The Hidden Costs of Cheap Renovation Quotes in Melbourne
You’ve seen the ads.
“Complete bathroom from $10,999!”
“Luxury kitchen for less than $15K!”
Sounds tempting — especially with cost of living up and everyone watching their budget.
But here’s the truth no one talks about:
Cheap renovation quotes usually end up being the most expensive in the long run.
We’ve seen it all — corner-cutting, lowball quotes, and horror jobs we were called in to fix. So before you pick a builder based on price alone, here’s what you’re really paying for.
🚩 1. The Quote That Doesn’t Include Everything
The tactic:
You get a quote that looks amazing… until the “extras” start piling on.
Common exclusions:
Demolition or rubbish removal
Waterproofing
Premium fixtures or fittings
Plumbing/electrical upgrades
Council approvals or compliance checks
What looked like a $20K job? Becomes $35K by the end — and you feel trapped.
🧰 2. Unqualified Trades = Future Repairs
When a builder charges bottom dollar, they’re not using top-tier trades.
You risk:
Leaks within months
Uneven tiling, cracked grout
Cabinet doors that warp or fall off
Electrical issues that aren’t up to code
And guess what? Fixing it costs more than doing it properly the first time.
🧱 3. Cheap Materials That Don’t Last
Low-grade MDF, discount tiles, budget tapware — they look OK for a year or two.
Then:
Drawers start sagging
Benchtops scratch easily
Grout discolours
Hinges rust
It’s not just about looks. It’s about longevity. Cheap upfront = costly replacements.
🧾 4. No Warranty. No Accountability.
Fly-by-night renovators don’t stick around.
Bluestone? We stand behind every build.
💸 5. Dodgy Builders = Financial Risk
We’ve seen clients lose entire deposits when “cheap” operators:
Disappear mid-job
Get shut down by regulators
Go bankrupt
Leave sites unfinished
Paying $5–10K more for a legitimate company could save you $50K in disaster control.
🔍 6. Stress, Delays, and Dodgy Communication
Cut-rate builders often juggle too many jobs. You’re left:
Chasing them for updates
Dealing with surprise delays
Managing problems they should be solving
That’s not a renovation — that’s a second job you didn’t sign up for.
✅ What Bluestone Quotes Actually Include
We’re not the cheapest. And we’re proud of it.
But our quotes include:
Full breakdown of scope
Quality materials and trades
Clear timelines and updates
Zero surprises
What you pay for is peace of mind — and a renovation that actually lasts.
🛠️ Don’t Gamble With Your Home
A cheap quote can cost you more than money — it can cost your time, peace of mind, and resale value.
If you’re ready to do it once and do it right…
