How much does it cost to render a house?

How much does house rendering cost? Paying a professional for house rendering usually costs between $45 and $80 per square metre. The total project cost can range from $12,000 for smaller homes to $35,000 or more for larger two-storey properties.

House rendering is a great way to refresh your home and significantly boost its value without the need for a major renovation. However, the final price will depend on several factors, including your location, the size of your property, and the materials you choose.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance your home’s curb appeal or increase its value before selling, rendering can make a stylish statement and help your property stand out.

In this house rendering cost guide, we’ll explore:

• How much does house rendering cost?
• Different types of render materials
• What is render?
• The benefits of rendering your home
• DIY rendering options
• How to find a qualified renderer in your area, and more.

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How much to render a house?

How much does house rendering cost? The cost of rendering a house is typically calculated per square metre. For cement rendering, you can expect to pay between $45 and $65 per square metre, although discounted rates may bring the price down to as low as $15 per square metre in some cases.

Acrylic render is slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from $60 to $85 per square metre. While it costs more upfront, acrylic render is known for its durability, offering a longer-lasting finish compared to cement rendering.

Let’s take a look at the different types of render and their costs per square metre:

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How much does it cost to render a house by project?

In Australia, the average cost to render a house ranges from $5,000 to $12,000 for a small single-storey property. The total cost depends on several factors, including the size of your home, location, and the quality of the rendering work. For a double-storey home, rendering costs can reach up to $35,000 or more.

While the price of rendering may seem substantial, it offers a dramatic transformation to the exterior of your property.

If you’re thinking about selling, consult with your local real estate agent to understand how rendering can add significant value to your home. It can provide a strong return on investment, particularly for brick houses.

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What affects rendering costs?

Several factors influence the cost of rendering a house, including your location, the size of the walls, the materials you choose, and the type of finish you desire. A double-storey home typically costs more to render due to the increased complexity of the job and extra scaffolding, resulting in higher rates. Labour and material costs vary by state and city, impacting the overall price.

Rendering prices tend to be higher in urban areas compared to suburban locations. The experience of your tradespeople also plays a  role. Highly skilled and in-demand contractors with a proven portfolio often charge premium rates for their expertise.

The type of finish you choose also affects the cost. A bagged render, which has a more natural texture, is quicker and less expensive to apply (typically $35 to $50 per square metre). However, if you prefer a smooth finish, the process becomes more intricate, requiring additional steps like applying, sponging, and smoothing the render. This extra detail leads to a higher cost for a smooth finish.

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What is render?

Render is the process of applying a mixture of materials, such as cement, acrylic, or other compounds, over the exterior walls of a building to create a smooth or textured finish. This technique is commonly used to cover outdated surfaces, including red brick, and can dramatically transform the look of your home. Cement render can be tinted to suit your desired style, adding instant curb appeal.

Not only does rendering enhance the aesthetic of your property, but it also provides practical benefits. A high-quality render can extend the lifespan of your walls by 10 to 20 years, safeguarding them against cracks, moisture, and other forms of damage. Plus, it serves as an extra layer of insulation, helping to regulate your home’s temperature.

Here are the different types of render finishes:

• Cement rendering (the most basic and commonly used type)
• Acrylic rendering
• Polymer rendering
• Plaster rendering
• Concrete rendering
• Lime render
• Clay render

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How long does rendering last?

A professional renderer should offer a warranty and provide details about the expected lifespan of the render product they use. High-quality rendering typically lasts between 20 and 40 years, depending on the materials and the application process.

Rendering covers the exterior walls of your home, applying a coloured concrete mixture that is smoothed and finished for a polished look. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your property, especially if it has outdated or unattractive bricks, but it also acts as a protective coating for your walls.

The rendered facade can be customised to match the style of your home, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits that help maintain the integrity of your property over time.

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Benefits of rendering a house

Beyond the enhanced visual appeal of a beautifully rendered home, there are numerous advantages to rendering your property. These include:

• Protection from the elements: Rendering shields your home from wind, rain, and other weather conditions.
• Improved energy efficiency: It helps regulate your home’s temperature, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Cost savings on energy bills: With better insulation, you’ll spend less on heating and cooling.
• Draft prevention: Rendered surfaces can help seal gaps and stop drafts.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Rendering can minimize the need for frequent repairs by protecting your walls from damage.
• Increased property value: A fresh render can significantly boost your home’s market value.
• Modernised appearance: Rendering is a great way to update an outdated property style.
• Enhanced curb appeal: It gives your home a polished, attractive look that stands out in the neighborhood.

There are various render options to choose from, including different textures, finishes, and colours. Additionally, silicone-based or low-maintenance renders offer flexibility and long-lasting performance.

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House rendering process

To ensure a high-quality finish, it’s essential to hire a licensed and insured contractor with extensive experience in house rendering. A skilled professional will have the expertise to deliver a precise, durable, and visually appealing result.

For those considering DIY rendering, here are the basic steps involved:

1. Preparation: The building is thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, oil, grease, and dirt, ensuring proper adhesion of the render.
2. Dash Coat Application: A dash coat of render is applied to help smooth surfaces with low absorption rates and improve adhesion.
3. Mixing Render: The render is mixed, and the desired finish and colour are added. This step is best left to a professional to achieve the right consistency and appearance.
4. Application: Using a trowel and steel float, the render is applied to the property, ensuring the desired thickness and smoothness.
5. Drying: Each coat is left to dry for three to seven days, depending on weather conditions.
6. Finishing: The final render finish is applied using the chosen technique, such as textured, sponge, or trowel.

It’s crucial to note that rendering is usually carried out in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent the render from drying too quickly, especially in hotter climates like those in Australia.

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Can I apply render myself?

If you have the right skills and experience, DIY rendering can be a cost-effective option. Many different types of render materials are available for DIY projects, and most come with detailed instructions on how to apply them.

However, it’s important to be realistic about your abilities. If you lack experience, you may not be satisfied with the results. Achieving an even finish can be challenging, no matter how carefully you work or what tools you use. For the best results and a polished finish, it’s often worth hiring a professional with the necessary expertise.

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How to get rendering quotes

To get accurate rendering quotes, start by reaching out to local rendering services. They can provide you with a range of options, detailed quotes, and examples of past projects to help you understand what to expect upon completion. Yellow Pages online directory can provide you with multiple quotes to compare from local tradies. 

If you’re looking to enhance your property’s exterior, contacting a few local renderers is a good first step. Be sure to verify that the contractor is licensed and insured to carry out the job. Additionally, check reviews, ask for examples of past work, and request references to ensure you’re hiring a reliable and skilled professional.

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*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this house rendering cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions: House Rendering Cost Guide