## What Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Melbourne?
Bathroom renovation costs in Melbourne vary significantly depending on the scope, finishes, and complexity of the work. Based on industry-reported ranges for 2026, here's what you can generally expect:
Basic Refresh: $10,000–$15,000
A basic bathroom refresh covers cosmetic updates without changing the layout. This typically includes repainting, replacing tapware and fixtures, updating the vanity, and installing new mirrors or accessories. The existing plumbing and waterproofing remain in place, keeping costs lower.
Mid-Range Renovation: $15,000–$30,000
A mid-range renovation involves a full strip-out with new tiles, fittings, waterproofing, and potentially a new layout within the existing footprint. This is the most popular scope for Melbourne homeowners and delivers a significant transformation. You can see a mid-range renovation example in our Tullamarine spa ensuite project.
High-End Renovation: $30,000–$50,000+
High-end bathroom renovations typically include structural changes such as expanding the room, relocating plumbing, premium fixtures and finishes, custom joinery, and luxury features like underfloor heating or freestanding baths. Our Coburg designer bathroom is an example of a premium-finish bathroom renovation.
“Note: These are industry-reported ranges for Melbourne and serve as a general guide. Your actual cost depends on the specific scope, site conditions, and finishes selected.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence the final cost of a bathroom renovation:
- Bathroom size — Larger bathrooms require more tiles, waterproofing, and labour
- Structural changes — Moving walls or expanding the room adds significant cost
- Waterproofing — All wet areas must be properly waterproofed to meet Australian standards
- Fixture quality — The gap between standard and premium tapware, toilets, and basins can be substantial
- Plumbing relocation — Moving the toilet, shower, or vanity from their current positions increases plumbing costs
- Site access and conditions — Upper-level bathrooms, tight hallways, and older homes with asbestos or outdated wiring add complexity
Cost Breakdown: Where Does the Money Go?
A typical bathroom renovation budget is split across four main areas:
- Labour — The largest portion. Covers demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrical, carpentry, and project management
- Materials — Tiles, waterproofing membranes, adhesives, cement sheeting, and structural materials
- Fixtures and fittings — Tapware, toilet, basin, vanity, shower screen, and accessories
- Permits and compliance — Building permits (when required), waterproofing certification, and plumbing compliance certificates
Understanding this breakdown helps you make informed decisions about where to invest and where to save.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Fixed-Price vs Cost-Plus
There are two common pricing structures for bathroom renovations:
- Fixed-price quotes provide a firm total for an agreed scope of work. You know the cost before work begins, with no surprises.
- Cost-plus arrangements charge actual costs plus a margin. These can result in budget uncertainty if scope changes or unexpected issues arise.
We recommend fixed-price quotes for bathroom renovations. They protect your budget and provide certainty throughout the build.
What to Ask Your Builder
When comparing quotes, make sure each one clearly addresses:
- Detailed scope of work and inclusions
- What is specifically excluded
- Timeline from start to completion
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- Warranty on workmanship and materials
- Builder registration and insurance details
Ready to get a quote? Contact our team for a site visit and detailed fixed-price proposal for your bathroom renovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take in Melbourne?
Most bathroom renovations take 3–6 weeks from demolition to completion. A cosmetic refresh may be quicker, while renovations involving structural changes or custom work can extend to 6–8 weeks.
Can I renovate my bathroom while living in the house?
Yes, most homeowners stay in their home during a bathroom renovation. You will need access to another bathroom for the duration of the build. We plan the work to minimise disruption to your daily routine.
Do I need a building permit for a bathroom renovation?
If your renovation involves structural changes, plumbing relocation, or work affecting load-bearing walls, a building permit is likely required. Cosmetic updates and like-for-like replacements generally do not need a permit. Learn more in our guide on bathroom renovation permits in Victoria.
Is waterproofing included in the cost?
Yes, waterproofing is a mandatory part of any bathroom renovation that involves replacing tiles or modifying wet areas. It must be completed by a licensed professional and inspected before tiling begins. All our bathroom renovations include proper waterproofing as standard.
*Looking for more bathroom renovation guidance? Visit our bathroom renovation service page or get in touch for a personalised quote.*
