The average bathroom renovation cost in Australia is roughly $20,000–$35,000 for a standard full renovation (indicative — get itemised quotes). Size, whether pipes and drains move, the finishes you choose and the cost of waterproofing and tiling drive the final figure.
This guide breaks down what a bathroom renovation costs by size and style, how Sydney compares with other cities, what pushes a quote up and how to save without cutting corners. We cover plumbing costs, demolition, retiling and quotes along the way.
Key points
- Expect roughly $12,000–$20,000 for a budget full renovation and $35,000–$60,000 or more for a premium one (indicative — get itemised quotes).
- The biggest cost drivers are moving plumbing, waterproofing and tiling, plus how much your finishes cost.
- The cheapest option is a cosmetic refresh that keeps the layout and the plumbing where it is.
- DIY is fine for demolition prep and painting, but plumbing and waterproofing need licensed trades.
Average bathroom renovation cost: price table
Costs vary with size and finish level, so use the table as a guide and always get itemised quotes.
| Renovation type | Materials | Labour | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (same layout and plumbing) | $2,000–$5,000 (indicative) | $3,000–$7,000 (indicative) | $5,000–$12,000 (indicative) |
| Budget full renovation | $5,000–$8,000 (indicative) | $7,000–$12,000 (indicative) | $12,000–$20,000 (indicative) |
| Standard full renovation | $8,000–$14,000 (indicative) | $12,000–$21,000 (indicative) | $20,000–$35,000 (indicative) |
| Premium renovation | $14,000–$25,000 (indicative) | $21,000–$35,000 (indicative) | $35,000–$60,000 or more (indicative) |
- Cost of bathroom renovation by size: a small ensuite sits at the lower end of each band, and a large family bathroom with a bath and double vanity sits near the top.
- A new bathroom cost in an apartment often runs higher per square metre because of access, lift bookings and building rules.
- The cost bathroom renovation figure usually excludes furniture, heated towel rails and extra electrical work unless the quote lists them.
- Allow a contingency because older Sydney homes often hide rotten subfloors, old galvanised pipes or asbestos-era wall linings.
Average bathroom renovation cost by city
Labour rates and access shape local pricing, and Sydney typically costs more than other capitals.
| City | Standard full renovation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Average bathroom renovation cost Sydney | $22,000–$40,000 (indicative) | Higher labour and access costs |
| Melbourne | $20,000–$38,000 (indicative) | Close to Sydney for mid-range jobs |
| Brisbane | $18,000–$35,000 (indicative) | Cost of bathroom renovation Brisbane varies with older timber Queenslander builds |
| Perth | $18,000–$35,000 (indicative) | Trade availability affects timing |
| Adelaide | $17,000–$32,000 (indicative) | Often the lowest of the capitals |
| Average bathroom renovation cost Canberra | $20,000–$38,000 (indicative) | Strong demand keeps trade rates up |
These are indicative ranges, not quotes, and your site conditions, access and the finishes you choose will move them either way. Treat them as a starting point for your budget and request itemised quotes before you commit.
Bathroom reno cost: what Sydney plumbers charge
Plumbing is one slice of a renovation, but it is the slice that must be licensed. Sydney Water says a licensed plumber is needed for renovations and for replacing toilets and showers.
| Service (Sydney, Oct 2026, incl. GST) | Price range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Call-out fee | $69–$170 | $140 |
| Hourly rate | $92–$230 | $140 |
| After-hours hourly rate | $170–$345 | $255 |
| Toilet repair | $150–$350 | $250 |
| Leaking tap repair | $80–$260 | $170 |
| Tap replacement | $150–$500 | $330 |
| After-hours or emergency visit | $290–$805 | $520 |
- Rough-in plumbing is priced by scope, so ask for it itemised; our bathroom rough-in plumbing guide explains the stage.
- Fit-off is normally separate, covering taps, toilet, basin and shower once tiling and waterproofing are finished.
- Ask for a Certificate of Compliance, because it confirms the work meets the Plumbing Code of Australia.
Bathroom demolition cost and new bathroom cost by task
Breaking a renovation into tasks shows where the money goes, and it makes quotes easier to compare.
| Task | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom demolition cost | $1,500–$4,000 (indicative) | Includes tile removal, fixtures and rubbish; see our guide to removing bathroom tiles |
| Plumbing rough-in | $2,500–$6,000 (indicative) | Higher if pipes move or old pipes must be replaced |
| Waterproofing | $1,000–$2,500 (indicative) | See our waterproofing bathroom cost guide |
| Tiling labour | $3,000–$8,000 (indicative) | Depends on tile size and pattern |
| Vanity, toilet, tapware and shower | $2,500–$10,000 (indicative) | Brands such as Caroma, Methven and Phoenix span many price points |
| Electrical and exhaust fan | $800–$2,500 (indicative) | A licensed electrician must do this |
| Painting and finishing | $500–$1,500 (indicative) | Often the last item on the quote |
How much to retile a bathroom
If the layout stays and only the tiles are tired, a retile can be the cheapest meaningful upgrade.
- Retile only (floor and walls) costs roughly $4,000–$10,000 (indicative — get itemised quotes), depending on area and tile choice.
- Hacking off old tiles can reveal failed waterproofing, which changes a retile into a larger waterproofing job.
- Waterproofing is a separate step; see our waterproofing shower guide and bathroom waterproofing membrane guide.
- Large-format tiles cost less to lay per square metre but need a flatter substrate, so surface prep costs more.
- Re-grouting and resealing can refresh a bathroom for much less, if the tiles and membrane are sound.
- Ask the tiler how long the job takes; our bathroom renovation timeline guide shows typical durations.
What affects the bathroom renovation price
Quotes for the same bathroom can differ widely because each of these factors adds or removes cost.
- Moving the toilet, shower or drain can add roughly $1,500–$5,000 for plumbing, and more if the slab must be cut (indicative — get itemised quotes).
- Bathroom size and shape change the amount of tile, waterproofing and labour; small ensuites are not always cheap per square metre.
- Tile selection swings costs: large stone tiles cost far more to buy and lay than standard ceramic.
- Fixture quality matters, since a basic vanity set costs a fraction of a custom stone-top unit.
- Hidden damage such as rot, termite damage and failed old waterproofing is common behind tiles in older homes.
- Access and building type affect labour: apartments have strata rules and limited lift access.
- Approvals and compliance can add time and cost; check whether you need approval with our council approval guide.
- Time of year and trade demand influence both price and start date.
Budget bathroom renovation: where to spend and where to save
A tight budget works best when you protect the hidden work and save on the visible finishes.
| Item | Spend or save | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing and falls | Spend | Failures sit behind the tiles and cost the most to repair |
| Plumbing rough-in and new pipes | Spend | Old galvanised or damaged lines are cheaper to replace while the walls are open |
| Tapware and shower mixers | Mid-range | Reliable cartridges matter more than a designer finish |
| Wall and floor tiles | Save | Standard sizes are cheaper to buy and to lay |
| Vanity and mirror | Save | Flat-pack units are fine if the plumbing is neat |
| Accessories and lighting | Save | Swap them later without disturbing the structure |
- Ask for a bathroom renovation quotes comparison in writing, with matching scopes, so one quote doesn’t quietly leave out waterproofing.
- Buy fixtures before demolition so the plumber can confirm dimensions and you avoid delays.
Bathroom renovation budget: DIY vs hiring a pro
| Job | DIY or licensed trade |
|---|---|
| Demolition prep and clearing the room | DIY, with care around pipes and asbestos-era materials |
| Painting and fitting accessories | DIY |
| Changing a tap washer | DIY if you’re confident; see our bathroom tap leaking guide |
| Rough-in, pipe changes and replacing toilets or showers | Licensed plumber only |
| Waterproofing | Licensed waterproofer |
| Electrical work, lights and fans | Licensed electrician only |
| Tiling | Skilled tiler; DIY tiling over wet areas risks leaks |
- Sydney Water says homeowners confident with minor work, like changing a tap washer, can do it themselves.
- Unlicensed plumbing and waterproofing can void insurance and complicate a sale.
How to save on bathroom renovation without cutting corners
- Keep the layout: leaving the toilet, shower and drain where they are avoids the most expensive plumbing changes.
- Choose mid-range fixtures from brands like Caroma, Methven and Phoenix instead of custom or imported pieces.
- Pick standard tile sizes and keep feature tiles to a single wall or niche.
- Do the prep yourself, such as clearing the room, removing accessories and painting afterwards.
- Get three itemised quotes and compare line by line rather than by the bottom line.
- Never cut waterproofing; a failed membrane costs far more to fix than it saves at the start.
- Buy fixtures early, so the plumber can rough in to the exact dimensions.
What a fair bathroom renovation quote should include
- Itemised materials with tile, fixtures and waterproofing products listed by name, not as a lump sum.
- Labour broken down by trade: demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrical and painting.
- Access and protection costs, such as floor protection, scaffold or lift bookings for apartments.
- Waste removal and skip hire shown as a line item.
- Licence numbers for plumber, electrician and waterproofer, which you can check with NSW Fair Trading.
- Warranty terms in writing, covering workmanship and the waterproofing membrane.
- Variation rules that explain how extra costs are approved before they are charged.
- A Certificate of Compliance for plumbing, plus waterproofing certification where required.
Average bathroom renovation cost: timing and common mistakes
- Don’t pick fixtures after the rough-in, because positions and heights have to match the products.
- Don’t ignore a leaking tap or damp wall before you start; the cause may widen the job. Our tap leaking guide helps you spot it.
- Don’t forget the schedule; waterproofing cure times can add days, and our waterproofing time guide explains why.
- Don’t choose on price alone, since a very low quote often leaves out waterproofing or waste removal.
- Don’t skip a contingency; set aside a buffer for surprises behind the tiles (indicative — get itemised quotes).
Bathroom renovation cost FAQs
How much does a bathroom renovation cost?
A standard full renovation in Australia typically costs about $20,000–$35,000, with budget jobs from roughly $12,000 and premium jobs above $35,000 (indicative — get itemised quotes). Size, layout changes, finishes and hidden damage are the main reasons quotes differ.
How much do bathroom renovations cost in Australia?
Ranges are wide because the scope is so different. A cosmetic refresh may start around $5,000, while a full premium renovation can pass $60,000 (indicative — get itemised quotes). Sydney is often at the upper end because of labour, access and approvals.
How much does a bathroom reno cost in Sydney?
A standard full renovation in Sydney is often about $22,000–$40,000 (indicative — get itemised quotes). Plumbing alone is charged by the hour, with Sydney plumbers at $92–$230 per hour plus a call-out fee of $69–$170 (October 2026, incl. GST).
How much to retile a bathroom?
Retiling only the floor and walls usually costs about $4,000–$10,000 (indicative — get itemised quotes). The price depends on area, tile type and pattern, plus any waterproofing repairs found once the old tiles come off.
How much for a new bathroom?
A new bathroom in an existing home costs about the same as a full renovation. If walls, drains and slab work are needed, such as in an extension, expect more. Always get itemised quotes that separate plumbing, waterproofing, tiling and fit-out.
Does a bathroom renovation need a licensed plumber?
Yes. Sydney Water says a licensed plumber is needed for renovations and for replacing toilets and showers. Waterproofing and electrical work also need licensed trades, so make sure your quote lists licence numbers and a Certificate of Compliance for the plumbing.
Getting your bathroom renovation priced in Sydney
If you want to budget with confidence, we provide itemised quotes for plumbing, waterproofing and full bathroom renovations across Sydney. Start with the bathroom plumbing diagram guide to plan your layout, then book a licensed plumber for a free quote.
Related guides
- Bathroom rough-in plumbing
- Bathroom waterproofing membrane
- Waterproofing a shower
- Bathroom plumbing diagram
- Waterproofing bathroom cost
- Council approval for a bathroom renovation
- How long it takes to waterproof a bathroom
- How long a bathroom renovation takes
- Bathroom tap leaking
- How to remove bathroom tiles
