Cosmetic Refresh: $5,000-$12,000 AUD (1-2 weeks) - New paint, tiles, fixtures, tapware without structural changes

Standard Renovation: $12,000-$25,000 AUD (2-3 weeks) - Full bathroom transformation with new fixtures, tiles, waterproofing

Premium Renovation: $25,000-$45,000 AUD (3-4 weeks) - High-end finishes, premium materials, advanced features

Luxury Renovation: $45,000-$80,000+ AUD (4-6 weeks) - Designer fixtures, custom features, premium materials

All bathroom renovations in Australia must comply with AS 3740:2021 waterproofing standards

Waterproofing certification is mandatory for wet areas per National Construction Code (NCC)

Licensed contractors only - all quotes from verified, insured bathroom specialists

Step 1: Fill out 2-minute form describing renovation needs

Step 2: Receive up to 3 quotes from licensed contractors within 24 hours

Step 3: Compare quotes, designs, materials and save up to 30%

Week 1: Demolition and preparation (3-5 days)

Week 2: Plumbing, waterproofing, electrical (5-7 days)

Week 3: Tiling, fixtures, cabinetry (5-7 days)

Week 4: Final touches and cleanup (2-3 days)

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3-4 Weeks
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Standard renovation
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2026 Bathroom Renovation Costs Australia: Complete Price Guide

Complete pricing guide for bathroom renovations

3 min read

Quick Answer

Bathroom renovations in Australia typically cost $15,000 to $35,000 for a standard 5-8m² bathroom. Budget cosmetic refreshes with new tapware, re-grouting, and painting start from $5,000-$12,000, while luxury spa-style bathrooms featuring freestanding baths, walk-in rain showers, underfloor heating, and premium fixtures from brands like Victoria + Albert, TOTO, or Geberit can exceed $50,000. Average timeline: 3-6 weeks from demolition to completion. Waterproofing (AS 3740) requires a mandatory 7-day drying period before tiling can commence. Required trades: Licensed builder, certified waterproofer (AS 3740), plumber (AS 3500), electrician (AS/NZS 3000), tiler, and glazier for shower screens.

Updated January 2026 24,500+ Australians served
1

Waterproofing is mandatory under AS 3740 for all wet areas including shower recesses, bath hobs, and floor transitions. Budget $1,500-$3,500 with a non-negotiable 7-day cure time

2

Tile costs range from budget ceramics ($30-$60/m²) to porcelain ($60-$120/m²) to natural stone like marble or travertine ($150-$400/m²) plus $65-$120/m² installation

3

Vanity options: flatpack vanities ($300-$600), wall-hung units from Loughlin/Timberline ($800-$2,500), custom stone-top ($2,500-$6,000), bespoke joinery ($5,000-$12,000)

4

Shower screens: framed ($400-$800), semi-frameless ($800-$1,500), frameless glass from Stegbar or Streamline ($1,500-$3,500 installed)

5

ROI on bathroom renovations averages 60-80% nationally, with second bathrooms and ensuites adding significant value to family homes

6

Regional pricing varies: Sydney/Melbourne 15-25% above national average, Brisbane/Perth at average, Adelaide/Hobart 10-15% below average

Price Comparison

Bathroom Renovation Cost Guide Australia 2026

Comprehensive pricing for all renovation types

Bathroom Renovation Price Guide - By Scope & Quality

Renovation Type Price Range What's Included
Cosmetic Refresh
$5,000-$12,000 New tiles, vanity, toilet, tapware, fresh paint, retain existing layout and plumbing
Standard Full
$15,000-$25,000 Full waterproofing, quality tiles, new shower screen, vanity, toilet, heated towel rail, updated lighting
Premium
$30,000-$45,000 Custom stone vanity top, frameless shower, feature tiles, underfloor heating, quality fixtures, minor layout changes
Luxury Spa
$50,000-$100,000+ Freestanding bath, rainfall shower, natural stone, custom joinery, smart mirrors, heated floors, full layout redesign

*Prices include all materials, labour, waterproofing, and installation. Costs vary by location, bathroom size (standard 5-8m²), and material selections. Timeline: 2-4 weeks.

2026 Pricing Guide

How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Australia?

Find the right package for your budget and goals

Cosmetic Refresh

Entry Level

Quick update: new paint, tiles, fixtures, tapware and lighting without major structural changes

New tiles Updated fixtures Fresh paint
$5K-$12K
1-2 weeks
MOST POPULAR

Standard Renovation

Complete transformation: full strip-out, new fixtures, quality tiles, waterproofing certification

Full strip-out New vanity & toilet Waterproofed
$12K-$25K
3-4 weeks

Premium Renovation

High-End

Luxury materials: premium tiles, frameless glass, underfloor heating, designer fixtures

Frameless shower Heated floors Designer fixtures
$25K-$45K
4-6 weeks

Luxury Bespoke

ULTIMATE

Custom design: imported marble, freestanding bath, double vanity, smart home integration

Natural stone Freestanding bath Smart controls
$45K-$80K+
6-10 weeks
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Free Bathroom Renovation Cost Calculator Australia 2026

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Modern bathroom renovation with freestanding bath and timber vanity in Australia

Why Choose The Wombat™ for Bathroom Renovation Quotes Australia?

The smart way to find qualified bathroom renovation contractors across Australia

Licensed Bathroom Specialists

All professionals are licensed builders with waterproofing certification, fully insured, and registered with state building authorities.

Save 15-25% on Your Bathroom

Compare up to 3 competitive quotes and save thousands on your bathroom project.

100% Free Service

No obligation, no hidden fees. Get matched within 24 hours at no cost.

Complete Renovation Package

What's Included in a Professional Bathroom Renovation Quote?

Every component handled by licensed professionals from start to finish

Design & Planning

Phase 1

Professional bathroom design, layout optimization, and material selection.

Layout plans Material spec Permits

Demolition & Strip-out

Phase 2

Safe removal of existing fixtures with proper waste disposal and site preparation.

Safe removal Waste disposal Site prep

Plumbing & Electrical

Phase 3

Licensed tradies for all plumbing and electrical rough-in work to Australian standards.

Licensed plumber Licensed electrician

Waterproofing

Phase 4

AS 3740 certified waterproofing for all wet areas with compliance certificate.

AS 3740 certified Compliance cert

Wall & Floor Tiling

Phase 5

Professional tiling for walls, floors, and feature areas with quality grout work.

Wall tiles Floor tiles Feature walls

Fixture Installation

Phase 6

Install vanity, toilet, shower/bath, tapware, and all bathroom accessories.

Vanity Toilet Shower Tapware

Glass & Screens

Phase 7

Professional installation of shower screens, mirrors, and glass features.

Shower screen Mirrors Safety glass

Final Touches & Handover

Complete

Final clean, quality inspection, compliance documents, and project handover.

Deep clean Quality check Warranty
All trades coordinated by your project manager | Get a Full Quote
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💧 AS 3740 Compliance

Australian Bathroom Waterproofing Standards (AS 3740:2021)

All bathroom renovations must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS 3740 waterproofing standards

Why Waterproofing Matters

Legal Requirement

Mandatory for all wet areas

Prevents Damage

Stops water leakage

Protects Investment

Prevents costly repairs

Insurance Compliance

Required for coverage

Key AS 3740 Requirements

1

Shower Areas: Waterproofing 1.8m high or to ceiling

2

Bath Surrounds: Minimum 150mm above bath rim

3

Floor Areas: Complete floor with graded falls to drain

4

Penetrations: All pipes and drains properly sealed

5

Certification: Licensed waterproofer certificate required

Always Verify Credentials

Ensure your contractor is a licensed waterproofer. Request waterproofing certificates and photos before tiling - essential for insurance and resale.

🚿 Fixture Guide

2026 Bathroom Fixture Selection Guide: Choose Quality Products

Make the right choices for your bathroom renovation

🚿 Bathtub vs Shower

🚿

Walk-in Shower

Best for: Modern living, elderly, mobility

Water efficient
Easy accessibility
Saves space
Cost: $2,000 - $8,000
🛁

Bathtub

Best for: Families, relaxation, resale value

Essential for kids
Relaxation & therapy
Adds resale appeal
Cost: $1,500 - $10,000+

Pro Tip: If space allows, include both! Main bathrooms benefit from having at least one bathtub in the house for families.

🪞 Vanity Selection

1️⃣

Single Vanity

Best for: Ensuites, powder rooms, compact spaces

Space efficient (600-1200mm)
More affordable
Good storage options
Cost: $500 - $3,500
2️⃣

Double Vanity

Best for: Master ensuites, shared bathrooms

Luxury appeal (1500-1800mm)
No morning queues
Maximum storage
Cost: $1,500 - $8,000+

Pro Tip: Stone benchtops (engineered stone or natural) last longer and add more value than laminate.

Design Options

Top Bathroom Renovation Design Trends Australia 2026

Find the perfect aesthetic for your bathroom transformation

Modern Minimalist

Most Popular

Clean lines, neutral palette, frameless glass

Chrome Large tiles Geometric
From $15,000 - $35,000

Hamptons Coastal

White & blue tones, subway tiles, freestanding bath

Shiplap Nickel Paneled
From $18,000 - $40,000

Industrial Edge

Exposed pipes, concrete, matte black fixtures

Metro tiles Timber Raw
From $14,000 - $32,000

Scandinavian Warm

Natural timber, warm whites, functional design

Brass Wood-look Minimal
From $16,000 - $38,000
Costs vary by size, materials & complexity | Get Style-Specific Quotes
📅 3-4 Week Timeline

Bathroom Renovation Timeline: Complete Week-by-Week Guide Australia

What to expect during your bathroom transformation journey

1

Planning & Design

5-7 days

Get quotes, choose contractor, finalize design and fixtures.

Quotes Contracts Design
2

Demolition

2-3 days

Remove old fixtures, tiles, strip walls and waste disposal.

Strip-out Disposal Assess
3

Rough-In Work

3-5 days

Plumbing, electrical, ventilation and wall framing.

Plumbing Electrical Ventilation
4

Waterproofing

2-3 days

Membrane application, curing time and AS 3740 certification.

Membrane Curing Certificate
5-6

Tiling & Fixtures

7-10 days

Wall & floor tiles, grouting, vanity, toilet and shower install.

Tiling Fixtures Tapware
7+

Final Touches

2-3 days

Paint touch-ups, mirrors, accessories, and final clean.

Painting Accessories Handover
Simple Process

How It Works

Getting quotes from licensed bathroom renovation contractors is simple and free

1

Tell Us What You Need

Fill out a simple form describing your bathroom renovation needs. Takes less than 2 minutes.

2

Receive Multiple Quotes

Get up to 3 quotes from licensed bathroom renovation contractors within 24 hours.

3

Choose & Save

Compare quotes, designs, and materials. Choose the best contractor and save up to 30% on your bathroom renovation.

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Licensed Contractors Only

All renovators are fully licensed, insured & waterproofing certified

Save Up to $5,000

Average savings by comparing multiple bathroom quotes

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Verified Reviews

What Australia Customers Say about Bathroom Renovation

Real bathroom renovation reviews from verified Australia customers

5.0 out of 5
Based on 188 verified reviews

Bathroom Renovation reviews in Australia. 188 verified customer reviews with 5.0/5 average rating. Real experiences from local customers.

Verified

Amazing bathroom transformation! The team handled everything from demolition to final fit-off. Waterproofing certificate provided and the tiling work is flawless. Our ensuite went from dated to magazine-worthy.

Ensuite Renovation
Verified

Got 3 quotes through The Wombat™ and saved over $4,000 compared to the first renovator I contacted directly. The winning contractor was professional, on time, and delivered exactly what was promised. Total cost $28,500 for a full main bathroom renovation.

Bathroom Renovation
Verified

Our bathroom renovation exceeded expectations. Beautiful frameless shower screen, heated towel rails, and quality fixtures from Caroma. The project manager kept us updated throughout the 4-week build. Highly recommend comparing quotes!

Bathroom Renovation
5.0/5 Average Rating 188 Customer Reviews Wombat™ Verified Australia Area Bathroom Renovation

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about this topic

1

How much does a typical bathroom renovation cost?

Bathroom renovation costs vary significantly based on scope and quality. A cosmetic refresh typically costs $5,000-$12,000, while a standard renovation ranges from $12,000-$25,000. Premium renovations cost $25,000-$45,000, and luxury ensuites can exceed $80,000. Key factors include bathroom size, fixture quality, tile selection, waterproofing requirements, and whether you're changing the layout. The best way to get accurate pricing is to compare quotes from multiple licensed contractors based on your specific requirements.
2

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

Timeline depends on renovation complexity: Cosmetic refresh takes 1-2 weeks, standard renovation takes 3-4 weeks, premium renovation takes 4-6 weeks, and luxury ensuite takes 6-10 weeks. Additional time may be needed for permits, custom materials, or if structural issues are discovered. Always factor in a buffer for unexpected delays.
3

Do I need permits for a bathroom renovation?

Yes, most bathroom renovations in Australia require building permits, especially when the work involves structural changes or moving walls, plumbing and drainage work, electrical installations and upgrades, waterproofing (which must be certified), and ventilation system changes. Your licensed contractor should handle permit applications, but always verify this is included in your quote. Permit requirements vary by state and local council.
4

Why is waterproofing so important in bathroom renovations?

Waterproofing is critical in Australian bathroom renovations and is mandated by the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Proper waterproofing prevents water damage to structural elements, stops mould growth, protects neighboring rooms from moisture penetration, and maintains home value. All wet areas must be waterproofed by licensed professionals who provide compliance certificates. Skipping waterproofing can void insurance and lead to costly water damage repairs.
5

What fixtures should I choose for my bathroom renovation?

Fixture selection depends on your budget, bathroom size, and lifestyle needs. Essential fixtures include toilet, vanity with basin, shower or bathtub, tapware, and lighting. Consider water-efficient (WELS-rated) fixtures to save on bills, storage solutions like wall-mounted vanities, heated towel rails for comfort, and quality tapware that will last. Balance aesthetics with functionality, and always choose Australian Standards certified products.
6

Can I change the layout of my bathroom?

Yes, you can change the bathroom layout, but it significantly increases costs and complexity. Moving plumbing fixtures requires relocating water supply and drainage pipes, which may involve floor cutting and structural work. Layout changes typically add $3,000-$10,000+ to renovation costs. You'll also need council permits and potentially engineering assessments. However, a better layout can dramatically improve functionality and may be worth the investment in the long run.
7

What's the difference between standard and premium fixtures?

Standard fixtures are budget-friendly, functionally sound, and typically come with 1-5 year warranties. Premium fixtures offer superior build quality, designer aesthetics, advanced features (like thermostatic showers), longer warranties (10+ years), and better finishes that resist tarnishing. Premium fixtures cost 2-4x more but often last longer and add more value to your home. For investment properties, standard fixtures are usually sufficient. For your primary residence, premium fixtures in key areas like the ensuite can be worthwhile.
8

Should I renovate the bathroom myself or hire professionals?

In Australia, bathroom renovations must be completed by licensed professionals for plumbing and electrical work - it's illegal and dangerous to DIY these trades. You can do cosmetic work like painting or installing accessories, but waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, and electrical must be done by qualified tradies. DIY mistakes can void insurance, fail building inspections, and create expensive repairs. Professional renovations include warranties, comply with regulations, and are completed faster with better results.
9

How do I choose between a shower and a bathtub?

Consider your household needs and bathroom size. Showers are more water-efficient, take up less space, easier for elderly or mobility-impaired users, and are faster for daily use. Bathtubs are great for young families with children, provide relaxation benefits, and add resale value in family homes. If space allows, a shower-bath combo offers flexibility. In smaller bathrooms or ensuites, a walk-in shower maximizes space. For family homes, keep at least one bathtub somewhere in the house.
10

What should I look for when comparing bathroom renovation quotes?

When comparing quotes, ensure each includes a detailed scope of works, all materials and fixtures listed, waterproofing certification, permits and compliance costs, labor costs broken down by trade, project timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms. Check the contractor holds current licenses and insurance, has good reviews and recent bathroom renovation experience, provides references, and offers clear communication. Don't just choose the cheapest quote - quality workmanship and proper warranties are worth paying for. For major renovations, also compare quotes for kitchen renovations and complete home renovations.

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Last updated: February 2026
Verified by licensed bathroom renovation specialists and tradespeople
Australia-wide coverage

Prices are estimates based on market research and may vary by location, project size, site conditions, and specialist. Always get multiple quotes for accurate pricing. Bathroom renovations require licensed plumbers and waterproofing, plus building permits for structural changes.

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