Quick answer
| Renovation type | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Budget refresh (cosmetic only) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Mid-range renovation | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| High-end full renovation | $30,000 – $55,000+ |
| Luxury / custom | $55,000 – $100,000+ |
These are total costs including labour, materials, and GST for a standard-sized bathroom (approx. 5–8 sqm) in a metropolitan area. Regional areas may be 10–20% less. Sydney and Melbourne tend to be at the upper end.
What drives the cost?
Plumbing changes
Moving pipes is expensive. If you keep your toilet, shower, and vanity in the same positions, you'll save thousands. Moving a toilet can add $2,000–$5,000 alone.
Waterproofing
Non-negotiable and regulated. Professional waterproofing typically costs $1,500–$3,500. This is not the place to cut corners — a waterproofing failure can cost tens of thousands in damage.
Tiles
The biggest variable after layout changes:
- Budget ceramic: $25–$50/sqm
- Mid-range porcelain: $50–$100/sqm
- Premium/large format: $100–$200+/sqm
- Tiling labour: $50–$90/sqm (plus cuts, waterproofing prep)
Fixtures
- Toilet: $300–$2,000
- Vanity + basin: $400–$3,000
- Shower screen: $500–$2,500
- Tapware: $200–$1,500 per set
- Bath (if applicable): $500–$5,000
Labour breakdown
- Plumber: $80–$120/hour
- Tiler: $50–$90/sqm
- Electrician: $80–$120/hour
- Waterproofer: $1,500–$3,500 (usually fixed price)
- Builder/project manager: 10–15% of total cost
Where to save (and where not to)
Save on:
- Fixtures and fittings (shop sales, outlet stores)
- Tile selection (mid-range tiles look great and last)
- Keeping the existing layout (no plumbing moves)
- Doing your own demolition (ask the tradie first)
Don't skimp on:
- Waterproofing (ever)
- Licensed plumber and electrician
- Quality tapware (cheap taps fail fast)
- Proper ventilation (prevents mould)
How to get an accurate quote
- Get 3 quotes minimum from licensed tradies
- Ask for itemised quotes — not just a total
- Specify your fixtures before quoting (or ask the tradie to allow)
- Ask about contingencies — what happens if they find asbestos or rotten framing?
- Check credentials — licence, insurance, ABN
On Quoteable, you can post your bathroom renovation job and get matched with verified local tradies who specialise in bathroom work. Our AI can even generate a cost estimate before you start quoting, so you know what to expect.
Timeline
A standard bathroom renovation takes 2–4 weeks with an experienced team. Expect:
- Demo + strip out: 1–2 days
- Plumbing rough-in: 1–2 days
- Waterproofing + drying: 2–3 days
- Tiling: 3–5 days
- Fixture installation: 1–2 days
- Final plumbing + electrical: 1 day
- Clean up + snags: 1 day