Sydney bathroom renovation cost breakdown
A typical standard Sydney bathroom renovation lands around $24,000 in 2026. Here's where every dollar of it actually goes — and the three things most likely to push the number well past that.
Quick answer — where a $24,000 Sydney bathroom goes
| Line item | Typical cost | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Trades labour (plumbing, tiling, electrical, carpentry) | $8,800 | ~37% |
| Fixtures & fittings (vanity, toilet, screen, tapware) | $5,300 | ~22% |
| Tiles — supply & lay | $4,600 | ~19% |
| Demolition, rubbish & making good | $2,300 | ~10% |
| Waterproofing | $1,500 | ~6% |
| Contingency (10%) | $1,500 | ~6% |
The breakdown, line by line
Labour — the biggest single cost
Roughly 35–40% of a Sydney bathroom is trade labour. A licensed plumber handles rough-in and fit-off ($3,000–$5,500), the tiler is usually the longest single trade on site, and you'll also pay an electrician, a waterproofer, and often a carpenter for any framing or niche work. Sydney trade day rates are among the highest in the country, which is why labour dominates the bill.
Waterproofing — never the place to save
Waterproofing is only about 6% of the cost but causes the overwhelming majority of bathroom failures. In NSW it must comply with AS 3740 and is classed as specialist work. A failed membrane means water in the wall cavity, rotten framing, and a second renovation — and a non-compliant DIY job can void your home insurance. Pay for it properly.
Tiles & tiling
Tile supply ranges enormously — $25/m² for budget ceramic to $120/m²+ for imported porcelain or stone-look. Laying runs $80–$140/m² in Sydney depending on tile size, pattern, and how tight the room is. Together, tiles and tiling are usually about a fifth of the job.
Fixtures & PC items
Vanity ($400–$2,500), toilet suite ($250–$900), shower screen ($500–$1,800), and a tapware set ($300–$1,200) make up the "prime cost" allowance. This is the easiest line to blow out, because the showroom upgrade always looks worth it at the time.
What pushes the number above $24,000
Three things, in order: relocating plumbing (moving the toilet or shower adds $1,500–$4,000), premium tiles and fittings (an easy $3,000–$8,000 over standard), and hidden remediation — rot, asbestos, or old failed waterproofing found at demolition. A full luxury Sydney bathroom routinely reaches $35,000–$60,000+ once all three stack up.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of a bathroom renovation is labour?
In Sydney, roughly 35–40% of the total. Trade day rates here are among the highest in Australia, so on a $24,000 bathroom you are looking at around $8,000–$9,000 in combined plumbing, tiling, electrical, and carpentry labour.
How much should I budget for waterproofing?
About $750–$2,000 for a standard Sydney bathroom, depending on size and the number of wet zones. It is a small share of the total but the most important line on the quote — it must comply with AS 3740 and should never be cut to save money.
Why is tiling so expensive?
Tile laying in Sydney runs $80–$140 per square metre because it is slow, skilled work — and small or intricately patterned bathrooms cost at the top of that range. Add tile supply on top, which can range from $25 to well over $120 per square metre.
What is a PC or prime cost item?
A prime cost item is an allowance your builder includes for products you choose later — typically tiles, tapware, vanity, and toilet. If you select fittings dearer than the allowance, you pay the difference, which is the most common source of budget creep.
How much contingency should I allow?
At least 10% on a post-2000 Sydney home, and 15% on anything older. Lifting old tiles and linings frequently exposes rot, asbestos sheeting, or failed waterproofing that has to be remediated before the new work can proceed.
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