The top 7 hidden costs are
1. Hidden Structural Issues
2. Demolition and disposal costs
3. Environmental mould and asbestos
4. Poor quality workmanship
5. Temporary accommodation or eating out
6. Plumbing and electrical upgrades
7. Soil Quality
1. Hidden Structural Issues.
Behind the paint and render are structures, sometimes solid concrete, sometimes wooden or steel frames that have been supporting your home for years. The harsh Australian climate of wind, rain and glaring sun can penetrate our homes sometimes weakening the structures that keep everything together.
Cracks, rust, and hidden rot often remain invisible until they become serious problems-compromising not only safety but also the long-term value of your property. Moisture intrusion can lead to timber decay, steel corrosion, or concrete cancer, each of which can silently spread over time. Left unchecked, these issues can cause costly repairs, reduce the lifespan of your home, and in the worst cases, threaten its structural integrity.
If you have mould in your home that can often be caused by moisture intrusion. Find the source of the water before the problem becomes too large. For many issues the only way to see what is going on is to have a renovation and after demolition when the room is laid bare we will see the structural issues.
2. Demolition and disposal costs
Quotes will always detail what will be built or changed however they won’t always detail the costs involved with removing the old material. Demolition is involved in every renovation and hiding these costs can dramatically lower the price of a renovation. Don’t get caught out, if demolition isn’t included in the quote, ask for the costs of demolition and the methods of removing the old material. Sometimes builders will quote extravagant removal methods like scissor lifts that might need to be checked. Generally you will always need some kind of skip bin and removal costs of the material placed inside the bin.
When you get quotes for renovations check the quote for demolition and the methods used to remove the waste to the bins. Very rarely will you need a scissor lift to remove waste.
3. Environmental Mould and Asbestos
Mould is everywhere in modern homes in very low quantities. It becomes a problem when it starts to build up and become visible. As well as being bad for your health mould is also a sign of bigger problems in the structure of your building. Mould is a symptom of moisture problems – whether from leaks, poor ventilation, or dampness. If you renovate without fixing the underlying moisture issue, the mould will simply return and damage your new work. The mould also needs to be removed to have a safe working space for the tradies.
Asbestos means specialist Asbestos removers must come to remove the asbestos before work can contain. Asbestos is extremely hazardous to your health.
The only time you will know you have asbestos is when the renovation has started and the demolition has been completed.
4. Poor quality workmanship
· What seems like a great price in the beginning can turn into further repair bills to get the job done correctly. At first, everything looks acceptable—but it’s only a matter of time before defects appear.
· Poorly installed tiles start cracking.
· Kitchen cabinetry doors misalign and won’t close properly.
· Paint starts peeling within months.
· Waterproofing failures lead to devastating bathroom leaks and costly water damage.
· Electrical outlets are placed incorrectly, or worse, wired unsafely.
Every corner cut by the contractor becomes a future problem you’ll have to live
with—or pay to fix again.
If the quote from a renovation company is low it generally means they are going to cut corners to get the job done.
5. Temporary accommodation or eating out
Renovation is always messy work, even when we double sheet the rooms being renovated dust can get out. This is why we always clean the entire house before finishing. Because of the dust created we do not want children around whilst the renovations are going on. We highly recommend families seek alternative arrangements. We know this is an imposition and has a real cost attached to it but we do not feel comfortable jeopardizing a single child’s health.
6. Plumbing and electrical upgrades
Many older houses and apartments did not consider the energy usage of modern apartments. AC, Induction Cooktops and Cool Rooms all take a lot of power. When a switchboard can’t deliver the power required the solution is to upgrade the switchboard and this can cost a thousand dollars or more depending on the requirements. Old wiring also needs to be replaced when it is found not to meet the building code requirements.
Improper pipe gradients or wrong fittings cause slow drainage, gurgling pipes, and blockages. Often mistaken for “clogged drains,” but the issue is structural in the plumbing layout. To fix, you must regrade or re-lay pipes under slabs or floors.
Hidden cost: Concrete cutting, re-laying drainage, and patching can run $3,000–$10,000.
7. Soil Quality
When doing landscaping or extension work it is important that the soil is strong enough to support the structures that lie on top of the soil. The soil may need to be compacted before any further work is carried out. What looks like good ground may well be loose soil that needs to be compacted. This is a cost that many homeowners do not consider.