Melbourne Renovation Costs 2026: The Complete Guide

How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost in Melbourne in 2026?

Planning a home renovation in Melbourne but not sure what to budget? You are not alone. Cost is the number one question homeowners ask before starting any renovation project, and getting a realistic figure early can save you thousands and prevent costly surprises down the track.

This guide breaks down the real costs of home renovations across Melbourne in 2026, covering kitchens, bathrooms, home extensions, second storey additions, and full home renovations. All prices are indicative ranges based on typical Melbourne projects and will vary depending on the size of your home, the materials you choose, and the complexity of the work involved.

kitchen renovation Moonee Ponds Melbourne

Kitchen Renovation Costs Melbourne

A kitchen renovation is one of the most popular home improvement projects in Melbourne, and for good reason. A well designed kitchen adds significant value to your property and transforms how you use your home every day.

Kitchen renovation costs in Melbourne typically range from:

  • Budget kitchen renovation:
    5,000 to
    5,000. This covers a layout refresh with new cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, and appliances while keeping the existing plumbing and electrical positions.
  • Mid range kitchen renovation:
5,000 to $50,000. This includes higher quality cabinetry, stone benchtops, quality appliances, and may involve minor layout changes.
  • Premium kitchen renovation: $50,000 to
    00,000 and above. This covers full layout redesign, premium materials, custom cabinetry, high end appliances, and integrated storage solutions.

    • The biggest cost drivers in a kitchen renovation are cabinetry, benchtop material, and whether plumbing or electrical needs to be relocated. Moving a sink or cooktop to a new position can add $3,000 to $8,000 to your budget.

    Bathroom Renovation Costs Melbourne

    Bathroom renovations are consistently one of the best return on investment projects a Melbourne homeowner can undertake. A renovated bathroom can add more value to your home than it costs to build.

    Bathroom renovation costs in Melbourne typically range from:

    • Budget bathroom renovation:
      0,000 to
      8,000. This covers a full refresh with new tiles, vanity, toilet, shower screen, and fixtures while keeping the existing layout.
    • Mid range bathroom renovation:
      8,000 to $35,000. This includes higher quality tiles and fixtures, a freestanding bath, heated towel rails, and underfloor heating.
    • Premium bathroom renovation: $35,000 to $60,000 and above. This covers full layout changes, premium fixtures, custom joinery, and high end finishes throughout.

    Ensuite renovations typically cost 20 to 30 percent less than a main bathroom due to the smaller size. A laundry renovation runs between $8,000 and

    0,000 depending on scope.

    bathroom renovation Essendon Melbourne

    Home Extension Costs Melbourne

    Adding space to your existing home through a ground floor extension is one of the most popular renovation projects across Melbourne's Northern Suburbs. Extensions add significant living space without the cost and disruption of moving house.

    Ground floor home extension costs in Melbourne typically range from:

    These figures include planning permits, engineering, construction, and finishes but exclude landscaping and any internal renovation work to the existing home.

    Planning permits for home extensions in Victoria are required in most cases. Your builder will manage this process but you should allow 8 to 16 weeks for permit approval before construction can begin.

    home extension Pascoe Vale Melbourne northern suburbs

    Second Storey Extension Costs Melbourne

    Adding a second storey to your Melbourne home is a major project but can effectively double your living space without reducing your garden area. It is particularly popular in Melbourne's inner northern suburbs where block sizes are smaller.

    Second storey extension costs in Melbourne typically range from:

    00,000 to $350,000. This covers adding one to two rooms above part of the existing ground floor.
  • Full second storey: $350,000 to $600,000 and above. This covers a complete upper level addition with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces.

    • Second storey extensions require structural engineering work to assess whether the existing foundations can support the additional load. In some cases foundations need to be strengthened which adds to the overall cost.

    Full Home Renovation Costs Melbourne

    A full home renovation covering multiple rooms is a significant investment but can completely transform an older Melbourne home into a modern, functional, and energy efficient property.

    Full home renovation costs in Melbourne typically range from:

    What Affects Renovation Costs in Melbourne?

    Several factors influence how much your renovation will cost:

    Materials and finishes. The difference between budget and premium finishes can double the cost of any renovation. Porcelain tiles versus natural stone, laminate versus stone benchtops, and standard versus custom cabinetry all have a significant impact on final cost.

    Access and site conditions. Difficult access, sloping blocks, and heritage overlays can all add cost to your project. Melbourne's inner northern suburbs have a high proportion of homes with heritage overlays which add planning time and cost.

    Builder availability. Melbourne's construction industry is busy. Builders with strong reputations and full order books charge more. Getting matched with the right builder for your budget and project type makes a real difference to the final cost.

    Scope changes. Changes to the scope of work after construction begins are one of the most common causes of renovation cost blowouts. Having a clear brief before work starts saves money.

    How to Get Accurate Renovation Quotes in Melbourne

    The best way to get an accurate cost for your renovation is to get multiple quotes from licensed builders who specialise in your type of project. Here is how to approach it:

    Be specific about what you want. The more detail you can provide about materials, finishes, and scope, the more accurate your quotes will be.

    Get at least three quotes. Renovation quotes in Melbourne can vary significantly between builders. Getting three quotes gives you a realistic picture of market pricing.

    Check the builder is licensed. All builders in Victoria must hold a valid VBA registration. You can check any builder's licence at vba.vic.gov.au before signing any contract.

    Understand what is included. Make sure each quote covers the same scope of work, including permits, site preparation, and finishes, so you are comparing like with like.

    Get Free Renovation Quotes Across Melbourne's Northern Suburbs

    MelbRenovations connects homeowners across Melbourne's Northern Suburbs with experienced, vetted, and licensed builders for kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, home extensions, and full home renovations. Our service is completely free for homeowners with no obligation to hire.

    Submit your free quote request today and we will match you with the right builder for your renovation project.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does a kitchen renovation take in Melbourne?

    A standard kitchen renovation takes 4 to 8 weeks from the start of construction. Allow an additional 4 to 8 weeks for planning, design, and ordering materials before work begins.

    Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Melbourne?

    Most bathroom renovations do not require a planning permit but do require a building permit if structural work or waterproofing is involved. Your licensed builder will manage the permit process.

    How long does a home extension take in Melbourne?

    A standard home extension takes 4 to 6 months from planning permit approval to completion. The planning permit process itself takes 8 to 16 weeks depending on your council.

    Is it cheaper to renovate or move house in Melbourne?

    In most cases renovating is significantly cheaper than moving house when you factor in stamp duty, agent fees, and moving costs. A full home renovation can cost less than the transaction costs of selling and buying in Melbourne's current market.

    How do I find a licensed builder in Melbourne's northern suburbs?

    You can verify any builder's licence through the Victorian Building Authority at vba.vic.gov.au. MelbRenovations only connects homeowners with VBA licensed builders across Melbourne's Northern Suburbs.

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