The size of your bathroom, materials and fittings, and labour expenses can all factor into the final cost, but don’t let that discourage you. In 2022, the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Australia was $21,000. While post-COVID material and labour costs have risen, they are expected to decrease in 2023. Keep your dreams of a beautiful new bathroom alive!
Budgeting for Your Bathroom Renovation
When planning your bathroom renovation budget, it’s crucial to consider various cost factors. These include the size of your bathroom, the materials and fittings you prefer, the labour costs in your area, and any permit expenses. Let’s delve deeper into these factors and break down the costs.
Cost Breakdown
The cost of a bathroom renovation can be divided into three price brackets:
Budget Cost: $8,000 – $15,000
For a budget or cosmetic renovation of a smaller bathroom using budget materials and fittings, you can expect to spend between $8,000 and $15,000. This budget range typically involves cosmetic updates or swapping out a few items. To stay within this range, you may need to choose large format porcelain tiles in the $30 per square meter range and opt for a framed shower screen, a standard back-to-wall toilet, and a floor-mounted vanity.
Standard cost: $15,000 – $35,000
Most people spend between $15,000 and $35,000 for an average-sized mid-range bathroom renovation using mid-range materials and fittings. With this budget range, you have a wider selection of tiles in the $50 per square meter range, and you can consider options like mosaics in the shower cubicle. You may also upgrade to a semi-frameless or frameless shower screen, choose a larger or more sophisticated freestanding bathtub, and select a higher-quality bathroom vanity. While some changes can be made to plumbing and electrics, major alterations are usually not included in this cost range.
Premium Cost: $35,000+
For a high-end, premium, or luxury bathroom renovation using top-of-the-range materials and fittings, you should budget $35,000 or more. With this budget, you can completely overhaul your bathroom and make major changes to the layout and services. You can opt for a frameless shower screen, an in-wall cistern, a wall-hung vanity, and a luxurious freestanding bathtub. If you desire the best tiles for your walls or floors, expect to pay around $60 per square meter for porcelain tiles.
Check out these 10 bathroom renovation ideas to help you decide further.
Planning Your Bathroom Renovation Budget
Properly planning your bathroom renovation budget is crucial. It involves thorough research of all costs, including materials, tradespeople, permits, and any unexpected expenses. It’s also wise to allocate a buffer of 10% to 20% of the total budget for unforeseen costs, depending on the complexity and size of your renovation.
Here are some major costs to consider in your bathroom renovation budget:
Plumbing: If you’re moving plumbing or installing new elements, plumbing costs can vary. Plumbers typically charge a call-out fee of $60 to $100, with hourly rates ranging from $100 to $150.
Tiling: Since a significant portion of a bathroom is tiled, the size of your bathroom will impact the cost. Bathroom tilers often quote a per square meter rate, ranging from $35 to $120. The average cost for laying bathroom tiles is around $60 per square meter, excluding the price of the tiles themselves.
Bathtub: The cost of a bathtub depends on the material and type you choose. Baths can range from $350 for a basic replacement to several thousand dollars for high-end natural stone options.
Shower Screen: The cost of a shower screen varies based on size and type. Basic framed shower screens can be installed for around $400, while frameless options can cost more than $600.
Toilet: The cost of a toilet can range from $150 to $750 or more, depending on the type and quality. A good quality floor-mounted vitreous China toilet typically costs between $275 and $450.
Vanity: Bathroom vanities range in price depending on size and style. Prices can start from $467 for a wall-hung vanity with hidden handles and go up to $1360 for a wall-hung vanity with an integrated ceramic basin.
Waterproofing: Budget around $500 to $750 for waterproofing an average-sized bathroom.
Permits and Strata Regulations
Before starting any work on your bathroom renovation project, you may need to obtain permits or permission. Local council regulations and strata (if you live in a strata property) will dictate the requirements. Structural changes or alterations to the floor plan often require a permit, and different councils have varying regulations. If you live in a strata property, you’ll need approval from the strata committee, which may involve submitting plans and using licensed tradespeople. Be aware that permit and approval processes can take time, so plan accordingly.
Timeframe for Bathroom Renovations
The duration of a bathroom renovation depends on various factors. Research, planning, and design without major structural changes typically take around 6 to 8 weeks. This includes 1 to 4 weeks for research and design, 4 weeks for permit applications, and 2 to 4 weeks for material and fitting selection.
The actual construction phase can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the scale of the project. Factors that may affect the timeframe and cost include structural work, plumbing and electrical modifications, extensive tiling, and unexpected events like asbestos discovery.
The Final Word
When budgeting for a bathroom renovation in Australia in 2023, consider the size of your bathroom, materials, fittings, labour costs, and permits. Expect the cost to range from $8,000 to $35,000 or more, depending on your preferences and requirements. Proper planning, research, and budgeting will help ensure a successful renovation within your desired price range.