How much does a full house renovation cost in New Zealand?

Homeowners decide to carry out full house renovations for many different reasons. They might simply want to freshen up an interior decor that looks tired and dated or have a bigger project in mind, such as building an extension or removing walls to create an open-plan living area.
It’s easy to assume that renovating a larger home will be more expensive compared to a smaller property, but this isn’t always the case. Factors such as the existing condition of your property, the amount of work required, and the types of materials used will all affect the overall cost.
Popular renovations include creating more space to accommodate a growing family, carrying out improvements designed to increase property value, and removing walls to create a functional and modern design.
Whatever you have in mind, your local Refresh Renovation Consultant** will listen to your ideas, tailor designs to suit your budget, and provide an accurate estimate before any work begins.

Main budget drivers

• Size of your renovation
• Layout changes
• Existing condition
• Products used and customisation

Read on to find out how much your full house renovation may cost depending on the changes you are looking to make.

Size of your renovation

New Zealand homes vary markedly in size. Generally, the larger the square footage, the greater the material and labour costs and the renovation time involved.
This small 40m2 renovation cost $71k* (MAR 2022) and opened up the area between the kitchen and lounge to create a more spacious feel. At the other end of the scale, this spectacular 280m2 two-storey villa renovation cost $720k* (JAN 2022) and completely transformed both the interior and exterior of the property.
Most renovations fall somewhere between these two sizes. This average-sized 100m2 project cost $110k* (OCT 2021) and included creating an open-plan living area to make the most of the stunning views.

Layout changes

When considering the changes you’d like to make to your property, you’ll need to decide if you’re happy with the current layout or whether you’d prefer a different design.
Cosmetic alterations such as updating fixtures and fittings and adding a fresh coat of paint can be enough to create a dramatic transformation. However, if your project involves building an extension, removing walls, or carrying out plumbing and electrical work, these structural changes are likely to require council consent and will increase the overall cost of your project. 
Small layout tweaks improved the flow within this property and created a brighter and more modern look during this 50m2 , $175k* renovation (JAN 2022).
The owners of this home opted for a stunning transformation. Their 96m2 project cost $323k* (OCT 2021) and involved significant structural alterations that required the expertise of an architect.

Existing condition

When budgeting for your full house renovation, it’s important to factor in the existing condition of your property. Older dwellings may incur additional expenses because of uneven foundations, asbestos, and removing dated features such as stucco. You may also decide to upgrade your insulation, HVAC system, or wiring as part of your project. 
Although only 60m2 , this renovation ended up costing $230k* (JUL 2022). The piles supporting the property had dropped over time, making the flooring uneven and unsafe. Remedial work was required before further construction could begin. 
Having an older property doesn’t necessarily mean unexpected problems though. Despite being built in the 1940s, this property was in excellent condition and a 50m2 renovation was completed for $110k* (NOV 2021). 

Products used and customisation

Large renovations can be made more cost-effective by choosing economical finishes. Your Renovation Consultant** can suggest materials that suit the look you want to create without exceeding your budget. For example, vinyl can be an attractive yet cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring. Adding interior design features and custom-made furniture will increase the overall cost of your project though.
This 73m2 renovation was completed for $96k* (SEP 2022) and is a great example of how ‘low-cost’ doesn’t have to mean ‘low-quality’. The homeowner was planning to sell the property and wanted to keep costs as low as possible, but still managed to achieve an impressive outcome.
If you have more money to spend, high-end fixtures and fittings can be used to create a stylish and luxurious feel. This 195m2 project cost $160k* (SEPT 2022) and included timeless features such as bespoke marble basins, clever storage solutions, and a beautiful splashback that can be enjoyed for many years to come. 

How Much Will Your Full House Renovation Cost?

Refresh Renovations** use a 5-step approach that enables renovation projects of any size to run smoothly from start to finish. Thorough planning is carried out so you’ll know exactly how much your transformation will cost before any work begins, and careful scheduling helps to minimise the risk of any unexpected delays.
Get in touch with your local Renovation Consultant** to start your journey with a free, no-obligation consultation.
*Costs are shown as an indicative guide of what previous projects have cost. The costs of renovating a home increase each year as material and labour costs rise. For an estimate/quote on your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations specialist to find out more about our planning, design and build process.
**All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.