- Design and Consultancy Fees: If you’re working with an architect, designer, or project manager, their fees will add to the overall cost of your renovation.
- Temporary Accommodation: If your renovation is extensive, you may need to arrange for temporary accommodation, which can add to the overall cost.
Conclusion
A full house renovation can be a significant investment, and the cost varies widely depending on factors like the size of the home, the scope of the work, the location, and the materials you choose. It’s essential to establish a clear budget and prioritise what aspects of the renovation are most important to you.
Whether you’re undertaking a simple cosmetic update or a full-scale overhaul, understanding the costs involved will help you plan accordingly and achieve the results you desire.By being well-informed about the costs and potential pitfalls, you can make your full house renovation a smoother and more rewarding experience, adding value to your home and creating a space you truly love.
Frequently Ask Question
Can I Live In My Home During A Full House Renovation?
While it’s possible to live in your home during a renovation, it depends on the scope of work. If you’re renovating a bathroom or kitchen, you may still be able to use other parts of the house. However, extensive renovations may make parts of the home unsafe or inaccessible, so many homeowners choose to move out temporarily, especially if major systems are being worked on.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid During A Full House Renovation?
One common mistake is underestimating the budget, leading to financial strain or incomplete projects. Another issue is not having a clear vision or design plan before starting, which can result in costly changes mid-renovation. Lastly, choosing the cheapest contractors or materials without considering long-term durability can lead to problems down the road.
How Do I Determine If A Full House Renovation Is Worth The Investment?
To determine if a full house renovation is worth it, consider how much value the improvements will add to your home compared to the cost of the renovation. Focus on areas that are most likely to offer a good return on investment, such as the kitchen or bathrooms. Additionally, think about how the renovation will improve your quality of life and whether the home will meet your needs in the long term.