Home Renovation Cost in Melbourne (2026)
Quick Answer
Estimated rangeIn Melbourne, the cost of a home renovation varies widely by scope, but a realistic planning range is about AUD 1,500 to AUD 4,000+ per square metre for substantial renovation work, with kitchens often landing around AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000+ and bathrooms around AUD 15,000 to AUD 35,000+. Small jobs may involve trade call-out fees of roughly AUD 80 to AUD 180 and hourly rates commonly around AUD 70 to AUD 130 per hour, depending on the trade and complexity. Exact totals depend heavily on design level, structural changes, permits, and whether licensed builders and specialist trades are required.
Overview
Home renovation costs in Melbourne can range from a few thousand dollars for minor cosmetic updates to well over AUD 100,000 for major internal reconfigurations, extensions, or whole-home refurbishments. The biggest cost drivers are usually the size of the project, the age and condition of the property, the level of finishes selected, and whether structural work, waterproofing, electrical, plumbing, or permit-related work is involved. Melbourne homeowners also need to consider planning and building approval requirements, especially for larger renovations or where registered practitioners are needed. For budgeting, many households use broad square-metre allowances for major renovation works and separate line items for high-cost rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. Labour in Melbourne is a significant part of the spend, particularly where multiple licensed trades are coordinated by a registered builder. Smaller jobs are often billed on a call-out plus hourly basis, while larger renovations are more commonly quoted as a fixed project price after site inspection and documentation review. In Victoria, consumers should check whether a builder or plumber is properly registered or licensed for the work type. Using recognised directories and regulator registers can help when comparing quotes. Prices can move quickly with material costs and contractor availability, so current local quotes remain essential before committing.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Major home renovation cost(per square metre) Estimated Melbourne market range for substantial renovation works, based on typical Australian renovation budgeting conventions for mid-range to higher-spec projects; actual costs vary materially with structural scope, heritage constraints, and finish level. Estimated range | ~A$1,500 – A$4,000 | Estimated range |
| Kitchen renovation(per job) Estimated range based on common Australian metro renovation pricing for mid-range kitchen refurbishments including cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, plumbing and electrical work. Estimated range | ~A$20,000 – A$50,000 | Estimated range |
| Bathroom renovation(per job) Estimated Melbourne market range for a standard to mid-range bathroom renovation including demolition, waterproofing, tiling, fixtures and trade labour. Estimated range | ~A$15,000 – A$35,000 | Estimated range |
| Trade call-out fee for small renovation-related work(per visit) Estimated range based on typical Melbourne call-out charging patterns for plumbers, electricians and handymen attending minor renovation or defect jobs. Estimated range | ~A$80 – A$180 | Estimated range |
| General trade labour rate(per hour) Estimated range based on common Melbourne metro hourly rates for renovation-related trades, excluding specialist design services and premium emergency work. Estimated range | ~A$70 – A$130 | Estimated range |
| Domestic Building Contracts Act threshold(contract value threshold) Major domestic building contract rules apply for work worth more than $10,000. Estimated range | ~A$10,000 – A$10,000 | Estimated range |
What’s Typically Included
- Demolition and strip-out
- Carpentry and plastering
- Electrical and plumbing rough-in and fit-off
- Waterproofing and tiling where relevant
- Painting and finishing
- Project management on larger renovations
Common Jobs & Typical Prices
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Regulator / licensing: Victorian Building Authority
Variants & Configurations
Duration
Small cosmetic works may take days to a few weeks; kitchen and bathroom renovations often take several weeks; larger whole-home renovations can run for several months.
How Fees Work
Small renovation jobs are often priced as call-out plus hourly labour and materials. Larger projects are usually quoted as a fixed lump sum after plans, specifications and site inspection, though some builders may use cost-plus contracts.
Factors Affecting Price
- Scope of works: cosmetic refresh versus structural reconfiguration or extension
- Room type and wet-area complexity, especially kitchens, bathrooms and laundries
- Quality of finishes, fixtures, appliances, cabinetry and custom joinery
- Age and condition of the property, including hidden defects, asbestos or outdated services
- Permit, design and compliance requirements in Victoria, including engineering and inspections
- Builder and trade availability in Melbourne and whether the project is fixed-price or cost-plus
Local Context
Melbourne renovation quotes generally include GST when supplied to consumers, but it is worth confirming this in writing. Tipping is not customary in Australia. Costs can be higher in inner suburbs, for apartments with restricted access, or for older Melbourne homes where asbestos, re-stumping, rewiring or heritage-related constraints add time and compliance costs.
These are data-informed estimate ranges, not confirmed prices.
Costs like this vary widely by job, location, timing and provider, so there is no single fixed price. The ranges here are based on typical market rates to give you a realistic ballpark. For an exact figure for your situation, get a quote or check the official source below.
All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD).
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria - Building and renovating · government
Consumer guidance on renovating, contracts and choosing building professionals in Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full home renovation cost in Melbourne?+
For substantial works, a practical budgeting guide is roughly AUD 1,500 to AUD 4,000+ per square metre, but high-end or structurally complex projects can exceed that. A final figure depends on plans, access, finishes, and whether permits or engineering are needed.
What is the most expensive part of a renovation?+
Kitchens, bathrooms and structural changes are usually the costliest elements because they combine multiple trades, compliance requirements and expensive fixtures or joinery.
Do I need a licensed or registered professional for renovation work in Victoria?+
Often, yes. Building work and specialist trade work may require a properly registered or licensed practitioner. The Victorian Building Authority is the key regulator to check, and plumbing licensing can also be verified through the VBA.
Is a quote or hourly rate better for renovation work?+
For defined projects, a written fixed quote is usually better because it gives clearer cost certainty. Hourly billing is more common for small or exploratory jobs where the extent of work is not yet fully known.
How can I find vetted renovation tradespeople in Melbourne?+
Start with official registers such as the Victorian Building Authority practitioner search, then compare quotes via established trade directories. Always confirm registration, insurance and the scope included in writing.
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