Get a realistic cost breakdown for your renovation instantly. Materials, labour, contingency—nothing hidden.

One of the biggest questions before you start a renovation is: "How much is this going to cost?" Without a ballpark figure, it's hard to know whether you can even afford to proceed. The Estimate Tool gives you a realistic breakdown instantly—not a guess, but a genuine cost estimate based on real material prices and labour rates for your region.

How estimates work

1. You describe the scope (painting one room, full kitchen refit, bathroom tile work).

2. You select materials and finishes from the library (the actual products you're considering).

3. The tool calculates labour, material costs, and adds a contingency buffer based on your region and project type.

4. You get a clear, itemised estimate to help you budget.

The estimate pulls real pricing from suppliers in your area so the numbers reflect your actual market, not national averages. Labour rates are calculated based on the type of work, your location, and current market conditions.

What's included

• Material costs: Exact prices for products you've chosen, including delivery where applicable. This takes the guesswork out—you're not estimating, you're looking at actual supplier prices.

• Labour: Realistic rates based on the type of work and your region. Different trades have different rates, and Sydney labour costs differ from regional areas. The estimate accounts for this.

• Contingency: A safety buffer (typically 10–15%) for unexpected issues. Every renovation has surprises—old walls that need extra bracing, plumbing that needs rerouting, structural issues that only show up once you start demo. The contingency gives you a realistic cushion.

• Summary breakdown: See exactly where your money is going. You might see: Materials $15,000, Labour $8,500, Contingency $3,500, Total $27,000. This transparency helps you make trade-offs (e.g., "I could save $2,000 by choosing a different countertop").

From estimate to action

Once you have an estimate, you're ready to have real conversations with contractors. You can say: "I've got a design and an estimate of $27,000. Does that align with what you'd charge?" This saves enormous amounts of back-and-forth and helps you compare quotes from different contractors fairly.

Real scenario

You want to renovate your ensuite. Your estimate shows:

• Demolition & prep: $1,200

• Plumbing rough-in: $2,500

• New tiles & adhesive: $3,800

• Fixtures (tap, toilet, exhaust fan): $1,900

• Labour for tiling & finishing: $4,500

• Contingency (12%): $1,800

• Total: $15,700

You can now show this to three plumbers and see if they come in around that range. If one quotes $22,000, you know there's a mismatch and need to understand why. If another quotes $14,200, you can ask what's being omitted. This estimate makes contractor conversations productive instead of bewildering.

Important note: These estimates are guides to help you plan your budget. Always get formal quotes from contractors for final pricing, as local factors, site conditions, and timeline can affect the final cost. A contractor might quote higher if your plumbing is in an awkward location, or lower if they can batch your work with another project.