Bathroom Renovation Cost Australia 2026: Complete Price Guide

Planning a bathroom reno but worried about being overcharged? You’re not alone. The biggest question Aussies ask before starting their bathroom makeover is: “What should this actually cost?”

Based on our analysis of 110 real bathroom renovation quotes across Australia, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $35,000 for a complete bathroom renovation in 2026. The good news? With real pricing data, you’ll know exactly what’s fair before you sign on the dotted line.

Quick Cost Summary 📊

Here’s what bathroom renovations typically cost in Australia right now:

Renovation Level	Price Range	What You Get
Budget	$8,000 - $14,400	Basic fixtures, standard tiles, essential updates
Mid-range	$14,400 - $21,600	Quality fixtures, better tiles, some custom work
Premium	$21,600 - $35,000	High-end fixtures, designer tiles, full customisation
Average Cost	$18,000	Most common spend for a standard bathroom

What Affects Your Bathroom Renovation Cost?

Size and Scope of Work

The biggest factor in your bathroom renovation cost is simply how much work needs doing. A cosmetic refresh where you’re keeping the same layout costs far less than moving plumbing or expanding the space. Standard bathrooms (around 5-8sqm) fall within our average range, while ensuites might be slightly less and main bathrooms with separate toilets cost more.

Materials and Quality Level

Your choice of fixtures and finishes can double or triple your costs. Budget tapware might set you back $200, while premium European brands can easily hit $2,000 for the same function. Tiles show the same pattern - basic ceramics cost around $30/sqm while designer porcelain or natural stone can reach $150/sqm or more.

Location Factors

Where you live in Australia impacts your renovation costs significantly. Sydney and Melbourne tradies typically charge 15-20% more than regional areas. Perth and Brisbane sit somewhere in the middle, while Adelaide and Hobart tend to be more affordable. Access issues in apartment buildings or heritage homes can also bump up labour costs.

Tradesperson Experience

Master tradies charge more than apprentices, but they’re often worth it. An experienced plumber might cost $120/hour versus $80/hour for someone newer, but they’ll work faster and you’ll have fewer callbacks. The sweet spot? Tradies with 5-10 years experience who aren’t yet charging premium rates.

Complexity and Access

Straightforward renovations in ground-floor homes with good access cost less than tricky upstairs bathrooms or apartments requiring goods lifts. Unexpected issues like water damage, asbestos, or non-standard plumbing can add thousands to your quote.

Detailed Bathroom Renovation Cost Breakdown

Let’s dive into what you’ll actually pay for each component of your bathroom reno, based on those 110 real quotes we analysed:

Plumbing Rough In: $1,500 - $4,000

This covers all the pipework behind your walls. The lower end applies when you’re keeping fixtures in the same spot. Hit the upper range if you’re moving your toilet, shower, or adding a freestanding bath. This is where DIY ends and licensed tradies begin.

Plumbing Fixtures: $800 - $3,000

Your taps, showerheads, and toilet suite. Budget options from Bunnings start around $800 total, while premium brands like Caroma or imported fixtures push toward $3,000. Most Aussies spend about $1,500 here for decent quality that lasts.

Waterproofing: $800 - $2,000

Non-negotiable and legally required. The cost depends on your bathroom size and whether you need full-room waterproofing (wet areas) or just shower/bath zones. Never skimp here - water damage repairs cost 10x more than proper waterproofing.

Tiling: $150 - $290 per sqm

Floor Tiling: $80 - $150/sqm
Wall Tiling: $70 - $140/sqm

These rates include labour and adhesives but not the tiles themselves. Larger format tiles cost more to install, as do intricate patterns or natural stone. A standard 6sqm bathroom might need 6sqm floor and 20sqm wall tiling.

Vanity Supply & Install: $400 - $2,500

Wall-hung vanities from large hardware stores start at $400 installed. Custom-made timber vanities with stone tops can easily hit $2,500. The average spend is around $1,200 for a good quality 900mm vanity with decent storage.

Shower Screen: $400 - $2,000

Framed screens are cheapest, semi-frameless cost more, and frameless screens top the range. Standard sizes cost less than custom cuts. Black frames are trendy but add about 20% to the cost of chrome.

Electrical Work: $500 - $2,000

New exhaust fans, heated towel rails, upgrading lights, and adding power points. If your bathroom’s still running 1970s wiring, budget toward the higher end. LED downlights are now standard and cost about $80-120 each installed.

Other Costs

Demolition: $500 - $1,500 (depends on waste disposal and asbestos)
Toilet Supply & Install: $300 - $1,200 (basic to smart toilets)
Painting: $300 - $800 (size and ceiling height dependent)
Exhaust Fan: $150 - $500 (basic to heat/light combos)

Australia-Specific Cost Factors

Local Market Conditions

The Australian renovation market in 2026 remains busy but more balanced than the crazy post-COVID years. Material costs have stabilised, though labour remains tight in major cities. Regional areas often have 2-3 month wait times for good tradies, while cities might book out 4-6 weeks ahead.

Popular Aussie Bathroom Styles

Coastal hamptons, modern minimalist, and industrial styles dominate Australian bathrooms right now. These trends affect costs - industrial style with exposed copper pipes costs more than hidden plumbing, while hamptons-style shaker vanities run pricier than flat-panel options.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter (June-August) often sees slightly lower quotes as it’s the quiet season for tradies. Spring and early summer are busiest, with many tradies booked solid. If you’re flexible on timing, asking for a winter start date might save 5-10% on labour.

Water Efficiency Requirements

Australian regulations require WELS-rated fixtures. While this limits your cheapest options, it saves money long-term. A 4-star shower head might cost $50 more upfront but saves hundreds on water bills annually.

How to Get a Fair Quote for Your Bathroom Renovation

Get Three Quotes Minimum

This isn’t just about finding the cheapest price - it’s about understanding what’s normal. When three tradies quote similar amounts, you know that’s the fair market rate. One significantly lower? They might’ve missed something. Way higher? They might not want the job.

What to Look for in a Detailed Quote

Good quotes include:

Line-by-line breakdown of all work
Clear start and end dates
Payment schedule tied to milestones
Specific brand names for fixtures
Waste disposal arrangements
Warranty terms

Red flags in quotes:

Lump sum pricing with no breakdown
“Provisional” amounts exceeding 10% of quote
No mention of waterproofing certification
Excluded items buried in fine print
Pressure to sign immediately

Questions to Ask Tradies

“What’s not included in this quote?” (The most important question)
“How do you handle unexpected issues like water damage?”
“Can I supply my own fixtures to save money?”
“What’s your payment schedule?”
“How long have you been doing bathroom renovations?”

Money-Saving Tips Without Sacrificing Quality 💰

Smart Places to Save

Keep your existing layout - Moving plumbing adds thousands
Choose standard sizes - Custom shower screens and vanities cost 40% more
Shop sales - End of financial year sees 20-30% off fixtures
DIY demolition - Save $500-1,000 if you’re handy (but check for asbestos first)
Supply your own fixtures - Buy during sales and save 30-40%

Worth Paying More For

Quality waterproofing - Never go budget here
Good tiles - Cheap tiles chip, stain, and look dated fast
Experienced tilers - Poor tiling is obvious forever
Decent tapware - Budget taps leak and need replacing within 5 years

Common Money-Wasting Mistakes

Going too cheap on labour often means paying twice. We’ve analysed quotes where homeowners saved $2,000 on a cheap tiler, then spent $5,000 fixing crooked tiles and failed waterproofing. Similarly, that $300 vanity from overseas websites might need $800 in plumber modifications to fit Australian standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

A standard bathroom renovation takes 2-3 weeks once work begins. This includes demolition (2 days), plumbing/electrical rough-in (2-3 days), waterproofing and drying (3-4 days), tiling (3-4 days), and fixture installation (2-3 days). Larger or more complex renovations can stretch to 4-5 weeks.

Do I need council approval for a bathroom renovation?

Most bathroom renovations don’t need council approval if you’re not changing the room’s footprint. However, you’ll need certified waterproofing and electrical/plumbing work must be done by licensed tradies. If you’re moving walls or windows, council approval is likely required.

Can I live at home during a bathroom renovation?

Yes, but it’s challenging if it’s your only bathroom. Most tradies work 7am-3:30pm weekdays, so you’ll have evenings and weekends. Consider a portable toilet hire ($150-200/week) or staying with family during the waterproofing and tiling phase when the bathroom is completely unusable.

What’s the best time of year to renovate?

Winter (June-August) often offers better availability and slight discounts. Avoid starting just before Christmas or Easter when tradies take holidays. Spring sees highest demand and longest wait times.

Final Thoughts

Bathroom renovation costs in Australia vary widely, but armed with real data, you shouldn’t pay more than necessary. Based on our analysis of 110 actual quotes, most Aussies spend around $18,000 on a mid-range bathroom renovation. Budget conscious renovators can achieve great results for $8,000-14,400, while those wanting luxury finishes should budget $21,600-35,000.

Remember, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Focus on detailed quotes, experienced tradies, and quality where it matters. A well-planned bathroom renovation adds value to your home and improves your daily life for years to come.

Want to check if your bathroom renovation quote is fair? Upload it to QuoteChecker.io for a free analysis comparing your quote against real prices in your area.