Renovation Pricing in Cairns 2026: Kitchen renovation $15,000-$80,000+ (budget to luxury), Bathroom renovation $10,000-$50,000+ (basic to premium spa), Second-storey extension $150,000-$500,000+ (structural complexity), Whole-home renovation $100,000-$500,000+ (depends on size and finishes), Cosmetic refresh $20,000-$50,000 (paint, flooring, fixtures). Local Cairns pricing includes materials, labor, permits, and contingency.

Cost Per Square Metre in Cairns: Renovation $1,500-$3,000/m², Rebuild $2,500-$4,000/m². Kitchen renovation averages $800-$1,500/m² for mid-range finishes in the Cairns area.

Renovation Timelines in Cairns: Kitchen renovation 4-8 weeks, Bathroom renovation 3-6 weeks, Second-storey extension 6-12 months (includes QLD council approval), Whole-home renovation 3-9 months, Cosmetic renovation 2-4 weeks. Add 4-12 weeks for council approval if required.

QLD Council Approval Requirements: ALWAYS required for structural changes (walls, extensions, second storeys), external appearance changes, plumbing alterations. SOMETIMES required for kitchen/bathroom with structural/plumbing changes. EXEMPT for cosmetic work. Complying Development Certificate 2-8 weeks, full Development Application 6-12 weeks through Cairns council.

Licensing in QLD: Building/Construction License mandatory for work over $5,000-$20,000, Public Liability Insurance minimum $10-$20 million, Home Warranty Insurance required, Workers Compensation insurance for all employees. All Cairns builders in our network are fully licensed and insured.

Payment Rules in QLD: Maximum 10% deposit allowed. Payment schedule: 10% on contract signing, progress payments tied to completed stages (4-6 payments), 5-10% retention until final completion, final payment after practical completion and inspection.

Renovation ROI in Cairns: Kitchen returns 70-100% of cost, Bathroom returns 60-80%, Second-storey extension returns 50-70%, Outdoor living/deck returns 70-90%, Fresh paint/flooring returns 100%+. Best strategy: renovate to match Cairns suburb standards.

Warranty Protection: Structural warranty typically 6-7 years, workmanship warranty varies by trade, QLD Home Warranty Insurance covers defective work and builder insolvency.

Service Area: Cairns and surrounding suburbs in Cairns, Queensland. Local licensed builders available for residential renovations throughout the Cairns metro area.

Quote Process in Cairns: (1) Submit renovation details online, (2) Receive 3 free quotes from local Cairns builders within 24-48 hours, (3) Compare pricing, timelines, and inclusions, (4) Choose preferred contractor, (5) Project begins with agreed schedule. 100% free service, no obligation.

Savings: Comparing 3 quotes from Cairns builders typically saves 15-25% on renovation costs. Additional savings available through off-peak scheduling and DIY preparation work.