NZ home improvement cost index 2025

Kiwis love a good home project, but when it comes to cost, things can get murky fast. Ask three tradies and you’ll probably get three different numbers. That’s why the team at The ProGroup has pulled together the 2025 Home Improvement Cost Index. We’ve broken down the average prices Kiwis are paying for the most common home improvement projects.

These figures are based on up-to-date averages from across New Zealand. They’re not fixed quotes, but they’ll give you a realistic ballpark before you start calling around.

A perfect lawn without mowing, mud, or maintenance, that’s the beauty of artificial grass. In New Zealand, artificial lawn installation can cost between $180 and $450 per square metre, depending on the turf quality, base preparation, and site access.

The groundwork is what drives the price. Old grass and soil often need removing, and a solid crushed rock base must be laid to keep the surface smooth and well-drained. Premium turf with UV protection and realistic thatch adds to the cost but lasts far longer than budget options.

While artificial lawns are an investment upfront, they quickly pay off in time saved and lower upkeep. No watering, mowing, or muddy footprints, just a perfect patch of green every day of the year. Talk to our GrassPro team for a tailored quote.

Nothing dates a home faster than grimy grout or dull tiles, but restoring tiles doesn’t have to mean a full renovation. In New Zealand, most homeowners pay around $20 per m² for deep cleaning and $35+ per m² for grout sealing, with a minimum service cost of roughly $180. Regrouting is difficult to give a price indication without viewing the area.

The cost depends on tile size, surface condition, and how much grime or mould needs removing. Deep extraction cleaning removes years of buildup, while recolouring and sealing protect the grout from future staining. Small repairs to cracked grout or loose tiles can be handled at the same time, saving on future maintenance.

Outdoor timber furniture weathers quickly under New Zealand’s harsh sun and rain. Fading, cracking, and greying wood are common signs that it’s due for a refresh, but a full replacement isn’t always necessary. Professional timber furniture restoration can bring tired pieces back to life for a fraction of the cost.

In New Zealand, wooden furniture restoration prices typically range from $300–$1,000+ for full restoration, depending on size, number of items, wood type, and finish. The process often includes deep cleaning, sanding, and refinishing with protective oils or stains that restore natural warmth while shielding the timber from UV and moisture.

If you love spending time outdoors, a bit of shelter and privacy can make all the difference. Outdoor roller blinds and louvred shutters are a simple way to turn your deck or pergola into a space you can enjoy year-round.

In New Zealand, blinds can cost between $1000 and $2000 for a motorised 3.5 metre wide setup, while aluminium folding shutters of the same size range from $3000 to $5000 depending on the features.

The difference comes down to size, automation, and finish. Motorised blinds add the push-button convenience Kiwis love, while solid shutters give you sturdy protection from wind, rain, and nosey neighbours. Both options help you make the most of your outdoor area; whether it’s sunny, breezy, or somewhere in between.

For such a small room, bathrooms carry a hefty price tag. A full makeover in New Zealand typically lands between $22,000 and $25,000, and it’s easy to see why.

Renovating a bathoom means cramming almost every trade into one tight space; builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers, and painters all need to be involved. Labour adds up quickly, especially if pipes or wiring need moving. Waterproofing is another non-negotiable cost; done right, it protects your home from leaks, but it requires skilled work and specialist materials.

Then there are the fittings. A new shower, vanity, and toilet alone can eat through much of the budget, and premium finishes like tiled walk-in showers or custom glass push things even higher. Bathrooms are pricey because they demand precision. But when done properly, they add comfort, style, and serious resale value to your home.

Of course there is an alternative if the main fixtures and surfaces are in salvageable. GroutPro can make your existing bathroom like new by replacing stained grout, mouldy silicone, and bringing the clarity back to to waterstained glass showers. This can be done for a few thousand dollars.

If your garage is cold, dusty, or just a bit of a dumping ground, a new layer of garage carpet can make a world of difference. It’s one of those upgrades that once you’ve got it, you wonder how you ever lived without it. In New Zealand, you’re usually looking at around $500 to $800 for a single garage, or about $1000 to $1600 for a double, that’s supply and install sorted. Quality of the carpet and preparation of the floor will determine the actual cost. Correct floor preparation is extremely important so make sue it is included in the quotes you receive.

Garage carpet isn’t just about looks. It keeps the place warmer, quieter, and cleaner, and it’s tough enough to handle cars, tools, or the kids’ bikes. Suddenly, that forgotten space becomes somewhere you actually want to spend time, maybe a home gym, hobby zone, or just a tidier spot to park the car.

For many Kiwis, the dream home includes a deck, pergola, or louvre system that makes outdoor living easy year-round. But creating that space isn’t pocket change. A solid outdoor addition typically runs between $15,000 and $50,000.

The costs come from both structure and finish. Timber pergolas are generally cheaper, but aluminium or steel frames last longer and bump up the price. Add in a roof, clear panels, or automation, and you’re quickly into premium territory. The size of the build also matters; a modest patio cover might be straightforward, while a full entertainer’s space with decking, roofing, and lighting is a bigger project with more labour.

Outdoor living additions are pricey because they’re essentially an extension of your house. Done right, though, they create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow and add real lifestyle value you’ll use every day.

Nothing says Kiwi living like a deck out the back for BBQs and summer evenings. But building one comes at a cost. In New Zealand, you’re generally looking at upwards of $500 per square metre, with basic pine decks sitting lower and hardwood or composite options pushing much higher.

The materials are a big driver; treated pine is the affordable standard, while hardwoods and composites bring durability and style, but at double the price. Size and height matter too. A ground-level deck is straightforward, while an elevated build with stairs, balustrades, or council consents quickly adds labour hours and compliance costs.

It’s not just timber and nails either, you’re paying for proper piles, framing, fixings, and finishing that ensure the deck lasts through years of weather and wear. Done right, a deck isn’t just an outdoor platform; it’s an extension of your living space and a real value booster.

The right fence can make or break your street appeal. It’s the frame around your property, and like any good frame, it can either enhance or cheapen the picture inside. In New Zealand, the average cost sits upwards of $200 per metre, though the final price depends on the materials, height, and terrain.

Timber paling fences are the classic choice and the most affordable, but even here, the costs vary with timber grade and post spacing. Go for Coloursteel, PVC, or decorative panel systems, and the price quickly jumps into the $250+ per metre range. Site conditions also make a difference; sloping ground, tricky soil, or difficult access all add labour time.

It’s tempting to cut corners with a fence, but the structure is only as good as its posts and foundations. Talk to Deck&FencePro about the best option for your property.

Running out of space? You’re not alone. Most Kiwi garages end up cluttered with gear, tools, and things we “might need one day.” That’s where smart storage and loft ladders come in, giving you extra room without needing a bigger house. In New Zealand, professional installation usually costs around $900–$1,200 for supply and install.

A solid storage setup can completely change how your garage works. Wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, and workbenches keep everything tidy and off the floor, while a loft ladder opens up the roof space for all those bulky items you don’t use every day. It’s a simple, affordable way to get organised and make the most of the space you’ve already got and can start from as little as a few hundred dollars.

Home improvements don’t come cheap, but they also don’t need to be a mystery. Knowing the average costs of common home improvement projects helps you budget realistically and avoid nasty surprises. Every home and section is different, so your numbers may sit a little higher or lower. The key is to plan ahead, get a couple of quotes, and invest in the jobs that deliver the most value for your lifestyle and property.

And if you’d rather skip the stress of juggling multiple tradies, The ProGroup has you covered. From tiles, lawns, decks, fences, and beyond, our specialists get it done right the first time.

Ready to get started? Reach out to your local ProGroup team today, and let’s bring your project to life.