The cost of renovating a bathroom can vary significantly depending on the scope of works, materials, and complexity of the project.
Understanding the factors that impact the cost of a full bathroom renovation is key to setting a realistic budget and achieving your desired result.
What Affects the Cost of a Bathroom Renovation?
- Tile choices– Porcelain tiles can start at $20/m², but high-end options can exceed $200/m².
- Tapware – A simple chrome mixer might be $100, while brushed brass or gold fittings can double or triple that.
- Vanities & Basins – Entry-level units can cost under $300, but designer or custom options can easily exceed $1,000.
- Layout changes – Moving plumbing or reconfiguring your layout adds labour and material costs.
- Structural issues – behind floors and walls will need to be rectified during works for compliance and can greatly impact budget.
Budget Bathroom Renovations:
Keeping the existing layout significantly reduces labour and plumbing costs. Limiting tiling to key wet areas (shower, vanity splashback, behind the bath) and selecting large-format tiles will further reduce labour time and expense. Fixtures and fittings are selected to suit budget constraints.
Standard/Mid-Range Renovation:
These projects offer a good balance between cost and style enhancing aesthetics and usability. You can expect a wider selection of fittings and fixtures finishes and minor layout adjustments to improve function and design.
Premium/Luxury Renovation:
Designed for homeowners seeking a complete transformation, at this level you can achieve premium finish tapware and high-end features like freestanding baths, underfloor heating, custom joinery and feature lighting to achieve your fully desired vision.
Other Key Factors Influencing Cost
- Bathroom Size and Layout: Larger bathrooms and layout changes increase labour and material costs.
- Quality of Materials and Fixtures: Ready-made cabinetry will offer best pricing, while custom cabinetry, designer tapware, and high-end tiles add to the investment..
- Scope of Work: The more extensive the changes the higher the cost.
- Labour Costs and Trades: The significant portion of the renovation cost is allocated to skilled tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians, tilers, waterproofers and carpenters.
- Complexity of the Project: Custom designs and joinery, structural changes, intricate tiling, electrical and plumbing changes, will require more time and specialist expertise.
Compliance & Legal Considerations in Victoria
In Melbourne, any bathroom renovation exceeding $10,000 requires a Domestic Building Contract, and works over $16,000 must include Domestic Building Insurance provided by a registered builder. All full bathroom renovations must comply with Australian Waterproofing Standards (AS 3740–2010)—an essential and unavoidable cost.
These requirements highlight the importance of working with a qualified, registered builder to ensure full compliance, quality workmanship, and homeowner protection.
These are just some key points to understand the importance to engage a qualified, registered builder to ensure a high-quality finish, you are protected and your bathroom renovation will be fully compliant.
Set Your Bathroom Renovation Up for Success
At Cornerstone Property Group, we deliver complete, fully managed bathroom renovations in Melbourne, tailored to your vision, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s what you can expect when working with us:
- Transparent, all-inclusive quoting—no hidden surprises
- In-house trades team for quality control and efficiency
- Full project management to keep your renovation on track
- Registered Builders ensuring compliance and workmanship you can trust
- Easy-to-read HIA contracts and Domestic Building Insurance
- Renovations completed in as little as 2–3 weeks
- Access to trade-only pricing on top brands and products
- Interior design service to match your vision, style and budget
- Full procurement and sourcing of selected fittings and finishes
- Clear communication at every step of the journey
From initial planning through to the final clean, Cornerstone Property Group manages every detail, so you enjoy a smooth, stress-free renovation experience.
