Mr & Mrs Elias specialise in architectural apartment renovations across Sydney, delivering considered design and expertly managed construction.

We believe every renovation should reflect the way you live, balancing design integrity, functionality and longevity.

Our integrated team of architects, designers and specialist home renovation builders in Sydney guides each project from initial concept through to completion and aftercare, simplifying what can otherwise be a complex process. With deep experience in Class 2 and strata environments, we understand the nuances of apartment living and design spaces that feel refined, resolved and enduring.

To learn more about how we work, explore our process or view our latest projects.

Kitchen & bathroom renovation budget guide

Thoughtful budget planning is fundamental to a successful renovation — particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, which are typically the most technically detailed spaces within an apartment.

This guide outlines the key factors that influence investment and provides a clear framework to support early financial planning.

As a design and construct firm specialising in architectural apartment renovations, we approach kitchens and bathrooms as integrated components of a cohesive, whole-of-home transformation. The insights below offer a high-level overview to help establish realistic expectations within that broader project scope.

Sydney renovation costs

Sydney is consistently one of the most expensive cities in Australia for apartment renovations, driven by labour costs, material selection, and strata requirements.

As a general guide:

Costs vary depending on scope, finishes, and building conditions.

Planning your kitchen and bathroom renovation

A considered approach to kitchen and bathroom renovation begins with understanding how these spaces should function within the broader apartment. This includes how they connect to adjacent areas, how services are coordinated, and how design decisions support both daily use and long-term living.

Early references such as Pinterest and Instagram can be useful in articulating a visual direction. Visiting appliance and bathroomware showrooms also provides a more informed understanding of materials, finishes and current pricing, supporting more grounded decision-making.

Key considerations:

• Establish project priorities and non-negotiables
• Review layout efficiency, circulation and spatial relationships
• Assess materials, appliances and fittings for performance and longevity
• Align scope with current market pricing and overall budget parameters

Budget breakdown

Break down your renovation budget into three key areas:

1. Materials
   Tiles, tapware, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting, and appliances
2. Design & construction
   Project management, trades, demolition, and installation
3. Professional fees
   Consultants, certifiers, and engineers (if required)

Cost drivers: What increases your renovation budget?

Within a kitchen and bathroom renovation, certain decisions have a greater impact on overall cost. Understanding these early allows the design to be resolved with clarity and control.

Structural intervention

Any work affecting walls, ceilings or floors introduces additional complexity. Structural changes require engineering input, documentation and coordinated installation. Load-bearing walls must be assessed, with beams and columns carefully designed and integrated to maintain both structural integrity and spatial intent.

Layout reconfiguration

Relocating plumbing, electrical services or wet areas increases labour and coordination requirements. Where possible, retaining existing service locations helps manage cost. In apartments, layout changes may also require slab scanning, structural drawings and selective demolition to accommodate new services.

Material specification

Material choices significantly influence budget. Premium finishes (coloured internals), detailed joinery (curved accents) and intricate tile layouts require more time and precision to install. Smaller formats, patterns or bespoke detailing increase labour costs but may be justified where they contribute meaningfully to the overall design outcome.

Labour and coordination

High-quality results rely on skilled trades and careful coordination. Structural works, bespoke joinery and detailed finishes require experienced builders, engineers and specialist trades. As complexity increases, so does the level of management required to maintain quality, sequencing and compliance.

Unforeseen conditions

Older apartment buildings can conceal issues such as outdated wiring or compromised plumbing. These are often only uncovered once demolition begins and can affect both program and budget. A contingency allowance of 10–20% is recommended to manage risk without compromising design intent.

Kitchen investment

Kitchens are typically one of the largest budget components within an apartment renovation. Custom cabinetry, premium stone, integrated appliances and specialised joinery details all contribute to cost. Thicker benchtops, non-standard edge profiles and bespoke storage solutions further elevate both material and labour requirements.

Design changes during construction

Late changes to materials, layouts or scope often introduce inefficiencies and additional cost. Resolving the design thoroughly before construction begins allows the renovation to proceed with certainty, protecting both budget and timeline.

Kitchen renovation considerations

Kitchen renovations vary in scope depending on the size of the space, layout complexity and the selection of materials and appliances.

A complete kitchen renovation typically includes design, demolition, cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, fixtures and installation by licensed trades.

Where layouts are reconfigured or higher-grade finishes, integrated appliances and custom joinery are specified, the overall investment will increase.

A considered approach to budgeting allows for both material selections and project delivery, with allowance for refinement as the design and construction progress.

View the Woolloomooloo transformation

Bathroom renovation considerations

Bathroom renovations often carry comparable costs to kitchens, despite their smaller footprint. This reflects the technical complexity involved, including extensive tiling, waterproofing, substrate preparation and the coordination of multiple trades within a confined space.

Project costs vary depending on the size of the bathroom, the quality of materials and the extent of any layout changes. Adjustments to plumbing, as well as the inclusion of custom joinery, natural stone or premium fittings, will typically increase the overall investment.

A considered budget should account for both material selections – such as tiles, tapware and cabinetry – and project delivery, including project management, trades and installation. Allowing for contingency is recommended to address unforeseen site conditions or refinements during the design process.

View the Kurraba Point transformation

Our recommended suppliers

Explore a curated selection of trusted suppliers we regularly partner with across our kitchen and bathroom renovations. Based in Sydney CBD, we work closely with leading local brands to source quality materials, fixtures and finishes.

A considered approach to kitchen and bathroom costs

Kitchen and bathroom renovations require careful planning, particularly within apartments where technical constraints, approvals and coordination play a larger role. Understanding how costs are structured and which decisions have the greatest impact allows these spaces to be designed with clarity rather than compromise.

By resolving layouts, materials and scope early, budgets can be managed more effectively and construction can proceed with greater certainty. While pricing will vary based on specification and site conditions, a considered approach helps minimise disruption and supports a more predictable outcome.

As part of a broader renovation strategy, kitchens and bathrooms can be both highly functional and enduring – supporting daily living while contributing to the overall quality of the apartment.

Start your Sydney home renovation

At Mr & Mrs Elias, we believe exceptional home renovations are defined by both the final outcome and the experience of creating them. Through a structured design and construct approach, our Sydney renovation specialists deliver refined, enduring apartment homes tailored to contemporary living.

To learn more about how we work, explore our process or view our latest projects.