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. And when you’re ready to design the work, our renovation design service produces plans detailed enough for accurate builder pricing.
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.
Fully insured • Personalised consultation • Transparent pricing
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Every project includes full 3D digital modelling, detailed construction documentation, and a complete bill of quantities.
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