Thinking about a bathroom makeover but unsure what it might set you back? You’re not alone. A fresh bathroom can lift everyday liveability, boost rental appeal or sweeten a sale price—but before you undertake any work, you'll want to understand how much a bathroom renovation costs in Australia..

According to recent Housing Industry Association of Australia (HIA) data, the average spend on a bathroom renovation sits at around $26,000 in Australia. 

The average bathroom renovation cost outlined above, however, can be really deceiving. How much your bathroom renovation is going to cost you comes down to many factors and variables, and because of this, the true cost of a bathroom renovation will fluctuate depending on your style, needs and circumstances.

As a rule of thumb, a budget bathroom renovation in a small bathroom can cost anywhere from $8,000 while a major renovation in a larger bathroom can cost $35,000 or more.

If you're looking to change a few cosmetic things in your bathroom (like fixtures, drawer and cupboard knobs etc) before putting it on the market, it could cost even less. However, keep in mind that a bathroom renovation (along with kitchens) is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your property.

What determines the cost of a bathroom renovation?

The cost to renovate a bathroom in Australia can be divided into some rough categories, generally speaking:

• Budget renovation: Costs between $8,000 and $15,000
• Standard renovation: Costs between $15,000 and $35,000
• Premium or luxury renovation: Costs over $35,000

Some of the major reasons why one bathroom might cost $8,000 to renovate while another bathroom renovation might cost over $35,000 include:

• Whether you need to undertake structural work or not
• The cost of floor tiles, wall tiles, fittings etc.
• Additions such as a skylights or new windows
• The size of the bathroom
• Whether you’re moving plumbing and fixtures
• Whether you’re installing a new bathroom altogether
• Luxury elements like underfloor heating
• How much electrical work you need

How much do bathroom fittings and restyling cost?

A major influence of the cost of renovating a bathroom comes down to the style of bathroom and the fittings you opt for. Let's dive in to some of the specifics.

Average cost of tiling

According to a 2024 study from Hipages:

• A budget ceramic or porcelain tiles can cost anywhere from $30 to $55 per square meter (m2).
• Higher quality porcelain tiles could set you back $50-$100 per square meter.
• For high quality natural stone tiles, you could be looking to spend roughly $80-$130 per square meter.

Average cost of a toilet

According to the Home Design Directory:

• A basic toilet costs about $120. 
• A standard toilet costs about $400. 
• A premium toilet costs up to $1200. 

A straightforward installation might cost between $150 and $250, though if any plumbing needs to be moved, expect to pay closer to $300 or $400.

Average cost of a vanity

According to Hipages, you can expect to pay:

• $467 for a 900mm wall-hung vanity with hidden handles.
• $849 for a 750mm floor-standing console vanity.
• $999 for a 1,500mm double bowl vanity.
• $1,360 for a 1,200mm wall-hung vanity with an integrated ceramic basin.

Be sure to budget between $50 and $100 per hour on top if the vanity needs to be professionally installed. 

Average cost of a shower screen

Another Hipages study found that the price of a shower screen can vary depending on its size and framing options. For example:

• A 900mm x 900mm chrome-framed shower screen can cost around $300.
• A 2100mm x 900mm frameless glass walk-in shower panel may cost around $360.
• An 850mm x 2000mm two-panel frameless shower screen could cost $410.
• A 1740mm x 1785mm x 2000mm three-panel sliding door frameless shower screen may cost $690.

Installation will also be dependent on the complexity of the job and particular shower screen, but could run anywhere from $195 to $400.

Average cost of tapware

Findings from savings.com.au show that tapwear can be a budget improvement or a high-cost upgrade depending on your choices:

• Simple chrome or stainless steel taps, including mixers and showerheads, may cost between $100 and $300.
• Higher quality options in brushed nickel, matte black or brass could cost between $400 and $1,000.
• Further towards the top-end, designer tapware with gold or bronze finishes, or touchless faucets, can cost between anywhere from $1,100 to $3000+.

While some fittings might be out of your budget, with enough digging around you should be able to find something at a reasonable price point, so always remember to shop around.

How much does it cost to replace a bathtub?

Depending on the type of bathtub and the material it's made from, prices can greatly vary. According to Angi: 

• A budget bathtub costs around $200 to $1000 dollars and will usually be acrylic or fibre glass.
• A mid-range tub costs around $2000 - $5000 and will usually be enameled cast iron or marble.
• A premium bathtub can cost as much as $5000 - $10,000 and will usually be made with higher end ceramic materials.

On top of this will be the cost of the bathtub installation, which will vary depending on factors such as the tradie you hire for the job, the materials needed and the way the tub is to be installed. For example, free-standing, in a corner, on a platform, in an alcove, etc.

What tradespeople will I need for a bathroom renovation?

With the exception of those who are super handy on the tools (or those performing small DIY changes), you’re probably going to need some trades for your bathroom renovation.

For a typical bathroom makeover, you’ll need a tiler, plumber, electrician, carpenter and maybe a handyman to handle demolitions or other odd jobs.

• Plumbers will be needed for moving or adding plumbing and can also do bath, shower and toilet installations etc.
• An electrician may be needed if you are installing new lighting, underfloor heating, exhaust fans, heated towel rails and hot water heaters.
• A tiler will be needed for waterproofing and wall and floor tiling. You need to keep in mind that it’s currently a legal requirement to have a licensed tiler to install waterproofing, so make sure you adhere to the legislation in your region.
• You may need a carpenter for bespoke bathroom cabinetry or shelving, a bathroom designer for more upmarket designs, or a painter for re-painting walls, doors, and ceilings.

The first thing you should do when you find tradesmen you’re interested in hiring is check that they have a current license on Licence Hero, or check with your state or local government authority. For example, in New South Wales you can use Service NSW to check a tradeperson’s license.

How much do bathroom renovation trades cost?

Tradies will charge different rates for different services, but can also charge in different ways. For example, some tradies will charge an hourly rate, while others will charge per job, if they’re a tiler, they may charge per square metre. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to understand that how much a tradie will charge will depend on job complexity, location and accessibility as well.

According to Hipages, the average national hourly rates for different trades you might need for a bathroom renovation are as follows:

• Building and renovations: $90-$150 per hour
• Carpentry: $40-$120 per hour
• Electrical: $80-$100 per hour
• Painting: $20-$30 per square metre
• Plumbing: $100-$150 per hour
• Tiling: $45-$150 per square metre

How to find the best tradies for a bathroom renovation

Start with word-of-mouth. Ask friends, family or past trades you trust for recommendations—you’ll quickly narrow in on tradies known for quality workmanship and good communication.

Next, collect at least three quotes. Similar prices usually signal fair market rates; big outliers are worth probing.

Before you commit, run a quick licence and review check online, ask for photos of recent bathroom projects and request client testimonials. A reputable tradie will be happy to share proof.

Finally, tap into a trusted tradie’s network (plumbers, tilers, painters often work together) to round out your team and keep standards consistent.

Following these steps helps you lock in skilled, reliable professionals without overpaying — crucial for keeping your bathroom renovation on time and on budget.

How can you renovate a bathroom on a budget?

Focus on what you don’t need to change. Many tired bathrooms look fresh with a new shower screen, modern tapware and a coat of mould-resistant paint—no demolition required.

Cheap DIY wins include swapping tapware and handles, installing floating shelves and repainting walls or the vanity. If new tiles blow the budget, consider tile resurfacing, tile paint or adhesive overlays.

Keep expensive trades to a minimum: leaving plumbing points where they are can slash labour costs. You’ll still need a licensed waterproofer, plumber and electrician for any compliance work, but avoiding layout shifts keeps their hours down.

By combining smart cosmetic upgrades with DIY labour, you can deliver a noticeable lift without the full-blown $35 k price tag.

Read: 5 big mistakes to avoid when selling your home

How much should you spend on a bathroom renovation if you're selling your home?

If you're renovating to sell, your bathroom will be one of your important selling points. However, it's easy to spend more or less on your bathroom renovation than you need to.

What you need to think about is the value of your home and what buyers will want to see. In most mid-range homes, they won't expect to see a bathroom that dazzles them with luxury high-end tiles and fittings.

If your home is of median value, buyers will be looking for a clean, tidy and functional bathroom. In many cases, you may not have to do a full renovation with any major structural changes. Here are some ideas that you can take on board to renovate your bathroom on a budget.

Ideas for bathroom renovations under $10,000

• Spruce up your walls by resurfacing tiles, adding a feature, installing PVC panels or repainting them a different colour.
• Switch up a fixture or two - try your bath, shower, vanity or tapware!
• Replace mirrors and lights for a different spatial feel
• Allow natural light into your bathroom by installing a window or skylight

Ideas for bathroom renovations under $5000

• Have your tiles cleaned and regrouted to give them a new lease on life.
• Possibly have your tub and basin resurfaced (this should be done by professionals).
• Paint your walls in a light and fresh hue.
• Paint your vanity and replace the handles.
• Modernise your light fittings and tapware.
• Replace your shower enclosure with a more modern shower enclosure.
• Replace your shower head

Remember, these budget renovations typically cost under the $10,000 and $5000 mark, but they add far more than their cost to the value of your home. If your bathroom is in decent condition, you can save even more by doing DIY renovations.

Helpful resource: How to best stage your bathroom when selling your house

How much should you spend on a bathroom renovation if you're selling an upmarket home?

If you're selling an older home in a more expensive suburb, you may need to do more extensive bathroom renovations, because in an upmarket home, buyers are expecting a certain level of style and quality. For this reason, you’ll want a considered bathroom design that utilises quality fittings.

Helpful resource: Calculate the costs of selling your home 

Your real estate agent can help you with your decision. They will know how much value a new bathroom can add to your home and give you some tips around what buyers in your locality would be looking for. You may not need to do a premium bathroom renovation, but some renovations can add value to your home.

“As a general rule, you want to do renovations that will add twice their cost to the value of your home.”

Bathroom renovation tips and considerations

Before you start, you'll want to make sure you have a plan. Do your research and ensure that any trades you need are hired in a systemic manner - this means you should have an idea of when you'll need a plumber, when you'll need a waterproofer, when you'll need a cabinet maker and so on.

When you start speaking to tradies and bathroom designers about your project, ask them for their advice and recommendations when it comes to setting up your renovation roadmap and timeline. If you have an overarching idea of how long each job will realistically take, your project will run a lot more smoothly. 

Handy bathroom renovation tips

If you're looking for flooring that is easy to maintain..

If you're after the kind of flooring that is easy to look after, opt for porcelain or glazed tiling options. Avoid porous materials like natural stone and limestone. If they aren't properly sealed, they'll absorb every substance under the sun and end up becoming stained and unsightly. 

If you're after 'non-slip' flooring for your bathroom...

If you're undertaking a bathroom renovation in a home with young children or people with mobility issues it'll be important to invest in non-slip flooring. Choose tiling with textured surfaces, matte finishes and glazes that contain sand.

This will help to create a bit more 'grip' when walking across their surface. Another option is to go for smaller tiles with plenty of grout lines.

Don't underestimate the importance of ventilation

Moisture is your bathroom's worst enemy. Doesn't sound right, does it? But if you want to avoid stains, mould and unsightly mildew, you'll want to make sure that whoever you hire to take on your bathroom renovation pays attention to air flow. Make sure that your vent fan is working, and that it's the appropriate size for the space. 

How much should you spend on a bathroom renovation?

As a general rule, you want to do renovations that are in proportion to the value of your home and will add twice their cost to the value. If you go overboard on your renovations, you may be spending too much and may put buyers off. Some buyers may not want that $3,000 freestanding bathtub in the middle of the room.

If you're stuck for ideas, a real-estate home stylist or interior designer may be able to tell you what needs to be renovated in your bathroom. A good home stylist or interior designer knows the local market and can help you design a bathroom that will appeal to the widest possible market without making you overspend.

Frequently asked questions about how much renovation cost