How Much Does a Whole House Renovation Cost?

Renovating an entire house is a major undertaking that can transform your living space. At Cameron Construction, we often get asked about the entire house renovation cost.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Costs can vary widely based on factors like the size of your home, the scope of work, and your location.

In this post, we’ll break down the key elements that influence renovation expenses and provide practical tips to help you budget effectively.

What Drives Whole House Renovation Costs?

Project Scope: The Foundation of Your Budget

The size and scope of your renovation set the stage for your budget. A complete overhaul of a 2,000 square foot home will cost more than updating a few rooms in a 1,000 square foot apartment. Recent data from Houzz shows the median spend for whole house renovations in Australia jumped to $35,000 in 2022. This increase reflects the expanding scope of renovation projects.

Material Quality: Balancing Luxury and Budget

Your choice of materials can dramatically affect your budget. High-end finishes like marble benchtops or custom cabinetry will increase costs substantially. For example, basic laminate benchtops might cost $20 to $50 per square foot, while high-quality granite can range from $40 to $100 per square foot. Try to strike a balance between your desire for luxury and your budget constraints.

Labour Costs: Regional Variations Matter

Labour costs vary significantly depending on your location. In major cities like Melbourne and Sydney, skilled tradespeople can charge between $50 and $150 per hour. Rural areas might offer lower rates, but transportation costs for materials could offset these savings. Factor in these regional differences when budgeting for your renovation.

Structural Changes: The Hidden Cost Multiplier

Structural modifications (such as removing load-bearing walls or adding extensions) can significantly increase renovation costs. These changes often require architectural plans, engineering assessments, and council approvals. A ground floor extension in Australia typically costs around $1350 per square metre for timber and $1500 per square metre for brick, according to HiPages. Budget extra for these complex changes, as they often uncover unforeseen issues that need addressing.

Hidden Surprises: Expect the Unexpected

Every renovation project has its surprises. Old homes might reveal asbestos, faulty wiring, or plumbing issues once walls are opened. These unexpected problems can add $5,000 to $15,000 to your renovation costs. It’s wise to set aside a contingency fund (typically 10-20% of your total budget) to cover these potential issues.

Understanding these cost drivers will help you plan more effectively for your whole house renovation. Now, let’s break down the typical costs for different areas of your home to give you a clearer picture of where your money might go.

What Does Each Part of a Whole House Renovation Cost?

Understanding the costs associated with different areas of your home is essential when planning a whole house renovation. Let’s break down the typical expenses for renovating key areas of your home.

Kitchen Renovation: The Heart of Your Home

Kitchen renovations often consume a significant portion of your budget. Mid-range renovations, including new appliances, cabinets, and layout modifications, could cost between $25,000 and $50,000. The cost largely depends on the quality of materials and appliances you choose.

Bathroom Remodelling: Small Space, Big Impact

Bathroom renovations typically range from $15,000 to $30,000 for a standard bathroom. However, luxury bathrooms with high-end fixtures and finishes can cost upwards of $40,000. Tiling alone can account for a significant portion of this cost. Moving plumbing fixtures can dramatically increase costs, so try to work with existing layouts where possible.

Living Areas and Bedrooms: Comfort and Style

Renovating living areas and bedrooms is generally less expensive than kitchens and bathrooms, but costs can still add up. Expect to spend between $10,000 to $15,000 per room for a quality renovation. This typically includes new flooring, paint, lighting, and potentially new windows. Built-in storage solutions or custom joinery can significantly increase these costs.

Exterior Renovations and Landscaping: Curb Appeal Matters

Don’t overlook the exterior of your home. Painting the exterior of a house can cost between $15 to $45 per square metre for brick exteriors and $12 to $60 per square metre for timber. Landscaping costs vary widely but budget at least $5,000 for a basic garden makeover. If you consider more extensive work like adding a deck or patio, costs can quickly escalate to $20,000 or more.

These figures are averages and your actual costs may vary. Factors like the age of your home, local labour rates, and the extent of structural changes needed can all impact the final price tag. Always get detailed quotes from reputable contractors to ensure your renovation stays on budget and delivers the results you’re after.

Now that we’ve covered the costs for different parts of your home, let’s explore some effective ways to save money on your whole house renovation project.

How to Cut Costs on Your Whole House Renovation

Prioritise and Phase Your Renovations

You can reduce costs without compromising quality by tackling your renovation in stages. Start with the most critical areas or those that will add the most value. For example, update your kitchen or bathroom first to provide immediate benefits while spreading costs over time. This strategy helps you avoid living in a construction zone for extended periods.

By 2023-24, renovations accounted for 40% of total residential construction spending, up from 34.2% in 2018-19. This trend underscores the growing preference for phased renovations, allowing for better budget management and giving homeowners time to save for each phase.

Choose Smart DIY Projects

While professionals should handle major structural work, many aspects of a renovation allow for DIY savings. Painting, for instance, is a task many homeowners can manage. Professional painters charge between $20 to $50 per square metre, so doing it yourself could save thousands on labour costs.

However, you must be realistic about your skills. Botched DIY jobs often cost more to fix. Stick to tasks you’re confident in, and leave the complex work to the experts.

Shop Wisely for Materials and Labour

Don’t accept the first quote you receive. Obtain multiple bids from contractors and compare them carefully. Look beyond just the bottom line – consider the contractor’s reputation, experience, and the quality of materials they propose.

For materials, consider alternatives that offer similar aesthetics at lower costs. Laminate flooring can mimic the look of hardwood at a fraction of the price. Pre-finished hardwood floors cost $120 – $150 per square metre, while laminate options can be significantly less expensive.

Keep an eye out for sales and clearances. Many suppliers offer significant discounts on end-of-line products or during seasonal sales. Plan your renovation around these sales periods to achieve substantial savings.

Reuse and Upcycle Existing Elements

Before you discard everything, consider what you can reuse or upcycle. Refinishing existing hardwood floors instead of replacing them can save you $4 to $5 per square foot. Similarly, painting or refacing kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them entirely can cut your kitchen renovation costs by 30-50%.

You can also repurpose materials from one part of your home to another. For example, use old kitchen cabinets in your garage for storage, or turn an old door into a unique headboard.

Focus on High-Impact, Low-Cost Changes

Some changes can dramatically transform your space without a hefty price tag. Updating hardware on cabinets and doors, changing light fixtures, or adding a fresh coat of paint can make a significant difference. These small changes (often costing less than $1,000 each) can give your home a new look without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Whole house renovations require careful planning and budgeting. The entire house renovation cost varies widely based on factors like home size, scope of work, and material choices. We recommend creating a detailed budget that accounts for all aspects of the renovation, including a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.

Professional expertise can significantly impact your renovation’s outcome. At Cameron Construction, we bring decades of experience to every project. Our team of designers, engineers, and interior advisors works to align your renovation with your vision while maximising functionality and value.

You can manage costs effectively without compromising quality through smart strategies. These include prioritising renovations, considering appropriate DIY options, and focusing on high-impact changes. A well-executed renovation not only enhances your living space but also increases your property’s value (often by 5-10%).