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Frequently Asked Questions


What types of renovations do you specialise in?

We specialise in complete residential renovations across Sydney. Whether you want to refresh a single room or completely transform your home, we manage the entire project from design through to construction. Our main services include:
 

  • Bathroom Renovations: Custom master ensuites, main family bathrooms, powder rooms, and spatial reconfigurations.

  • Kitchen & Laundry Renovations: Open-plan kitchens, custom cabinetry, butler’s pantries, and functional laundry spaces.

  • Home Extensions & Additions: Ground-floor extensions, second-storey additions, and structural wall removals.

  • Whole-Home Transformations: Full interior and exterior remodels, open-plan conversions, and character home restorations.

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Which areas of Sydney do you service?

We work right across the Sydney metropolitan area. Some of the main regions we cover include:
 

  • Inner West & City: Balmain, Leichhardt, Surry Hills, Newtown, Paddington

  • Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Coogee, Randwick, Vaucluse, Double Bay

  • Lower & Upper North Shore: Mosman, Chatswood, Lane Cove, Wahroonga, Ku-ring-gai

  • Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Freshwater

  • Hills District & Ryde: Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Epping, Ryde

  • Sutherland Shire & St George: Cronulla, Miranda, Hurstville, Brighton-Le-Sands

  • Western Sydney: Parramatta, Penrith, and surrounding suburbs

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Do you manage the entire renovation project from start to finish?

Yes, completely. You’ll have a single dedicated project manager handling everything so you don't have to coordinate multiple trades yourself. At Merco Renovations, we take care of:
 

  • Initial Planning & Budgeting: Working through your ideas, scope, materials, and cost options.

  • Design & Approvals: Coordinating working drawings, engineering, and council applications (DA or CDC).

  • Trade Management: Scheduling licensed plumbers, electricians, etc.

  • On-Site Supervision: Keeping the site safe, clean, and on schedule.

  • Final Handover: Completing detailed checks, thorough site clean-up, and supplying your compliance certificates and warranties.

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Do you provide a fixed-price quote before starting?

Yes. Before any work begins, we provide a transparent, fully itemised fixed-price quote. This outlines the exact scope of work, selected materials, PC (Prime Cost) items, and payment schedule so you know your exact investment upfront without worrying about hidden surprises.

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How much does a home renovation cost in Sydney?

It’s the most common question we get! In Sydney, a home renovation typically costs from $1,500 per square metre, however, renovation costs vary considerably depending on the size and complexity of the project, the existing condition of the property, materials and finishes, structural requirements and the level of customisation:
 

  • Cosmetic Renovations: Painting, minor joinery, updating fixtures, and new flooring.

  • Standard Whole-Home Renovations: Updating kitchens and bathrooms, removing non-structural walls, and rewiring or replumbing.

  • Major Structural Renovations & Extensions: Second-storey additions, major load-bearing wall removals, and high-end custom finishes.
     

Because every property in Sydney has unique site access, council guidelines, and structural conditions, we recommend arranging a consultation with us so we can assess your requirements and supply an accurate, itemised quotation.

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How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Sydney?

Every bathroom renovation is unique, and the overall investment in Sydney typically starts from $22,000, depending on your vision for the space and the level of detail involved.

From existing plumbing configuration to your choice of fixtures and custom joinery, every decision influences the final budget. We recommend arranging a consultation with us so we can assess your space and supply a clear, fully itemised estimate.

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Do you provide design advice and help with selections?

Absolutely. Choosing tiles, fixtures, and finishes can feel overwhelming, so we’re here to help you pull everything together. If you already have plans or an interior designer, we’ll work alongside them. If not, we can guide your selections and arrange drafts people or architectural designers to create visual concepts for your project.

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Do I need council approval for my Sydney renovation?

Not always, it depends entirely on what you're planning to build:
 

  • Exempt Development: Minor internal updates (like replacing a kitchen, bathroom, or flooring) usually don't need council approval as long as structural walls remain untouched.

  • Complying Development Certificate (CDC): A faster approval process through a private certifier that bypasses council, if your plans meet standard NSW rules.

  • Development Application (DA): Required for major structural changes, second-storey extensions, or heritage homes. We handle the entire application process on your behalf

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How long does a bathroom renovation take in Sydney?

Most bathroom renovations take between 3 and 6 weeks from start to the final polish. A standard timeline looks like this:
 

  • Week 1: Site protection, strip-out, demolition, and plumbing/electrical rough-in.

  • Week 2: Wall sheeting, floor screeding, and applying 2 coats of waterproofing (with full curing time).

  • Week 3: Wall and floor tiling, grouting, and silicone sealing.

  • Week 4–5: Custom vanity installation, shower screens, tapware fit-outs, and painting.

  • Week 6: Quality inspections, deep clean, and handing back your new bathroom.



Can I renovate multiple areas of my home at once, and is it more cost-effective?

Yes, renovating multiple rooms at the same time is almost always cheaper and faster. Combining projects allows us to:
 

  • Share site setup, bin hire, and delivery costs across the whole job.

  • Avoid extra trade call-out fees (plumbers and electricians can work through multiple rooms in one visit).

  • Secure better pricing on bulk materials.

  • Get all the dust and disruption out of the way in one go.

     

Can you renovate an existing home without changing the floor plan?

Definitely. You don't always need to knock down walls to get a dramatic transformation. Updating joinery, benchtops, tiles, lighting, and fixtures within your existing layout can make a home feel completely brand new at a fraction of the cost and timeframe of structural work.



Can I live in my home during the renovation?

In most cases, yes! We do everything we can to keep dust and disruption to a minimum by putting up plastic barriers, protecting your floors, and cleaning up daily. For major whole-home overhauls or structural extensions where power and water need to be off for extended periods, we might suggest moving out temporarily for your own comfort.



Why should I hire a licensed builder instead of managing trades myself?

Managing individual trades yourself sounds simple, but coordinating schedules, checking building codes, and solving unexpected structural issues can quickly become stressful.

Working with MERCO Renovations gives you peace of mind:
 

  • One Contact Person: We deal with the day-to-day coordination, scheduling, and troubleshooting.

  • Quality Assurance: All work strictly complies with the National Construction Code and Australian Standards.

  • Legal Protection: Your project is backed by statutory warranties under the NSW Home Building Act 1989.

  • Insurance: Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF).

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