Renovation & Extension Costs in Melbourne: What You Should Budget For

Planning a renovation or extension is exciting—but it’s also a big financial decision. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How much will my renovation cost in Melbourne?”

The honest answer is that costs can vary depending on your scope, home condition, and finish level. This guide breaks down realistic price ranges, what impacts the final cost, and how to avoid budget blowouts.

Typical Renovation & Extension Costs in Melbourne (Guide Only)

Here are common pricing ranges homeowners can expect:

Bathroom Renovation Cost

• Standard bathroom renovation: $18,000 – $30,000

• Mid–high finish bathroom: $30,000 – $45,000+

• Luxury / custom bathroom: $45,000 – $70,000+

Kitchen Renovation Cost

• Basic refresh (keep layout): $20,000 – $35,000

• Mid-range kitchen renovation: $35,000 – $60,000

• Custom kitchen + layout changes: $60,000 – $100,000+

Whole Home Renovation Cost

• Light renovation: $50,000 – $120,000

• Full internal renovation: $120,000 – $300,000+

• High-end custom renovation: $300,000 – $600,000+

Extension Cost

• Single-storey extension: $3,000 – $5,500 per m²

• Second-storey extension: $4,000 – $7,000+ per m²

(These ranges are indicative only and depend on your home’s conditions, access, and material selections.)

What Impacts Renovation and Extension Costs the Most?

1) Structural changes

Removing walls, opening layouts, or adding beams increases labour, engineering, and compliance requirements.

2) Plumbing and electrical upgrades

Older homes often need extra work to meet modern standards—especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries.

3) Waterproofing and preparation works

Proper waterproofing, levelling, and substrate preparation protect your renovation long-term. Skipping these steps may reduce cost upfront, but it often creates expensive repairs later.

4) Materials and finish selections

Tiles, cabinetry, benchtops, tapware and custom joinery can shift the budget significantly, depending on quality and design complexity.

5) Permits and compliance

Some renovations and most extensions may require approvals, inspections, and documentation—these are essential for a safe and compliant result.

Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Reliable

A low quote can be tempting, but it’s important to compare scope and inclusions, not just the total price. Some cheaper quotes may exclude key items such as demolition, waterproofing, trade upgrades, or proper project management—leading to constant variation costs later.

A reliable quote should be detailed, transparent, and realistic for your project.

The Risk of Unlicensed Work (and No DBI Protection)

Engaging an unlicensed individual or non-registered company can create serious risks, including poor workmanship, unfinished projects, and compliance issues.

For renovations where Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) is required, working with a builder who cannot provide it may leave you exposed if the builder fails to complete the works or becomes insolvent. Choosing the right team isn’t just about cost—it’s about protecting your home and investment.

Renovate with Confidence with Smarter Renovations

At Smarter Renovations, we focus on clear quoting, reliable scheduling, and quality workmanship—so your renovation is delivered properly, not rushed or compromised.

Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, upgrading your kitchen, or planning a full extension, we help you understand your budget clearly and guide you through a structured process from start to finish.

Ready to start your renovation?

If you’d like a realistic cost estimate based on your home and goals, book a consultation with our team today.

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