HOW MUCH DOES A BATHROOM RENOVATION COST?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably dreaming about transforming your bathroom, pimping your powder room or adding an ensuite, with the BIG question hanging over you - “How much will it cost to renovate my bathroom?”
Well, let’s cut to the chase: how much is this dream going to cost you in 2024?
The Housing Industry Association of Australia quotes the current average spend on a bathroom renovation in Australia is $26,000 (reported in June 2023), up from $21,000 on previous years. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that affect your bathroom renovation costs…
The Basics: Size Matters!
First off, the size of your bathroom is a major player in determining the cost. Are we talking about a snug ensuite or a spacious family bathroom? Here’s a rough idea…
Hipages.com.au breaks down the cost of a bathroom renovation into three price brackets:
Budget cost: $8,000 - $15,000
Standard cost: $15,000 - $35,000
Premium cost: $35,000 +++
As a guideline, expect to spend in the region of:
$8,000 - $15,000 for a budget or cosmetic renovation of a smaller bathroom using budget materials and fittings.
$15,000 - $35,000 for an average-sized mid-range bathroom renovation using mid-range materials and fittings.
$35,000+ for a high-end, premium or luxury bathroom renovation using top-of-the-range materials and fittings.
The Big Ticket Items: Where Does Your Money Go?
Let’s break down where those dollars are headed:
Tiles, Tiles, and More Tiles!
Tiles set the tone for your bathroom. Whether you’re into basic large-format porcelain tiles or more intricate marble features, your choice will impact the overall cost. The more layout patterns and cuts will also require more time from your tiler and in the reno game time equals money, honey!
Fixtures and Fittings
Bathrooms are small spaces that require a large number of fittings and fixtures from a bath, shower screen, vanity, mirror, toilet, tapware… the list goes on! The style and quality of your fixtures can vary widely and this will affect your budget.
Plumbing and Electrical
Moving pipes and adding new lighting fixtures can add to the cost, but a well-lit, functional space is worth it!
Luxe Touches
If you’re after a luxurious bathroom, you might like to add these extras to your wishlist (and budget spreadsheet!): underfloor heating, heated towel rails, custom coloured tapware, custom joinery, designer lighting… The sky’s the limit but not without added cost!
The Tradie Factor: Getting the Job Done Right
Good tradies are like gold. We can’t stress enough the importance of finding the perfect Dream Team for your renovation and for a bathroom reno, there will be a lot of members on your team! You’ll most likely need a builder, plumber, electrician, tiler, waterproofer and painter. You can hire these trades yourself individually, or your builder could supply and manage them for you.
Labour costs can account for 40% - 50% of your total budget but we think that’s money well spent! Be sure to hire professionals who take pride in and certify their work.
Planning and Permits
If you’re only renovating a bathroom and no other rooms in the house, you may not need to obtain a permit from your local Council - but it’s better to be safe than sorry and it only takes a quick phone call to check!
If you’re simply replacing fixtures, like swapping out old taps, showerheads, or vanities re-tiling, painting or installing new fittings like shelves or mirrors, chances are you won’t need a permit. But if you’re making structural changes, like knocking down walls and adding windows, relocating plumbing works, adding electrical works and waterproofing your bathroom, you may find you do need permission.
In Australia, Council fees for building permits can range from $500-$1000 for a basic bathroom renovation, while more extensive renovation could run into the thousands.
Budget Buffers: Expect the Unexpected
No matter how small or big your renovation, we always recommend setting aside an extra 10% - 20% for those unexpected surprises. Trust us, they happen and you’ll be thankful for your contingency fund when they do!
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME REAL-LIFE RENO BUDGETS…
REAL RENO CASE STUDY 1: JESS CANABOU, NEW SOUTH WALES
Jess transformed her family’s main bathroom from dated to drop-dead gorgeous as part of a full home renovation on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Staying true to her vision for the entire home, Jess’ predominately white bathroom is coastal, cool and classic with pops of brass in the tapware and accessories.
Take a look at Jess’ budget breakdown:
REAL RENO CASE STUDY 2: ALLY SCALE, VICTORIA
Considering a wet room layout for your bathroom renovations? Reno Schooler Ally Scale “can safely say it’s the BEST layout ever!” We love this layout too and have used it in many of our projects. Popping the bath next to the shower without a screen in-between can be a great space saver and will make your shower feel bigger. It also increases the splash zone around the bath which Ally thinks is fabulous with young kids in the house.
Here’s what Ally’s 2600 x 1770cm bathroom renovation cost (no toilet in this room):
REAL RENO CASE STUDY 3: AMY ANDERSON, QUEENSLAND
Amy’s bathroom screamed footy locker room rather than tweenage girls’ bathroom so the aim of the game was to transform the space into a pretty place for two little ladies to share. With a penchant for pink herself and a love of stripes, this room became a space to have some fun with pink and white striped walls in the wet area (a cheap and cheerful purchase from Bunnings) and pink patterned floor tiles (a splurge item from Jatana). A double vanity with a basin and mirror each means no waiting (or fighting!) in the mornings and there are plenty of concealed powerpoints for electric toothbrushes, dryers and straighteners.
Amy opted for a one-stop building shop for this bathroom makeover. The builder supplied all the trades, including a plumber, electrician, waterproof, tiler and glazier to complete the job. This included a reconfiguring the space to reduce the size of the previous bathroom and create an adjoining laundry.
Here’s Amy’s budget breakdown:
Three Birds Tips for a DREAM Bathroom TO FIT YOUR Budget
Knowledge is Power
You wouldn’t attempt a complex surgery without a medical degree so why start a renovation without any knowledge of the process? We'll teach you how to create your dream bathroom without the budget blowouts or the stress in our Bathroom Bootcamp. Brought to you by Three Birds Reno School, Bathroom Bootcamp is the ultimate online course for anyone wanting to learn the skills you need to design, plan and budget for your dream bathroom renovation in as little as 48 hours!
Mix Bougie with Budget
Champagne taste on a beer budget? That’s ok! There are many budget-friendly ways to get a luxe look without the hefty price tag. Even if your budget is teeny tiny. We share SO many of these in the articles on our blog and in Bathroom Bootcamp.
Shop Smarter With Dream Discounts For Your Dream Bathroom
You can cut hundreds (if not thousands!) off your bathroom reno budget with some savvy shopping. Sometimes your bathroom renovation timeline doesn’t align with the sales but with the Three Birds Dream Discount Card, you can save every day on every purchase for your home. Check out the savings you could make on tiles, fixtures and fittings for your bathroom renovation!
There are no two ways about it, renovating a bathroom is a significant investment! But, it will add value to your home and enjoyment to your everyday routine, given it’s usually the first room you visit in the morning and the last you use at night.
From our experience in renovating over 50 bathrooms, we know there are SO many cost variables that the only way to accurately determine the cost for your bathroom is to get a detailed quote from a builder.
