Home Renovation Cost Melbourne (With Structural Alterations & Wall Removal)

Planning a full home renovation and thinking about removing walls, opening up spaces or creating an open-plan layout?

Once structural changes are involved, renovation costs increase because you’ll need engineering, permits and additional construction work, not just cosmetic upgrades.

So what is the home renovation cost in Melbourne when structural alterations are included?

Here’s a realistic builder guide based on current 2025–2026 pricing.

Home Renovation Cost Melbourne

If you’re renovating your whole house — including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and finishes — plus structural work like wall removal or beams, typical pricing ranges:

$1,400 – $3,500+ per sqm plus structural & consultant costs

The final budget depends on:

• how many walls are removed

• whether beams/footings are required

• engineering & permits

• finish level

Base Renovation Costs (Before Structural Work)

• Budget / Light Refresh

$1,000 – $1,400 per sqm

Includes:

• painting

• flooring

• minor updates only

• Standard Cosmetic Renovation

$1,400 – $2,000 per sqm

Includes:

• new kitchen

• 1–2 bathrooms

• flooring

• lighting

• general upgrades

Most Melbourne homes sit here before structural works.

• Mid–High Finish

$2,000 – $2,800 per sqm

Includes:

• custom joinery

• stone benchtops

• premium fixtures

• full internal upgrades

• Premium / Design-Led

$2,800 – $3,500+ per sqm

Includes:

• bespoke cabinetry

• luxury kitchens & bathrooms

• designer finishes

• architectural detailing

Plus, Additional Costs for Structural Alterations

When you remove walls or change layouts, you must also allow for consultant + construction costs.

Consultant & Permit Costs (before building)

These are required for compliance in Victoria.

Item	Typical Cost
Draftsman (permit drawings)	$2,000–$4,000
Structural engineer	$2,000–$3,000
Building surveyor/permit	$2,500–$3,500
Total before building	$6,500–$10,500

These are mandatory if structure is modified.

Structural Construction Costs

Small Opening (1.5–2m)

$6,000 – $10,000

• partial wall removal

• minor beam

• plaster repairs

Standard Kitchen Opening (3–4m)

$10,000 – $18,000

• large opening

• steel beam installed

• footing works

• patch & finish

Most common for open-plan kitchen/living upgrades.

Large Span / Double Storey

$18,000 – $35,000+

• full-width removal

• engineered beams

• heavier structural works

• more labour

Used for major open-plan conversions.

Example Budgets

Example 1 – 160sqm home + kitchen opening

• Renovation: 160 × $1,600 = $256,000

• Structural: $15,000

• Consultants: $8,000

• Total ≈ $279,000

Example 2 – 200sqm premium home + large span

• Renovation: 200 × $2,200 = $440,000

• Structural: $25,000

• Consultants: $10,000

• Total ≈ $475,000

What increases costs quickly?

• multiple wall removals

• double storey loads

• underpinning

• relocating services

• older homes

• poor site access

Structural work adds complexity, so planning matters.

How to keep structural renovation costs down

Smart strategies we recommend:

• only remove essential walls

• group works together (do once, not twice)

• plan layout carefully before demolition

• engage builder + engineer early

• avoid unnecessary structural changes

Good design can save $20k–$50k+ easily.

Why choose Smarter Renovations?

We specialize in full home renovations and open-plan conversions across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, handling everything under one team:

• design

• engineering coordination

• permits

• construction

• project management

So you get compliant, safe and stress-free renovations.

Ready to open up your home?

If you’re considering removing walls or upgrading your entire house, we can provide a realistic budget and feasibility assessment.

👉 Book a free consultation with Smarter Renovations today.