renovating a bathroom

What is the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Australia?

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Along with the kitchen, the cost of renovating a bathroom is one of the most expensive projects you can undertake when sprucing up a house.

Whether you want to create your dream ensuite, make a house more attractive to potential tenants, or increase the value of a property before selling, it is important that you work out a budget before you pick up the hammer

Spending some time writing down a detailed plan will pay off, as it will help you keep track of your goals and ensure your renovation costs don’t balloon out of control. Being organised is the key starting point for a successful renovation project.

If you are also planning to renovate other rooms in your house, you should set up a budget for each room, as well as an overall budget for the whole project. You can read our article on the average costs of renovations in Australia to ensure you don’t overcapitalise, and get the most bang for your buck.

Average cost of bathroom renovation at a glance: 

There are many variables that come into play when calculating the cost of a bathroom renovation, but you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for a standard sized bathroom renovation.

The cost of a bathroom renovation will vary depending on a range of factors, including:

  • Bathroom size
  • Choice of fittings (e.g. tap ware, bathtub, shower)
  • Tradespeople
  • Permits (if required)
  • Structural work (if required)
  • Whether you need to move any plumbing
  • Choice of materials (e.g. tiles, paint)
  • Location of the project

If you need to arrange finance to fund your renovation project, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a mortgage broker to talk through your options.

You can take advantage of the free mortgage expert consultation available on Property Market Investor. Get your home loan report in 3 easy steps.

Average cost of bathroom renovation, cost breakdown:

Bathroom fittings

These include bathtubs, toilets, showers, basins, taps, exhaust fans, bathroom lighting, towel rails, tapware and more. The cost can vary greatly depending on the style and material you choose. For this reason, it’s important to do your research and shop around before committing to a purchase.

Bathtub:

Budget: between $300 to $500

Mid range: $1,000 – $3,000

Toilet:

Budget: $120.

Mid-range: $300-400

Vanity:

Budget: $120 to $200

Mid-range: $600 – $900

Waterproofing and tiling

This can cost between $750 and $1,000 for an average sized bathroom.

Before you get started on tiling, your bathroom will need to be waterproofed. In most cases, your tiler will include waterproofing costs within their quote.

Tilers generally charge on a per square metre basis, and you can expect to pay from $30 to up to $120 per square metre.

You will also need to consider additional costs such as the removal of existing tiles, laying asymmetrical or contrasting tiles which require a high level of detail, as well as leveling, grouting and sealing or polishing tiles.

Bathroom Renovation - Waterproofing and Tiling

Finished waterproofing, ready to begin tiling

Plumbing

You will need to hire plumbers for moving or installing fittings such as bathtubs, showers and toilets.

Plumbers normally charge an hourly rate which can be somewhere between $70 to $90. This cost will vary depending on the complexity of the work, the size of the project and accessibility of the space.

Other tradespeople
Depending on the extent and the needs of your renovation project, you might also need to enlist the help of other trades people, such as:

  • Carpenters: $50-$60 per hour (for custom-made cabinets or shelving)
  • Builders: $60-$70 per hour (for laying plasterboard, moving walls, installing frame for the bathtub)
  • Electricians: $70-$80 per hour (for new lighting, underfloor heating, new power points, extraction fans, heated towel rails and hot water cylinders)
  • Painters: $35-$45 per hour (for painting walls, doors, and ceiling)

Location
The location of your property will impact the final renovation cost. The cost of hiring tradespeople in big cities is higher than in smaller towns, so you will need to consider this as you work out your budget.

Low cost bathroom renovations

If you are looking to keep your bathroom renovation costs as low as possible, you should consider working with the existing plumbing outlets and electrical points. This can save you thousands of dollars as moving showers, toilets and other fittings will hugely increase your labour costs.

If you’re a handy person, you can do some simple DYI updates which can make a world of difference in your bathroom.

These can include small changes such as replacing handles and door knobs, and installing new mirrors, towel racks, and tapware. You can even paint the bathroom yourself. You will be surprised to see what a fresh coat of white paint can do to a room.

Remember that you are not legally permitted to do tiling or install electrical connections yourself, so you will need to enlist the help of professionals.

Bathroom renovations under $10,000

  • Paint walls – fresh coat or try a different colour
  • Resurface tiles or add a feature such as PVC panels
  • Change one key fixture or two – invest in a new bathtub or vanity only
  • Buy a new feature mirror

Bathroom renovations under $5000

  • Refresh your walls – paint or have your tiles cleaned and regrouted
  • Have your tub and basin resurfaced (this should be done by professionals).
  • Paint your vanity and cabinetry and replace the handles.
  • Shop around for budget off-the-self cabinetry – you can try somewhere like Bunnings
  • Hunt for discounted tiles at wholesale stores
  • Keep an eye on auctions (online or auction houses) – you can find decent second hand items or even discounted brand new items such as surplus tiles
  • Modernise your light fittings and tapware.
  • Replace your shower head

Looking to renovate your apartment but unsure of where to start? Property Market Investor has put together an article with apartment renovations tips and advice. It includes an overview on Strata By-laws and renovation ideas to make the most out of your space.

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