After the COVID-19 pandemic, even small-scale home renovations have seen dramatic cost increases. A recent example from Woolloongabba, Queensland, demonstrates how a seemingly simple project can become far more expensive than expected.
Case Study: The Wallace Family
Location: Woolloongabba, Queensland
Project: Bathroom renovation
Original Estimate (Pre-Pandemic): ~$30,000
Actual Cost (2025): ~$60,000
Cost Increase: ~100%
Factors Driving Cost Increases
- Higher Demand for Renovations
Pandemic-driven lifestyle changes led homeowners to invest in improving their living spaces.
- Material and Labor Shortages
Supply chain disruptions and a lack of skilled tradespeople significantly raised costs.
- Elevated Homeowner Expectations
Exposure to social media and design trends encouraged more elaborate renovation plans.
Industry-Wide Trends
Queensland Renovation Spending: $12.8 billion over the past year, up $1 billion from pre-pandemic levels.
Market Impact: Renovated homes are increasingly in demand, with buyers willing to pay premium prices for move-in-ready properties.
Conclusion
The Wallace family’s experience illustrates a broader trend in the post-pandemic housing market: renovation costs have surged due to increased demand, supply constraints, and heightened expectations. Homeowners should plan budgets carefully and prepare for potential cost escalations.