How much does it cost to renovate a house in Adelaide in 2026?

A typical Adelaide renovation costs $45,000 to $220,000 depending on scope. Single-room refresh (kitchen or bathroom): $25k-$65k. Whole-home cosmetic refresh: $60k-$140k. Full structural reno + extension: $180k-$450k. Where the budget actually blows: rising damp, asbestos removal, hidden structural work, and heritage matching in character areas.

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Adelaide Renovation 2026

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A House In Adelaide?

Real 2026 pricing by scope - single-room, whole-home, extensions - and where renovation budgets actually blow out in metro Adelaide.

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By George Giannakakis · B.Arch.Studies · M.Arch (UniSA) · RLA300580

Last reviewed: 28 February 2026 · How we research

Cost by scope

Kitchen only: $18k-$55k (cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, appliances). Bathroom only: $18k-$45k (waterproofing, tiles, fittings, tapware). Both + laundry: $45k-$95k. Whole-home cosmetic (paint, floors, kitchen, bathroom, doors, blinds): $80k-$160k. Full structural reno with extension (new wing, second storey, walls moved): $220k-$500k+.

Where budgets blow

Rising damp in pre-1975 bluestone/sandstone homes ($15k-$40k to remediate). Asbestos discovered in walls, eaves, floor coverings ($8k-$25k to remove). Rewiring pre-1975 wiring to current standard ($12k-$25k). Rotten timber under floors in character homes ($15k-$45k). Heritage-matching brickwork or windows on additions ($15k-$50k). Get a pre-purchase inspection or full building assessment before locking your budget.

Kitchen and bathroom pricing detail

Kitchen benchtop: engineered stone $850-$1,500/m², natural stone $1,600-$3,200/m². Cabinet finish: laminate $8k-$18k, 2-pack polyurethane $18k-$38k, timber veneer $22k-$45k. Bathroom waterproofing (do it right, not once): $2,800-$5,500 for a typical bathroom - the shortcut here fails at 5-7 years and costs $12k+ to fix.

When to add an extension vs use existing footprint

Rear ground-floor addition: $2,800-$3,600/m² of new floor area. Second-storey addition: $3,400-$4,800/m² (roof off, engineering, staircase). Wing conversion (garage or verandah into living): $1,800-$2,800/m². If you can achieve your outcome inside the existing footprint by moving walls, that's usually 25-40% cheaper than adding new area.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way to renovate an Adelaide home?

Cosmetic refresh (paint, floors, hardware, blinds, minor kitchen tune-up) can transform a home for $18k-$45k. Focus on the surfaces you see and touch daily. Avoid moving walls, wet areas or structural elements at this budget.

How much does a full home renovation cost in Adelaide?

A whole-home renovation with new kitchen, bathrooms, floors, paint and minor structural work typically costs $160,000 to $320,000. Add $80k-$180k if you need to add extension floor area or reconfigure the roofline.

Is it worth renovating a heritage home in Adelaide?

Usually yes - heritage character often adds 15-30% to resale value in Adelaide inner-ring suburbs. But budget an extra 20-30% for heritage-matching materials, streetscape assessment, and slower approvals. Get a heritage-experienced designer, not a generic drafter.

How long does an Adelaide home renovation take?

Kitchen or bathroom only: 4-8 weeks on-site. Whole-home cosmetic: 3-5 months. Full structural reno with extension: 8-14 months from contract. Add 2-4 months for design + council approval before site works start.