How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

According to the latest Housing Industry Association (HIA) kitchens and bathroom renovation report, the average bathroom renovation cost is roughly $21,120. There’s been an increased demand for bathroom renovations this decade due to the housing boom at the turn of the century, with many homeowners’ existing bathrooms now in much need of an upgrade.

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation to increase the value of your investment property or simply want to spruce up your home, the cost of your bathroom renovation will ultimately depend on the scope of the work and your bathroom renovation budget.

In this guide, we will break down average bathroom renovation costs by budget, outline the steps to completing a bathroom renovation project and how long it can take to complete, and explore the different types of trades you will likely need to hire.

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How much is the average bathroom renovation cost?

The average bathroom renovation cost is approximately $21,120. However, a bathroom renovation in Australia can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $30,000 or more, depending on what you plan on having done and the size of your bathroom.

On a tight budget, you probably won’t be able to enjoy a complete bathroom renovation, but you can certainly freshen up your existing space.

Let’s look at bathroom renovation cost breakdown by budget, standard and luxury bathroom renovations:

Budget bathroom renovation cost

A budget renovation cost: $5,000 – $15,000
If you want to revamp your bathroom, budget renovations are possible with careful planning and some decent DIY skills. If you only require some basic superficial changes on your existing bathroom, and don’t need extensive plumbing work done, like shower, bath and toilet installations, then you can easily keep costs lower.

If you are spending closer to $15,000, any new installations like showers will likely come with compromises. You might need to opt for a simple framed shower screen, or a standard, inexpensive toilet and vanity. Large porcelain tiles will also be a cheaper option.

Standard bathroom renovation cost

Standard renovation costs: 15,000 – $25,000
This is the average cost of a bathroom renovation for most people. You will be able to choose from a nicer selection of materials and fittings, from tapware and bathroom tiles to including frameless shower screens, a more attractive bathroom vanity or a freestanding bathtub. If you don’t need a huge amount of plumbing or electrical work done, this budget will give your whole bathroom a good makeover.

Luxury bathroom renovation cost

Premium or luxury bathroom reno costs: $25,000+
For a complete overhaul of your bathroom, a large budget will allow you to create a new bathroom design and make significant changes to the layout, including moving or updating the plumbing work. You can also update the lighting and choose from a range of more luxurious options like freestanding bathtubs, heated towel rails, wall hung vanity and toilets, premium tiles and wall tiling, floor heating and other bathroom accessories.

What influences the cost of bathroom renovations in Australia?

There are many factors that determine the cost of a bathroom renovation, including the size of your bathroom, the length of time it takes to complete, and the cost of fittings, materials and labour.

Other considerations that affect the cost of your bathroom project are:

• If structural work is required, including adding a window or skylight
• If you need to move plumbing and fixtures
• If you’re installing a completely new bathroom
• If you’re updating your bathroom lighting and need a lot of electrical work completed
• Cost of tiling and fittings – and whether you choose budget or luxury options
• Cost of a building permit, if it’s necessary for the work you need done
• Unknown problems that arise, such as mould, water damage, asbestos, etc.

Costs can vary wildly for items such as shower screens, exhaust fans, lighting, sinks, taps, bathtubs, towel rails, waterproofing and more. When you want quality fittings but are on a budget, it can pay to shop around.

Bathroom tiling cost

Budget between $30 and $55 per square metre for basic bathroom tiles. If you want premium tiles, this can cost anywhere from $165 per square metre. For basic wall tiles, prices range between $20-$30 per square metre, moving up in price to about $160 per square metre for premium options.

Bathroom vanity cost

For a budget bathroom vanity, you’ll pay between $120 to $200. A standard vanity is priced between $700 and $850, while a more luxurious wall hung vanity with an existing ceramic basin will cost about $1,500. 

Toilet cost

If you’re opting for a budget toilet, you can expect to pay $120, whereas a mid-range toilet starts from about $400, and a premium toilet is priced at around $1,200.

Waterproofing costs

To waterproof an average sized bathroom, expect to pay roughly $400 to $800.

A rough estimation of other material costs is:

• $300 for a bath
• $150 for a basin
• $85 for a basin tap set
• $200 for lights and exhaust fan
• $180 for hooks and shower rail

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Step-by-step guide to bathroom renovation

Before you get started with your bathroom reno, make sure you have done your research, created a plan, and hired your tradesmen. You’ll need to know exactly who you’ll require and when.

Here are the steps to help give you a clearer understanding of the timeline:

Step 1: Speak to your local council. Depending on the size of your bathroom or where you live, you may need council approval before you have any work done. Find out what regulations may apply to your local area.

Step 2: Design your new bathroom look. You’ll need a plan of how you want your bathroom to be laid out, including the placement of the shower, toilet, bathtub and vanity. You can use an app or paper to do this yourself, or you may seek the help of an architect for larger projects, or the advice of a bathroom builder.

Step 3: Choose your fittings. If you buy your products ahead of time, your tradies will know what they are working with and you will also avoid delays, waiting for out-of-stock products.

Step 4: Demolish the old bathroom. The first thing your tradies will do upon arrival is strip out your old bathroom. This includes removing old tile, fixtures and fittings.

Step 5: Plumbing and electrical rough-in. The plumbing will need to be prepared for new fixtures, as well as wiring that will be required.

Step 6: Rendering the walls. This will need to be done in preparation for the new tiles to be laid and waterproofing to be done.

Step 7: Waterproofing, tiling and painting. Allow up to five days for waterproofing to cure, before tiling can commence, and then painting.

Step 8: Fit-out with fixtures and finishing. As your bathroom starts to come together, the plumber will install the toilet, shower screen, bathtub, basin, tapware and vanity, while the electrician will install the lighting and exhaust fan.

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How long will my bathroom reno take?

If everything goes to plan and there are no major structural changes, you can have your bathroom renovation complete within 3 to 4 weeks. Factor in another two to three weeks if unforeseen circumstances arise, such as waiting for products to arrive or issues like unexpected water damage.

Who do I hire for a bathroom renovation?

You’ll need to employ the services of a range of professional tradesmen, especially for a full bathroom renovation. Bathroom renovators or builders are often used as they are already equipped with a list of necessary tradies to get the job done efficiently. This will certainly eliminate some of the stress involved with hiring multiple tradesmen.

Otherwise, for a typical bathroom project you’ll likely require the following services:

• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Handyman
• Carpenters and cabinet makers
• Tilers and waterproofers (many tilers are licensed to install waterproofing)

For large renovations and bathroom remodels, you might need an architect for your plans.

It’s critical that you ensure your bathroom renovators and tradespeople have the appropriate licenses and insurances to work on your property. Always do your homework. Compare a range of quotes and ask to see examples of past work and references as well.

Cost of a plumber

The call-out fees for a plumber range between $60 to $100, while their hourly labour rates vary from $100 to $150. The price you pay can depend on the skill level of your plumber and where you are located.

Certain projects may come with a fixed price. For bathroom renovations, request an itemised breakdown of the plumbing costs to get a clearer indication of what you’ll be paying for. Plumbing will often account for the biggest chunk out of your budget.

Cost of an electrician

An electrician will cost between $130 and $280 per hour, and their call-out fees differ. Rates can vary depending on the skill level of the sparkie and which state you live in.

Cost of a tiler

A tiler generally charges by square metre to lay bathroom tiles, so the price of the job will be determined by the size of your bathroom. Tilers often quote between $35 to $120 per square metre. The average price for a bathroom tiler is about $60 per square metre.

Some charge an hourly rate, which can be anywhere from $115 to $220 per hour, depending on their experience and location.

Cost of a carpenter

You may need a carpenter if you want to update the joinery in your bathroom. You can expect to pay between $40 and $80 per hour for a carpenter.

Cost of a painter

In Australia, a painter costs $35 to $45 per hour. The total price will depend on the size of your bathroom, material costs and any prep work the painter needs to do first.

How to find the best tradespeople for a bathroom renovation

How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom? The most accurate way to find out is to compare quotes from your local tradesman today. Try to get at least three quotes to get the best indication of prices.

Look for tradies who provide quality workmanship, are easy to work with and have good work ethic. When you speak with a tradesman, make sure to ask if they have a license and to see examples of their past work.

On the Yellow Pages directory, you can read reviews of your local tradesmen before you ask for quotes.

Bathroom renovation costs FAQ

How much should I spend on a bathroom renovation?

If you’re renovating the bathroom on an investment property or looking to sell, it’s wise to keep the project in proportion to the value of your property. The aim is to recoup what you spent, while ultimately making a profit on the investment. If you’re planning to live in your home for many years to come and are updating an old bathroom, then the budget really depends on what you can afford and are willing to spend.

Can you renovate a bathroom for $10,000?

Yes, you can renovate a bathroom for $10,000, particularly if you do a few DIY tasks yourself. This can include updating the tapware, painting, adding shelving or replacing mirrors and lights. If you want to keep costs down, refrain from hiring tradies for the small jobs you can do, and don’t move the plumbing work around. Tile resurfacing instead of retiling can also help you stick to an affordable budget.

How much does a small bathroom renovation cost?

The average cost of a small bathroom renovation ranges between $5,000 and $15,000. This will mean using basic materials and fittings and keeping the existing plumbing in place.

How much does bathroom resurfacing cost?

Sometimes a full renovation of your bathroom is simply out of the budget. Bathroom resurfacing may be the answer to your problem. You can resurface certain parts of your bathroom, such as the basin or the bathtub. The average bathroom resurfacing cost ranges from $350 to $3,500, depending on how much or how little you need done.

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