What's the average cost per square metre for renovations?

Renovation costs are harder to estimate per sqm than new builds due to variability in existing conditions. Rough guides: cosmetic refresh $500-$1,000/sqm, moderate renovation $1,500-$2,500/sqm, major structural renovation $2,500-$4,000+/sqm. These are ballpark figures that can vary significantly based on what you encounter behind the walls.

Why do renovation quotes vary so much between builders?

Renovation quotes vary because builders assess risk differently. Some include generous contingency for unknowns, others quote tight and rely on variations. Scope interpretation also varies as does trade quality. Always compare what's actually included, not just the bottom line price.

Should I renovate in stages to spread the cost?

Staging can work for cosmetic updates but often costs more overall for structural work. You pay for site setup, skip bins, and trade mobilisation multiple times. If work is connected (like kitchen and bathroom sharing plumbing walls), doing it together is usually cheaper. Plan thoroughly before deciding.

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Adelaide Renovation Guide

Renovation Costs in Adelaide

Name: BuildPilot
Address: Adelaide, SA, 5000, AU
Telephone: 1300 885 919
Price range: Free Consultation

Understanding what you'll really spend on your renovation project.

Renovation costs are notoriously difficult to predict because every project starts with unknowns. Unlike new builds where you're working with fresh materials, renovations involve discovering what's hidden behind walls, under floors, and in ceilings.

That said, having realistic expectations helps you plan. Here's what Adelaide renovations typically cost in 2024, based on what we see across hundreds of projects.

Room-by-Room Costs

Kitchen Renovation

Budget refresh:$15,000-$25,000

Mid-range:$35,000-$60,000

High-end:$70,000-$120,000+

Layout changes, plumbing relocation, and structural modifications significantly increase costs. Cabinet quality is the biggest variable.

Bathroom Renovation

Budget refresh:$12,000-$18,000

Mid-range:$25,000-$40,000

High-end:$50,000-$80,000+

Waterproofing, plumbing rough-in, and tiling are significant costs. Moving fixtures adds expense. Heated floors, free-standing baths, and premium finishes push costs higher.

Laundry Renovation

Basic:$8,000-$12,000

Mid-range:$15,000-$25,000

Often done with kitchen or bathroom to share trade costs. Includes cabinetry, benchtop, tiling, and new fixtures.

Major Renovation Projects

Open Plan Living Conversion

$80,000-$180,000

Removing walls, structural steel, new flooring, updated kitchen connection. Popular in older Adelaide homes with separate rooms. Cost depends heavily on whether walls are load-bearing.

Ground Floor Extension

$150,000-$350,000

Adding 30-60sqm of living space. Includes new foundation, construction, roofing, and connection to existing home. Often combined with kitchen renovation for seamless open-plan living.

Second Storey Addition

$300,000-$600,000+

Adding bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. Complex work requiring structural engineering, temporary bracing, and often living elsewhere during construction. Maximises land use without extending footprint.

Whole Home Renovation

$200,000-$500,000+

Kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, painting, electrical upgrade, possibly some reconfiguration. Transforms dated homes while preserving character. Often approaches knockdown rebuild territory in cost.

Hidden Costs That Blow Budgets

Asbestos removal: $3,000-$20,000+ Common in Adelaide homes built 1940-1987. Eaves, wall cladding, bathroom linings, and flooring tiles can all contain asbestos. Removal must be done by contractors.

Electrical rewiring: $8,000-$20,000 Old wiring often doesn't meet current standards. Opening walls for renovation triggers upgrade requirements. Factor this into any older home renovation.

Plumbing upgrades: $5,000-$15,000 Old galvanised or lead pipes often need replacing. Moving fixtures requires new rough-in work. Sewer upgrades may be required for major works.

Structural surprises: Variable Termite damage, rotten framing, inadequate foundations. Old Adelaide homes can hide expensive issues. Allow contingency for the unexpected.

Council and certification: $2,000-$10,000 Building permits, structural engineering, energy assessments, final certification. Required for most significant renovations.

How BuildPilot Helps

*Review quotes and identify what's missing
*Help you understand realistic budgets for your scope
*Coordinate pre-renovation inspections to uncover hidden issues
*Compare renovator quotes on a like-for-like basis

Common Questions

Kitchen renovations range from $15,000-$25,000 for a basic refresh (new doors, benchtops, appliances) to $40,000-$80,000 for a complete gut renovation with new layout. High-end kitchens with custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and stone benchtops can exceed $100,000. The biggest variables are cabinet quality and appliance choices.