Renovating is the most popular alternative to moving — but renovation costs have moved a lot since 2020 and there's plenty of misinformation about what a job “should” cost. Here are honest, current Waikato numbers for 2026, broken out by renovation type.
Bathroom renovations: $35K – $80K
Standard bathroom renos (replacing fittings, retiling, fresh vanity, new shower) run from $35K for a like-for-like cosmetic refresh up to $55K–$65Kfor layout reconfiguration. Premium renos with double showers, underfloor heating, and luxury fixtures can hit $80K+.
See our dedicated bathroom renovations pagefor what's included.
Kitchen renovations: $40K – $120K+
Mid-range kitchen renos (new cabinetry, engineered stone, standard appliances) start around $40K. Bespoke joinery kitchens with premium appliances and layout changes run $60K–$90K. Architectural kitchens with full layout reconfiguration and high-end fixtures can hit $120K+.
See our kitchen renovations page for detail.
Whole-home renovations: $200K – $600K+
A full interior refresh of a standard 1970s–1990s family home — new bathrooms, kitchen, painting throughout, flooring, lighting — typically runs $200K–$350K.
Add structural work (knocking out walls, opening up living spaces, reconfiguring layout) and you're looking at $350K–$500K.
Major renovations that include second-storey additions, full re-cladding, or significant extensions can run $500K–$800K+.
Smaller jobs
- Deck (timber, 30sqm): $15K–$30K
- Deck (composite, 30sqm): $25K–$45K
- Garage (double, standard): $45K–$65K
- Carport (double): $20K–$35K
- Fencing (boundary, 30m): $4K–$8K
- Re-roof (200sqm home): $25K–$45K
- Re-clad (200sqm home): $80K–$160K
What drives renovation cost variation
Hidden surprises
Renovations have more uncertainty than new builds because you don't know what's behind the existing walls. Asbestos, outdated wiring, rotten framing, undocumented previous work — all common, all add cost. Budget 10–15% contingency on any renovation.
Finish level
Same as new builds — your fittings, fixtures, and finishes are the biggest budget lever. A $35K bathroom and an $80K bathroom can be identical in scope but different in spec.
Structural work
Adding or removing structural walls, second-storey additions, and anything affecting load paths needs engineering input and proper consent — and adds significant cost vs cosmetic-only work.
Consent requirements
Most cosmetic renos don't need a consent. Anything affecting plumbing, weathertightness, structural elements, or fire safety usually does. Consent + design + council fees can add $5K–$20K.
The hidden cost: temporary accommodation
If your renovation makes the home uninhabitable (or just unbearable — try cooking through a kitchen renovation), factor in rent or family-stay logistics. For a 3-month full renovation, that's $6K–$15K of rental costs that often catches people off guard.
The honest summary
Get a fixed contract before you start. Renovation cost overruns are usually one of two things: (1) scope creep that wasn't accounted for, or (2) hidden problems uncovered during demo. A good builder scopes carefully, prices honestly, and gives you a clear process for handling discovered issues.
Finer Builds gives fixed contract pricing on renovations with a transparent contingency mechanism for hidden problems. No surprises, no creeping costs. Book Your Free Consultationand we'll give you a realistic range for your specific reno.