In a full home renovation, the kitchen and bathrooms usually eat up the biggest chunk of the budget. They’re small areas but packed with costly components: tiles, plumbing, waterproofing, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and often specialised labour. Changing layouts in these spaces – like moving a sink or shower – can make costs rise quickly.
Next in line is anything structural: moving or reinforcing walls, changing the staircase, modifying windows and doors. These jobs need experienced professionals and sometimes engineers, not just basic labour. They also bring hidden work like repairing floors and ceilings after walls are moved.
People often underestimate how much “finishing” costs too – things like doors, handles, skirtings, wardrobes, lights, fans, and paint. Each individual item doesn’t seem huge, but when you multiply by the whole house, the final number surprises many owners.
If you’re trying to control costs, a good rule is: minimise unnecessary layout changes, especially in wet areas (kitchen and bathrooms), and focus more on surfaces and fixtures. Keeping plumbing lines where they are and avoiding major structural changes can significantly lower the overall renovation bill without stopping you from getting a fresh-looking home.
