How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Australia?
Australian trade services website, hipages, states that the average cost of a bathroom renovation hovers between $8,000 and $35,000.
The cost can vary significantly depending on:
- The size of the bathroom
- The scale of the renovation
- The quality of materials used for tiles, fixtures and fittings
- The labour required (remembering it’s typically illegal to DIY plumbing or electrical work)
- Other factors, like if your property needs structural work or asbestos removal
What are the three tiers of bathroom renovation?
According to Three Birds Renovations, there are three ways you might choose to renovate your bathroom—depending on your needs and budget:
- Basic bathroom renovation ($8,000 to $15,000): The budget tier might involve a simple cosmetic renovation of a smaller space without changes to wiring or plumbing, using entry-level fittings such as large durable tiles, a framed shower screen, a standard back-to-wall toilet and a floor-mounted vanity.
- Standard bathroom renovation ($15,000 to $35,000): The standard tier might involve renovating an average-sized space with minor changes to wiring and plumbing, using mid-range fittings like freestanding bathtubs, vanities and frameless-style shower screens.
- Premium bathroom renovation ($35,000+): The premium tier might include a complete overhaul of a bathroom, with major relocations to plumbing and electrical and the installation of high-quality fittings such as wall-hung vanities and more opulent tile choices.
How much should you spend on a bathroom renovation?
How much you spend on a bathroom renovation will depend on personal preferences, but there are some important things to consider:
- Shop around for quotes from multiple trades to ensure you’re not overpaying and to get the best value-for-money. The same rule applies to renovating your whole house.
- Spending a large sum of money on your bathroom without adding the same, if not more, value to your home may see you overcapitalising. Canstar has a list of ways to add value to your home by renovating, including tips for tackling bathrooms.
- If you’re planning to rent out your property, a basic renovation making your bathroom functional and clean may suffice. If you intend to stay in your home long term, you may justify spending extra on a luxurious renovation that suits your personal tastes (provided you have the finances to do so).
- You may require council approval before undertaking a bathroom renovation, which can come at an extra cost. Generally, you’ll only need a permit for significant structural changes, but it’s likely worth calling your local council to find out.
How can you finance your bathroom renovation?
Before diving into the work, you’ll need to plan out how you want to pay for your renovations. Depending on your situation, you could consider:
- Paying out of your own pocket, using savings
- Refinancing your home loan
- Taking out a line of credit loan
- Applying for a new loan – you may be able to use a personal loan or a construction loan, depending on your personal circumstances
Bear in mind that taking out or refinancing a loan can leave you paying additional costs, such as interest and fees, so it’s important to factor these into your decision.
If you aren’t sure which option would be most suitable for your needs, it could be worth seeking professional financial advice.
What factors can influence the cost of a bathroom renovation?
Size of the bathroom
Generally speaking, the larger the space, the greater the price you’ll pay for labour and materials.
Given that bathrooms are wet spaces, many homeowners choose to install tiles for waterproofing and aesthetic appeal.
Keep in mind that tilers will typically charge a set price per square metre to install them.
Extent of the renovations required
If you are opting for a major bathroom overhaul, you’ll need to factor in the cost of demolishing the old bathroom and disposing of materials.
Likewise, if you wish to change the layout of the bathroom by moving windows, plumbing fixtures, or electrical points, these things, along with installing new waterproofing and laying new tiles, will add to the cost.
On the other hand, a more basic renovation, where fixtures and fittings stay where they are may cost less.
Materials, fittings and fixtures
If you opt for high-end materials and fittings, you’ll likely end up paying more. High-end bathtubs, vanities, shower enclosures, toilet suites, and even tiles can be large drivers of cost. Similarly, luxury features such as under-floor heating can increase the cost of a bathroom renovation.
More basic fittings and fixtures may cost less, but quality materials could prove more durable. The extra upfront cost may save you from the cost of replacing an item down the line.
Your arrangement with your builder
When undertaking a bathroom renovation, you’ll typically need to pay your builder and their team of tradies for their work and the cost of materials separately.
Alternatively, your builder may offer the option to purchase materials through them, allowing you to take advantage of wholesale discounts. Whether this option is available and how it works will depend on your chosen builder.
