How to Budget for a Full Home Renovation in Brisbane’s Inner Suburbs
Planning a home renovation in Brisbane? Whether you’re upgrading a character home in Paddington or modernising a post-war house in Tarragindi, getting your budget right is key. Costs can blow out quickly without a solid plan.
Here’s a guide to help you budget properly and avoid common traps.
How to Calculate a Renovation Budget?
Start by getting clear on your goals. Are you updating a kitchen and bathroom, or renovating the entire home including structural work? Break your budget down into these key areas:
- Design and planning: Factor in costs for architectural drawings, engineering reports, and approvals. Expect this to be around 10% of your overall budget.
- Labour and trades: Builders, electricians, plumbers, and other trades will usually take up 30–50%.
- Materials and finishes: Flooring, cabinetry, tiling, and appliances often make up 20–30%.
- Permits and inspections: Council fees and mandatory inspections may add a few thousand depending on scope.
- Contingency: Always add 10–15% buffer for unexpected issues—especially in older homes.
As a rule of thumb, a full home renovation in Brisbane can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000 per square metre depending on quality and complexity.
What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Home Renovation?
Structural changes usually cost the most. If your renovation involves:
- Shifting load-bearing walls
- Raising the house
- Adding a second storey
- Excavation or major foundation work
In many home renovation Brisbane projects, structural changes can eat up 40–50% of the total budget—even before you get to the kitchen tiles or tapware.
What Costs the Most When Renovating a House?
Let’s break it down further by room and feature: Kitchens and Bathrooms
These are always the priciest rooms to renovate. Why?
- High labour costs (plumbing, electrical, waterproofing)
- Expensive materials (stone benchtops, tiles, cabinetry)
- Custom fittings and appliances
A Brisbane kitchen renovation can range from $25,000 to $50,000. A bathroom might start at $20,000. Multiply that across a full house and the numbers stack up fast.
Joinery and Cabinetry
Built-in wardrobes, custom shelving, and kitchen cabinets often surprise homeowners with their price tags. Quality carpentry doesn’t come cheap.
Flooring and Windows
Replacing timber floors, polishing concrete, or installing new windows across the whole house can account for 15–20% of your budget.
Tips to Stay on Budget
Renovating a home in Brisbane’s inner suburbs means you’re likely dealing with older homes, heritage overlays, or tight access sites. Here’s how to stay in control:
- Work with a fixed-price builder where possible.
- Get quotes in writing and always read the fine print.
- Avoid scope creep—don’t add extra jobs mid-project unless they’re essential.
- Choose cost-effective materials that still look the part.
- Don’t overcapitalise—compare your planned spend with local property values.
Working with a local team who understands home renovation Brisbane costs will make a huge difference. They’ll know how to stretch your budget without cutting corners.
Get Clear on Priorities
Not everything needs to be high-end.
- Spend more where it counts—kitchens, bathrooms, energy efficiency, insulation.
- Save on cosmetic finishes, like paint colours or feature lights that can be upgraded later.
- If needed, stage your renovation over time. Start with structural and wet areas, then move on to cosmetic work.
Budgeting for a home renovation in Brisbane isn’t just about adding up quotes. It’s about planning for the unexpected, making smart choices, and working with the right people.
If you’re renovating in areas like Red Hill, Woolloongabba, or Indooroopilly, think long-term. Done right, your renovation can increase the value of your home and give you years of liveability.
