The Australian Renovation Cost Index 2026 brings together real cost data from 12 in-depth renovation guides published on NTDesigns. Every range below is drawn from Australian suppliers, trade quote platforms and installer pricing researched in October 2026 — not guesses, not overseas figures.
Use it to benchmark your project budget at a glance, then click through to any guide for the full breakdown: cost tables by material and size, state-by-state differences, council requirements, and money-saving tips.
2026 Cost Index: 12 Home Projects at a Glance
| Project | Typical Cost Range (2026) | Full Cost Guide |
|---|---|---|
| House Restumping | $10,000–$30,000 | House Restumping Cost Australia 2026 |
| Rainwater Tank (supply + install) | $900–$12,000 | Rainwater Tank Cost Australia 2026 |
| Walk-in Wardrobe | $3,500–$30,000 | Walk-in Wardrobe Cost Australia 2026 |
| Retaining Wall | $200–$750 per m² | Retaining Wall Cost Australia 2026 |
| Garage Conversion | $5,000–$80,000 | Garage Conversion Cost Australia 2026 |
| Carport | $1,700–$25,000 | Carport Cost Australia 2026 |
| Driveway | $1,500–$12,000 | Driveway Cost Australia 2026 |
| Skylight Installation | $600–$6,500 | Skylight Installation Cost Australia 2026 |
| Fence Installation | $75–$350 per metre | Fence Installation Cost Australia 2026 |
| Pergola | $2,000–$15,000 | Pergola Cost Australia 2026 |
| Deck | $4,000–$22,500 | Deck Cost Australia 2026 |
| House Painting | $3,000–$25,000 | House Painting Cost Australia 2026 |
How to Use This Index
- Budget planning: Compare projects side by side before committing to a renovation scope.
- Quote checking: If a tradie’s quote lands far outside the range shown, ask what is driving the difference — site access, materials, or scope.
- Go deeper: Each guide breaks costs down by material, size and state, with FAQs answering the questions homeowners ask most.
Methodology
Ranges were compiled in October 2026 from Australian supplier pricing (including Bunnings, VELUX, IKEA and specialist manufacturers), trade quote data from platforms such as Hipages and Airtasker, and installer-published price guides. Figures include GST where suppliers quote it.
An honest note: this index is a research compilation, not a national price survey. Actual quotes vary with your state, site conditions, material choices and the trades market at the time you build. Always get at least three written quotes before committing. Each linked guide lists its sources so you can verify the numbers yourself.
Last updated: October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026