Sydney Renovation Costs 2026: Kitchen, Bathroom & Extension Prices

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 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 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 existing layout to minimize plumbing and electrical relocation costs - Use standard尺寸 materials rather than custom sizes - Phase your renovation if 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

Hiring a Renovation Builder

Engaging the right builder is critical. Check that your builder holds a NSW Fair Trading contractor license, 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.