Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated February 2026
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Bathroom renovation icon — bathtub illustration Cost Guide

Bathroom Renovation Cost Australia 2026

Bathroom renovations involve multiple trades — plumber, tiler, electrician, waterproofer, and builder. The coordination makes them one of the more complex home renovation projects.

Choose Your City

Location pin — Sydney
Sydney
From $29,900 total
+5.1%
Location pin — Melbourne
Melbourne
From $27,300 total
+1.2%
Location pin — Brisbane
Brisbane
From $26,000 total
+2.2%
Location pin — Perth
Perth
From $27,300 total
+3.4%
Location pin — Adelaide
Adelaide
From $23,920 total
Stable
Location pin — Gold Coast
Gold Coast
From $25,480 total
-0.9%
Location pin — Canberra
Canberra
From $28,600 total
+2.6%
Location pin — Hobart
Hobart
From $23,400 total
+4.6%
Location pin — Darwin
Darwin
From $29,900 total
+1.4%
Location pin — Newcastle
Newcastle
From $24,700 total
+2.5%
Location pin — Geelong
Geelong
From $24,180 total
+3.9%
Location pin — Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast
From $25,220 total
Stable

National Pricing Overview

ServiceLowHighAverage
Basic renovation (budget fittings)$10,000$20,000$15,000 total
Mid-range renovation$20,000$35,000$27,000 total
Premium renovation$35,000$55,000$42,000 total
Luxury renovation$55,000$80,000$65,000 total
Waterproofing$1,000$3,000$1,800 total
Tiling (floor + walls)$2,000$6,000$3,500 total
Vanity (supply + install)$500$3,500$1,500 total
Shower screen (frameless)$800$2,500$1,500 installed
Bath (freestanding, installed)$1,500$5,000$2,800 installed
Toilet (supply + install)$400$1,200$700 installed
Heated towel rail$200$600$350 installed
Plumbing rough-in$2,000$5,000$3,000 total
Demolition & disposal$1,000$3,000$1,800 total

National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.

Bathroom renovations in Australia range from simple cosmetic refreshes to full gut-and-rebuild projects. A mid-range bathroom renovation typically costs $20,000 to $40,000, with the national average around $28,000. Budget-conscious updates (re-tiling, new vanity, fresh paint) can be done for $8,000–$15,000, while luxury bathrooms with underfloor heating, freestanding baths, and premium tiles can exceed $50,000.

Waterproofing is the critical — and non-negotiable — element of any bathroom renovation. It must be done by a licensed waterproofer and certified before tiling begins. Cutting corners here leads to expensive water damage down the line.

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What Affects Bathroom Renovation Costs

Waterproofing

Every bathroom renovation requires professional waterproofing, costing $1,500–$4,000. This is legally required in all states and is the most important part of the project.

Plumbing relocation

Keeping fixtures in the same position saves $2,000–$5,000. Moving the toilet, shower, or vanity requires re-plumbing the waste lines, which adds significant cost.

Tiles & finishes

Basic ceramic tiles cost $30–$60/m². Large-format porcelain, natural stone, or feature tiles can cost $80–$200+/m². Tiling labour adds $60–$100/m² on top.

Fixtures & fittings

A budget vanity, toilet, and shower screen package costs $1,500–$3,000. Premium freestanding baths, wall-hung vanities, and frameless screens push this to $5,000–$15,000+.

Bathroom size

A small ensuite (3–4m²) is significantly cheaper than a large family bathroom (8–12m²). More floor and wall area means more tiles, waterproofing, and labour.

Structural & electrical

If you're adding heated towel rails, underfloor heating, exhaust fans, or additional lighting, you'll need an electrician. Any structural changes need engineering approval.

How to Save Money on Bathroom Renovation Costs

1
Never cut corners on waterproofing — it's the single most important part of a bathroom renovation
2
Keep plumbing in the same position where possible to avoid expensive waste-line relocation
3
Get a detailed, itemised quote that separates labour, materials, and contingency
4
Choose tiles that are readily available — custom or imported tiles add weeks of lead time
5
Ensure your renovator holds the appropriate building licence for your state
6
Allow for a 10–15% contingency budget — older homes often reveal surprises once demolition begins
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Australia?
A mid-range bathroom renovation typically costs $20,000–$40,000. Budget refreshes start around $8,000–$15,000, while premium renovations with luxury fixtures can exceed $50,000.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most bathroom renovations take 3–6 weeks from demolition to completion. Waterproofing requires curing time (24–72 hours) before tiling can begin, which is the most common cause of delays.
Do I need council approval for a bathroom renovation?
Typically no, if you're renovating within the existing footprint. However, waterproofing must be certified, and any structural changes may require a building permit. Adding a new bathroom where one didn't exist usually requires council approval.
What's the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Tiling (including waterproofing) usually accounts for 25–35% of the total cost. Plumbing is the next largest item at 15–25%, followed by fixtures and cabinetry.
Can I renovate a bathroom in stages?
Yes, but it's usually more expensive overall because trades need to return multiple times. The most cost-effective approach is to do everything in one go, even if that means a slightly longer period without the bathroom.

About This Guide

Our bathroom renovation cost guides cover 12 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated quarterly — last reviewed February 2026.