If you’re thinking about renovating your bathroom, you’re probably wondering what it’s really going to cost you. Whether you want to give your ensuite a quick refresh or completely gut and rebuild your family bathroom, having a realistic idea of bathroom renovation pricing will help you make smart decisions and avoid those nasty budget surprises.
So, What Does a Bathroom Renovation Actually Cost in 2025?
Canstar, citing the Housing Industry Association of Australia, reports that the average cost of a bathroom renovation sits at around $30,000. But here’s the thing: this number can swing wildly depending on where you live, how big your bathroom is, and what kind of finishes you’re after.
Here’s how the cost typically breaks down:
- Budget renovation: approximately $25,000 – $35,000 — usually a cosmetic refresh that leaves most plumbing and electrical in place.
- Mid-range or standard renovation: roughly $35,000–$50,000 — allows for better materials, potential layout tweaks, and higher-quality fixtures.
- Premium/luxury renovation: tends to start at $50,000 and above — for major redesigns, high-end finishes, structural changes, and designer touches.
Most homeowners land in the mid-range zone. They get quality fixtures and professional handiwork without going overboard. In practice, a professionally managed renovation with quality fixtures typically costs between $35,000 and $50,000, making it a solid go-to estimate for many projects.
Cost Per Square Metre — The Quick Calculator
Want a rough idea before you make any big purchases? Here’s how renovation costs typically break down per square metre:
- Basic renovation: $2,000 – $3,000 per m²
- Mid-range renovation: $3,000 – $4,500 per m²
- Premium renovation: $4,500 – $6,000 per m²
- Luxury renovation: $6,000+ per m²
Where Your Money Really Goes
Let’s break down where every dollar of your renovation budget actually ends up. Understanding this helps you determine where to invest and where to save without compromising quality.
Labour Costs — Your Biggest Expense (60 to 70% of budget)
Here’s something that surprises many people: labour will likely be your biggest single expense. In major cities, skilled trades don’t come cheap, and for good reason – you want these jobs done right the first time.
Typical Hourly Rates:
- Plumbers: $100 – $150 per hour
- Electricians: $90 – $130 per hour
- Tilers: $45 – $150 per m²
- General contractors: $80 – $150 per hour
Fixtures and Fittings — Where Style Meets Function (10 to 20% of budget)
This is where your bathroom’s personality really shines. As well as looking good, your fixtures need to withstand daily use and the associated moisture without falling apart.
Typical Fixture Costs:
- Toilets: $200 – $2,000 — from close-coupled units to wall-hung smart toilets
- Vanities: $500–$4,000 — flat-pack options through to custom cabinetry
- Bathtubs: $800–$5,000 — acrylic insets to freestanding stone designs
- Showers: $1,000–$8,000 — prefab cubicles to frameless walk-ins
- Tapware: $150–$1,500 per set — simple chrome mixers to luxury finishes
Tiles and Materials (15 to 25% of budget)
Your tile choice is going to be staring you in the face every single day, so you want to get this right. But it’s not just about looks: you need something that won’t become a slippery health hazard when wet and won’t be a nightmare to keep clean.
Material Costs:
- Basic ceramic tiles: $25 – $50 per m²
- Mid-range porcelain: $50–$100 per m²
- Natural stone, marble or terrazzo: $80–$200 per m²
- Installation: $35–$85 per m²
Waterproofing The Unglamorous Hero (10–15% of budget)
Nobody gets excited about waterproofing, but trust us, this is where you absolutely cannot afford to cut corners. Professional waterproofing typically costs $2,000 to $5,000 for a standard bathroom, but it prevents tens of thousands in potential water damage.
What Really Drives Your Costs Up (Or Down)
Let’s talk about the things that can make your quote jump from reasonable to eye-watering. Understanding these factors early can save you from some serious sticker shock.
Bathroom Size Makes a Big Difference
Contrary to what many people think, bathroom size doesn’t drastically change renovation costs. Whether large or small, most bathrooms contain the same number of fixtures – vanity, shower, toilet, and often a bath – so the labour involved is fairly consistent.
The main variable is tiling: more wall and floor space means more tiles and adhesive, which can push up the price. Other trades, like plastering, see very little difference; whether they’re working with a 2.4 m or 3 m sheet, the labour time remains much the same, with only a slight material price variation.
Your Plumbing Situation — The Make-or-Break Factor
Here’s the deal with plumbing: if you can work with what you’ve got, you’ll save thousands. But if you want to move that toilet to the other side of the room, this will be reflected in your budget.
Existing plumbing significantly influences costs and complexity. Newer homes offer more flexibility and lower modification costs, while older properties often require extensive upgrades. Pre-1980 homes frequently need complete pipe replacement during renovation, which can add $3,000 to $8,000 to your budget.
While these upgrades add to upfront costs, they prevent future problems and can increase your home’s value.
Material Quality — Where You Control the Budget
Material selection creates the largest cost variable. The relationship between cost and quality isn’t always straightforward. Some mid-range materials offer exceptional value and can look just as good as premium options. Local materials provide better availability and lower costs, while imports offer unique designs but require longer lead times.
The trick is knowing where to invest your money for maximum impact. For instance, spending extra on quality tapware that you’ll use daily makes more sense than splurging on expensive feature tiles in a small powder room.
What’s a Realistic Budget? Let’s Get Real
A realistic bathroom renovation budget generally starts from around $30,000 for a basic update where plumbing and electrical fixtures remain in place and tiling is kept to a minimum. From there, costs can increase significantly depending on bathroom size, material selections, and the extent of structural or design changes.
While glossy magazine spreads might suggest a $5,000 makeover is achievable, those figures rarely include quality materials, professional installation, or compliance costs. If you’re renovating to sell, a more modest upgrade may be sufficient, but for a long-term or ‘forever’ home, investing in premium finishes and features that enhance daily living offers greater long-term value.
Budget Range: $25,000 – $35,000
This is your basic refresh territory: new tiles, vanity, toilet, and tapware while keeping the existing layout to minimise plumbing costs. You’ll be using standard materials and can handle some DIY-friendly improvements like painting and installing accessories.
Mid-Range: $35,000 – $50,000
Now we’re talking quality fixtures and materials with the possibility of minor layout modifications. This budget includes professional waterproofing and installation, plus project management and necessary permits. Most homeowners find this range gives them the best balance of quality and value.
Premium/Luxury Range: $50,000+
This is where you can really start to customise your space: high-quality materials, significant layout modifications, premium lighting and heating systems. Custom vanity options and frameless shower screens become realistic, and you’ll have access to designer brands and finishes. Larger architectural changes, smart home integration, and high-end spa features are also achievable. This is where you create a true sanctuary that rivals high-end hotels.
The Surprise Costs Nobody Warns You About
Even if you plan everything down to the last tile, renovations have a sneaky way of throwing curveballs at your budget. Here are the costs that catch most people off guard.
Permits and Compliance
Building permits are a common surprise expense and are rarely straightforward. They typically cost between $4,000 and $6,000, depending on the information required and can take 4–8 weeks to obtain. This amount usually covers:
- Building permit application fee
- Building permit number (yes, even the council charges for this)
- Structural engineer reports, if needed
- Plans prepared by a registered draftsperson
- Energy report (sometimes required)
- Any other supporting documentation requested by the council or building surveyor
Unexpected Issues (Always budget 15 – 20% extra)
Common surprises include asbestos removal ($2,000 to $8,000), structural repairs ($1,500 to $5,000), and complete replumbing ($3,000 to $8,000).
Living Without Your Bathroom
Nobody really thinks about this until they’re brushing their teeth in the kitchen sink. If you’re renovating your only bathroom, factor in potential accommodation costs or temporary facilities.
Waste Management
Skip bins and disposal typically cost $350 to $650, with additional fees for hazardous materials like asbestos.
Will You Actually Get Your Money Back?
Let’s be honest, you’re probably wondering if this renovation will pay off when you sell. The good news is that bathrooms are one of the better renovations for return on investment. According to industry research, Australian homeowners typically see a 50% to 70% return on a well-planned renovation, with minor remodels often delivering higher returns of up to 75% due to their smaller upfront investment and focus on impactful upgrades.
Well-executed bathroom renovations typically deliver strong returns in competitive property markets. However, over-capitalising relative to your home’s value can reduce returns. The key is aligning renovation scope with neighbourhood standards and buyer expectations. A $50,000 luxury bathroom in a $400,000 home might be over-capitalising, while the same bathroom in a $800,000 home makes perfect sense.
Features that add the most value:
- Modern, neutral colour schemes
- Quality fixtures with broad appeal
- Efficient storage solutions
- Good natural light and ventilation
- Separate shower and bath (where space permits)
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Look, bathroom renovations can feel overwhelming when you start looking at all these numbers. But with the right planning and realistic expectations, you can create something amazing without breaking the bank.
The smart strategy is being honest with yourself about what you need versus what you want, getting quotes from multiple contractors, and always having a contingency fund for those inevitable surprises.
At My Bathroom Renovations Melbourne, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to complete your project without the stress. We believe in transparent pricing, no nasty surprises, and delivering results that make you smile every time you walk into your new bathroom.
For comprehensive guidance on your bathroom renovation, check out our Everything You Need to Know About Bathroom Renovations guide, or contact us today for a free consultation.
