How much do Bathroom Renovations cost?

A bathroom renovation in 2020 will set you back an estimated $5,000 to $25,000+, depending on the square metres of the renovation, the style and quality of materials used and the percentage of work you DIY vs hiring a professional bathroom renovator.

According to the Housing Industry of Australia, the average bathroom renovation cost is $19,553. 

Oneflare customers that needed their old bathroom removed and renovated to a modern style were quoted: 

State/Territory	Averaged Reported Cost
New South Wales	$12,500
Victoria	$18,000
Australia Capital Territory	$11,000
Queensland	$10,000
South Australia	$8,000

Overall, a bathroom remodel cost is affected by your budget and vision, rather than the location of your home or building.

The best way to understand how much a bathroom costs to renovate is to divide into the following price ranges: budget ($5,000 – $15,000), mid-range ($15,000 – $25,000) and luxury ($25,000+).

Budget: Doing a budget bathroom renovation is possible with some careful shopping and taking on any jobs that can be DIY. This is a reasonable budget if the changes you need to make a generally superficial with no significant demolition or plumbing work required (e.g., leaving the toilet and shower in the same place).

Mid-Range: This is an average price range for many bathroom renovations. Within this price range, you will have more options in terms of finished, tapware, tiles and shower and toilet features. If you would like to make significant cosmetic changes to your bathroom and don’t require major plumbing or electrical modifications to the space, then this is a reasonable budget for your job.

Luxury: With a large budget for your bathroom renovation, you can completely redesign and restructure your bathroom. If you’d like to move the shower or toilet from one side of the room to the other, you can. If you’d like to add lighting or move existing lights you can. Making changes to the underground plumbing and electrical is possible within this price range.

The bathroom is one of the most essential areas of the home. It must be functional, and it must be a room that creates a relaxing sanctuary from the rest of the world. If you are on a smaller budget, you need to know what you could expect for the amount that you wish to pay. Let’s explore some of the options. 

Bathroom Renovations Under $10,000

Bathroom renovations under $10000 dollars can include options like a new toilet, new vanity, some electrical and plumbing work, and new tiles or surfaces. However, when you get into big jobs like moving the shower or installing a new tub, the cost can climb quickly. You can afford a few high-end amenities like a frameless shower or stone tiles within this budget range. 

Bathroom Renovations Under $5000

Bathroom renovations under $5000 dollars leave you with few options. You can choose to repair and resurface the features and walls, such as Ceramalite panels. However, for the most part, this budget restricts you to finishes or a single item, like replacing the toilet or vanity. This budget range limits you on the fixtures and surfaces that you choose. If you need major plumbing or electrical work, it can quickly use up a smaller budget. 

Small

The average size of a small bathroom is approximately 3m x 2m. A small bathroom renovation cost will differ based on the quality of materials used and the style of bathroom required. You can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000. 

Medium

A medium-sized bathroom is about 3.5m x 2.5m and can cost between $15,000 – $20,000. A medium-sized bathroom will incorporate average-sized accessories and is the most accurate price range for a standard bathroom renovation.

Large

A large bathroom is considered to be over 4m x 5m in size and will cost $25,000 +. Given the larger size of the area, larger showers, baths, basins and toilets may be utilised.

A variety of trades and accessories are required to fully complete a bathroom renovation. All are outlined below:

What trades will you need to complete your bathroom renovation?

Plumber

Plumbers labour charges can charge anywhere from $120 to $230 per hour, with a call-out fee from $80. The price of a plumber will depend on the quality of the service provided, the state you live in and the time of year. Plumbing the toilet, sinks, and shower will make up a large portion of your budget, especially if you require changes to the floor plan or repairs to the existing plumbing.

Electrician

Electricians can charge anywhere from $130 to $270 per hour, with different call-out fees. The price of an electrician will depend on the quality of the service provided, the state you live in and the time of year.

Tiler

Tilers can charge anywhere from $115 to $220 per hour. The price of a tiler will depend on the quality of the service provided, the state you live in and the time of year.

Carpenter

The average cost of a carpenter is between $40 and $80 per hour. A carpenter may be required for their joinery and cabinet making skillset.

Painter

The hourly rate of a painter in Australia is between $35 and $45 per hour. The size of the bathroom, cost of materials and preparation of work may affect this hourly rate.

 

What fixtures/finishes do you require?

The total cost of a bathroom renovation depends on many factors, including bathroom size and materials. The fixtures are one of the items that can significantly alter the cost of the project in either direction. Here are a few examples.

Shower

The installation of a modern shower can significantly upgrade the overall look of your bathroom. A shower installation cost can fall anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000.

Shower Screen

The shower screen price will be determined by the full range of options on the market from framed, frameless and standard shower screens. Frameless shower screen prices are typically the most expensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $184 (10 x 2000mm x 600mm) to $1,276 for a fully enclosed (1500mm x 900mm x 2000mm)  for the screen itself and keep in mind the additional labour costs to install. Keeping your existing shower screen will cut down on costs.

Bath

A freestanding bath can cost anywhere from $130 for an acrylic tub to $2,500 for a freestanding tub. The bathtub price will significantly depend on the size and style you choose, with freestanding baths are often more expensive. If a brand new bathtub is not within your budget, a bathtub resurfacing cost will be a lot less and will certainly help to restore its look. 

Lighting

Lighting options can range from $95 to $250 for lights with heat and exhaust fans included. The price will be primarily dictated by the style, the number of lights and the quality of the lights themselves. Any changes to the electrical points or light fittings will increase your bathroom remodel cost. Simple cosmetic changes will help keep the price down, and researching products like IXL Tastic can provide valuable insight into the performance and value of various lighting options.

Waterproofing

For an average-sized bathroom, you can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $750 for full bathroom waterproofing costs. DIY is possible, and you can try products like Davco waterproofing, however without previous experience, it is not recommended.

Vanity

You can pick up a cheap vanity from a local hardware store from around $100 for a freestanding unit, and up to $1,4000 for a mounted Caesar stone unit. The average cost for a wall-hung vanity and sink is around $300 to $800. Choosing between a wall-mounted or free-standing vanity will adjust the price of your renovation only slightly in terms of material outlay. Installing a wall-mounted vanity can require more time.

Toilet

Toilet prices range between $250 to $750, depending on the type that you choose. Toilet installation cost ranges between $150 t0 $400, depending on whether the plumbing needs to be moved or significant repairs need to be made. The average bidet cost is between $250 – $1,000. 

Tiling

You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 per square metre – $120 per square metre for bathroom floor and wall tiles. The cost to tile a bathroom will also depend on the size of your bathroom renovation and the size and quality of the tile you choose. Larger tiles will mean you need less, and likely will cost less. The smaller the tile, think mosaic feature wall, the more you will need to allow in the budget.

If a complete bathroom renovation isn’t doable within your budget, it might be worth resurfacing certain parts of your bathroom. The average bathroom resurfacing cost varies between $500 and $3,000. Some example of different resurfacing prices are outlined below.

Type of Resurfacing	Averaged Reported Resurfacing Cost
Bathroom	$1,000 – $3,200
Basin	$100 – $450
Bathtub	$350 – $650

 

Here are the basic steps to performing a bathroom renovation. The cost of each stage can vary, but here are a few ideas. 

1. Strip Out the Old Bathroom: $2,000 for an average 15 square metre bathroom

2. Electrics and Plumbing Rough-in: $100 – $5,000 

3. Render Walls: $30-$50 per square metre 

4. Waterproofing: $500-750

5. Lay Tiles: $60/square metre

6. Fit-out with Fixtures and Finishes: $120-$1,500

Many variables go into estimating the cost of renovating a bathroom on a budget. The size of the bathroom and the cost of materials that you choose are the most significant determining factors of the final price. Every bathroom renovation project is different, and there are many ways that you can save money. The most essential factor is prioritizing what is most important to you before you begin planning the process and meeting with contractors. 

Tip #1: Do your research

Like any home renovation project, the quality and experience of your labourers can have the greatest impact on the finished product as well as your budget.

Tip #2: Get quotes

The more detailed quotes you have before you choose your final builder, the better. This will give you an idea of what’s possible, what’s not and what kind of budget you will need to do everything you want. There may be some aspects of the job that you can DIY and its best to have this conversation with the builder so they can factor that in to give you the most accurate bathroom renovation quote. 

Tip #3: Know what you want

Be sure of what you want, and if possible have some photos or references handy when you ask for quotes. This will give the builder the best possible chance of getting the quote right the first time and will prevent any back and forwards during the renovation process.

Read Reviews: On Oneflare each business that has won work will have reviews from their customers. Make sure you read through these and find jobs that are similar to yours.

Meet the Builder: Most builders will want to lay eyes on the space before giving a detailed quote, and it’s tough to do without it. So be sure to meet and ask lots of questions of your builder. This will give you a good idea of what the builder will be like to work with.

Small or Large Business? This is a personal preference. Going with a small local builder has its benefits. Each job is different, so you need to consider your individual needs. If you require bespoke additions, maybe a small business would be better suited to your job. Large kitchen companies who do bathroom renovations en masse can often be less flexible or charge more for changes to their existing layouts.

Should I DIY? Depending on your level of DIY experience and knowledge, there are some aspects of a bathroom renovation you can do yourself. Things like painting and installing basic fixtures can be done yourself. Any plumbing or electrical work will require a professional tradesperson and should never be attempted by yourself.

Tip #1: Shop around for a great business to work with.

Tip #2: Do your research thoroughly before choosing a contractor.

Tip #3: Find materials on sale or through consignment. If you have a long leading time into your project, this can be done months in advance.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources