Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated February 2026

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Canberra?

A mid-range bathroom renovation in Canberra costs $22,400–$39,200
for a complete mid-range fitout
Budget renovations with standard fittings start around $9,000–$15,000. Premium renovations with freestanding baths and frameless showers typically run $40,000–$65,000+.
+2.6% Bathroom Renovation costs in Canberra have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages. Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Platypus mascot illustration — Bathroom Renovation Cost Canberra 2026
Average Bathroom Renovation Cost in Canberra
$28,600
total for a mid-range bathroom renovation
Basic
$11k–$22k
Mid-Range
$22k–$39k
Premium
$39k–$61k
Budget $11,000totalAverage $28,600totalPremium $22,000total

The average bathroom renovation in Canberra charges around $28,600 total for a mid-range bathroom renovation. Prices vary based on the specific job, time of day, materials required, and your suburb within Canberra. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of common bathroom renovation costs, what factors affect pricing, and tips on how to get the best deal.

Detailed Pricing — Canberra 2026
ServiceLowHighAverage
Basic renovation (budget fittings)$11,000$22,000$16,500 total
Mid-range renovation$22,000$38,500$29,700 total
Premium renovation$38,500$60,500$46,200 total
Luxury renovation$60,500$88,000$71,500 total
Waterproofing$1,100$3,300$1,980 total
Tiling (floor + walls)$2,200$6,600$3,850 total
Vanity (supply + install)$550$3,850$1,650 total
Shower screen (frameless)$880$2,750$1,650 installed
Bath (freestanding, installed)$1,650$5,500$3,080 installed
Toilet (supply + install)$440$1,320$770 installed
Heated towel rail$220$660$385 installed
Plumbing rough-in$2,200$5,500$3,300 total
Demolition & disposal$1,100$3,300$1,980 total

Prices include GST. Based on Canberra metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.

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What Affects Bathroom Renovation Costs in Canberra

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.

How to Save Money on Bathroom Renovation in Canberra
1
Budget 10–15% contingency — bathrooms almost always have hidden surprises behind the walls
2
Keep the existing layout to save $3,000–$5,000 on plumbing relocations
3
Waterproofing is not optional and must be certified — never skip this
4
Choose tiles before getting quotes — tile selection dramatically affects the final cost
5
A walk-in shower is generally cheaper than a bath+shower combo
6
Get quotes from bathroom specialists, not just general builders — they manage the multiple trades better
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Canberra?
A mid-range bathroom renovation in Canberra typically costs $20,000–$35,000. Basic renovations start around $10,000 while premium renovations can reach $55,000+.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A typical bathroom renovation takes 2–4 weeks. Waterproofing alone needs 2–3 days including drying and inspection time.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation?
Waterproofing requires inspection and certification. Structural changes (moving walls, windows) need a building permit. Cosmetic changes generally don't need permits.
What's included in a bathroom renovation quote?
A good quote should cover demolition, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, tiling, fixtures installation, and painting. Always ask what's excluded — often vanities, mirrors, and accessories are extra.
Can I renovate a bathroom for under $10,000?
Yes, but you'll need to keep the existing layout, use budget tiles and fixtures, and possibly do some work yourself (painting, demolition). It's tight but possible for a small bathroom.

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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 →