Full House Renovation cost in Wellington (2026)
Typical Wellington range
$85,000 – $636,000
Most Wellington projects land around $191,000 – $318,000. Prices run around the national average, with site costs the swing factor.
Why Wellington differs
Wellington's Very High and Extra High wind zones and seismic foundations add bracing and engineering most flat sites elsewhere don't need.
Usually included
- Kitchen & bathroom renovations
- Flooring & painting throughout
- Updated fixtures & fittings
- Like-for-like services upgrades
Usually excluded
- Adding floor area (that's an extension)
- Recladding or re-roofing (unless specified)
- Design & consent fees
- Contingency for hidden damage
Usually needs a building consent
Anything beyond cosmetic — moving walls, plumbing or structure — needs a building consent. Budget $5,000–$12,000 for a standard renovation consent. Read the consent rules →
Questions to ask before you sign
- What contingency do you recommend for a home of this age?
- How is the project staged and how does the payment schedule track it?
- Who is the main contractor responsible if a subbie's work fails?
Wellington full house renovation: common questions
- How much does a full house renovation cost in NZ in 2026?
- A cosmetic whole-home refresh runs $80,000–$150,000, a mid-range renovation $180,000–$300,000, and a high-end renovation $350,000–$600,000+ — roughly $2,000–$4,000 per m² depending on scope and finish.
- How much contingency should I budget?
- 15–20% for most homes, and up to 25% for character villas and bungalows where rot or borer can surface once work starts.
Before you pay anyone, check who they are.
Check the company that quoted you: company status, registration and what's on the public record, from the official NZ sources.
Check a builderActually starting this build? Keep watch on your builder for the whole build →