How Much Does It Cost to Renovate in NSW?
Your honest guide to budgets, design fees, and smart ways to save
“How much will it cost to renovate?”
It’s the first question nearly every client asks - and the hardest to answer without context.
Between online calculators, TV shows, and advice from friends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed (or misled) about the true cost of renovating or extending a home in NSW.
In this post, I’ll break down real-world costs, what affects pricing, and how to avoid common budget blowouts — so you can plan confidently from the start.
Here are some general figures to help you orient your budget:
What’s the Average Cost to Renovate in NSW?
Here are some general figures to help you orient your budget:
| Project Type | Typical Cost per m² (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Basic Renovation | $1,800 – $2,500/m² |
| Mid-Range Reno or Extension | $2,500 – $3,500/m² |
| High-End or Complex Build | $3,500 – $5,000+/m² |
Note: Bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens are more expensive than bedrooms or living spaces, due to plumbing, waterproofing, and finishes.
What Drives Your Renovation Cost Up (or Down)?
Every site and project is different, but these are the main factors that affect price:
Site conditions – Slope, access, drainage, bushfire zones
Age of your home – Older homes often reveal hidden issues
Size and scope – Bigger doesn’t always mean better - clever layouts can save a lot
Material choices – Natural materials, custom joinery, or sustainability features can add cost
Approval path – Projects needing full DA + council may cost more in time and fees than CDC
What About Design and Documentation Fees?
At ROKA, I offer a phased design service that gives you flexibility and cost transparency:
Concept Design – starting from $2,200
DA or CDC Documentation – tailored based on your scope
Interior Packages, 3D visuals or custom detailing - available as add-ons
💬 Tip: If you’re unsure what you need, book a 30-min Discovery Call - we can map out your pathway and avoid paying for drawings you don’t need yet.
Smart Ways to Stay on Budget
Here are a few ways I help my clients avoid overspending:
Prioritise layout over luxury – flow matters more than floor area
Design for passive comfort – better orientation = fewer energy bills
Avoid over-customisation early – simple forms reduce engineering costs
Consider staged building – you don’t have to do it all at once
Get pricing feedback during design – not after
Don’t Design Before You Budget
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people spending thousands on detailed plans… that no builder can price within budget.
Instead, start small:
Begin with a concept design
Get feedback from a builder or cost planner
Adjust and develop from there
That way, you’re making decisions based on what’s possible, not just what’s pretty.
Ready to Get Clarity on Your Costs?
You don’t need to know everything — you just need the right guide.
Download my Free Renovation Budget Planner
Fill out your details below to get a free planner that Includes space for estimated costs, approval notes, builder quotes, and scope priorities.
Book a 30-Minute Discovery Call
Let’s talk about your site, goals, budget, and next steps — no pressure.
