The complete guide to kids bedroom renovations

How much does a kids’ bedroom renovation cost?*

Renovating a kids’ bedroom is usually cheaper than a master bedroom, because of their size. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $20,000 for most projects, depending on how much work is being done and how much furniture you need.

Minor renovations like repainting walls and replacing curtains and soft furnishings will be at the lower end of the price range. If you’re buying a bed and other furniture, and making more extensive modifications, it will be towards the higher end.

If you need to hire local tradies or other professionals to help you plan and carry out your child’s bedroom makeover, compare quotes from services in your area on hipages. This will give you an idea of how much you need to budget for the cost of labour and materials.

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Factors that affect kids’ bedroom costs*

How much your child’s room costs will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Size of the room –  A smaller space will generally involve less work and lower overall costs
• Scope of the work – Building and furnishing a bedroom from scratch will cost more than updating an existing room
• Whether any structural work is being done – If you’re adding a bedroom extension or adding a wall to divide an existing room, these will be more expensive projects
• Age of the child – A baby’s room or nursery can have special requirements that will add to the costs
• Quality of inclusions – High-quality furniture and furnishings will cost more
• Where you live – Local rates vary in different parts of Australia

Ask your contractors for detailed quotes so you can see where your money will be spent and make better informed decisions.

How long will my child’s bedroom renovation take?

Most bedroom renovations take less than a week, but this depends on how much work is being done.

A small project that involves repainting walls and replacing carpets and furniture could only take a few days, while a major project that involves adding a new room to your home could take a few months, from planning to completion.

Who do I hire for a kids’ bedroom renovation?

You may need to hire one or more tradies to help with your kids’ room makeover. Depending on what you have planned, these may include:

• An interior decorator who can recommend and supply décor suitable for your child’s age and personality
• A painter to repaint walls and surfaces or create a mural
• A renovation builder if you need to build or alter walls
• An electrician to connect or move power sockets, light fittings and other electrical wiring jobs

Hiring professionals to help with your renovation will guarantee a quality finish and help you avoid common problems. Some jobs, such as electrical and structural work, can only be carried out by a licensed contractor.

Budget ideas for a child’s bedroom

Bedroom makeovers don’t involve some of the major expenses that other renovations do, and it’s possible to set up or refresh a child’s room on a low budget. Here are some home improvements to consider if you want to save money:

• Built-in storage – Beds and other furniture with in-built drawers and shelves are a great space saver, especially for smaller rooms. Make sure the storage space is easy to access and that you don’t hide all their treasured belongings out of sight.
• Painting – Painting walls is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a space. It’s recommended to avoid bold, stimulating colours in a baby or toddler room. Choosing neutral colours for walls and furniture can mean they don’t clash with your child’s taste as they grow.
• Decor – Encourage your child to express their passions and personality by putting up posters and displaying toys, books or other treasured items on shelves.
• Art wall – If you’re looking for a way to liven up a bare wall, adding a large chalkboard or cork board can encourage kids of all ages to get creative and express themselves by creating art or putting up pictures.

Quality kids’ bedroom fittings – what to look for

More than any other room, kids’ bedrooms are subject to constant change as they grow, but careful planning and choosing quality materials can help your investments to last for longer. Here are some tips for choosing kids’ bedroom furniture and fittings:

• Kids’ beds – Infants and toddlers may need their own special beds, but for older kids, investing in a good-quality bed they’ll grow into can be more cost-effective than replacing their bed every few years. Bunk beds are a great space-saver for a shared room, but are not recommended for children under 9 years.
• Bedroom furniture – Floor space is valuable real estate in a child’s room. When choosing a bedside table, desk and other furniture, focus on the essentials and don’t clutter their space. You may also want to leave space for other items as they grow.
• Storage – A built-in wardrobe with drawers or compartments can help to keep kids’ clothes organised and tidy. Consider whether there’s enough space for bookshelves and other storage, or if these should be placed elsewhere in the home.
• Flooring – A soft carpet is a comfortable and safe solution for younger kids, though timber floors with soft rugs can be easier to clean.
• Window treatments – Thick curtains or blockout blinds will help you to control light levels in a nursery or toddler’s room. Older kids could benefit from blinds and drapes that let in natural light, while still providing heat insulation and privacy.
• Lighting – A dimmer switch or remote-controlled lighting can help babies and toddlers to sleep soundly while ensuring parents can see what they’re doing. Older kids should have task lighting in addition to overhead lighting to prevent eye strain.

What regular maintenance jobs are needed for a child’s bedroom?

Updating a child’s bedroom can be an ongoing project, as décor, fittings and furnishings may need to be changed regularly to suit their changing needs and preferences. As they get older, kids and teenagers can be more involved in these decisions to design their own ideal space.

Like other rooms in the home, kids’ bedrooms also require regular cleaning. A local cleaning service can help to keep your child’s room tidy, safe and hygienic.

What are common repair jobs for children’s bedrooms?

Kids’ beds and furniture can be more prone to damage than other furniture, especially if their bedroom is also a play room. Hiring a handyman or other professional to repair damaged items could work out cheaper than replacing them, especially in the case of high-quality furniture.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.