Renovating a bathroom in Melbourne is one of the most effective ways to refresh your home, boost comfort, and increase resale value. But before you dismantle tiles, you need a realistic idea of bathroom remodel costs. In this guide, you’ll learn what drives bathroom upgrade pricing, what typical bathroom expenses look like, and how to plan a bathroom makeover budget that keeps your renovation on track.
What Drives Bathroom Renovation Price in Melbourne
Several factors influence how expensive your bathroom renovation will become. Understanding them helps you compare quotes and control costs.
1. Scope & Complexity of Work
- Are you doing a cosmetic refresh (tiles, paint, fixtures) or structural changes (moving walls, changing layout, relocating plumbing)?
- More extensive work (new drains, moving plumbing, adding windows) costs more than simple upgrades.
2. Materials, Fixtures & Finish Quality
- Standard fixtures, tiles, and joinery cost less. Premium items like stone benchtops, frameless glass, high-end vanities or imported tiles add significantly.
- Hardware (taps, shower heads), lighting, cabinetry, mirrors all play into total cost.
3. Plumbing & Electrical Work
- If you’re relocating bathroom plumbing (moving a shower or toilet) or upgrading plumbing lines, expect substantial costs.
- Electrical upgrades (lighting, ventilation, heaters) also add to expenses.
4. Structural & Hidden Issues
- Older homes often hide surprises: water damage, mould, rotting timber, leaking pipes or outdated wiring. These become extra costs mid-project.
- Floor leveling, waterproofing, subfloor repairs should always be budgeted.
5. Labour, Trade Demand & Site Access
- Melbourne’s renovation market is busy; skilled plumbers, electricians, and tilers command premium rates.
- Restricted site access, awkward layouts, or elevation work (upstairs bathrooms) increase labour time and expense.
6. Design Fees, Permits & Compliance
- You may need a designer, engineer, or architect for layout or structural changes.
- Building permits, inspections, waterproofing certification, and compliance costs must be included.
Typical Bathroom Renovation Costs in Melbourne
Here are ballpark price ranges you can expect:
- Basic renovation / refresh: $10,000 – $25,000
Includes updating fixtures, retiling walls/floor, new vanity, painting, and minor plumbing changes. - Mid-level renovation: $25,000 – $50,000
More substantial changes — new layout, better fixtures, improved tiling, shower upgrades, better vanity, lighting and ventilation. - Premium renovation / luxury makeover: $50,000 – $80,000+
Custom joinery, high-end fixtures, large-format tiles, frameless glass, heated floors, skylights, luxury shower/wet room features. - Full structural renovation (e.g. moving walls, altering footprint): $60,000 – $100,000+
When layout changes, plumbing relocations, and structural work are involved.
Example: A 6 m² bathroom with standard finishes might cost about $30,000, while pushing it to a high-end finish range could reach $55,000 or more depending on fixtures and layout changes.
How to Plan a Bathroom Makeover Budget
Here are steps to build a realistic and flexible budget:
• Begin with a clear scope
Decide early what stays and what changes: Are you keeping walls in place or shifting layout? How premium do you want fixtures?
• Get multiple, detailed quotes
Ask at least three licensed bathroom renovators for itemised quotes that separate fixtures, tiling, plumbing, labour, and removals.
• Use standard sizes where possible
Custom sizes for vanities, mirrors, or tiles tend to raise cost. Standard sizes and modular solutions are more economical.
• Include contingency for hidden issues
Budget an extra 10–20% for surprises, such as leaks, structural repairs, or leftover materials.
• Plan for disruption
You might need a temporary bathroom setup or additional accommodation; include those in your expected renovation expenses.
• Phased upgrades
If your full vision is more than your budget allows now, consider doing structural or plumbing work first, and finishes later.
Working with Renovators & Design Professionals
- Use a qualified bathroom designer or interior designer who understands wet areas and waterproofing.
- Always get fixed-price contracts rather than open allowances.
- Tie payments to fixed milestones (demo, rough plumbing, tiling, fixtures).
- Confirm warranties, licensing, and references — ask for before/after examples.
- Be present during key stages (e.g. waterproofing, tiling) to avoid miscommunication or surprises.
FAQs: Bathroom Renovation Price in Melbourne
Q: What is the cost per m² for bathroom renovations?
A: Mid-level bathroom renovations often fall between $4,000 and $8,000 per m², depending on finish quality and extent of work. High-end bathrooms can exceed this.
Q: Does relocating plumbing add much cost?
A: Yes — moving drains, pipes or fixtures often adds substantially (sometimes 15–25%) to your total budget, especially if walls or floors need modifying.
Q: Do I always need permits for bathroom renovations?
A: For major structural work, plumbing changes, or where waterproofing is required, permits and inspections are usually necessary. Check with your local council.
Q: How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A: A simple refresh might take 2–3 weeks. More comprehensive renovations (layout changes, structural work) can take 4–8 weeks or more.
Q: How to avoid cost blowouts?
A: Lock in fixed-price quotes, avoid mid-project changes, choose modular fixtures, prepare for hidden issues, and always include a contingency buffer.
Conclusion
A bathroom renovation in Melbourne offers one of the highest returns on investment when done well — improving daily livability and property appeal. But the cost can vary widely depending on design changes, fixtures, site constraints, and hidden issues.
Use this guide to understand typical bathroom remodel costs, build a solid bathroom makeover budget, and steer clear of unpleasant surprises. When you’re ready for a solid quote, reach out to SLK Homes — we’ll help you estimate your renovation expenses and deliver your ideal bathroom without breaking the bank.
