Home renovation costs in Cape Town can vary widely depending on the size of the property, the condition of the existing space, the number of rooms being renovated, and the level of finishes selected.
A compact apartment renovation with one bathroom and a kitchen update will not cost the same as a larger home renovation involving multiple bathrooms, flooring throughout, electrical work, plumbing, painting, waterproofing, outdoor upgrades and custom joinery.
At BOMO Renovations, we prepare renovation estimates based on the actual scope, photos, videos, measurements, plans and finish level required. Instead of giving one broad range, this guide uses realistic project examples based on BOMO’s past quotation patterns to help you understand what different renovation budgets may include.
These examples are not fixed pricing categories. They are practical scenarios to show how scope, finishes and site conditions affect the final budget. Every property is different.
Example home renovation budgets in Cape Town
Because home renovation costs can vary so widely, it is often more useful to look at realistic project scenarios than one broad price range. The examples below show how different scopes can affect the budget, from compact apartment upgrades to larger home renovations involving kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, outdoor work and custom carpentry.
These examples are based on typical BOMO quotation patterns and should be treated as practical guides, not fixed prices. The final cost depends on the property condition, access, finishes, technical requirements and the exact scope of work.
Example 1: Compact home or apartment renovation
Typical budget: R450,000 – R650,000 incl. VAT
This may apply to a compact home, apartment or loft-style property where the main areas are upgraded but the footprint stays mostly the same.
Typical scope:
- New kitchen layout and joinery
- New countertops and splashback
- Bathroom renovation
- Flooring replacement in the main living areas
- Bedroom flooring
- Built-in cupboard refurbishment
- Painting and finishing
- Electrical and plumbing adjustments where required
Kitchen renovation | R180k – R260k |
Flooring, approx. 35m² | R55k – R85k |
Bathroom, approx. 6m² | R150k – R220k |
Bedroom flooring and cupboard refurbishment | R35k – R65k |
Painting, finishing and small electrical/plumbing adjustments | R30k – R60k |
Estimated total | R450k – R650k incl. VAT |
For this type of renovation, the kitchen and bathroom are usually the largest cost items. If the plumbing points stay mostly in the same place and the finishes are kept fairly standard, the project can sit closer to the lower end of the range.
Example 2: Kitchen, bathroom and living room upgrade
Typical budget: R600,000 – R950,000 incl. VAT
This type of renovation is common when a client wants to improve the main living spaces without renovating the entire home.
Typical scope:
- Full kitchen renovation
- New kitchen joinery and countertops
- Bathroom renovation
- Flooring upgrades
- Wall preparation and painting
- Lighting and electrical adjustments
- Selected plumbing changes
- Custom shelving, TV unit or storage
- General finishing details
Kitchen | R280k – R450k |
Bathroom | R150k – R230k |
Living room custom elements, flooring and finishing | R150k – R280k |
Estimated total | R600k – R950k incl. VAT |
This type of project is often driven by the finish level. A more polished result with detailed lighting, custom joinery, higher-end fittings and a more designed look will sit higher.
Example 3: Two-bedroom home renovation with bathrooms and outdoor work
Typical budget: R850,000 – R1.2 million incl. VAT
This may apply to a small house or cottage where several areas are renovated at the same time.
Typical scope:
- Kitchen renovation or kitchen refresh
- One or two bathroom renovations
- Wall skimming and painting in several rooms
- Floor sanding or new flooring
- Electrical upgrades
- Plumbing work
- Bedroom painting and cupboard upgrades
- Outdoor braai or seating area
- General repairs and finishing
- Transport, equipment and site coordination
Kitchen works | R100k – R180k |
Dining/living room floors, skimming and painting | R120k – R200k |
Bathroom renovation | R140k – R220k |
Second bathroom or bathroom upgrade | R160k – R260k |
Bedrooms, painting, flooring and cupboards | R100k – R180k |
Electrical and plumbing | R90k – R160k |
Outdoor works | R100k – R200k |
Equipment, transport and general site items | R70k – R120k |
Estimated total | R850k – R1.2m incl. VAT |
This is a good example for clients who want to “refresh the whole house” but also include bathrooms, flooring, electrical work, outdoor upgrades and general repairs. At that point, it becomes a coordinated renovation rather than a simple refresh.
Example 4: Larger home renovation with kitchen, bathrooms and custom work
Typical budget: R1.2 million – R2 million+ incl. VAT
This applies to a more complete home renovation where the scope includes several rooms, multiple technical trades and more detailed finishes.
Typical scope:
- Full kitchen renovation
- Two or more bathroom renovations
- New flooring throughout large parts of the home
- Interior painting and skimming
- Plumbing and electrical upgrades
- Ceiling repairs or lighting changes
- Custom vanities, cupboards or shelving
- Waterproofing where required
- Outdoor works or entertainment area upgrades
- More detailed project coordination
Full kitchen renovation | R300k – R550k |
Two bathroom renovations | R300k – R500k |
Flooring throughout selected areas | R150k – R300k |
Painting, skimming and ceiling work | R150k – R300k |
Plumbing and electrical upgrades | R150k – R300k |
Custom carpentry and joinery | R150k – R350k |
Outdoor or additional building works | R150k – R400k |
Site coordination, transport and equipment | R100k – R200k |
Estimated total | R1.2m – R2m+ incl. VAT |
This type of renovation usually requires more planning, more decisions and more coordination. The budget depends heavily on the final finish level, the condition of the property, and whether any structural or external changes are required.
What affects home renovation costs the most?
Home renovation pricing is usually driven by the number of areas being renovated, the condition of the existing property, the technical work required and the level of finishes selected. These are the main factors that can move a project from a focused upgrade to a larger coordinated renovation.
Scope and number of rooms
Renovating one room is very different from renovating a kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, flooring, living areas and outdoor space at the same time. The more areas involved, the more trades, materials and coordination are required.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are usually the most expensive rooms in a renovation because they involve plumbing, electrical work, waterproofing, tiling, joinery, fittings and finishing.
Plumbing and electrical work
Moving toilets, showers, baths, kitchen sinks, washing machines or dishwasher points can increase the cost, especially in older homes or apartments where access is more complicated.
Flooring, tiling and wall preparation
Flooring, tiling, wall repairs, skimming, damp treatment, ceiling repairs and painting preparation can all affect the budget before final finishes are applied.
Custom carpentry and joinery
Custom kitchens, vanities, wardrobes, shelving, TV units, benches, laundry cupboards or storage units can make a renovation feel complete, but they add cost depending on material and complexity.
Structural or external changes
Opening walls, changing windows or doors, adding extensions, changing roof structures, adding pergolas or converting garages can require professional input and municipal approval.
Access and site conditions
Apartment access, stairs, lifts, limited parking, difficult rubble removal, body corporate rules, narrow roads and working-hour restrictions can affect both pricing and timeline.
Project coordination
A home renovation often involves several trades working in sequence. Coordinating builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers, painters, carpenters, suppliers and finishers is part of the overall project cost.
A well-managed home renovation is not only about the visible finishes. It is about making sure the technical work, trades, materials, sequencing and final details are coordinated properly.
What a home renovation estimate may include
Depending on the project, a BOMO renovation estimate may include:
- Demolition and rubble removal
- Building work
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Waterproofing
- Tiling
- Flooring preparation & installation
- Wall skimming and plaster repairs
- Painting
- Ceiling repairs or upgrades
- Kitchen installation
- Bathroom installation
- Custom carpentry and joinery
- Transport, equipment & site coordination
Some items may be excluded or allowed for separately depending on the project, such as appliances, loose furniture, premium sanitaryware, imported tiles, architectural fees, engineering fees, council submissions or specialist finishes.
This is why it is useful to confirm what is included and excluded before comparing quotes.
Why renovation quotes can vary so much
Home renovation quotes can vary widely because contractors may not include the same scope. One quote may include demolition, rubble removal, labour, materials, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical work, transport, equipment, painting, finishing and project coordination. Another may only include labour, with materials, fittings, tiles, sanitaryware, appliances, waterproofing or finishing excluded.
Specifications also make a major difference. Two projects can sound similar, but one may include basic finishes while another includes custom joinery, premium tiles, higher-end sanitaryware, stone countertops, detailed lighting and more extensive preparation work.
This is why it is important to compare renovation quotes carefully. A lower number is not always cheaper if important items still need to be added later. At BOMO, we prefer to prepare realistic estimates based on the actual scope rather than giving a very low starting number that later changes significantly.
When approvals or professional input may be needed
Some renovation work can be done internally without formal approvals, but many changes require professional input before work begins.
Approvals or professional input may be needed for:
- Extensions
- Structural changes
- Removing load-bearing walls
- New roof structures
- Changes to external walls, windows or doors
- Pergolas, carports or covered outdoor structures
- Loft conversions or garage conversions
- New bathrooms or major plumbing changes in certain cases
If approval is required, an architect, architectural technologist or structural engineer should usually be involved before construction starts.
What to send before requesting a home renovation quote
To prepare a useful estimate, it helps to send:
- Photos of the current spaces
- Videos showing the full room or property
- Approximate measurements
- Existing plans, if available
- Proposed plans, if available
- Inspiration images
- A clear list of what you want to change
- Fixture, flooring, tile or finish preferences
- Your ideal timeline
- Your budget range, if known
The more information provided at the beginning, the easier it is to prepare a realistic estimate before arranging a site visit.
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How BOMO’s renovation process works
1
Project enquiry
You send us the project details, including the scope, property location, photos, videos, measurements where available and any reference images.
2
Scope review and design guidance
We review the information and may follow up with questions, a call, layout suggestions or finish considerations around the renovation scope.
3
Estimated quotation
We prepare an estimated quotation so you can understand the likely project cost before arranging a site visit.
4
Site visit and final quote
If the estimate is in line with your expectations, we visit the property to confirm the scope, check practical details and finalise the quotation.
5
Coordination and renovation
Once approved, BOMO coordinates the trades, suppliers, site work and communication throughout the renovation.
6
Finishing and handover
We review the final details, manage snagging where needed and hand over the completed work as cleanly and professionally as possible.
Related renovation services
Home renovations often involve more than one type of work, from kitchens and bathrooms to construction, custom carpentry, apartment upgrades and outdoor improvements.
Explore related BOMO renovation services that may form part of a wider home renovation scope.
Home Renovations
Structured renovations for Cape Town houses, apartments and rental properties, including kitchens, bathrooms, finishes, carpentry and project coordination.
Commercial & Office Renovations
Workspace, showroom and commercial property upgrades with practical planning, durable finishes, custom carpentry and coordinated project management.
Construction & Home Extensions
Home extensions, new structures, patios, braai areas, pergolas, decks and outdoor upgrades coordinated as part of a broader building scope.
Bathroom Renovations
Bathroom renovations with proper attention to waterproofing, plumbing, tiling, fixtures, glass, ventilation and long-term durability.
Kitchen Renovations
Practical, well-finished kitchen upgrades including cabinetry, surfaces, tiling, plumbing coordination, electrical coordination and layout improvements.
Custom Carpentry & Joinery
Built-in cupboards, cabinetry, shelving, vanities, storage solutions and finishing details that help complete the renovation properly.
Request a home renovation estimate
Planning a home renovation in Cape Town? Send us photos or videos of your current space, rough measurements, any plans you have, inspiration images and a clear list of what you would like to change.
We’ll review the scope and prepare an initial estimate where possible before arranging a site visit if the project is aligned.
Home renovation costs FAQ
A home renovation in Cape Town can range from around R350,000 to R2 million+ incl. VAT, depending on the size of the property, number of rooms, amount of plumbing and electrical work, finish level, and whether structural changes are included.
A small apartment or compact home renovation involving a kitchen, bathroom, flooring, painting and selected cupboard upgrades may cost around R450,000 – R650,000 incl. VAT, depending on finishes and layout changes.
A more complete home renovation involving multiple rooms, one or two bathrooms, flooring, electrical work, plumbing, outdoor work and general finishing may sit around R850,000 – R1.2 million+ incl. VAT. Larger or higher-spec renovations can exceed this.
Kitchens and bathrooms involve multiple trades and materials, including plumbing, electrical work, waterproofing, tiling, joinery, fittings and finishing. They are usually the most technical rooms in a renovation.
Yes. BOMO can usually prepare an initial estimate based on photos, videos, measurements, plans and inspiration images. If the estimate is aligned with the client’s budget, a site visit can then be arranged.
It depends on the scope. Internal cosmetic work may not require approval, but extensions, structural changes, external changes, roof work, pergolas, carports and conversions often require professional input and municipal approval.
This depends on the project. BOMO estimates usually clarify what is included and what is excluded, such as appliances, sanitaryware, tiles, fittings, custom joinery or specialist finishes.
