A bathroom renovation is one of the top home upgrades that maintain and boosts property value. However, this project can be expensive, depending on the complexity of the design and the total floor area.
Preparing a budget for a bathroom renovation can be overwhelming. Setting an exact amount takes time and effort with fluctuating material costs and changing trends. To help you come up with a ballpark budget to prepare, here are some key considerations:
Trusted suppliers like AA tiles provide premium tiles and other bathroom renovation supplies. Tilework is one of the most expensive parts of a bathroom renovation, so you'll need to choose high-quality materials and have it done by experts. Some of the best tile choices are the following:
Ceramic: Ceramic tiles are some of the most affordable options. It can cost as low as AUD$15 per square metre and comes in various designs to suit your bathroom design. Porcelain: Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made of the same materials. However, porcelain is less porous, making it more durable and water-resistant. It may cost AUD$50 to AUD$150 per square metre, depending on the type, design, and overall quality. Travertine: Travertine are stone tiles perfect for a natural bathroom design. It costs AUD$20 to AUD$40 per square metre. Large format tiles tend to be more expensive than smaller ones. Marble: Marble tiles are a classic design choice but can be expensive. On average, it costs AUD$50 to AUD$80 per square metre. However, high-end ones can be pricier and require professional installation to avoid damage. Slate: Slate tiles can cost around AUD$45 per square metre. It's a non-porous material with an anti-slip surface, perfect for showers. Vinyl: Vinyl tiles are the most affordable bathroom flooring option in terms of combined material and labour cost. It can cost as low as AUD$30 per square metre. It's a DIY-friendly option, so it's best for homeowners tackling their own bathroom makeover.The average professional tile installation costs between AUD$75 and AUD$120 per square metre, depending on the material type. Natural stones and large-format tiles are more expensive to install.
The next features to consider are bathroom fixtures. A renovation with complete fixture replacement can be expensive, so it's best to determine which ones you can keep saving more. However, you can go all-in, especially if the bathroom is outdated. Here are the average prices of bathroom fixtures.
Toilet: A basic toilet can cost as low as AUD$300 with an additional AUD$150 to AUD$250 for installation. Wall-hung toilets can cost up to AUD$1,600, including material and labour. Shower: A complete shower replacement can cost between AUD$450 to $6,000. The large price gap is due to a wide range of material choices. Bathtub: A bathtub made with fibreglass or acrylic costs between AUD$300 to AUD$1,000. High-end natural stone bathtubs can go up to AUD$8,000. Basin: Basins typically cost between AUD$200 to AUD$600, depending on the size and type. Taps: You can get a basin mixer for under AUD$100, while high-end ones start at AUD$600. Mirror: An LED mirror would be an excellent choice if you want a modern bathroom. You can get one for around AUD$400.Your selection of bathroom fixtures can require more or less budget than expected, depending on the brand, material type, and design intricacy.
The vanity countertop costs depend on the total area, choice of material, and labour costs. Here are the most popular countertop options for an updated bathroom:
Quartz: Quartz is an engineered stone. It's made with natural stone particles mixed with resin, giving it more durability. The material and installation can cost between AUD$400 and AUD$600 per square metre. Marble: Marble is an exquisite natural stone, perfect for elegant bathrooms. It costs between AUD$800 to AUD$2,200 per square metre installed. Granite: Granite is another natural stone known for its beauty and durability. Its costs for material and installation range between AUD$700 to AUD$1,700.These countertop options balance durability and elegance, perfect for a bathroom upgrade.
Aside from tilework and fixture installation, you may also need an additional budget for plumbing, structural repair, improved waterproofing, and painting, depending on the current condition of the bathroom.
Plumbing can be more expensive when you're changing the orientation of the bathroom fixtures. Another pricey part is structural repair. If the bathroom has signs of water damage, you'll need to hire skilled tradies to redo the walls and floor and upgrade the waterproofing to prevent future issues.
Total Costs
A bathroom renovation project can cost as little as AUD$5,000 for cosmetic repairs and a few fixture replacements and can go higher than AUD$30,000 for a complete upgrade. To set an accurate budget, make a list of fixtures you want to replace and your preferred materials.
For labour costs, expect to pay around AUD$35 to AUD$80 per hour. You may need to expect higher pay for installing delicate materials and paint detailing.