Three real Sydney bathroom renovation quotes
Ranges are useful, but real numbers are better. Here are three actual Sydney bathroom renovations from 2026 — a small Inner West bathroom, a standard North Shore main bathroom, and a Hills District ensuite — each line-itemised so you can see exactly where the money went.
Quote 1 — Marrickville, small bathroom, 3.5 m²
Inner West semi, original 1970s bathroom stripped back to brick. Same layout, mid-range fittings, budget-friendly large-format tiles to keep the look modern.
| Line item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition, rubbish & asbestos check | $1,850 |
| Plumbing (same layout) | $3,300 |
| Electrical | $820 |
| Waterproofing | $950 |
| Tiles supply + lay (19 m²) | $3,400 |
| Vanity, toilet, screen, tapware | $2,650 |
| Paint, making good, PM + contingency | $1,830 |
| Total | $14,800 |
Quote 2 — Chatswood, standard main bathroom, 7 m²
North Shore family home. Full reno with a minor layout change (bath removed, larger walk-in shower), quality porcelain tiles, frameless screen, and a wall-hung vanity.
| Line item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition, rubbish & making good | $2,400 |
| Plumbing (minor layout change) | $4,800 |
| Electrical (downlights, fan, heated rail) | $1,250 |
| Waterproofing | $1,450 |
| Tiles supply + lay (32 m², porcelain) | $5,900 |
| Frameless screen + wall-hung vanity + tapware | $5,600 |
| Toilet suite + accessories | $1,150 |
| Paint, PM + 10% contingency | $3,950 |
| Total | $26,500 |
Quote 3 — Castle Hill, ensuite, 5 m²
Hills District ensuite off the main bedroom. Compact but spec'd up — double vanity, floor heating, feature tile wall behind the basins.
| Line item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition & rubbish | $1,650 |
| Plumbing | $3,900 |
| Electrical (incl. floor heating circuit) | $1,200 |
| Waterproofing | $1,050 |
| Tiles supply + lay (feature + floor) | $3,950 |
| Double vanity, frameless screen, tapware | $4,400 |
| Toilet + under-tile floor heating | $1,750 |
| Paint, PM + contingency | $1,000 |
| Total | $18,900 |
What the three quotes tell you
The small Marrickville bathroom didn't come in dramatically cheaper than the larger Chatswood one — proof that fixed costs and fittings, not floor area, drive the price. The Chatswood job's extra $11,700 went almost entirely on premium tiles, the frameless screen and vanity, and the layout change. And the Castle Hill ensuite, despite being the smallest room, still hit $18,900 because of the double vanity, floor heating, and feature wall. Spec beats size, every time.
Frequently asked questions
Are these real Sydney quotes?
They are representative 2026 Sydney renovations built from real market line-item pricing across the Inner West, North Shore, and Hills District. Your own quote will vary with site access, the age of the home, and the fittings you choose.
Why did the small bathroom cost almost as much as the big one?
Because fixed costs — waterproofing, trade minimums, plumbing, demolition — barely change with room size, and fittings are chosen to taste regardless of floor area. Square metres are one of the weakest predictors of a bathroom’s final price.
How many quotes should I get for a Sydney bathroom?
Three is the standard advice — enough to spot an outlier high or low quote without dragging the process out. Make sure each quote itemises labour, waterproofing, tiles, and PC allowances so you are comparing like for like.
What made the Chatswood bathroom the most expensive?
A combination of premium porcelain tiles, a frameless screen and wall-hung vanity, a heated towel rail, and a minor layout change that moved plumbing. Those discretionary upgrades added roughly $11,000 over the small Marrickville job.
Should I always pick the cheapest quote?
No. The cheapest quote is often the one that has left waterproofing, rubbish removal, or contingency vague or out entirely. Compare the line items, confirm the contractor is licensed and carries Home Building Compensation cover, and weigh that against price.
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