Renovator Cost Calculator & Price Guide — Australia 2026
Choose your job and answer a few questions. The price range changes with each answer, so you know what to expect before you talk to anyone. When you are ready, you can ask up to three local renovators to quote.
Choose the job
RenovationWhat’s the job?
Estimated price
We’ll show a range from similar jobs, then tighten it as you answer.
Choose the job
RenovationHow it works
- 1Choose the job
- 2Answer a few questions
- 3See a local range
Instant estimate · no email or phone number needed to see it
Prices include GST. They come from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026.
Understand typical renovator costs, key price drivers, and after-hours pricing before you request quotes.
Price Ranges
Common renovator jobs & costs
Prices based on Australian market data. Most jobs are quoted as fixed price rather than hourly.
Prices include GST. They are indicative ranges for a typical job, from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026. Your quote can differ for your specific job. Price yours in the calculator, then matched tradies can reach out to quote.
Learn the rules for hiring renovators in your state
Licences, contracts and deposits for renovation work differ across the country. Check yours before you sign.
| Rule | NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LicenceWhat the register calls it | Contractor licence (kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovation or general building work) | Domestic builder registration (limited to bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovation) | Contractor licence (Builder—low rise) | Building work contractor's licence | Building contractor registration | Builder licence | Building contractor registration | Builder licence |
| Licence needed fromJob value that triggers it | Over $5,0001 | Over $10,0002 | Over $3,3003 | Any job value4 | $20,000 or more5 | Depends on the work6 | $25,000 or more7 | Depends on the work8 |
| Check the registerThe official public register | Building Commission NSW register | Building and Plumbing Commission register | Queensland Building and Construction Commission register | Consumer and Business Services register | Building and Energy (WA Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety) register | Consumer Affairs Tasmania register | Official register | Access Canberra — ACT Construction Occupations Registrar register |
| Written contractRequired above | Over $5,000 · large job contract over $20,0009 | Over $10,000 | Over $3,300 · Level 2 regulated contract (full written contract) from $20,000 | From $20,000 | Over $7,500 | From $20,000 | From $25,000 | Does not apply |
| Deposit capMost you can be asked for | Up to 10%109 | Not listed | Not listed | Up to 5%11 | Up to 6.5%12 | Not listed | Up to 5%13 | Does not apply |
| Warranty insuranceBuilder must hold it above | Over $20,000 · minimum cover $340,0009 | Over $20,000 | Over $3,300 | From $20,000 · minimum cover $250,000 | Over $20,000 · minimum cover $200,000 | Does not apply | From $25,000 · minimum cover $200,000 | From $12,000 · minimum cover $200,000 |
| Cooling-offAfter you sign | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000149 | 5 business days · on contracts over $10,000 | 5 business days · on contracts over $3,300 | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000 | Does not apply | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000 | Does not apply | Does not apply |
- 1NSW · Licence needed from: Add the cost of labour and materials, including GST. Plumbing, electrical and gas work always needs its own licence.
- 2VIC · Licence needed from: The price is the full amount you pay the renovator, including labour, materials and GST.
- 3QLD · Licence needed from: Structural renovations need a Builder licence. Kitchen, bathroom and laundry work can use a narrower builder class.
- 4SA · Staff employed by a licensed business need no licence of their own.
- 5WA · Licence needed from: Cosmetic work needs no registered builder. Sheds, carports and patios have a higher threshold.
- 6TAS · Licence needed from: Structural alterations and extensions need a licensed builder. Minor renovations that leave load-bearing walls alone are lower-risk work.
- 7NT · Licence needed from: Registration covers a new home or an extension that adds floor area. It also covers a garage, carport or retaining wall built with it.
- 8ACT · Licence needed from: Cosmetic work and coordinating licensed trades need no licence. Structural work that needs approval needs a licensed builder.
- 9NSW · A contract only for inside painting, demolition, or carpet, vinyl or a timber overlay does not get these protections.
- 10NSW · Deposit cap: Applies to jobs over $5,000. The cap does not apply to smaller jobs.
- 11SA · Deposit cap: Applies only to contracts of $20,000 or more. Smaller jobs have no deposit limit.
- 12WA · Deposit cap: This limit applies to jobs that cost more than $7,500 and less than $500,000.
- 13NT · Deposit cap: Applies only to a registered builder's contract of $25,000 or more. It covers a new house, an extension or a structure built with it.
- 14NSW · Cooling-off: The price includes GST.
NSW Sources: nsw.gov.au, Home Building Regulation 2014, Home Building Act 1989. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
VIC Sources: consumer.vic.gov.au, Building Regulations 2018, bpc.vic.gov.au, Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, Building Act 1993. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
QLD Sources: Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991, qbcc.qld.gov.au, Queensland Building and Construction Commission Regulation 2018. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
SA Sources: cbs.sa.gov.au, sa.gov.au, Building Work Contractors Regulations 2026, Building Work Contractors Act 1995. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
WA Sources: wa.gov.au, Building Services (Registration) Regulations 2011, Home Building Contracts Regulations 1992, Home Building Contracts Act 1991. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
TAS Sources: Occupational Licensing Act 2005, consumeraffairs.tas.gov.au, buildingstandards.tas.gov.au, Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Act 2016. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
NT Sources: nt.gov.au, Building Regulations 1993, bpb.nt.gov.au, Building (RBI and Fidelity Fund Schemes) Regulations 2012. Checked 17 Oct 2026.
ACT Sources: planning.act.gov.au, accesscanberra.act.gov.au, Building (General) Regulation 2008. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
Common Questions
Renovator pricing FAQ
How much do renovators typically charge?
Do renovators charge call-out fees?
When do renovators need a licence?
How accurate is the instant estimate?
How many quotes will I get?
Do I pay anything to get quotes?
Why do you need photos?
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These are general ranges. Answer a few questions in the calculator for a price for your job, then matched local renovators reach out to quote.