How much does it cost to render a house? [Australia 2023]

Are you considering giving your home's exterior a fresh, modern look? Rendering a house is a popular choice for Aussie homeowners seeking to enhance their property's aesthetic appeal and increase its market value.

However, the first question that comes to mind is, "how much does rendering a house cost?" In this guide, we will explore the factors affecting the cost of rendering a house in Australia, including materials, labour, and other considerations.

 

What is rendering?

Rendering is the process of adding a layer of cement to the exterior walls of a house, creating a smooth, seamless finish. This technique can transform the appearance of a home, giving it a modern and stylish look while also protecting the walls from weather damage. Rendering is a popular choice for homeowners, as it can increase the value of a property and improve its street appeal.

There are several types of rendering materials available, including cement, lime, and acrylic, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Cement rendering, for example, is durable and long-lasting, making it ideal for homes in areas with harsh weather conditions. Acrylic rendering, on the other hand, is more flexible and can be applied in a wider range of temperatures. Rendering is a complex process that requires the expertise of a skilled professional. If you're considering rendering your home, it's important to choose a reputable professional who can provide the right advice and guidance for your specific needs.

 

Is rendering worthwhile?

The simple answer is, "absolutely". Traditional brick houses can appear dated, especially on a street full of new, modern houses. The smooth surface provided by rendering means you can paint your house in any colour you choose; a bright white, an ultra-modern grey, or a stand-out green. You can paint bricks, of course, but render reduces the cost of painting considerably.

Rendering is so popular that real estate agents highlight a smooth render finish as a feature. Rendering increases a house's kerb appeal and can increase the value of your home when you try to sell it.

Rendering entire walls can give a house a uniform finish. Render also has a number of finishing options, including pre-coloured render, textured sponge finish, and additives for additional insulation. Different types of render come with different maintenance levels, so it's important to understand any additional longer-term costs. But the short-term benefits of rendering your home are clear.

 

Factors affecting the cost of rendering a house in Australia

Several factors will influence the cost of rendering your house. The most significant factors include:

• The size of your house:
• The type of render material you choose
• The level of surface preparation required:
• The complexity of the project: architectural features, access
• Labour costs in your state and region

Let's break some of those cost factors down a bit further...

 

Render material costs

The material you choose for rendering your home will significantly impact the overall cost. There are two primary types of render used in Australia: acrylic render and cement render.

• Acrylic render: Acrylic render is a pre-mixed, flexible material that provides a smooth finish and is available in various colours. It is more expensive than cement render but offers some advantages, such as being less prone to cracking and drying faster. The cost of acrylic render ranges from $70 to $120 per square metre.
• Cement render: Cement render is a more traditional rendering material made of sand, cement, and lime. It is less expensive than acrylic render but may be prone to cracking and require more maintenance. The cost of cement render ranges from $45 to $70 per square metre.

It can be worth having a chat to a professional about the best type of material for your rendering project, just in case there are any additional considerations when it comes to the rendering material you choose. 

 

Surface preparation and complexity

The level of surface preparation required and the complexity of your home's architectural features can also influence the rendering costs. Surface preparation may include cleaning, repairing, or removing existing render or paint. If your home has complex architectural features or difficult access, this can increase labour costs and the overall price of the project.

External walls, especially those that face the sun and those that aren't protected by a roof or eaves, can wear more quickly. Sections of missing mortar between bricks. holes that need to be patched, and cracks in brickwork can all make surface preparation - and your rendering project in general - more expensive.

Surface condition can also determine if you need to choose a coloured render, especially if you need to hide any dark bricks or coloured surfaces underneath. Traditional render is fine for most applications but coloured render can be a good workaround in some instances.

 

Labour costs

Labour costs vary by region and can range from $35 to $55 per hour, with skilled tradespeople typically commanding higher rates. This is why BorisDoes suggests you get multiple quotes from reputable rendering professionals to ensure you're getting what you need for the price you pay.

Rendering services usually provide quotes that combine material and labour costs so you know what you'll pay upfront, but labour costs are the part most tradies can negotiate (they generally don't have control over the cost of materials). You can discuss labour costs with your Tasker or Business when you get a quote but remember you often get what you pay for an you want a high quality job.

 

Additional costs

When considering your rendering options, there are a number of other factors to consider. Other costs to consider when rendering your home include:

• Scaffolding: If your house has two or more storeys, you may need to factor in the cost of scaffolding, which can range from $500 to $1,500 (or more for sites with complicated access issues as well). Your contractor should be able to tell you what they will need and give you a quote for hiring any specialist access equipment. While you should not need scaffolding for a single-storey home, some houses with access issues may still require additional equipment.
• Permits: While few councils will require you to obtain planning permission for rendering work, there may be additional approval requirements if the work is part of a larger renovation project.  The website of your local council should have all the information you need, or you can chat to your rendering professional about what they normally need to do.
• Waste disposal: There may be additional costs for disposing of waste materials, such as old render or paint. There may be regulations in your state or council area about the disposal of leftover material and work you need to do to protect neighbouring properties. Again, the website of your local council is a good place to start.

It's important to understand whether there will be any additional costs associated with your rendering project before you start. Understanding these costs will make it easier for you to determine your total project cost and whether the quotes you have received are fair or overpriced.

 

Average cost of rendering a house in Australia

Taking all factors into consideration, the average cost of rendering an average house in Australia can range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on your home's size, the render material you choose, and other variables.

Generally, giving one or more brick walls a render finish or textured finish is fairly straightforward and experienced professionals will often quote close to the average price to remain competitive.

Whether you're rendering a single house wall or your entire house, understanding the price range you might be looking at is helpful.

 

Tips for saving money on house rendering

Understanding the average cost of rendering is helpful, but there are some relatively simple tricks for saving money on your rendering project:

• Compare quotes: Obtain at least three quotes from reputable rendering professionals to ensure you're getting a competitive price. BorisDoes is one of the best places to do exactly that - start a task or request a quote, provide some details for your project, and get quotes from tradies near you.
• Choose cement render: Opting for cement render instead of acrylic render can save you money, as long as you're prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs. If you're after short-term savings then cement render is the way to go.
• Bundle services: If you're planning other home improvements, such as painting or landscaping, bundling these services with your rendering project may lead to cost savings. If you have broader renovation works planned, chat to your contractor about whether it would be cheaper to commit a range of different tasks at once.

BorisDoes always suggests you avoid inexplicably cheap options; there's usually a hidden reason they are so cheap. There are plenty of great render options to choose from and this wide range of options means you don't always have to opt for the cheapest one.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, rendering a house in Australia can be a significant investment, but it can also add substantial value to your property. The cost of rendering depends on several factors, such as the size of your home, the type of material used, and the complexity of the job. It's essential to do your research, compare prices, and find a reputable contractor who can provide you with a detailed quote. While the cost may seem daunting, the benefits of rendering can make it a worthwhile investment in the long run, from improving your home's aesthetics to increasing its energy efficiency and protection against harsh Australian weather conditions.

If you want to find a rendering professional to help you with your project, check out the BorisDoes Tasker List today. We have rendering, construction, painting and decorating professionals located across Australia.