Buildline Renovations & Extensions 02 6 min read Guide
What renovations cost on the Tweed Coast (2026 guide)
Honest price bands for kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, and full renovations in the Northern Rivers, and the six things that move the number.
Short answer: A renovation on the Tweed Coast costs $25,000 to $250,000 depending on scope. The six things that move the number are size, condition, access, finishes, structural changes, and council requirements.
What drives the price of a renovation
Every renovation is site-specific. Two identical floor plans in the same street can produce quotes that differ by 30 percent because of condition, access, and finishes. Understanding what drives the price helps you compare quotes on the same terms and avoid the "cheap quote that gets expensive" trap.
Before you get quotes
- Decide on scope: are you renovating one room, or the whole house?
- Get an asbestos test on any home built before 1990.
- Photograph every room you want to change (helps the builder quote accurately from the site visit).
Indicative price bands
These are guide ranges for the Northern Rivers and Tweed Coast in 2026. Your job sits somewhere in the band depending on scope, condition, and finishes. We publish these so you have a realistic starting point, not a marketing number.
$25k+
bathroom renovation (mid-range)
AU builder pricing, 2026
$35k+
kitchen renovation (mid-range)
AU builder pricing, 2026
$150k+
ground-floor extension (45m2)
AU builder pricing, 2026
Indicative only. Your figure is tied to the specifics of your job.
Red flag
A verbal quote with no written scope, no licence number, and a cash deposit is the
pattern behind most renovation horror stories. Walk away.
Good sign
A fixed-price contract with drawn plans, named materials, a council pathway explained,
and a deposit paid to a business account is what a legitimate builder looks like.
How to compare renovation quotes
The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest job. Compare what is included (demolition, council, engineering, tip fees), whether the price is fixed or estimated, and whether the materials are named or left as allowances.
The cheap quote
The honest quote
A single round number with no breakdown.
Each line itemised: demolition, materials, labour, council, engineering.
Allowances instead of real prices.
Fixed prices built from the measured job and named finishes.
No mention of council or engineering.
Council pathway, fees, and engineering included and explained.
Watch
What renovations actually cost on the Tweed Coast
A walkthrough of real renovation price bands for the Northern Rivers, and the factors that move the number up or down.
Common questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in 2026?
A mid-range kitchen renovation on the Tweed Coast typically costs $35,000 to $65,000. The price depends on the size, layout changes, appliance tier, and whether you are moving plumbing or gas. We include demolition, cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, tiling, painting, and all plumbing and electrical in the fixed-price contract.
What is the biggest hidden cost in a renovation?
Asbestos removal and structural surprises behind walls are the two most common unplanned costs. On pre-1990 homes, we recommend an asbestos test before quoting. If structural work is discovered mid-build, we issue a written variation with the revised price before proceeding.
Should I get three quotes before choosing a builder?
Yes, and compare them on the same terms. Check what is included (demolition, council fees, engineering, tip fees), whether the price is fixed or estimated, and whether the quote names the materials and finishes. A lower price that excludes half the scope is not cheaper.