What does a renovation cost in Auckland?
Typical 2026 price ranges for kitchens, bathrooms and whole homes, and the factors that move a job from one end of the range to the other.
The honest answer is that it depends on the house, the layout and the finishes. But you need a starting point before you talk to anyone, so here are the ranges we see for Auckland homes in 2026. They include trades and materials, and exclude GST unless stated.
Typical ranges
| Project | Mid-range | Premium or layout change |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom (full renovation) | $25k–$40k | $40k–$60k+ |
| Ensuite | $18k–$30k | $30k–$45k+ |
| Kitchen (10–12 m²) | $25k–$40k | $60k–$120k+ |
| Whole home (3 bedroom) | $80k–$160k | $200k+ |
| Pre-sale refresh | $8k–$30k | $30k–$60k |
These are indicative only. A written scope priced by real trades is the only reliable number for your home.
What pushes the price up
- Moving plumbing. Relocating a toilet, shower or sink means new drainage, often under the floor, and may need consent.
- Structural changes. Removing walls needs an engineer, a beam, a Licensed Building Practitioner and usually consent.
- Older homes. Villas and bungalows often reveal old wiring, borer, uneven floors or no insulation once linings come off.
- Finishes. Stone benchtops, large-format tiles, integrated appliances and custom joinery each add up quickly.
- Access. Steep sites, apartments and no off-street parking add labour and disposal time.
Where you can save
- Keep wet areas in the same position where possible.
- Choose fixtures and finishes before work starts, so nothing is ordered in a rush.
- Use standard cabinet sizes and laminate or engineered benchtops in secondary areas.
- Combine projects. Two bathrooms done together cost less than two done a year apart.
Contingency
Allow 10 to 15 percent for a kitchen or bathroom, and 15 to 20 percent for older homes and whole-house projects. Most of it covers what's found once walls and floors are opened up.
Consent costs
If your project needs building consent, add council fees, any drawings or engineering, and time for processing. We confirm whether consent is needed during the scoping stage, so it's in the budget from the start.
Questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Auckland?
Most full bathroom renovations in Auckland fall between about $25,000 and $40,000 for a mid-range finish, and $40,000 to $60,000 or more where the layout changes or finishes are premium.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Auckland?
A mid-range kitchen in a typical 10 to 12 square metre space is commonly $25,000 to $40,000. Larger or premium kitchens with stone, integrated appliances and layout changes often run $60,000 to well over $100,000.
How much should I allow for contingency?
Allow 10 to 15 percent of the build cost for a kitchen or bathroom, and 15 to 20 percent for older homes or whole-house projects, where hidden issues are more likely.
Start with a site visit
We come to you, walk the space, and talk through what you want to change. You get a written scope and budget range before you commit to anything.