Last Updated on September 7, 2023 by Pro Handyman Australia – Editorial Team

A full house renovation in Australia typically falls within the range of $40,000 to $300,000, with a majority averaging around $55 per hour. The costs can be influenced by several factors, most significantly by the geographical location of the property. For instance, house renovations in Victoria command a higher average of $71,000, compared to a more modest $54,377 in Western Australia.

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Insights into Home Renovation Expenditure

A thorough understanding of construction has allowed professionals to fine-tune their ability to project renovation costs. Here’s a brief overview of their estimates for significant room makeovers:

Kitchen Makeover: Budgeting for Transformation

A complete kitchen overhaul can set homeowners back between $25,000 and $50,000. This budget generally encompasses:

Introducing new kitchen cabinetry and countertops.
Dismantling existing structures.
Reworking electrical and plumbing setups.
Undertaking structural modifications to transition to an open floor plan.
Purchasing and integrating fixtures and state-of-the-art appliances.

Embarking on a kitchen renovation offers the opportunity for homeowners to take on certain tasks themselves. A hands-on approach to tasks like painting can be an excellent way to trim down the budget. Not only can you save on labor expenses, but personal involvement also provides a sense of accomplishment and a personal touch to the space.

Strategic Planning for Cost Efficiency

One often overlooked aspect of kitchen renovations is the potential cost associated with relocating plumbing and electrical points. Such modifications require skilled labor and can add significant expenses to your renovation project. Therefore, a strategic design that maintains the current placements of these fixtures and outlets can lead to substantial savings. By being mindful of these aspects during the planning phase, homeowners can achieve a refreshed and modernized kitchen without unnecessary financial burdens.

Modernizing Bathrooms: What’s in Store?

For a price range of $15,000 to $30,000, homeowners can expect:

A comprehensive strip-down of the existing bathroom layout.
Refinements to wall frameworks.
Installation of new floor and wall tiles.
Introduction of contemporary tapware, vanity units, shower screens, and mirrors.
Updated floor coverings paired with a rejuvenating paint job.

Living and Dining Spaces: Breathing New Life

Modernizing the heart of your home, the living or dining room, will usually cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The budget would generally accommodate:

The elimination of load-bearing barriers, making way for a spacious open plan layout.
An upgrade to lighting systems and electrical outlets.
Fresh floor coverings complemented by a newly painted ambiance.

Bedrooms: A Personal Sanctuary

To transform a bedroom, homeowners might need to budget anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. This estimate includes:

Incorporating storage solutions like wardrobes.
Revamping lighting arrangements and electrical points.
A fresh layer of paint to infuse new energy into the space.

Renovating a bedroom doesn’t necessarily require a grand overhaul. In fact, the bedroom is one of those spaces where subtle, do-it-yourself changes can make a substantial difference. Instead of venturing into extensive remodeling projects, like installing walk-ins or ensuites, focusing on simpler upgrades can be just as effective. By taking on the task of painting the room with a fresh shade, updating bedding with new sheets and decorative cushions, and introducing a contemporary rug, you can effortlessly rejuvenate the ambiance of the space, making it feel both welcoming and refreshed.

Extending Your Home’s Footprint

Home extensions depend significantly on the size of the existing structure:

For smaller residences, minor extensions or internal renovations might require about $150,000.
Medium-sized homes, particularly post-war properties, can expect extension costs ranging from $250,000 to $350,000.
For expansive homes contemplating a lift and build-under extension, costs might soar above $500,000.

It’s crucial to note that structural modifications requiring council approval often follow a progress payment approach rather than a single upfront payment.

Understanding Landscaping and Decking Costs

The realm of landscaping encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from basic yard maintenance and tree planting to more complex tasks like deck installations, pool setups, drainage, and irrigation systems. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a definitive cost due to the varying scope of work, it’s worth noting that landscaping services tend to have a standard hourly rate. Costs could span from moderate for smaller jobs to considerably high for extensive projects, with the final tally heavily influenced by the materials and labor involved.

An important aspect to consider when planning any landscaping job, especially decking, is the cost of timber. The construction industry has been grappling with timber shortages in recent years. With supply dwindling and demand soaring, the prices have surged. Given the current trend, this shortage, accompanied by the price rise, is anticipated to persist through 2023. Therefore, if decking is on your renovation radar, it’s crucial to account for potential material scarcities and budget accordingly.

Cost-effective Strategies for Landscaping

While comprehensive yard transformations might involve elements like retaining walls, ground leveling (softscaping), lawn installations, and decking, there’s always room to economize without compromising on aesthetics. For those inclined towards a do-it-yourself approach, there are numerous tasks that can lend a fresh look to your yard without incurring hefty labor costs. Some effective and feasible DIY landscaping tasks include:

Introducing fresh turf to rejuvenate the yard’s appearance.
Installing weed matting to promote healthy plant growth.
Mulching garden beds to enrich the soil and enhance its moisture retention.
Giving fences a fresh coat of paint to elevate the overall look.
Incorporating landscaping rocks as decorative elements.

Undertaking these tasks personally, provided you possess the requisite skills and time, ensures that you only bear the material costs, offering significant savings.

Account for Personalized Details

When considering the cost of home renovations, it’s crucial to account for unique details specific to your circumstances. While having a general understanding of the possible expenses is useful, one must also recognize that costs can fluctuate based on various factors.

For instance, while the national average for home renovation costs might be a certain figure, regional disparities are common. Taking Australia as an example, renovation expenses in Victoria tend to be higher than the national average, whereas in Western Australia they’re typically lower. Therefore, to get an accurate picture of potential costs, it’s recommended to use tools like renovation calculators that can tailor estimates based on specific details of a project.

Another key consideration is the architectural style and age of your house. The structure and design of your home can significantly influence the renovation expenses. For example, older timber homes built in regions like Queensland often entail a more labor-intensive renovation process compared to houses constructed more recently.

Solidify Your Budgeting Strategy

A strong understanding of the financial aspects is essential when embarking on a renovation project. While professional builders usually provide reliable cost estimates, unforeseen circumstances might necessitate extra funds. The size of this contingency fund, however, can be a matter of debate.

It’s generally advised to set aside approximately 3% of the contract’s value as a contingency to cover unexpected complications, such as encountering rotting wood or unforeseen excavation challenges. But for those seeking additional peace of mind, especially when renovating older properties that may have hidden challenges, it’s prudent to save a bit more to ensure that you’re not caught off guard.

Size Doesn’t Always Dictate Cost

One common misconception is that the size of a room directly correlates with the cost of its renovation. However, assumptions like these can lead to budgeting errors. Surprisingly, renovating small areas, like bathrooms, can sometimes be pricier than larger spaces, such as living or dining rooms. This cost discrepancy arises mainly from the different materials and skills required for various renovation tasks.

For instance, bathroom renovations typically necessitate the expertise of eight to ten different trades, encompassing everything from plumbing to tiling. The range of materials, from tiles to tapware, can also add up. In contrast, renovations in living areas might not need such a diverse range of tradespeople or materials, potentially resulting in lower overall costs, regardless of the room’s size.

Weighing the Value of Customization

While the allure of custom designs is undeniable, it’s essential to keep in mind that they often come with a hefty price tag. For homeowners with financial constraints, considering more standardized, ready-made solutions can be a wise choice. For example, opting for standardized cabinetry solutions for bedrooms, studies, or linen storage areas can be just as effective as custom-made alternatives. There are many cost-effective options available in the market, such as modular setups or basic wardrobes, that can serve the purpose efficiently without burning a hole in your pocket.

Navigating the Financial Landscape of Home Renovations

Embarking on home renovations is not merely about giving your space a fresh appeal; it’s also an avenue for enhancing the property’s value. Such projects, despite their costs, should be viewed through the lens of a long-term investment, offering potential financial returns down the line. Those mulling over the idea of home improvements would benefit from seeking guidance from financial professionals or specialists in home lending. By doing so, they can gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse financing options tailored to their needs. It’s comforting to know that many such consultations don’t come with any obligations, enabling homeowners to access valuable insights without feeling pressured.

Conclusion

Home renovations, while demanding, are a testament to the timeless saying, “You need to spend money to make money.” With the right financial advice and a strategic approach, homeowners can make informed decisions, ensuring their renovations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also financially rewarding.