Budget Blowouts: What’s Really Driving Up Renovation Costs in Melbourne?

5 July

It’s the one thing every renovator dreads — the budget spiral.

You start with a figure in mind… and somehow, it explodes halfway through the job.

So what’s actually pushing prices up in Melbourne right now?

Let’s unpack the truth — no fluff.

Pinterest and Instagram are full of dream kitchens and spa-like bathrooms.

But what you don’t see?

The $80K+ price tag behind that perfect tilework and imported tapware.

We love great design — but we also keep it real.

Plenty of builders underquote just to win the job. Then comes the parade of:

At Bluestone, we quote based on real scope — no bait-and-switch.

You start out wanting "just a kitchen"...

Next thing you know, you’re redoing the floors, the laundry, and knocking down walls.

That’s fine if it's planned properly. If not, it’s chaos.

We help clients make clear decisions before the build starts.

Simple truth: timber, tiles, and trades have all gone up.

It’s not greed — it’s market pressure.

That’s why our team monitors supplier pricing weekly and locks in rates wherever possible.

Even for “minor” renos, permits or engineering checks might be required — especially in heritage suburbs.

We factor all this in upfront so you’re not blindsided halfway through.

✅ Transparent quoting
✅ Fixed-scope contracts
✅ No surprise invoices
✅ Weekly budget check-ins

We’re not the cheapest. We’re the clearest — and that saves you money long-term.

Ready to renovate without the stress?

👉 Book a renovation consultation with Bluestone Build Co and let’s keep your budget tight and your build on point.

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