Current 2026 pricing for every common renovation type on the Gold Coast. For a comprehensive look at total project costs, see our guide on how much a home renovation costs on the Gold Coast in 2026. Budget realistically and avoid blowouts.
| Renovation Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | $15,000-$25,000 | $25,000-$45,000 | $45,000-$80,000+ |
| Bathroom | $10,000-$20,000 | $20,000-$35,000 | $35,000-$60,000+ |
| Laundry | $5,000-$10,000 | $10,000-$18,000 | $18,000-$30,000 |
| Living area | $8,000-$15,000 | $15,000-$30,000 | $30,000-$50,000+ |
| Whole house (cosmetic) | $50,000-$100,000 | $100,000-$200,000 | $200,000-$350,000 |
| Whole house (structural) | $150,000-$300,000 | $300,000-$500,000 | $500,000-$800,000+ |
| Rear extension | $80,000-$150,000 | $150,000-$250,000 | $250,000-$400,000 |
| Second storey addition | $300,000-$500,000 | $500,000-$700,000 | $700,000-$1M+ |
For extension-specific costs, see our guide on house extensions. For second storey costs, see our second storey addition guide.
Budget ($15K-$25K): New doors, laminate benchtops, basic splashback, keep layout, basic appliances.
Mid-range ($25K-$45K): New cabinetry, stone benchtops, tiled splashback, minor changes, mid-range appliances.
Premium ($45K-$80K+): Custom joinery, natural stone, layout redesign, premium integrated appliances, butler’s pantry, island bench.
Key factors: Moving plumbing ($3K-$8K), structural changes ($5K-$15K), stone benchtops ($3K-$8K), appliances ($3K-$25K+). For design ideas, see our kitchen design guide.
Budget ($10K-$20K): Retile, replace vanity/toilet, new screen, keep layout.
Mid-range ($20K-$35K): Full strip-out, waterproofing, mid-range tiles, stone-top vanity, frameless screen, minor changes.
Premium ($35K-$60K+): Complete redesign, freestanding bath, double vanity, wall-hung toilet, large format tiles, heated towel rail.
Key factors: Waterproofing (mandatory, $1.5K-$3K), moving plumbing ($2K-$5K), tiling ($40-$150+/sqm), asbestos removal ($3K-$8K). For design inspiration, see our bathroom design trends guide.
Structural changes: $5K-$15K per wall removal with beam.
Asbestos: $5K-$30K+ for licensed removal. A major factor in pre-1990 homes — see our guide on heritage and character home renovations.
Services upgrades: $5K-$20K for switchboard, plumbing, sewer.
Scope creep: 20-40% increase from accumulated “while we’re at it” additions.
Unknown conditions: Termite damage, water damage, non-compliant previous work. Budget 15-20% contingency.
Always: Structural changes, new rooms, changes to building envelope. See our guide on building approval vs development approval.
Usually not: Like-for-like replacement, cosmetic updates, fixtures in existing locations.
Kitchen: 3-6 weeks. Bathroom: 2-4 weeks. Kitchen + bathroom: 6-10 weeks. Major + extension: 4-8 months. For detailed timelines, see our guide on how long it takes to build on the Gold Coast.
Minor: yes. Major structural: relocate — build goes faster.
Starting without a plan. Design → document → approve → build. See our guide on costly mistakes to avoid.
Ask your building designer for recommendations. Check reviews, verify QBCC licence.
$15,000 for a kitchen refresh to $800,000+ for major structural renovation. Thorough planning, realistic budgeting with 15-20% contingency, and experienced professionals are the keys.
Design Science specialises in renovation design. David Steadman’s dual qualifications mean plans that are detailed, buildable, and realistic on cost. Book a $280 consultation.
David Steadman
Licensed Builder & Building Designer
David Steadman is the founder of Design Science, a Gold Coast building design practice backed by over 30 years of hands-on construction experience. One of few Australians holding both a QBCC Builder's Licence and Building Designer licence, David brings a rare combination of design thinking and practical building knowledge to every project.
