How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?
Bathroom renovation in Melbourne costs $10,500–$21,000 for a basic renovation with budget fittings, $21,000–$36,750 for a mid-range fit-out, and $36,750–$57,750 for premium finishes. The final price depends on bathroom size, fixture quality, structural changes, and whether waterproofing needs redoing.
We've compiled pricing from bathroom renovators across Melbourne, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of July 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Melbourne 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic renovation (budget fittings) | $10,500total | $15,750 | $21,000 |
| Mid-range renovation | $21,000total | $28,350 | $36,750 |
| Premium renovation | $36,750total | $44,100 | $57,750 |
| Luxury renovation | $57,750total | $68,250 | $84,000 |
| Waterproofing | $1,050total | $1,900 | $3,675 |
| Tiling (floor + walls) | $2,100total | $3,675 | $6,300 |
| Vanity (supply + install) | $525total | $1,575 | $3,675 |
| Shower screen (frameless) | $840installed | $1,575 | $2,625 |
| Bath (freestanding, installed) | $1,575installed | $2,950 | $5,250 |
| Toilet (supply + install) | $420installed | $735 | $1,250 |
| Heated towel rail | $210installed | $370 | $630 |
| Plumbing rough-in | $2,100total | $3,150 | $5,250 |
| Demolition & disposal | $1,050total | $1,900 | $3,150 |
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Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What each tier actually includes
Premium bathroom with layout changes
All the above at premium spec, plus: freestanding stone or composite bath ($1,800–$6,000), underfloor hydronic heating ($2,500–$5,000), custom joinery vanity ($2,500–$7,000), floor-to-ceiling large-format porcelain tiles ($5,000–$10,000), niche shelving, designer lighting, smart toilet, and plumbing relocation for new layout ($2,000–$5,000 per fixture). Melbourne's cool climate makes heated elements particularly worthwhile — they add cost but dramatically improve the daily experience.
What Affects Bathroom Renovation Costs in Melbourne
Renovation scope
A cosmetic refresh (repainting, new vanity, fixtures) costs far less than a full gut-and-rebuild. Most Melbourne bathroom renovations involve full strip-out, waterproofing, tiling, and new fixtures.
Fixture quality
Budget fixtures from Bunnings vs premium brands (Caroma, Parisi, Grohe) can triple the fixtures portion. A basic vanity is $300–$600; premium is $1,500–$4,000 in Melbourne.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing ($1,575–$5,250 in Melbourne) is legally required and must be done by a licensed waterproofer. If existing waterproofing is compromised, it must be completely redone.
Tiling
Tiling ($420–$1,250/sqm in Melbourne) varies hugely with tile choice and pattern. Large-format tiles cost less to lay per sqm than mosaics. Tile supply is separate from labour.
Plumbing & electrical
Moving plumbing points (toilet, shower, basin) in Melbourne adds $2,000–$5,000+. Concrete slab homes cost more than timber-floor homes for plumbing relocation.
Project management
A builder managing all trades in Melbourne adds 15–25% overhead but saves you coordinating plumber, tiler, electrician, waterproofer, and painter yourself.
How to Save Money on Bathroom Renovation in Melbourne
Heritage terrace ensuites and Melbourne's market
Melbourne's heritage terrace bathrooms are typically narrow, deep rooms with awkward plumbing runs. The standard Carlton, Fitzroy, and Brunswick scope adds a niche, replaces fittings, and upgrades waterproofing for $20,000–$35,000. Hawthorn, Toorak, and Brighton premium work running floor-to-ceiling natural stone with custom vanities and steam-shower fitouts pushes $30,000–$60,000. Outer corridor estate homes (Pakenham, Tarneit) refit at $12,000–$25,000.
Heritage overlays affect external bathroom modifications — replacement windows, vent stacks — in Yarra, Stonnington, and Boroondara council areas. Apartment owner's-corporation approvals add 4–8 weeks. Melbourne's high mineral content in council water occasionally affects tap and showerhead selection; local renovators specify high-quality cartridges that won't fail within the warranty window.
Permits, licensing and your protections in Victoria
A like-for-like bathroom renovation in Melbourne — same layout, replacing fixtures and finishes — generally doesn't need a building permit. The moment you move walls, alter the structure or relocate drainage, a building permit from a registered building surveyor is usually required; in the heritage-overlay councils noted above, a planning permit can apply on top of that and add weeks before work can start.
Plumbing and waterproofing are regulated in Victoria. Bathroom waterproofing is classed as plumbing work and must be carried out by a licensed plumber endorsed in waterproofing, to Australian Standard AS 3740 — and you should be issued a compliance certificate for the plumbing work. If a renovator can't tell you who holds the plumbing licence and waterproofing endorsement on your job, treat that as the first red flag.
The part that protects your money: for domestic building work over $10,000 your renovator must use a major domestic building contract and be a registered building practitioner. For work over $16,000, Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) is mandatory — the builder arranges it and must give you the certificate of insurance before taking any deposit. DBI covers you if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent before the job is finished. From 2026 these protections are administered by Victoria's new Building & Plumbing Commission. Never pay a deposit on a $16k-plus renovation until you have seen the DBI certificate.
Bathroom renovation cost by Melbourne area
| Area | Typical full reno | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Inner heritage — Carlton, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Richmond | $20,000–$35,000 | Narrow terraces, awkward plumbing runs, heritage constraints |
| Premium inner-east & bayside — Hawthorn, Toorak, Brighton, Malvern | $30,000–$60,000+ | Natural stone, custom joinery, heated and steam fitouts |
| Middle ring — Glen Waverley, Preston, Essendon | $18,000–$32,000 | Standard full reno with quality fixtures |
| Outer growth corridor — Tarneit, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Werribee | $12,000–$25,000 | Newer homes, mostly like-for-like refits |
Bands are for a standard main-bathroom full renovation. Ensuites typically run 20–30% cheaper than a main bathroom of the same spec; a freestanding bath or relocated fixtures push you toward the top of each range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, 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 price guides are produced independently. Pricing is compiled from public quotes, industry rate guides, and marketplace data, and no tradesperson can influence a published figure. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed July 2026. Read our full methodology →
Five deep-dives on Melbourne bathroom renovation cost
