If you're planning a renovation in NSW and trying to work out what it will cost, you've come to the right place. This guide is based on 20+ years of completed projects across the Southern Highlands and Sydney — real numbers from real renovations, not estimates pulled from a national average.
We'll cover costs for bathrooms, kitchens, decks, and full home renovations. We'll break down what drives the price up (and down), and give you specific regional pricing for both the Southern Highlands and Sydney.
The short answer: Bathroom renovations start from $18,000 · Kitchens from $22,000 · Decks from $8,000 · Full renovations from $120,000. But every project is different — read on for a proper breakdown.
What Drives Renovation Costs in NSW?
Before we get into room-by-room numbers, it's worth understanding the key variables that move a renovation price up or down. In our experience, these five factors account for 80% of the variation between two seemingly similar projects:
1. Trades availability and pricing
NSW trades — particularly licensed plumbers and electricians — are in high demand. In 2026, trade shortages continue to push labour costs up. The good news: in regional areas like the Southern Highlands, some trades are more competitive than inner-Sydney equivalents. The bad: travel costs for specialist trades can add to the bill.
2. Specification level
The biggest variable in any renovation is the finish you choose. A standard bathroom with builder-grade tiles and fixtures costs very differently from the same footprint with large-format stone tiles, a freestanding bath, and imported tapware. We always say: the bones of the job are the bones, but the finishes are where budgets go either way.
3. Structural changes
Moving walls, relocating plumbing, or changing floor levels adds cost significantly. A bathroom renovation where everything stays in the same place is fundamentally different from one where the shower and vanity swap sides — even though both look like a "bathroom reno".
4. Access and site conditions
Difficult access — elevated properties, tight sites, no vehicle access — all add time and therefore cost. This is particularly relevant in older Southern Highlands homes with narrow driveways or steep blocks.
5. Project management
Owner-managed projects where the homeowner coordinates individual trades are cheaper on paper but often end up costing more through delays, sequencing errors and rework. A fully managed project — where one team coordinates everything — typically runs smoother, finishes faster, and ends closer to budget.
Bathroom Renovation Costs NSW 2026
Bathrooms are consistently the most popular renovation in NSW — and for good reason. A well-executed bathroom renovation delivers strong return on investment and significantly improves daily living quality. Here's what you can realistically expect to pay:
| Bathroom type | Standard finish | Mid-range finish | Premium finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom (3–5m²) | $18,000–$22,000 | $24,000–$30,000 | $32,000+ |
| Standard bathroom (5–7m²) | $22,000–$28,000 | $30,000–$38,000 | $40,000+ |
| Master ensuite (7–10m²) | $28,000–$36,000 | $38,000–$50,000 | $55,000+ |
| Powder room | $8,000–$12,000 | $13,000–$18,000 | $20,000+ |
These prices include demolition, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, electrical, vanity, toilet, shower screen, fixtures and final clean. They do not include tiles and fixtures supply if you choose to source your own — though we typically recommend letting us manage supply to avoid compatibility issues.
What's included in a bathroom renovation quote from us: Demolition, waterproofing (to AS3740), tiling (floor and walls), plumbing (new fixtures, relocated if required), electrical (lighting, exhaust, heated towel rail), vanity installation, shower screen, final clean and handover. One fixed price, no hidden extras.
What adds cost to a bathroom renovation?
- Relocating plumbing — adds $2,000–$8,000 depending on scope
- Structural changes (removing walls, raising ceilings) — $3,000–$15,000+
- Premium tiles (large format, stone, imported) — can add $4,000–$12,000 vs standard
- Freestanding baths — typically adds $3,000–$8,000 to the project
- In-slab or underfloor heating — $2,000–$5,000
Kitchen Renovation Costs NSW 2026
Kitchens are complex. More trades are involved, there are more moving parts, and the specification range is wider than almost any other room. Here's a realistic breakdown:
| Kitchen type | Standard finish | Mid-range finish | Premium finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (<12 linear metres) | $22,000–$28,000 | $30,000–$40,000 | $45,000+ |
| Standard kitchen (12–18 linear metres) | $28,000–$38,000 | $40,000–$55,000 | $60,000+ |
| Large/open plan kitchen | $38,000–$52,000 | $55,000–$75,000 | $80,000+ |
| Kitchen + butler's pantry | $45,000–$60,000 | $65,000–$90,000 | $100,000+ |
Kitchen pricing is heavily influenced by cabinetry — Australian-made painted cabinetry will cost significantly more than imported flat-pack, but lasts considerably longer and looks substantially better. Benchtop selection is the other major variable: laminate vs stone vs marble is often a $5,000–$20,000 decision alone.
Want a real quote for your kitchen or bathroom?
We visit your property, scope the job properly, and give you a fixed-price quote — no vague estimates.
Deck & Outdoor Renovation Costs NSW 2026
Decks and outdoor entertaining areas have surged in popularity since 2020 — and Southern Highlands properties in particular benefit enormously from well-designed outdoor spaces given the lifestyle the region offers. Here's what to budget:
| Deck/outdoor type | Cost range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small deck (up to 30m²) | $8,000–$15,000 | Hardwood or composite, ground level |
| Standard deck (30–60m²) | $15,000–$28,000 | Elevated or with steps, balustrade |
| Large deck or alfresco (60m²+) | $28,000–$55,000 | With pergola structure, lighting |
| Pergola (freestanding) | $12,000–$30,000 | Timber or steel, shade cloth or roofing |
| Full outdoor entertaining area | $45,000–$120,000+ | Deck + pergola + outdoor kitchen |
For Southern Highlands properties, timber selection matters more than in coastal areas — species need to handle cold winters and temperature variation. We typically recommend hardwood species like spotted gum or ironbark for long-term durability in the Highlands climate.
Full Home Renovation Costs NSW 2026
Full home renovations are the most complex projects — and the hardest to price without seeing the property. That said, here are realistic guides based on our completed projects:
| Project scope | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic renovation (paint, flooring, fixtures) | $40,000–$90,000 |
| Wet areas + cosmetic (bathrooms, kitchen + finish) | $90,000–$180,000 |
| Full structural renovation (layout changes, extensions) | $180,000–$450,000 |
| Heritage home restoration + modernisation | $200,000–$600,000+ |
Full renovations on older Southern Highlands properties — particularly heritage homes in Bowral and Mittagong — often reveal unexpected costs once walls open up: outdated wiring, old plumbing, asbestos sheeting, or termite damage. A contingency budget of 10–15% is always recommended.
Southern Highlands vs Sydney: How Do Prices Compare?
One of the most common questions we get: "Are renovations more expensive in the Southern Highlands than in Sydney?" The honest answer is: it depends on the project, but the difference is smaller than most people expect.
Region
Southern Highlands
Bowral · Mittagong · Moss Vale · Burradoo
- Trade labour broadly comparable to Sydney
- Materials delivered — minor transport premium on heavy items
- Less trade congestion = often faster completion
- Heritage homes add complexity and cost
- Cold climate requires specific material choices (decks, weatherproofing)
- Strong ROI — Highlands property values have surged
Region
Sydney
Inner West · Eastern Suburbs · North Shore
- Higher trade day rates in premium suburbs
- Parking and access fees add to project costs
- Council approval timelines can extend project
- Apartments add body corporate and access complexity
- Terrace and semi-renovation has unique structural considerations
- Very high ROI in Eastern Suburbs and Inner West
For like-for-like projects — same room, same specification, similar access — expect Southern Highlands pricing to be within 5–8% of comparable Sydney outer suburbs pricing. The bigger variable is what you're renovating and the finish level, not which region you're in.
Southern Highlands-specific note: Many Highlands homes are heritage-listed or character-significant, which can limit material choices, require specific approvals, and add project complexity. Always clarify heritage status early — it's far better to know before quoting than after demolition starts.
What Should a Renovation Quote Include?
This is where many homeowners get caught out. A cheap quote and a good quote can look identical on paper — until the project starts and the "exclusions" become visible. Here's what a thorough renovation quote should always include:
- Demolition and disposal — all existing fixtures, tiles, plasterboard removed and disposed of
- Waterproofing — to Australian Standard AS3740 with membrane and certificate
- All trades — plumbing, electrical, tiling, plastering all scoped and included
- Materials and fixtures — or a clear allowance per line item
- Site protection — dust barriers, floor protection, waste management
- Final clean — project handed over clean and ready to use
- Defect period — typically 3 months of call-backs included
At The Renovation Co., every quote is fixed-price with a full scope of works. You know exactly what you're getting before a single tile is lifted.
How to Get the Best Value From Your Renovation
1. Fix the scope before you start
The single biggest cause of renovation cost blowouts is scope creep — changing your mind mid-project. Every change to a live site costs more than the same change made on paper before work begins. Spend time upfront defining exactly what you want.
2. Don't go cheap on waterproofing
In wet areas especially, cutting costs on waterproofing is false economy. A failed waterproofing membrane means full demolition and restart — typically $15,000–$30,000 to rectify. Always ensure your quote specifies waterproofing to AS3740.
3. Use a project manager, not separate trades
Coordinating your own trades saves money on paper but costs time, stress and often money when trades aren't sequenced correctly or when one delays the next. A managed renovation from a licensed builder — where one person coordinates everything — consistently delivers better outcomes.
4. Bundle projects where possible
Renovating a bathroom and ensuite at the same time — rather than sequentially — saves on mobilisation costs, site set-up and project management overlap. Similarly, a kitchen renovation done at the same time as flooring or painting captures trade efficiencies.
5. Be realistic about ROI
In Southern Highlands and Sydney, bathroom and kitchen renovations consistently return strong value — typically $1.50–$2.00 for every $1.00 spent in current market conditions. A $25,000 bathroom renovation often adds $40,000–$50,000 to a property's value in the right suburb.
Ready to get a real number for your project?
We offer free, no-obligation consultations across the Southern Highlands and Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in NSW in 2026?
In NSW, bathroom renovations typically cost between $18,000 and $35,000 depending on size, location and finish level. Standard bathrooms start from $18,000 and master ensuites from $28,000. Premium finishes — stone tiles, freestanding baths, custom vanities — will push costs higher.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in NSW?
Kitchen renovations in NSW range from $22,000 for a standard kitchen to $60,000+ for a high-end custom kitchen. Most mid-range kitchens cost between $28,000 and $42,000 fully installed, including cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, appliances, and all trades.
Are renovation costs higher in the Southern Highlands than Sydney?
Not necessarily. The Southern Highlands offers competitive renovation pricing compared to Sydney. Trade costs are similar, though transport and material logistics can add 5–8% for remote or difficult-access properties. Heritage home considerations are more common in the Highlands and can add to project complexity.
What is the most cost-effective room to renovate?
Bathrooms and kitchens consistently offer the highest return on investment in NSW — typically returning $1.50–$2.00 for every $1.00 spent in the Southern Highlands and Sydney markets. Entry-level cosmetic improvements (paint, flooring, fixtures) can also deliver strong value per dollar.
How do I get an accurate renovation quote in NSW?
The most accurate quotes come from licensed builders who visit your property and provide a fixed-price quote with a detailed scope of work. Always get at least two quotes and ensure they are like-for-like. Beware of quotes that seem unusually low — they often exclude key items like waterproofing, electrical or disposal costs.
