Planning a renovation or home extension? The selections process can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and insight, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re working with a renovation builder Sunshine Coast team or tackling a design and build project, knowing where to invest and where to cut costs can help you stay on budget – without sacrificing style.

As experienced renovation designers, we’ve put together a practical guide to help you breeze through the selections phase with confidence. Here’s our expert advice on where to splurge and where you can comfortably save during your next renovation.

We invested in a high quality ‘hero’ marble in our Penthouse Project Bella La Vista. It lifted the entire look and feel of the apartment into one of timeless luxury.

Where to Splurge in Your Renovation or Home Extension

1. Main Flooring: Invest in Longevity and Style

Your flooring is the visual foundation of your home and one of the most used surfaces – it’s worth investing in high-quality materials. We recommend durable and luxurious options such as:

• Engineered timber

• Large-format porcelain tiles

• Natural stone

• Polished concrete

These materials not only elevate the overall look but also last for decades. As a trusted renovation builder Sunshine Coast, we always advise clients to choose the best flooring they can afford – it’s a decision you won’t regret.

2. Kitchen Stone Benchtops: Make a Statement

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and your benchtop is often the focal point. Splurging on a high-end natural stone or premium range engineered stone can give your kitchen that wow factor.

Pro tip: Mix and match! Use your dream stone on the island bench, and opt for standard range stone in butler’s pantries or wet areas to balance cost.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Natural Stone for tips on choosing your perfect slab.

3. Undermount Sinks: Sleek and Seamless

An undermount sink provides a clean, modern look and is easier to maintain. While installation may cost a little more due to additional cutting and polishing, the result is a seamless aesthetic that’s well worth the investment in any design and build kitchen project.

4. Premium Kitchen Mixers: Functional Luxury

Your kitchen tap is used every day, multiple times a day. Why not make it beautiful and functional?

Features that justify the splurge:

• Pull-out or retractable hose

• High-end finishes (brushed nickel, brass, matte black)

• Zip taps with boiling/chilled/sparkling water options

• Oversized or sculptural profiles that elevate your space

5. Cabinet Handles: The Jewellery of the Home

Handles may be small, but they make a big impact. Cheap builder-grade handles can date your kitchen fast. Instead, choose quality hardware that complements your style and elevates your cabinetry.

6. Feature Tiles: Impact Without Overspending

Love designer tiles but scared of the price tag? Use them strategically in small areas like:

• Bathroom vanity walls

• Kitchen splashbacks

• Shower feature walls

These focal points make a huge visual impact without needing many square metres – a smart splurge!

7. Your Ultimate Dream Feature

Every homeowner has a dream feature they’ve always wanted. For some, it’s a wine cellar or sauna. For others, it’s a built-in pizza oven, undercroft garage, or even a simple pot filler behind the stove.

As your renovation designer, we encourage you to identify that one dream item early so we can plan it into your budget and design.

Where to Save: Smart Cost-Cutting Tips from a Renovation Designer

1. White Stone: Go Standard Range

Love the crisp, clean look of white stone? You don’t need the premium stuff to get the look. Options like Caesarstone ‘Snow’ or Better Stone’s ‘Truffled White’ deliver beautiful results at a lower price point – perfect for budget-conscious home extensions or bathroom renovations.

2. Laminate Cabinetry: Affordable and Stylish

Today’s laminates are a far cry from the old-school versions. With brands like Polytec, Laminex, and Torsel offering timber-look and textured finishes, laminate is a fantastic way to get the appearance of natural wood – without the hefty cost.

Design tip: Choose textured or woodgrain finishes over smooth for a more natural, high-end look.

3. Avoiding “Matchy-Matchy” Mistakes

It’s a common misconception that all benchtops or cabinetry finishes must match throughout your home. In fact, mixing materials adds interest and helps you save. It’s common in a renovation, for instance, to use laminate cabinetry in the laundry and two-pack in the kitchen, or use a hero, solid brushed brass kitchen mixer as well as simpler, brushed nickel fixtures in the wet areas.

• Splurge on premium stone in the kitchen and use simple, cheaper ranges in the wet areas

• Use cost-effective options (like laminate or standard stone) in bathrooms and laundries

• Focus on overall flow, not perfect matches. As long as the overall scheme is coordinated and curated, it doesn’t have to be identical.

In this Caloundra unit renovation we used standard range Caesarstone ‘Snow’ in the bathrooms as well as an inexpensive white splashback tile for an easy-care, low cost yet stylish solution.

Final Thoughts: Create a Balanced, Beautiful Home

Whether you’re building a custom home extension or renovating your forever home, it’s important to plan your selections strategically. Working with an experienced renovation builder Sunshine Coast team or design and build firm ensures your vision becomes reality – within budget.

As local renovation designers, we always encourage our Sunshine Coast clients to prioritise what matters most to them, then balance splurges with smart savings.

Ready to start your renovation journey?

Get in touch with our expert team today. From the design phase through to construction, we’ll help you create a stylish, functional home tailored to your lifestyle.