Renovating your home’s exterior is a great way to boost its street appeal and increase its value, but how much does an exterior renovation cost? With construction costs skyrocketing over the past few years, it’s crucial to plan your budget carefully. From painting to full facade transformations, let’s break down the costs and what you need to consider.
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The Cost of a Paint Job
If you’re planning to repaint your home’s exterior, be prepared for a minimum investment of $15,000 – $20,000 in some areas, depending on the size of the house, access challenges, and the condition of the existing surfaces. Labour and material costs have surged, so getting multiple quotes and understanding the scope of work is essential.
DIY vs Hiring a Main Contractor
One of the biggest factors affecting renovation costs is who manages the project. Co-ordinating your own trades can reduce your overall exterior renovation cost, but only if you have the time and know-how to manage everything effectively. If you’re busy or inexperienced, hiring a contractor to oversee the project is 100% worth it to avoid costly mistakes.
For those who want a balance, you can engage a main contractor for the trickier parts—such as areas where trades need to be carefully coordinated (e.g., ensuring painting is done after rendering but before window installations). Meanwhile, you can directly engage other independent trades, like fencing contractors, to save money.
Cost Breakdown: Exterior Renovation Cost Estimates
Renovation costs can vary significantly depending on the materials, complexity, and trades required. Below is a general price guide based on square metre (sqm) rates:
| Renovation Type | Estimated Cost per sqm | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Painting | $40 – $80 | – Includes preparation (cleaning, minor repairs), primer, and multiple coats. – Labour costs can be higher for multi-storey homes or difficult access. |
| Rendering | $50 – $120 | – Costs depend on the texture, finish, and any additional sealing or smoothing required. – Acrylic render often falls on the higher end of the range. |
| Cladding Installation | $150 – $350 | – Varies significantly by material (e.g., timber, metal, composite). – Includes labour, fixing systems, and possible insulation layers. |
| Roof Restoration | $30 – $100 | – Typically covers cleaning, repairs (repointing, tile replacement), sealing, and painting. – Metal roofs or specialty coatings may push costs higher. |
| Window & Door Replacement | $1,000 – $3,500 per unit | – Includes removal of existing unit, supply of new unit, and installation. – Custom or high-performance (double/triple-glazed) can reach or exceed the top range. |
| Fencing | $200 – $600 per metre | – Material choice (timber, colorbond steel, masonry, etc.) greatly impacts cost. – May include demolition of existing fence and site preparation. |
| Driveway Resurfacing | $80 – $200 | – Typically for a new surface layer (concrete, exposed aggregate, paving). – Full-depth replacement or complex patterns cost more. |
Additional Notes & Considerations
- Location and Access
- Inner-city areas or remote regions may have a premium due to higher labour rates or travel costs.
- Difficult site access (narrow driveways, steep blocks) can push labour costs up.
- Quality of Materials
- Mid-range materials fit within the lower-to-mid estimates; premium materials or custom finishes can exceed the higher ranges.
- Labour Variations
- Tradespeople with extensive experience and strong reputations often charge more but can deliver higher-quality finishes and faster turnaround times.
- Unexpected Extras
- Structural repairs, termite damage, rot, or asbestos removal can add to your total. Always keep a 10-15% contingency in your budget to handle any surprises.
- Time of Year
- Certain renovations (like painting or roof work) are sometimes more expensive in peak seasons when contractors are in high demand.
All in all, these ballpark figures should help you estimate your budget and weigh up the cost-benefit of each project. It’s always best to get detailed quotes from multiple contractors to nail down more accurate pricing for your specific location and renovation scope.
Budgeting for Overruns
No matter how well you plan, unexpected costs will arise. Whether it’s structural repairs, material shortages, or delays, always allow an extra 10-15% buffer in your budget.
How to Work Out Your Maximum Spend
To avoid over-capitalising, compare your home’s current value to its potential post-renovation value. Here’s how:
- Check recent sales – Look at realestate.com.au and domain.com.au for properties similar to yours.
- Estimate your home’s value now – Consider its condition compared to those recently sold.
- Estimate your home’s value after renovation – Look for homes with a finished exterior similar to your planned design.
- Calculate the difference – Your renovation budget should not exceed the gap between these two values.
For example, if similar homes sell for $1.8M, and yours is worth $1.6M now, your maximum renovation budget should be $200K to ensure you don’t over-capitalise.
Final Thoughts
Renovating your home’s exterior is an investment, but with exterior renovation costs, smart budgeting is more important than ever. Whether you DIY parts of the process or hire a contractor to manage it all, planning carefully and leaving a contingency buffer will ensure a smoother renovation with fewer financial surprises.
Thinking about an exterior renovation? Get in touch for expert guidance on your home’s transformation.