Renovating your home can make a major improvement to its appearance and functionality, and it can also help boost the value of your property if you’re planning to sell.

But how much does it cost to renovate a house in Australia, on average? The answer is that it depends on a wide range of factors, including how extensive the renovations are, which areas you’re renovating and the standard of the materials used.

Whether you’re hoping to renovate on a budget or have some grand (and potentially pricey) home renovation ideas, the first step to a successful renovation is figuring out the cost, work and time involved in the project. That includes considering what you can afford to spend to avoid a budget blow-out down the track.

To help you get started, here’s a guide to average renovation costs around the house.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms of the house, so it’s often one of the first to need an overhaul.

When it comes to redoing the kitchen, labour is likely to be your biggest expense as you’ll need to hire a variety of tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, builders, tilers and cabinet makers.

Budget renovations include things like replacing cupboards and splashbacks, while more expensive work includes full layout changes and knocking down or moving walls.

• Average cost: $10,000 to $45,000+
• Timeline: 2-9 weeks
• Biggest cost: Labour
• DIY options: Painting, new fixtures, decoration

Bathroom

Bathroom renovation costs usually depend on the size of the bathroom and the materials you want to use.

Budget renovations using affordable materials and fittings could set you back $15,000 or less, whereas high-end renovations could cost upwards of $25,000.

Generally speaking, adding storage space and upgrading fixtures is less expensive than laying new tiles or reconfiguring the layout.

• Average cost: $10,000 to $35,000+
• Timeline: 1-3 weeks
• Biggest cost: Tiles
• DIY options: Painting, new fixtures, decoration

Garden/decking

Research shows that attractive landscaping can add up to 11% to a property’s perceived value, so it’s worthwhile considering an outdoor overhaul if you’re gearing up to sell your property.

Depending on how much work you need done, installing a deck and landscaping the garden can cost between $2,000 and $10,000. If you’re planning a budget outdoor renovation, you can save money by weeding, planting and mulching yourself.

• Average cost: $2,000 to $10,000+
• Timeline: 1-2 weeks
• Biggest cost: Wood/decking materials
• DIY options: Weeding, planting, garden beds

Living room

The cost of a living room renovation is highly dependent on the work done. Simple jobs like painting the walls tend to be relatively affordable (or can even be done yourself), while replacing the carpet or floorboards, installing new lighting or reconfiguring the layout is more expensive.

Living room renovations can cost between $2,000 and $15,000, depending on the size of the space and the type of work you’re having done.

• Average cost: $2,000 to $15,000+
• Timeline: ~1 week
• Biggest cost: New flooring, new furniture
• DIY options: Painting, decorating

Bedroom

As with the living room, bedroom renovation costs vary by how much work needs to be done. With that in mind, costs can range from $2,000 right up to $35,000+ depending on what you want to add or change.

Painting and adding storage space in the bedroom can be done on a budget, while additions like a custom/walk-in wardrobe or en-suite bathroom will bring the price up.

• Average cost: $2,000 to $35,000+
• Timeline: ~1 week
• Biggest cost: En-suite bathroom
• DIY options: Painting, decorating

If you’re planning on selling your home any time soon, there are lots of ways you can maximise its value. Talk to your local Upside agent about how to improve your property value, and start your journey with a free, no-obligation property appraisal.