How much will it cost to extend my bedroom and en-suite in New Zealand?

ARTICLE Stephanie Matherson

From the top of the North Island through to the bottom of the South Island, spacious master bedrooms with an en-suite and a well-organised wardrobe are hugely popular in New Zealand and can increase the market value of your home. Even a small update or moderate extension can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of your bedroom, and have a significant impact on your day-to-day lifestyle.
Every home is different, of course, with differently sized master bedrooms and varying numbers of bedrooms and layouts. This means that every renovation project is different too. As a rule of thumb, planning is key and it really pays to do your research both in terms of materials and contractors. A complex renovation project like this requires many different types of tradespeople including builders, plumbers, tilers and electricians. Trying to organise all these independent contractors can sometimes lead to delays and frustration in terms of quality and responsibility.
“The renovation experts at Refresh Renovations bring it all together,” says Jim Gleeson from Refresh Renovations. “We make it easy by organising all the trades and managing the process from planning through to the final coat of paint.” This includes taking care of the necessary paperwork, too. In New Zealand, renovations generally need a building consent from your local council and may also require resource consent or other types of approval.
By planning well from the outset and getting the right team of renovation specialists on board, you can end of saving a lot of money in the long run as you are less likely to make costly mistakes.

How much does a basic bedroom and en-suite makeover cost?

A basic makeover that includes alterations to an existing bedroom and bathroom within the footprint of your current home could cost you anywhere from about NZ$65,000 - $90,000*. A small same-level extension to the house might also be possible within this budget range.
To make your money go the extra mile, choose basic materials and keep any unnecessary extras to an absolute minimum. You can always add fittings and furnishings at a later stage, but while work is underway and the GIB boards are off the walls it’s wise to get the basics done right. Insulation, heating and electrical wiring with future needs in mind are the key here and should be part of your makeover. A renovation can also uncover unforeseen problems, so make sure you have included a contingency budget of 10-20% in your plans. Talk to your renovation consultant for their advice.
When you undertake work to one-bedroom or generally a limited area of the house, it should be manageable to live in your home while the building work is underway. While this can be a hassle at times, it will save you time and money in finding rental accommodation. Speak to your builders about installing a plastic barrier where this is suitable, to control the levels of dust and noise in the rest of the house. As an upside, you will be able to monitor the progress of the work and be available to answer any questions the builders may have right there and then.

Cost to makeover/extend my bedroom + ensuite on a basic budget

From $65,000 - $90,000*
See how Refresh converted this basement into a bedroom + ensuite for $65,000*.

What can I get for a mid-level bedroom and en-suite makeover?

If you are looking to add quite a bit of floor space to an existing room, or want to add a whole new room to your house, you’ll need to plan on spending between NZ$90,000* to NZ$140,000*. This would allow you to extend your home, creating an expansive bedroom and ensuite.
Apart from the bathroom basics, consider a few extras such as underfloor heating, extra-large heating rails and designer taps. Freestanding baths are a hot topic and add a real touch of luxury. Double vanities, too, are in high demand. For the bedroom itself, you could opt for a few chosen extras and splurge on selected items such as a super king or California king-size bed, a luxurious mattress or designer furniture.
A generous walk-in wardrobe is a feature your new and improved bedroom should not be missing. From small to large scale a walk-in wardrobe offers accessible yet hidden storage space. Clever storage systems help you get organised and utilise every inch of the available wall space.
Chances are you’ll be installing new flooring and possibly carpet in your bedroom. That’s a good time to assess the rest of the flooring especially that of the abutting hallways or bedrooms, to see if it’s worth installing new flooring on the whole house or part of the house. At the same time, while painters are in your home, consider if a simple paint job of the rest of the house could be in the budget to update the whole place at once.

Cost to renovate/extend a bedroom & ensuite on a mid-level budget

From $90,000 - $140,000*
See how Refresh carried out this bedroom, ensuite and patio extension for $140,000*.

What should I include in a high-end bedroom and en-suite renovation?

To really tick all the boxes and include all the latest high-end must-haves, a budget of NZ$200,000+ is what it takes. You’ll be able to extend the footprint of the house significantly, either via a large scale same level extension, or a loft conversion or basement conversion. Think luxury fitting and furnishings – perhaps even a his and hers en-suite.
The cost for high-end bedroom and en-suite renovations partly lays in the larger added area in terms of square meters, but, of course, also includes high-end material from insulation through to home automation. Your bedroom is your oyster and there is a huge range of bedroom suites, accessories, lighting and audio-visual systems on the market. Home automation is becoming more and more popular and automation systems allow you to control lighting, shutters, entertainment systems and more with a single tap of your hand – from your bed!

Cost to renovate/extend a high-end bedroom + ensuite

From $200,000+*
See how Refresh helped this homeowner achieve a new bedroom , ensuite and outdoor area for $269,000*.

Get in touch if you're thinking about renovating

If you would like to discuss options and ideas for your next renovation project, please use the enquiry form alongside to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our "Get in touch" page too.
*Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations specialist. All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.