Ensuite renovation cost in Sydney
A Sydney ensuite renovation typically runs $13,000 to $24,000, averaging around $18,000. Ensuites are usually smaller than the main bathroom but get specified higher — they sit off the main bedroom, so owners tend to spend on the finishes they see every morning.
Quick answer — ensuite renovation cost in Sydney
| Scope | Typical Sydney range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Compact ensuite refresh (3–4 m², refit, same layout) | $11,000 – $16,000 |
| Standard ensuite full reno (4–6 m², quality fittings) | $16,000 – $22,000 |
| Premium ensuite (double vanity, frameless, floor heating) | $22,000 – $34,000 |
Why an ensuite costs more per square metre than the main bathroom
It's small, so fixed costs dominate
Like any small wet area, an ensuite carries the same waterproofing call-out, trade day rates, and tiling-per-metre premium as a small bathroom — spread over fewer square metres. That alone lifts the per-m² cost above a roomy main bathroom.
The spec is higher
Ensuites attract the upgrades: frameless shower screens (about $1,000–$1,800 vs $500–$900 semi-frameless), wall-hung double vanities, in-slab or under-tile floor heating ($900–$2,200), heated towel rails, niche lighting, and feature tiles. Each is modest on its own, but together they routinely add $4,000–$8,000 over a like-for-like main bathroom.
Common Sydney ensuite upgrades and what they add
| Upgrade | Typical add-on cost |
|---|---|
| Frameless shower screen (over semi-frameless) | +$500 – $1,000 |
| Under-tile floor heating | +$900 – $2,200 |
| Double wall-hung vanity | +$1,200 – $3,000 |
| Heated towel rail | +$250 – $650 |
| Niche + feature tile wall | +$400 – $1,200 |
Itemised example — Mosman ensuite, 5 m²
| Line item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Strip-out, demolition & rubbish | $1,750 |
| Plumbing (minor layout change) | $4,100 |
| Electrical (downlights, fan, heated rail circuit) | $1,150 |
| Waterproofing (AS 3740 compliant) | $1,050 |
| Tiles — supply (feature + floor) | $1,480 |
| Tiling — labour | $2,650 |
| Frameless shower screen | $1,550 |
| Double wall-hung vanity + tapware | $2,900 |
| Toilet suite (wall-faced) | $620 |
| Under-tile floor heating | $1,350 |
| Painting + making good + PM & contingency | $2,200 |
| Total | $20,750 |
Frequently asked questions
Is an ensuite cheaper than the main bathroom because it is smaller?
Usually not. Ensuites are smaller but get higher-spec fittings and the same fixed trade and waterproofing costs, so the total often lands close to — or above — a like-for-like main bathroom on a per-square-metre basis.
Can I add an ensuite where there isn’t one?
Yes, but adding a new ensuite is a bigger job than renovating an existing one because you are running new water, waste, and electrical to a room that has none, and often building a stud wall. Expect $20,000–$35,000+ in Sydney depending on how far the services have to run.
Do I need council approval for an ensuite renovation in Sydney?
A like-for-like refit generally does not, but adding a new wet area, moving waste pipes, or any structural change can trigger approval or a private certifier sign-off. Your licensed builder or plumber will tell you what applies — confirm before work starts.
What’s the most cost-effective ensuite upgrade?
A frameless or semi-frameless screen and a quality vanity give the biggest visible lift for the money. Floor heating and double vanities are the items that quietly push an ensuite from the mid-range into the premium band.
How long does an ensuite renovation take?
Typically 2.5–4 weeks for a full strip-and-replace. Premium finishes with floor heating and custom screens can add a week, mostly waiting on the screen measure-and-fit after tiling.
← Back to Sydney bathroom renovation cost hub