Renovating a home in Sydney requires careful planning and realistic budgeting. Whether you are updating a kitchen, transforming a bathroom, or adding a second storey, knowing the likely costs upfront helps avoid unpleasant surprises. This guide provides detailed cost breakdowns for the most common Sydney renovation projects in 2026.
Kitchen Renovation Costs
A kitchen renovation is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your Sydney home. Costs vary significantly based on size, material quality and whether you are changing the layout.
- Basic cosmetic renovation: $15,000 to $25,000 (new benchtops, splashback, painting, updated hardware)
- Mid-range renovation: $30,000 to $55,000 (new cabinetry, appliances, benchtops, lighting)
- Premium renovation: $60,000 to $100,000-plus (custom joinery, stone benchtops, high-end appliances, structural changes)
The biggest cost drivers are cabinetry (30–40% of the total), benchtops (15–20%) and appliances (10–15%). Labour costs in Sydney typically add 40–50% to material costs.
Bathroom Renovation Costs
Bathroom renovations in Sydney range from simple refreshes to complete overhauls.
- Basic refresh: $8,000 to $15,000 (regrouting, new vanity, mirror, paint, updated fixtures)
- Standard renovation: $18,000 to $35,000 (new tiles, shower screen, vanity, toilet, waterproofing)
- Premium renovation: $40,000 to $70,000-plus (freestanding bath, custom cabinetry, heated floors, premium tiles)
Waterproofing is a mandatory and non-negotiable cost, typically $2,000 to $4,000 for a standard bathroom. Tiling costs range from $60 to $150 per square metre for standard tiles, and $150 to $300 for premium or large-format tiles.
Home Extension Costs
Adding space to your Sydney home is a significant investment, but it can dramatically increase your property's value.
- Single-storey rear addition (20sqm): $100,000 to $160,000
- Single-storey rear addition (40sqm): $160,000 to $250,000
- Second-storey addition (3 bed, 2 bath): $350,000 to $550,000
- Granny flat (60sqm): $150,000 to $250,000
Extension costs in Sydney are driven by structural requirements, foundation work, roofing, and finishing. Second storey additions are particularly complex, requiring engineering assessments of existing foundations and temporary accommodation during construction.
DA-Exempt and Complying Development Renovations
Many smaller renovations in NSW can proceed without a full Development Application if they meet complying development criteria. These include:
- Internal alterations (non-structural)
- Single-storey rear decks under 25sqm
- Carports and shade structures
- Swimming pools with appropriate fencing
- Minor demolition (non-load-bearing walls)
For DA-exempt work, you still need a CDC (Complying Development Certificate) from a private certifier or council. Costs for certification range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on complexity.
Cost-Saving Strategies
To make your renovation budget go further in Sydney's expensive construction market:
- Retain the existing layout to minimise plumbing and electrical relocation costs
- Use standard-sized materials rather than custom sizes
- Phase your renovation if the budget is tight (finish one room at a time)
- Obtain at least three quotes from licensed builders
- Consider owner-building for simple projects, with appropriate insurance in place
Hiring a Renovation Builder
Engaging the right builder is critical. Check that your builder holds a NSW Fair Trading contractor licence, has valid insurance including home building compensation cover, can provide recent references from similar Sydney projects, offers a detailed written quote with a clear scope of work, and provides a HIA or MBA contract.
Always allow a 10–15% contingency buffer in your renovation budget for unexpected issues. In Sydney's older homes, it is common to discover structural issues, outdated wiring or asbestos during demolition work.