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40 guides across 9 trades

How much does it actually cost?

Real pricing data for Australian trade work. No guesswork, no outdated estimates — just clear ranges based on surveyed trade rates.

Updated April 2026

Most Popular

Electrical

Switchboard Upgrade

$1,000–$3,500

Electrical

EV Charger Installation

$1,500–$3,500

Plumbing

Bathroom Plumbing Renovation

$3,000–$8,000

Carpentry

Pergolas

$3,000–$20,000

Painting

Exterior Painting

$4,000–$15,000

Air Conditioning

Ducted Air Conditioning

$8,000–$22,000

Cabinet Making

Kitchen Cabinetry

$4,000–$40,000

Electrical

5 guides

Switchboard Upgrade

$1,000–$3,500per job

EV Charger Installation

$1,500–$3,500per job

Lighting Installation

$100–$250per point

Outdoor Power

$1,500–$4,500per job

Hot Water (Electrical)

$1,200–$3,000per job

Plumbing

6 guides

Bathroom Plumbing Renovation

$3,000–$8,000per bathroom

Hot Water System

$1,500–$4,500per job

Gas Fitting

$200–$4,000per job

Burst or Leaking Pipe

$200–$2,000per job

Blocked Drain

$100–$800per job

Kitchen Plumbing

$150–$1,000per job

Carpentry

5 guides

Decking

$3,500–$18,000per job

Pergolas

$3,000–$20,000per job

Fencing & Gates

$2,000–$10,000per job

Doors & Windows

$300–$2,000per job

Structural Repairs

$3,000–$25,000per job

Cabinet Making

4 guides

Kitchen Cabinetry

$4,000–$40,000per job

Custom Joinery

$5,000–$25,000per job

Custom Wardrobes & Walk-in Robes

$3,000–$15,000per job

Bathroom Vanity

$1,500–$8,000per job

Painting

4 guides

Interior Painting

$400–$1,500per room

Exterior Painting

$4,000–$15,000per job

Roof Painting

$3,500–$15,000per job

Deck & Fence Painting

$500–$3,000per job

Plastering

4 guides

Wall & Ceiling Repair

$200–$1,500per job

Plasterboard Installation

$800–$8,000per job

External Rendering

$2,000–$18,000per job

Cornices & Ceiling Roses

$150–$1,500per job

Tiling

4 guides

Bathroom Tiling

$2,000–$12,000per bathroom

Floor Tiling

$1,500–$10,000per job

Kitchen Splashback

$500–$3,500per job

Outdoor & Pool Tiling

$2,000–$12,000per job

Waterproofing

4 guides

Bathroom Waterproofing

$600–$3,500per bathroom

Shower Leak Repair

$250–$4,000per job

Balcony & Deck Waterproofing

$800–$10,000per job

Basement & Subfloor Waterproofing

$500–$12,000per job

Air Conditioning

4 guides

Split System Installation

$1,500–$10,000per system

Ducted Air Conditioning

$8,000–$22,000per system

Air Conditioning Repair & Service

$150–$1,500per job

Ventilation & Exhaust Fans

$200–$1,500per job

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Government Rebates and Incentives (2026)

Active programs that reduce upfront costs for Australian homeowners

Several Australian state and federal programs offer rebates, discounts, and low-interest financing for energy-efficient home upgrades. The biggest savings are on heating, cooling, and hot water, where Victorian programs are the most generous. Federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) apply to heat pumps and solar hot water in every state.

CategoryProgramDiscountStates
Split System InstallationVictorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)Up to ~$2,940VIC
Split System InstallationRetailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)Varies by retailerSA
Ducted Air ConditioningVictorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)Up to ~$7,200VIC
Hot Water SystemSmall-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)$700–$1,200All states
Hot Water SystemSolar Victoria Hot Water RebateUp to $1,400VIC
Hot Water SystemEnergy Savings Scheme (ESS)$400–$670NSW
Hot Water SystemRetailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)$300–$1,300SA
All energy upgradesHousehold Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF)Low-interest financeAll states

Rebate values are approximate and subject to change. Check each cost guide for current program details and eligibility. Last verified April 2026.

What Each Guide Covers

Price ranges by city

Sydney metro baseline with adjustments for Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. All prices include GST. Ranges reflect typical residential jobs from simple to complex.

Brands, materials, and standards

Named Australian brands with per-unit prices, material comparison tables, and relevant Australian Standards (AS/NZS) with specific clause detail.

Local hiring advice

State licensing requirements, compliance certificates to ask for, suburb-specific cost factors, and what to look for when choosing a tradesperson.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a home renovation cost in Australia?
Home renovation costs in Australia vary widely depending on the scope, trade, and location. A single-trade job like a switchboard upgrade costs $1,000–$3,500, while a full bathroom renovation runs $8,000–$35,000+ including plumbing, waterproofing, and tiling. Our 40 cost guides break down pricing for each trade and city.
Are there government rebates for home improvements in Australia?
Yes, several state and federal programs offer rebates on energy-efficient upgrades. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program offers discounts of up to $2,940 on split systems and up to $7,200 on ducted air conditioning replacing gas heating. Federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) reduce heat pump hot water costs by $700–$1,200. NSW, SA, and other states have additional programs. Check our individual cost guides for rebate details specific to each category.
How are the prices on these guides calculated?
Prices are based on surveyed trade rates from licensed tradespeople across Australian capital cities, adjusted for regional labour markets, typical material costs, and property age. Sydney metro is the baseline. All prices include GST. We update pricing data regularly to reflect current market rates.
Do prices vary between Australian cities?
Yes. Melbourne and Brisbane track close to Sydney pricing. Perth and Adelaide typically run 10–15% higher due to smaller trade pools and material logistics. Within any city, property age, access difficulty, and job complexity create further variation. Each guide includes a city-by-city comparison.
Do I need a licensed tradesperson for home improvement work?
For most trade work in Australia, yes. Electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, and air conditioning work must be performed by licensed tradespeople in every state. Licensing thresholds for building work vary by state: $5,000 in NSW, $3,300 in QLD, $10,000 in VIC for domestic building insurance, and $20,000 in WA and SA. Always verify your tradesperson's licence through the relevant state authority.
What is included in the price ranges shown?
Each guide specifies what is and is not included. Generally, prices cover standard labour, common materials, and compliance certificates. They do not include related trades (e.g., a plumbing guide excludes tiling costs), structural work, or premium material upgrades unless stated. All prices include GST.

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