How Much Does A Bathroom Renovation Cost

It’s a question we hear all the time: “How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom?”

Understandably, that’s front and centre on most people’s minds when contemplating a bathroom renovation.

The reality? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every bathroom is as unique as its renovator.

Cosmetic DIY facelifts can cost as little as a few thousand dollars in a small bathroom, whereas a full higher-end renovation in a larger space will easily top $50,000.

At Rosemount, we specialise in more premium renovations where we typically strip the room back to the studs and joists, and install underfloor heating.

We provide full start-to-finish project management to ensure our customer’s renovation experience is just as satisfying as their beautiful new bathroom.

Our renovations are usually in a ballpark between upper $30,000s to $55,000.

As you’ll see, workmanship plays a more pivotal role in bathroom renovations than kitchen renovations, and that part of your budget is proportionally greater.

There’s good reason for that. Bathrooms are difficult to do well, and if you want a space you’ll love for years to come, you’ll regard the short-term cost as priceless in the long run.

We always encourage customers to focus on value as well as cost.

And true value comes from peace of mind, exceptional customer service and the confidence that you’re making an investment in a wonderful new space that will stand the test of time.

Read on to find out what to consider when working out the cost of your bathroom renovation.

What’s The Average Cost Of A Bathroom Renovation in Melbourne?

Check out our video on the cost of a bathroom renovation:

In its most recent Kitchens and Bathrooms Report, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) estimated there are almost a quarter of a million bathroom renovations annually in Australia.

We’ve split the expected bathroom renovation costs in Melbourne into four ranges:

• Up to $10,000 for a budget “do it yourself” facelift – a DIY cosmetic update of an existing bathroom using budget materials and fittings.
• $10,000 to $18,000 for a full budget DIY renovation – a standard DIY renovation using budget to mid-range materials and fittings.
• $18,000 to $35,000 for a standard renovation – a standard renovation carried out by professional tradespeople using budget materials and fittings at the lower end, with more mid-range and some higher end options at the top end.
• $35,000+ for a higher-end renovation – a premium, luxury renovation with higher-end materials and fittings, professional tradespeople and full project management.

In general terms, your budget will depend on factors like:

• The size of your bathroom.
• Are you doing the renovation yourself, using tradespeople or a company that offers full project management?
• Are you planning a cosmetic update – like swapping out a vanity and bathtub – or are you stripping back to the studs and joists, and installing a new bathroom from scratch?
• Will you install underfloor heating and waterproof your new floor?
• Will you need to move, replace or install new plumbing or electrical wires and sockets?

Where Will I Spend My Bathroom Renovation Budget?

In a typical bathroom project, you’ll buy new fixtures, fittings and tiles.

But as we mentioned earlier, bathroom renovations are very dependent on the expertise of your tradespeople – like tilers, plumbers, electricians, waterproofers and carpenters – and it’s there you will invest the most significant chunk of your budget.

As always, you might find some businesses or local tradespeople who can do it for less.

You might be lucky and find outstanding tradies who do great work and are able to work to your and each other’s schedules.

Bear in mind that if anything falls over or doesn’t go according to plan there will inevitably be delays and inconvenience, and the person left to pick up the pieces will be you.

“It can take longer because they might be putting your project in between their real job,” says Mark Tonkin, Rosemount’s managing director.

“You also have to make sure that everyone turns up at the right time to do their part of the job, and that they do it right.

“When issues come up, you’re the one who has to resolve them.”

Rosemount project manages all of our renovations so you don’t have to. We organise each of the tradespeople as part of our proven build process. If any issues arise, and sometimes they do, we deal with them.

Here are the trades you’ll typically need for a full bathroom renovation:

• Tiler
• Waterproofer
• Painter
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Carpenter

Fixtures and Fittings

The fixtures and fittings you choose can make a big difference to the look, feel and durability of your new bathroom.

If you want your new space to make a real statement, consider investing more in your bath, cabinetry, vanity basin and tapware. Those elements really stand out in a great bathroom. Also consider a bit of added comfort – like a heated towel rail.

But bear in mind that statements usually come with a price tag. A luxurious freestanding bathtub, for example, can cost more than $5,000, more than 10 times a budget alternative.

It all depends what level of luxury you’re looking for.

We recommend eands.com.au for your fixtures and fittings. They have a number of outlets across Melbourne, and stock high quality brands for baths, showers, toilets and other bathroom accessories.

Significant costs to factor in for a bathroom renovation include:

Floor and Wall Tiles

Floor and wall tiles come in a wide range of colours, designs and textures.

Unlike other parts of your home, the tiles in your bathroom – particularly floor tiles – need to be able to withstand large amounts of water.

Good quality ceramic, porcelain and marble tiles work well on this front, with porcelain tiles getting the biggest tick for water absorption. You’ll generally pay more for the latter two than ceramic.

Ask yourself if you want floor-to-ceiling tiles on your walls or just tile the shower and vanity splashback with a tile skirt around the floor.

Whatever you decide, bear in mind that the more tiles you use, the cost will be higher for the tiles themselves, but particularly for the tradesperson to lay those tiles.

Bath and Shower

Many of our customers love the idea of a freestanding bath as a real statement piece for their space.

It enhances a design and adds a sense of luxury that just feels wonderful in your bathroom.

Not all bathrooms have room for a big freestanding bath, but take time to research all the options. There are so many different sized baths, in a range of budgets, that you’re sure to find something that works beautifully.

Vanity and Sink

Store bought vanities come in all shapes and sizes, and can be enhanced brilliantly with the careful choice of a mirror and lighting.

If you want your new bathroom to be the best it can possibly be, we recommend having your vanity custom-designed and manufactured.

It’s what we do, and you get a magnificent piece of joinery that is perfect for your space.

Tapware

Taps are a fixture that – if chosen well – can make a real aesthetic and design impact.

They’re also the most handled fixture in a bathroom, so they need to be able to stand up to day-to-day family life.

You want them to feel good to the touch and to work well. So make sure you choose taps with good warranties.

You’ll probably go for either three-piece traditional or mixer taps. Until recently, most bathroom taps were made of chrome but that’s all changing too.

You can make a statement with matte-finish black monochrome or a more classic look with decorative brass, copper or gold finish.

Toilets

Premium options have in-wall concealed cisterns where only the flush buttons can be seen.

Alternatively, back-to-wall toilet suites create a sleek look with the added advantage of easy, stress-free cleaning.

Rimless toilets – which have been used in Europe for a long time – are also now a very popular choice in Australia.

As the name suggests, rimless toilets don’t have the traditional rim around the top of the pan where the water flows out to clean the bowl.

Anyone who has cleaned a toilet knows how hard this area is to reach, clean and keep clean.

The rimless alternative is easier to clean and more hygienic.

Lighting

Using lighting and mirrors effectively can make a big difference to the “feel” of your bathroom.

They can make a small space seem bigger and brighter, and create an improved ambience in rooms of all sizes.

Don’t Risk Costly Bathroom Mistakes

When it comes to a renovation, it’s not just about slapping on some new tiles and fixtures. Doing a bathroom renovation properly is so important.

We firmly believe the room should always be stripped back to the floor joists or slabs and studs or concrete wall – so that hidden problems are exposed, and then fixed.

“When we strip everything back in a bathroom we often find problems that show the renovation wasn’t done properly last time around,” says Mark Tonkin.

“So it’s quite literally about making sure we’re building on top of solid foundations. If we don’t do that, the owner certainly won’t be happy if those problems come back to bite them down the line.”

Too many bathroom renovations are done “on the fly”, says Mark.

“A lot of people in this business will just come into a home and strip out the bathroom quickly.

“That’s not how we do it, and we make no apologies for that. We make sure we’re not inheriting the sins of any previous work. Your new fixtures and fittings might look gorgeous, but what’s behind it is most important.

“The work a good carpenter or chippy does to set up the bathroom is the most critical part of the project, and always unseen.”

Creating a strong foundation ensures your new bathroom stands the test of time. The attention to detail and workmanship hidden behind the beautiful “exterior” really sets a premium renovation apart.

Project Management For Your Peace Of Mind

A bathroom renovation shouldn’t be a solo project; it’s a symphony of carpenters, tilers, plumbers, electricians, and more, all coordinated to bring your vision to life.

That’s where start-to-finish project management comes into play. When you contract a company to do your renovation, it shouldn’t just be about the finished room.

Your whole renovation experience is what counts. Will you get professional help to design your new space, and choose the most appropriate fixtures and fittings where an expert can advise on what areas to splurge on, and where to save?

• Would you prefer if someone else manages and coordinates the small army of tradies who’ll be in and out of your home during the course of the renovation?
• And do you want peace of mind in the event that an unforeseen issue arises – and they often do in complex projects like bathroom renovations?

At Rosemount, we really mean it when we say we have our customer’s back when that happens. We do everything it takes to get any issues resolved.

Mark stresses the importance of good project management.

“One of the biggest criticisms with renovations is often a lack of communication and follow through,” he says.

“So you have a dedicated project manager who works with the carpenters, tilers, waterproofers, plumbers, electricians, plasterers and so on, and really brings it all together.

“And he’s communicating with you on a consistent basis to make sure that we’re talking to you and listening, and that you’re comfortable with the process.

“That’s really important because I find small conversations keep us well away from big ones.

“It just makes it feel better, and makes the process smoother for you and your family.”

Value Proposition: More Than Just a Bathroom

A good bathroom renovation can be a sound investment that transforms the feel of your entire home and lifts its value too.

Elevate Your Everyday Life

Whether you want to create your own personal oasis where you can escape the stresses of daily life, or a wonderful and functional space for the whole family, the impact of a great renovation is immeasurable.

It’s not just about the look and feel; it’s about shaping a space that aligns with your desires, needs and lifestyle.

The ROI Of A Bathroom Renovation

A bathroom renovation can pack a punch in terms of financial returns. While the upfront costs are significant, balance that against the likely long-term boost in your home’s overall value.

Like beautifully crafted kitchen renovations, potential home buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a home with a standout bathroom.

Property experts warn against over-capitalising on bathroom renos from an investment perspective, but also be mindful of the opposite scenario – under-capitalising – particularly if it could devalue your property’s value in the eyes of a potential purchaser.

Think of it this way: every dollar you invest in creating that dream bathroom can pay dividends when it’s time to sell.

Quality Assurance

With a premium renovation, you’re not just paying for materials and labour. You’re investing in peace of mind. Knowing that your bathroom is built to last, with top-notch materials and expert craftsmanship, means fewer maintenance worries down the line. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve chosen the best for your home.

Choose The Right Company To Create Your Dream Bathroom

The professionals you choose to partner with are vital. It’s not just about craftsmanship; it’s about understanding, collaboration and the seamless orchestration of numerous moving parts.

At Rosemount we provide comprehensive project management where we handle every step of the process from the initial design consultation to the finished renovation – and beyond.

When we talk about finding value, it’s in the renovation experience as well as the renovation itself.

The cost of your new bathroom will be dictated not just by design and aesthetics, but craftsmanship and a project management experience that ensures you get the best result.

We want you to have the most hassle-free journey and complete peace of mind throughout.

And if there are any issues or questions after the renovation is complete, we’ll be there to help.