A bathroom is more than a utility room; it’s where morning routines begin, evening rituals wind down and guests quietly judge how well your home is cared for. It’s also one of the most technically complex spaces in the house, where water, electrics, structure and daily use all intersect in a few square metres.

If you’re planning a bathroom refresh or a full rebuild, the first question is simple: how much does a bathroom renovation cost in Australia? The answer is more nuanced. Room size, layout, materials, waterproofing, labour rates and even how long you plan to stay in the home all influence the final figure.

Bathroom renovations feel so high-stakes. Get them right and you gain comfort, value and a space that serves you every day. Get them wrong and you can end up with leaks, mould, blown budgets and fixtures that date quickly—or worse, non-compliant work that’s expensive to undo

This guide gives you clear cost brackets, real-world scenarios and expert insight into where your money actually goes. You’ll learn how to balance ambition with budget, avoid the most common cost traps and choose fixtures—like WELS-rated Nero tapware—that respect both Australian compliance standards and your design vision.

NOTE: All amounts are approximate and in AUD.

Key Takeaways

• Average cost & ranges –  A bathroom renovation in Australia typically costs around $26,000 for a mid-range project. Budgets generally range from about $5,000–$15,000 for cosmetic and budget makeovers through to $35,000–$95,000+ for high-end, luxury transformations.
• Factors that influence cost – The size of the room, the extent of work (makeover vs full renovation), material and fixture quality, labour rates and location all play a major role in determining your final price.
• Breakdown of expenses – Plumbing, electrical work, tiling, vanities, bathtubs, toilets, tapware, lighting and waterproofing are the main cost drivers. Hiring licensed trades ensures compliance and longevity.
• Smart budgeting – Plan early, keep the layout where possible, mix high‑end and budget finishes, and set aside a 10–20% contingency. Quality fixtures like Nero Tapware deliver timeless style and enduring value.

How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Australia?

Average Bathroom Renovation Cost in Australia

Recent Housing Industry Association (HIA) figures put the average Australian bathroom renovation at around $26,000 for a mid-range project, which lines up with what many homeowners are seeing in real quotes and ABS household expenditure data.

However, costs can vary widely. A simple makeover may be as low as $5,000, while a high‑end retreat can exceed $35,000. Because no two bathrooms are the same, understanding these ranges is your first step towards planning.

NOTE: Because construction costs and wages move over time, it’s smart to sense-check your quotes against current industry reports rather than outdated “rule of thumb” numbers.

Case example – 6 m² suburban family bathroom

A 6 m² family bathroom in a suburban home might start with quotes around $25,000–$30,000 for a mid-range renovation that keeps the plumbing in place: new floor-to-ceiling tiles, a practical 1,200 mm vanity, a framed shower screen and mid-tier tapware.

If the owners decide late in the process to move the bath to the other wall and convert the old bath area into a walk-in shower, the quote can easily jump towards $40,000–$45,000 once extra demolition, concrete cutting, new drainage and replanning are included. On paper it’s the same “family bathroom”, but the behind-the-scenes work is far more complex—and expensive.

Expert Insight: Sense-Check Your Budget Against Australian Data

Because construction costs and wages move over time, it’s smart to compare your quotes with current industry data and household spending trends from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). If your builder’s price is far below the typical range for your scope, treat it as a red flag—shortcuts on waterproofing, plumbing or compliance can cost far more to fix than you save upfront.

Also Read: Kitchen Renovation Cost in Australia: Detailed Cost Guide & Savings Tips (2025)

Bathroom Renovation Cost Brackets: Budget, Standard & Luxury

Before you dive into quotes, it helps to think in tiers. A budget bathroom keeps most of the bones and services in place and simply refreshes what you see. A mid-range renovation feels like a brand-new room in the same footprint. A luxury bathroom becomes a personal retreat, often with custom joinery and reworked plumbing to match. Each tier has its own look, feel and type of homeowner it suits.

Use these categories to choose your budget:

Budget Bathroom Makeovers ($5k–$15k)

Cosmetic changes like the following are affordable ways to update a tired room:

• Painting tiles
• Changing tapware
• Installing a new vanity top
• Re‑grouting tiles

These projects often leave plumbing and walls in place. They often suits rental properties, starter homes or quick refreshes before selling. You’re not transforming the entire space, but you are making it cleaner, brighter and more enjoyable to use.

Picture a compact apartment bathroom where the old creamy tiles have been resurfaced in crisp white, the grout is fresh, and a new Mecca basin mixer in Brushed Nickel instantly modernises the vanity—without touching the layout or chasing pipes into the slab.

Standard/Mid‑Range Bathroom Renovations ($15k–$35k)

This price bracket covers complete rebuilds without significant structural changes. You might:

• Replace wall and floor tiles
• Install semi‑frameless shower screens, new vanities, toilets and lighting

Keeping plumbing points where they are helps keep costs under control. Think of this as a “new bathroom in the old footprint”. Families often aim for this level when they want a long-lasting space that balances practicality and style.

In a typical suburban family home, that might mean larger format tiles for easier cleaning, a timber-look vanity with generous storage, a framed or semi-frameless shower screen and co-ordinated Nero tapware in a finish like Brushed Gold or Gun Metal. The space feels resolved and long-lasting, but you haven’t moved walls or major services.

Premium/Luxury Bathroom Renovations ($35k–$95k+)

Full strip‑outs with the following  sit in this range:

• Luxury finishes
• Custom cabinetry
• Underfloor heating
• Heated towel rails
• Free‑standing stone baths
• Designer fixtures

These projects often involve reconfiguring layouts and moving plumbing, making the premium tier feel aspirational and purposeful, not just “very expensive.” At this level, bathrooms become personal retreats.

A luxury project might strip the room back to framing, reconfigure the layout so a freestanding stone bath sits under a window, run underfloor heating throughout and integrate custom joinery with stone benchtops and integrated lighting.

Nero’s Serenity or Zen ranges in finishes like Brushed Bronze or Graphite can become jewellery for the room—subtle but unmistakably premium. This level of work is common in high-value homes or when owners are creating a “forever home” where spa-like comfort and timeless design matter more than squeezing every dollar.

Also Read: [GUIDE] House Renovation Cost in Australia 2025 | Real Prices & Budget Tips

Expert Bathroom Renovation Tips: How Layout Changes Really Affect Bathroom Renovation Cost

One of the biggest cost jumps we see between “standard” and “premium” projects happens when clients decide to move the toilet, shower or bath late in the design process.

Relocating plumbing means extra demolition, deeper waterproofing, more complex drainage and additional compliance checks under the National Construction Code (NCC) and state plumbing laws.

On many Australian projects, those choices can add many thousands of dollars to the final bill. To stay in control, lock in your layout early with your designer and ask your plumber to explain which changes will trigger extra pipework, concrete cutting or new permits.

Also Read: 29 Eco-Friendly Bathroom Remodel & Upgrade Ideas

8 Key Factors That Drive the Cost of a Bathroom Renovation

1. Bathroom Size and Layout

The size of your bathroom matters.

• Larger rooms require more tiles, waterproofing and labour.
• Complex layouts or unusual shapes increase time on site.

Many renovators use per-square-metre figures to sense-check quotes. As a rough guide, Australian bathroom renovations often fall between about $2,300 and $4,600 per m², with budget-friendly projects at the lower end and premium or luxury bathrooms at the top. Moving walls or adding skylights also bumps up the cost.

2. Extent of Renovation: Makeover, Remodel or Full Renovation

Defining the scope of work is crucial.

• A makeover focuses on simple updates like new tapware, mirror and light fittings. It’s the cheapest option.
• A remodel keeps the existing walls and floors but replaces major items such as shower, bath and vanity.
• A full renovation strips the bathroom back to studs, giving you complete control over layout, fittings and finishes.

Full renovations cost more because they involve more labour and often require trades to move plumbing and electrical lines.

3. Materials and Finishes

Tiles and surface finishes can make or break your budget:

• Basic ceramic tiles cost $30–$60per square metre.
• Premium stone or designer tiles can exceed $150 per square metre.
• Engineered stone or timber benchtops cost more than laminate.
• If you love brushed metals or matte textures, factor in the price difference.
• Sustainable and low‑VOC materials may cost slightly more upfront but offer long‑term health benefits.

🔹Nero Design Tip: In a mid-range bathroom, that might look like soft grey terrazzo-look tiles on the floor, simple white walls and a warm timber vanity paired with Nero Mecca mixers in Brushed Gold. In a more coastal scheme, the same layout could lean on sandy porcelain tiles, a ribbed vanity front and a Nero Zen shower in Brushed Nickel that feels right at home with light-washed neutrals.

Also Read:

• 27 Stunning Bathroom Tile Ideas to Transform Your Space in 2025
• How to Choose Tapware for Kitchen & Bathroom | Smart, Stylish & Sustainable Living

4. Fixtures and Fittings

When asking how much does it cost to renovate a bathroom, fixtures often cause the largest spread.

• You can buy a basic toilet for $250, while a concealed or wall‑hung model may exceed $1,000.
• Bathtubs can start from around $400–$1,500 for acrylic models, while freestanding and stone baths typically run from the low thousands, with premium designer pieces reaching $8,000 or more.
• Shower screens can be pre‑fabricated or custom, with custom frameless options at the top end. 
• Tapware and showerheads are big style statements. Cheap taps start at $20, but designer pieces can cost up to $1,000.

In Australia, taps and showers are regulated under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme, which rates products for water use and is mandatory for key bathroom fixtures.

So when comparing bathroom renovation cost, look beyond the sticker price and check the WELS star rating—more efficient showerheads and basin mixers can significantly reduce your long-term water and energy bills. 

Also Read: 25+ Ways to Save Water: Practical Tips for Your Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundy Room, and Garden!

Nero Tapware on Top of Australian Water Efficiency Rules

Nero Tapware offers a range of WELS-rated products (including 4–6 star mixers) so you can choose designs that meet Australian efficiency standards without sacrificing style. Because Nero designs are developed specifically for Australian conditions and regulations, you’re not trying to retrofit an overseas product into local plumbing and compliance frameworks.

🔹Designer Bathroom Renovation Tip: For fixtures that balance style, durability and value, explore Nero Tapware’s collections. The Mecca, Serenity and Zen ranges offer sleek basin mixers, shower mixers and kitchen taps in finishes like Brushed Gold, Gun Metal and Matte Black. Choosing quality tapware ensures your space feels personal and lasts longer.

5. Labour, Trades and Professional Fees

Labour is where the reality of your design meets the hourly rate of skilled trades.

• Plumbers usually charge a call‑out fee of $60–$150 and hourly rates of $100–$150.
• Electricians charge similar hourly rates.
• Tilers, carpenters and painters vary by region, but rates generally range from $45–$80 per hour.
• Design fees can be 5–10 % of your budget, especially for premium projects. Hiring licensed professionals is essential for compliance and insurance.

One of the clearest warning signs on a bathroom quote is a price that’s dramatically lower than everyone else’s. To get there, someone is usually cutting corners: skipping proper demolition and substrate preparation, using unlicensed subcontractors, omitting key items like waterproofing membranes, or installing cheaper fixtures that don’t meet Australian standards.

The problem is that these shortcuts tend to show up months or years later as leaks, cracked tiles, peeling paint or even electrical faults—and insurers may decline claims if the work wasn’t done by appropriately licensed trades. Paying a fair rate for compliant work is almost always cheaper than funding a second renovation to fix the first.

Expert Bathroom Renovation Tips: Licensing Checks That Protect Your Budget and Safety

Before accepting a quote, confirm that each trade you engage is properly licensed and insured in your state or territory.

In NSW, for example, you can verify builder and trade licences through NSW Fair Trading’s online register, while in Queensland you can check plumbers and drainers via the QBCC registers.

Licensed trades must work to the NCC and relevant Australian Standards, which directly affects water safety, electrical safety and structural integrity. This isn’t just a paperwork exercise—using unlicensed contractors can jeopardise your home insurance and make it harder to access dispute resolution or statutory warranties if something goes wrong.

6. Permits, Regulations and Compliance

If you’re making structural changes, your local council may require building permits. Waterproofing must comply with Australian standards to protect your home from moisture damage. Factor these costs into your budget and discuss them early with your builder or designer.

Why waterproofing and compliance aren’t negotiable

Waterproofing is one of the least visible yet most critical parts of your bathroom renovation. In Australia, bathroom waterproofing must comply with AS 3740 Waterproofing of domestic wet areas and the NCC’s wet-area provisions.

Reports from the NSW Building Commissioner and similar regulators have found that waterproofing failures are consistently among the top serious defect in new residential buildings, which is why regulators treat it as high risk.

When membranes are poorly applied or not continuous, water slowly migrates into substrates and framing, leading to mould, swollen joinery and even structural damage. Fixing those issues later can cost far more than doing the waterproofing properly the first time.

Choosing a licensed waterproofer who can show training and familiarity with AS 3740 is one of the best “insurance policies” you can buy for your renovation. Ask for a written warranty, keep photos of each stage, and store compliance certificates with your other property documents in case you sell or need to make an insurance claim.

Also Read: Understanding AS1428.1 Compliance for Accessible & Ambulant Bathrooms

7. Location and Accessibility

Where you live affects labour costs and availability. Two bathrooms with the same design can cost very different amounts depending on where they’re built and how easy they are to access.

• Renovations in inner‑city Sydney or Melbourne can cost more than rural projects due to higher hourly rates.
• Access is also important. Tiny lifts, narrow stairs or limited parking add labour time because tradespeople must carry materials further.

Also Read:

• Accessible Bathroom Design Guide: Safe, Stylish, and Smart Bathrooms for the Handicapped
• Mecca Care for Accessible Bathrooms | DDA AS1428.1 Compliant Tapware

8. Unexpected Costs and Contingencies

Even with careful planning, unforeseen issues arise. Hidden water leaks, structural problems or outdated wiring can require extra work. Many experts recommend setting aside 10–20 % of your budget for contingencies. A buffer gives you peace of mind.

Also Read: Laundry Renovation Cost Guide in Australia: Cost Breakdown, Factors, & More

Why are bathroom renovations so expensive?

Bathrooms concentrate a lot of technical work into a small footprint. Unlike a living room, where most cost is visible—paint, flooring, furniture—a bathroom hides many of its expenses behind tiles and walls: waterproofing membranes, pipework, fall to waste, ventilation, power circuits and safety switches.

Every trade that steps into the room needs to be licensed, insured and co-ordinated in a precise sequence. When you add rising material costs and the premium we pay for durable, water-safe products, it’s easy to see why bathroom renovation cost in Australia can feel surprisingly high compared with other rooms.

Where Does the Money Go? A Bathroom Renovation Cost Breakdown

1. Plumbing and Electrical

Plumbing is often the single largest expense in a bathroom renovation because relocating pipes is labour‑intensive. Expect call‑out fees plus hourly rates for both plumbers and electricians. To keep costs down, avoid moving your toilet or shower if possible.

2. Tiling and Waterproofing

Tiles provide the foundation for your bathroom’s aesthetic. The cost includes materials and labour. Waterproof membranes must be installed by a licensed professional and conform to local standards. Cutting corners here can lead to costly leaks later.

Also Read: A Buyer's Guide: 27 Tips on How to Choose Bathroom Tiles

3. Vanities, Basins and Benchtops

A vanity is both storage and a design statement. Off‑the‑shelf units with integrated basins are cost‑effective. Custom joinery allows you to tailor dimensions and finishes but costs more. Materials like engineered stone and solid timber offer durability and warm texture.

Also Read: [Complete Guide] Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Aussie Homes | Modern & Eco-Conscious Designs

4. Shower, Bathtub and Toilet

The decision between a shower, bath or both depends on space, lifestyle and budget. Prefabricated shower kits are affordable; custom frameless screens cost more. Stone and freestanding baths feel luxurious but are heavy and may require floor reinforcement. Wall‑hung toilets free up floor space but involve more plumbing work.

5. Tapware, Showerheads and Accessories

Your choice of tapware ties the room together. Investing in good tapware not only enhances daily comfort but also reduces future maintenance. Nero Tapware’s Opal and Bianca collections offer high‑quality taps, spouts, towel rails and accessories that suit modern Australian homes. Their finishes complement popular palettes like brushed nickel or matte black, allowing you to coordinate everything beautifully.

6. Heating, Lighting and Ventilation

Underfloor heating and heated towel rails provide comfort in cooler climates. Ventilation is essential to control moisture; exhaust fans prevent mould and protect surfaces. Consider LED downlights and dimmable lighting for ambience. These extras improve liveability but add to the budget.

Also Read: 40+ Bathroom Lighting Ideas: Expert Guide for Stylish & Functional Bathroom Illumination

7. Design and Project Management

Professional design and project management save time and stress. Designers ensure a cohesive look and can often suggest cost‑effective alternatives. Project managers coordinate trades, schedules and materials, reducing the risk of delays or mistakes. Their fee is an investment in quality.

Also Read: [GUIDE] Plunge Pool Cost Australia: Prices, Factors, Cheap DIY Plunge Pools & More

Want more bathroom renovation design ideas? Check out Nero Tapware’s design hub! We provides guides for different interior design styles like minimalist bathrooms, art deco bathrooms, japandi bathrooms, and more!

Expert Safety-First Design Insights in Bathroom Renovation: Reducing Fall Risks in Wet Areas

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations for older Australians, and wet, slippery bathroom floors are a known hazard.

When you’re planning a renovation, think about safety from day one:

• Specify slip-resistant tiles in shower and circulation zones
• Add grab rails that are properly anchored (not just towel rails doing double duty)
• Consider level-entry or low-hob showers to reduce trip points.

Simple choices like brighter, even lighting and contrasting tile colours at steps or shower thresholds help everyone—from children to older relatives—see changes in level more clearly and move with confidence.

Cost of Renovating a Small Bathroom: Is it Cheaper?

Small bathrooms may be limited in space but not in cost. Because plumbing, waterproofing and trades are fixed costs, a small bathroom renovation cost can still range from $5,000 to $8,000+ for cosmetic refresh that is DIY-heavy and can reach up to $20,000 or more for full renovations using licensed trades and quality finishes. The footprint is smaller, but the technical work is almost identical.

To make the most of a compact space, focus on light, sightlines and storage rather than just adding more fixtures.

• Vertical storage and floating vanities keep the floor visible and make the room feel less cramped.
• Large mirrors and pale, low-contrast tiles can bounce natural light around.
• Wall-mounted taps and towel rails free up valuable bench space.

Case example – 3 m² inner-city ensuite

In a 3 m² inner-city ensuite, a $20,000–$30,000 mid-range budget might cover a full strip-out, new waterproofing, large-format porcelain tiles, a wall-hung vanity with an integrated basin, a frameless glass screen and a Nero Zenrail shower in Brushed Nickel. The layout stays compact, but the room feels taller, lighter and far more refined than the original builder-basic version.

Nero Design Tip: Nero Tapware’s design hub provides practical ideas; check out our Small Bathroom Ideas article for clever layout tips. The guide notes that smart layouts, warm textures and sunlit finishes help maximise style and space. Consider wall‑mounted taps and towel rails to free up bench space.

How to Keep Your Bathroom Renovation on Budget

Budget Tip 1. Plan early and set a realistic budget.

Start with a clear figure and choose your category—makeover, standard or luxury. Gather at least three quotes, request itemised breakdowns and use cost calculators or recent renovator feedback to sense-check your expectations.

Budget Tip 2. Choose durable materials and timeless design.

Mix premium touches with cost-effective basics. Simple white tiles paired with quality tapware or a stone vanity top deliver a refined look without overspending. Neutral colours and natural textures also keep your bathroom stylish for years.

Related interior design readings:

• [Guide] Calming Colors in Interior Design: Expert Design Tips to Create Peaceful, Stylish Homes
• [GUIDE] Dopamine Decor & Interior Design Tips to Boost Your Mood

Budget Tip 3. Reuse what you can and keep the layout.

Plumbing changes drive up costs, so keep the existing layout where possible. Update surfaces and fittings instead—paint tiles, refresh mirror cabinets and upgrade tapware for a big visual impact at minimal expense.

Budget Tip 4. Shop smart.

Browse ex-display sales, auctions and clearance lines for quality pieces at reduced prices. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true—extremely low quotes often signal poor workmanship or inferior materials.

Budget Tip 5. Work with trusted professionals.

Check licences, references and past work. Skilled renovators prevent costly errors and stand behind their workmanship, making them worth the investment.

Budget Tip 6. Consider universal in-wall bodies for future flexibility.

Universal in-wall bodies separate behind-wall plumbing from the visible tapware, allowing you to choose or update finishes without removing tiles. This approach simplifies scheduling and helps you stay on trend as styles evolve.

Financing Your Bathroom Renovation

Funding your project may require more than savings. Common options include:

• Using home equity
• Refinancing your mortgage
• Taking out a personal loan
• Using a line of credit

Each path has different impacts on interest, fees and flexibility, so it’s worth matching the finance to your renovation risk profile—not just the cheapest advertised rate. Consider whether adding value to your property justifies the borrowing.

Avoid overcapitalising by matching your budget to your home’s market position and likely resale price. A $50,000 luxury ensuite may be appropriate in a high-value coastal home but hard to justify in a modest apartment block where comparable properties have far simpler finishes. Local sales data and advice from a trusted agent or valuer can help set realistic bounds.

Expert Tip: Align finance with your renovation risk profile.

Bathroom projects can uncover hidden issues such as water damage behind tiles, asbestos in older linings or outdated wiring that must be brought up to standard. That’s why most Australian building advisors recommend a 10–20% contingency on top of your base budget.

When comparing finance options (equity release, personal loans or mortgage top-ups), look beyond the interest rate and consider how flexible each product is if your project runs over time or over budget. If you’re borrowing against your home, ask your lender or broker how recent property value movements in your suburb might affect your borrowing capacity and future refinancing plans, using up-to-date market data rather than outdated estimates. 

How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?

Bathroom timelines are shaped by three things: scope, lead times and co-ordination. Cosmetic updates move quickly because most surfaces stay where they are. Full renovations take longer because trades need to work in sequence—demolition, rough-in, waterproofing, tiling, fit-off—and each stage has its own drying or inspection periods.

As a rough guide:

• Cosmetic updates: roughly 1–2 weeks once work begins
• Standard full rebuilds: typically 4–6 weeks on site
• Luxury projects: often longer due to custom joinery, stone fabrication or complex layouts

Factor in planning time, product lead times and potential delays.

Case example – standard family bathroom

For a standard family bathroom in a detached home, you might spend two to four weeks in planning and product selection, then around four to six weeks on site.

A typical sequence is:

• Roughly a week for demolition and rough-ins
• Another week for waterproofing and tiling
• About a week for installing joinery and stone
• A couple of weeks for final fit-off, silicone, painting and defect fixes

Delays usually come from late design changes or items that arrive damaged or out of stock, so locking in your tapware, tiles and vanity early can save you weeks of disruption.

Ready to transform your space?

Explore Nero Tapware’s Mecca, Serenity or Zen collections for elegant mixers and showers that speak to modern Australian design. For a coordinated look, browse the Opal and Bianca collections to pair your tapware with matching accessories. Finally, consider universal in‑wall bodies to future‑proof your bathroom and enjoy design flexibility for years to come. Your home, your style — Nero is the finishing touch.

Important Disclaimer:  This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or building advice. Bathroom renovations must meet strict waterproofing and compliance standards. Always obtain written quotes from qualified, licensed trades, confirm permit or certification requirements with your local council or building surveyor, and seek independent financial advice before committing to any renovation work.