Budget, mid-range or luxury: how much does a bathroom renovation really cost?

Reviving your bathroom is an investment that can breathe new life into your home. Yet, it can be one of the most expensive projects you undertake.

Renovations come in various shades, from budget-conscious makeovers to luxurious transformations. The cost of your bathroom renovation depends on a range of factors, including design choices, materials, labour, and permits.

Explore the spectrum of bathroom renovation costs, from the frugal to the lavish. Delve into the intricacies of bathroom design and the renovation process, break down the costs involved, offer insights and loads of valuable resources to help get you started.

Bathroom design

A well-planned bathroom design enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your renovation. To get inspired, take a look at 10 bathroom trends to inspire your next makeover.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost? Budget breakdown:

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the average bathroom renovation cost. Your budget will largely determine the extent of your renovation. Here, we’ll break down the costs associated with budget, mid-range, and luxury bathroom renovations in 2023.

The budget bathroom

Cost: $5000 (partial renovation) to $27,000

If you’re really watching your pennies – say it’s a cheap-ish investment property – you can still give your bathroom a rev-up, says James Mason, the builder behind the website Renovation Junkies.

“A very basic facelift would be between $5,000 and $10,000 … including painting or resurfacing over the tiles, painting over the old bath that looks a bit chipped and scratched,” Mason says.

Small changes such as replacing an old shower curtain or vanity can also make a big impression.

“For a rental property, say a standard little fibro shack with a very dated 1960s and 1970s bathroom, [a mini-makeover] is a good way to get a little bit of extra rental income,” he says.

Hunting for bargain tiles at wholesale discount stores or auction houses will help your budget. However, Mason warns of another budget tactic – DIY – that can backfire and wind up costing more if you don’t prepare properly.

Richard Armstrong, director of The Makeover Group, says a full budget renovation will set you back between $20,000 and $27,000.

“In that sort of situation, you’d be buying off-the-shelf cabinetry,” Armstrong says. Tiles, kept to a minimum to reduce labour costs, might be in the $12 per square-metre range from somewhere like Bunnings, and a standard shower base could be about $130.

The mid-range bathroom

Cost: $25,000-$35,000

In this category, bathroom fixtures start to get a little fancier.

“You would generally have a double shower, possibly a double vanity and you would also have possibly a walk-in shower [without the old-fashioned base],” Armstrong says.

He says these types of showers are more accessible, particularly for an ageing population, and are in hot demand.

“The other thing that we’re really getting a lot of now, mostly for mid-range or upper-end bathrooms is a lot of clients want under-tile heating,” he says.

While you can afford to be a bit more luxurious in the mid-range – for example, you can now move your plumbing to where you want it – you’ll still need to keep a firm eye on costs.

Mason suggests keeping it real when it comes to the price of plumbing fittings such as tapware, basins and bathtubs.

“You could spend close to $3,000 on a stone bath. But you could pick up the same thing in plastic that looks just as good for $900.”

The luxury bathroom

Cost: $35,000+

At this level, those $2,000 taps you’ve been eyeing are suddenly a realistic option, Mason says.

Armstrong notes that while spending, say, $60,000 on a bathroom may sound excessive, it makes complete sense if the house is worth $2 million. In fact, a cheaper style of bathroom might do the house a disservice.

“It’s just not going to work; it’s not going to be a happy sort of outcome,” he says.

So at the top end of the bathroom renovation scale, what can you expect?

“A lot of these premium bathrooms, you start talking about wall-to-wall windows where you can get a gorgeous view while you’re bathing,” Armstrong says.

Custom-made cabinetry, natural stone bench tops and high quality – even handmade – tiles are other likely inclusions.

Renovation cost breakdown

In this section, we’ll break down the costs involved in your bathroom renovation, helping you get a clearer picture of the expenses.

Labour costs

Labour costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of your project and the region in which you live. On average, labour expenses for a bathroom renovation can range from 40  per cent to 60 per cent of the total project cost.

This includes the fees for contractors, plumbers, electricians, and any other specialists you might need. If you’re doing a budget renovation, you can save on labour costs by handling some tasks yourself, such as painting and demolition. However, for more extensive renovations, hiring skilled professionals is crucial to ensure quality work.

Vanity unit and cabinetry

The cost of vanity units and cabinetry depends on the materials, design, and size. In a budget renovation, you can find pre-made vanities and cabinets at reasonable prices, ranging from $300 to $1,500. Mid-range options offer more variety in terms of style and quality, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.

Luxury bathroom renovations can feature custom-made cabinetry, which can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 or more. These custom pieces are designed to fit your space perfectly and offer unique features like built-in storage and high-end finishes.

Tiling

Tiling is a significant expense in bathroom renovations. For budget renovations, you can opt for basic tiles that are cost-effective, typically priced at $12 per square metre range from hardware stores like Bunnings.

In mid-range renovations, you can explore a wider range of tile options, including larger and more stylish tiles, which can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 per square metre.

Luxury bathrooms often feature high-quality tiles made from natural stone or even handmade tiles, which can range from $100 to $300 or more per square metre.er.

Products and resources

When budgeting for your bathroom renovation, it’s essential to consider the cost of various products and resources. These include bathroom fixtures like faucets, showerheads, sinks, and toilets, as well as accessories like mirrors, lighting, and towel racks.

The cost of these items can vary widely depending on the brand, style, and quality. In budget renovations, you can find affordable options at big-box stores and online retailers. In mid-range and luxury renovations, you may choose higher-end products, which can impact your overall budget.

Plumbing and waterproofing

Plumbing and waterproofing are critical aspects of a bathroom renovation. In a budget renovation, where you’re making minimal changes, plumbing and waterproofing costs might be relatively low, typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

However, in mid-range and luxury renovations, where you’re reconfiguring the layout and adding premium fixtures, these costs can increase significantly, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. Proper plumbing and waterproofing are essential to prevent leaks, mould, and structural damage.

Upgrades

Upgrades can include features like under-tile heating, custom-built shower niches, or advanced shower systems. In a budget renovation, you may not have room for these extras.

In a mid-range renovation, you can allocate a portion of your budget for select upgrades, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

Luxury renovations often incorporate multiple upgrades, which can cost $5,000 to $10,000 or higher, depending on the complexity and the luxury level of the features you choose.

Hiring the right team

Hiring the right professionals for your bathroom renovation is crucial to ensuring the project’s success. For budget renovations, you may choose to handle some tasks yourself to save on labour costs. However, for mid-range and luxury renovations, it’s advisable to hire experienced contractors, plumbers, and electricians to ensure high-quality work.

When hiring professionals, be sure to check their credentials, read reviews, and request multiple quotes to find the best fit for your project.

Time to renovate

Bathroom renovation costs can vary widely depending on your preferences and budget. By understanding the options available at different price points, considering design carefully, and planning your renovation effectively, you can achieve the bathroom of your dreams within your financial means.

Whether you opt for a budget, mid-range, or luxury renovation, the key is to create a space that suits your lifestyle and adds value to your home.

Ready to get started with your bathroom reno? Discover everything you need to know about bathroom renovations and be fully prepared with tips, tricks, design inspiration and so much more before getting started on your new bathroom.

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