Setting a Realistic Renovation Budget

Setting a realistic budget is one of the most important steps in any renovation. Underestimating costs is the most common reason renovations stall or go off track.

Typical Costs (South East Queensland)

These are rough guide figures and vary based on quality of finishes and complexity:

• Kitchen renovation: $25,000 - $60,000+
• Bathroom renovation: $15,000 - $40,000+
• Room extension: $2,500 - $4,000 per m²
• Second storey addition: $300,000 - $500,000+
• Granny flat: $120,000 - $200,000

Don't Forget These Costs

• Council fees: DA fees, building approvals
• Consultant fees: Draftsman, engineer, certifier
• Site costs: Demolition, earthworks, temporary works
• Connection fees: Plumbing, electrical reconnections
• Finishes: Tiles, paint, flooring, fixtures
• Landscaping: Often overlooked but transforms the result
• Contingency: Allow 10-15% for unexpected issues

Tips

1. Get quotes from builders, not just online cost guides
2. Prioritise your must-haves over nice-to-haves
3. Allow for hidden costs (especially in older homes)
4. Consider the value the renovation adds to your home

At Phoenix Projects, we include 3 builder estimates as part of our complete quoting service, so you know what your project will really cost.