The Cost of Bathroom Renovations

Renovating: How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

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Whether you're looking to spruce up your forever home, increase your rental return on an investment property or even top up the value of a property before you sell, then you'll probably be considering a bathroom renovation. But first, before you undertake any work, you'll want to understand how much a bathroom renovation costs. Before you start your next project, check out sites like www.smartstylebathrooms.com.au to help assess your bathroom renovation costs.

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In 2015, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) released the bathroom and kitchens renovation report. Their survey found that the average value for a bathroom renovation was $17,779. This isn't much more than the cost of a bathroom installation in a brand new home, which according to the HIA comes in at an average of $16,731.

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The average costs 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 be as low as $5000 while a major renovation in a larger bathroom can cost $25,000 or more.

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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. If you’re looking for some inspiration, checking out renovation photos can be a great guide.

 

What determines the cost of a bathroom renovation?

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Some of the major reasons why one bathroom might cost $8,000 - $10,000 to renovate while another bathroom renovation might cost $20,000 - $25,000 include:

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• Whether you need to undertake structural work or not

• The cost of floor tiles, wall tiles, fittings etc - are you going down a high end or budget route?

• Additions such as a skylights or new windows

• The size of the bathroom - is it an ensuite or a large family bathroom?

• Whether you’re moving plumbing and fixtures

• Whether you’re installing a new bathroom altogether

• Luxury elements like underfloor heating

• Revamping your bathroom lighting and how much electrical work you need

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Bathroom style and fittings - how do they influence the cost of a bathroom renovation?

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A major influence of the cost of a bathroom renovation comes down to the style of bathroom and the fittings you opt for. For example:

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• Budget tiles cost anywhere from $30 to $55 per square meter (m2) while premium tiles can cost $165m2 or more.

• A budget bathtub costs around $300 to $500 dollars and will usually be acrylic. A premium bathtub can cost as much as $3000 - $8000 and a mid-range tub might cost $1000 - $3000. Keep in mind that you will be paying extra for installation.

• 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 vanity costs $120 to $200 for a budget vanity, $700 - $850 for a standard vanity and $1500 or more for a premium vanity.

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Cost differences will vary for other fittings such as shower screens, basins, taps, exhaust fans, bathroom lighting, towel rails, tapware and more.

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For this reason, it’s important to do your research to make sure you’re finding the best deal for you.

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.

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What tradespeople will I need for a bathroom renovation?

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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.

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Just like fittings, what trades will end up costing you will vary depending on what you need done, the size and accessibility of the space and even your location. It’s no secret that trades in capital cities and metropolitan areas tend to cost more per hour or per project than trades services in regional areas.

Before jumping into cost, you’ll want to understand what trades you might need. We’ve included a list below, chances are there might be a few you haven’t factored in yet.

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

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• 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. You might need a bathroom designer for more upmarket designs. You may need a painter for re-painting walls, doors, and ceilings.