5J Building Guide: Renovating in Melbourne in 2025

Renovating in Melbourne in 2025-comfortable-minimalistic-modern-interior-space-featuring

Thinking about renovating your Melbourne home in 2025? You’re not alone. With property prices continuing to rise, many homeowners are opting for renovations instead of moving. But before you dive into your next big project, there are a few things you need to know about the costs, the challenges, and where you can save money. Let’s take a look.

How Much Does Renovating in Melbourne Cost in 2025?

Renovating in Melbourne in 2025 isn’t exactly a bargain, but it’s definitely more affordable than building from scratch. On average, a medium-sized home renovation will cost you anywhere between $200,000 and $350,000, depending on how much work you’re doing. Whether it’s upgrading your kitchen, redoing the bathrooms, or adding a new room, you’ll need to plan for these costs. (The Australian)

Why is it so expensive? Well, building materials are a big part of the reason. Prices for timber have shot up by around 25% recently, and steel and cement aren’t cheap either, thanks to global supply chain issues. Plus, finding skilled tradespeople has become a real challenge, and labor costs are rising as a result.

Where Can You Save?

While renovation costs are on the rise, there are definitely ways you can save. Here’s where you can trim the budget without sacrificing quality:

  • Do-It-Yourself (DIY): Not every task needs to be handled by a professional. If you’re handy, consider tackling smaller tasks like painting the walls, landscaping the garden, or installing light fixtures. It’s a great way to cut down on labor costs.

  • Go for Budget-Friendly Materials: High-end finishes can be tempting, but you can still achieve a stylish look with more affordable materials. For example, engineered stone can give you the same sleek look as marble, and laminate flooring can be a great alternative to hardwood.

  • Renovate in Phases: Renovations don’t have to happen all at once. If the full project feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller stages. Start with the most important areas, like the kitchen or bathroom, and save the rest for later. It’ll help you stay within budget and manage the financial load.

What You Can’t Skip On

Some aspects of a renovation are non-negotiable. If you want your home to be safe, functional, and energy-efficient in the long run, these are the areas where you’ll need to spend a little more:

  • Structural Work: If your renovation involves major changes to the structure of your home—like removing walls or fixing foundations—don’t cut corners. This is one area where hiring professionals is a must. Messing this up could lead to safety issues and costly repairs down the track.

  • Permits and Legal Requirements: Melbourne has strict building regulations, and skipping permits or cutting corners on compliance can lead to fines or delays. Always make sure you have the right permits in place before starting any major renovations. It’s not worth the risk.

  • Energy Efficiency Upgrades: As much as you might want to save on costs, don’t skimp on energy efficiency. Upgrading insulation, improving heating and cooling systems, or installing solar panels might cost a bit more upfront, but it’ll save you money in the long run through lower energy bills.

Wrapping Up

Renovating in Melbourne in 2025 comes with its fair share of challenges, especially with the rising costs of materials and labor. But don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank. By focusing on DIY tasks, choosing more affordable materials, and spreading your renovation over time, you can still stick to a reasonable budget. Just make sure not to skimp on the important stuff—structural work, permits, and energy efficiency. Get those right, and your home will be more functional, beautiful, and energy-efficient for years to come. Moreover, you may reach 5J Building Group by calling (03) 9886 3731, or obtain an Instant Quote Online.