How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Brisbane?
A bathroom renovation in Brisbane typically costs $20,000–$35,000 for a standard project, with budget refreshes starting around $10,000 and premium renovations pushing past $40,000 when structural changes and luxury fittings enter the picture. The national average sits at roughly $26,000 according to the Housing Industry Association, and Brisbane tracks close to that — slightly below Sydney and Melbourne thanks to lower labour rates and more straightforward construction in most suburbs.
Brisbane bathrooms face a specific set of challenges that don't apply further south. The subtropical climate means moisture management is critical: ventilation systems need to handle humidity that can stay above 75 per cent for weeks during the wet season, and waterproofing must be immaculate because the consequences of failure are amplified by Brisbane's weather patterns. Homes built before 1990 frequently contain asbestos in wall sheeting, floor tiles, and even adhesives — discovering this during demolition can add $3,000–$8,000 to a project if extensive removal is needed.
The housing stock matters too. Queenslander and post-war homes often have bathrooms that were afterthoughts — small rooms squeezed under the back of the house, sometimes with stumps rather than slabs, and plumbing that runs through timber sub-floors. Renovating these spaces often involves structural work (new floor framing, sub-floor drainage) that isn't required in the slab-on-ground homes typical of newer suburbs. This is one reason bathroom renovation costs in inner Brisbane can run 20–30 per cent higher than equivalent work in outer suburbs.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Prices include GST. Based on Brisbane metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Budget Refresh — Cosmetic Update Only
Total cost: $8,000–$14,000
No plumbing or layout changes. Resurface or paint existing tiles ($1,500–$3,000), replace vanity and basin ($800–$2,000), new tapware and shower head ($400–$800), replace toilet ($300–$700), new mirror and lighting ($300–$600), paint ceiling and any non-tiled walls ($300–$500), replace shower screen ($600–$1,200), new accessories (towel rails, toilet roll holder) ($200–$400). This approach works well for investment properties or pre-sale refreshes where the existing waterproofing is sound.
Standard Full Renovation — North Side Brick Home
Total cost: $22,000–$30,000
Full strip-out including tile removal at $45–$55/m2 ($1,800–$2,500), wall re-sheeting with water-resistant plasterboard ($1,200–$2,000), full waterproofing to AS 3740 ($1,500–$2,500), floor and wall tiling with mid-range porcelain ($3,000–$5,000), new vanity, toilet, and shower ($2,500–$4,500), tapware and accessories ($800–$1,500), frameless shower screen ($1,200–$2,000), plumbing labour ($2,500–$4,000), electrical including exhaust fan, LED lighting, and heated towel rail ($1,500–$2,500), painting and finishing ($500–$1,000). Allow 3–4 weeks.
Ensuite Addition — Master Bedroom Conversion
Total cost: $28,000–$42,000
Creating a new ensuite from an existing wardrobe or bedroom space. Framing and wall construction ($2,000–$3,500), plumbing rough-in for shower, toilet, and basin ($4,000–$6,000), waterproofing ($2,000–$3,000), tiling ($3,500–$5,500), fixtures and fittings ($3,000–$5,000), electrical ($2,000–$3,000), ventilation ($500–$1,000), door and architrave ($400–$800), building approval fees ($1,500–$3,000). Floor structure work may be needed in raised Queenslanders ($2,000–$5,000 additional). Allow 5–7 weeks.
Premium Renovation — Heritage Queenslander
Total cost: $38,000–$55,000
Full strip-out with asbestos removal ($2,500–$5,000), sub-floor structural assessment and repairs ($2,000–$4,000), premium waterproofing system ($2,500–$3,500), large-format natural stone or high-end porcelain tiles ($5,000–$8,000), freestanding bathtub ($2,000–$4,000), wall-hung vanity with stone top ($3,000–$5,000), premium tapware ($1,500–$3,000), underfloor heating ($1,500–$2,500), custom shower niche and frameless screen ($2,500–$4,000), upgraded plumbing and electrical ($5,000–$7,000), design fees ($1,500–$3,000). Allow 6–8 weeks.
Accessible / Ageing-in-Place Bathroom
Total cost: $25,000–$38,000
Designed for mobility and safety. Barrier-free shower with linear drain ($3,000–$5,000), grab rails and support bars ($500–$1,000), comfort-height toilet ($500–$900), accessible vanity with knee clearance ($1,500–$2,500), non-slip tiling throughout ($3,000–$5,000), wider doorway modification ($800–$1,500), emergency call system ($300–$600), additional waterproofing for wet-room configuration ($2,000–$3,000). May qualify for NDIS or aged care funding if prescribed. These renovations are increasingly common in Brisbane's ageing population suburbs.
Bathroom size
A small ensuite (3–4sqm) costs significantly less than a main bathroom (6–8sqm). More floor area = more tiling, waterproofing, and materials.
Waterproofing
Mandatory in Australia. All wet areas must be waterproofed to Australian Standards. This costs $1,000–$3,000 and must be inspected before tiling.
Tile selection
Basic tiles cost $20–$40/sqm. Premium large-format or feature tiles run $80–$200/sqm. Tile choice is one of the biggest variables in a bathroom budget.
Layout changes
Moving the toilet, shower, or vanity means new plumbing runs, which adds $2,000–$5,000 to the job.
Fixture quality
A builder-grade vanity is $300–$800. A custom floating vanity is $1,500–$4,000. Similar ranges apply to taps, showers, and accessories.
Structural issues
Water damage, rotten framing, or asbestos discovered during demolition can add $2,000–$10,000 in unexpected costs.
QBCC licence: Any bathroom renovation work valued over $3,300 requires a QBCC-licensed contractor. Most bathroom renovations fall under the "Builder Restricted to Kitchen, Bathroom & Laundry" licence class. The QBCC's online licence search lets you verify a contractor's licence number, scope, and current status before you sign a contract.
Waterproofing compliance: All wet area waterproofing in Queensland must comply with AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas). The waterproofing must be done by a licensed waterproofer, and a certificate of compliance should be provided. Key requirements include: waterproofing must extend at least 150mm above the finished floor level on all walls in shower areas, at least 1800mm high in shower recesses (or to ceiling if using a shower-over-bath), and the full floor area must be waterproofed. A flood test (minimum 24 hours) should be conducted before tiling.
Plumbing compliance: All plumbing work must be completed by a QBCC-licensed plumber, and a Form 4 compliance certificate issued. This covers all water supply, drainage, and gas fitting work. The Form 4 must be lodged with the local council within the required timeframe — ask your plumber to confirm this has been done.
Electrical compliance: Licensed electrician required for all electrical work. An Electrical Safety Office certificate of compliance must be issued for all electrical work in wet areas. Specific requirements for bathrooms include RCD protection on all circuits, IP-rated fixtures in wet zones, and minimum clearance distances from water sources.
Asbestos regulations: Queensland's Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires asbestos identification before any renovation work on homes built before 1990. If asbestos is found, quantities over 10 m2 must be removed by a Class A licensed removalist. Even smaller quantities should be handled by a competent person. Disposal must be at an approved facility, and a clearance certificate provided.
Best timing: March–August. Bathroom renovations are less weather-dependent than exterior work, but Brisbane's wet season (November–March) still creates complications. High humidity slows the curing of waterproofing membranes, tile adhesives, and grout — rushing these processes to meet a deadline compromises the integrity of your wet area. Damp conditions can also cause issues with plasterboard installation and paint drying.
Demand patterns: Brisbane's bathroom renovation demand peaks in two waves: spring (September–November) ahead of the selling season, and January–February as New Year resolutions kick in. The quietest period is typically May–July, when you'll find shorter wait times for trades, particularly tilers and waterproofers who are booked solid during peak periods. Some contractors offer 5–10% discounts during the quiet season.
Project duration: A standard full bathroom renovation takes 3–4 weeks. Allow an additional 1–2 weeks if asbestos removal is required, and 2–3 weeks more for ensuite additions that need building approval. The longest lead time is often the shower screen — custom frameless screens can take 3–4 weeks from measurement to installation.
Living arrangements: If you only have one bathroom, plan for 3–4 weeks without it. Many Brisbane families use temporary portable facilities (hire cost $150–$300/week) or arrange to use a nearby relative's bathroom. Some renovation companies include temporary facility hire in their package — it's worth asking.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →