What’s the Average Cost of a Bathroom Renovation in Melbourne?

James Scully
 | September 15, 2021

Planning a bathroom renovation in Melbourne in 2023? Wondering how much it will cost? This article is for you!

We’ll break down the average costs of everything from materials to labour, so you can have a clearer idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your location and the specific work that needs to be done.

DIY VS. PROFESSIONAL RENOVATION SERVICE

Let’s start by addressing this debate upfront – we assure you, remodelling your bathroom by yourself as a DIY project is not a more affordable option. By the time you purchase all the necessary materials and appliances (not to mention the time and energy spent on the project), it’s all too easy to blow out your budget. The risk is also much higher – if you make a mistake at any point during the renovation, it could cost you thousands of dollars to rectify the issue.

The secret to a successful renovation that will last for years and add real value to your home is expert planning and management of all the stages. This includes coming up with innovative and cost-effective design ideas, scheduling and managing multiple trades, and sourcing the perfect materials. Every decision needs to be made carefully to avoid delays or blowing the budget.

Renovating your bathroom can be a daunting task, but our team of experienced professionals can help you every step of the way. We’ll work with you to create a budget that fits your needs, and we’ll make sure the renovation is completed on time and on budget. We’ll also help you select the perfect fixtures and finishes for your new bathroom.

Bathroom remodeling costs
Determining the cost of a bathroom renovation involves several important considerations

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REDO/REMODEL YOUR BATHROOM IN 2023?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, it’s recommended that you budget approximately $40,000. This price includes everything from design and demolition to trades, fixtures, fittings, cleaning and overall project management.

Other than the kitchen, one of the most expensive areas to upgrade is the bathroom. It may incredibly increase the value of your house, but it can also cost you a fortune. The full overhaul cost of a bathroom depends on what you want to upgrade.

If you’re planning to replace a few features and fixtures to revitalise the space, then you won’t have to spend a significant amount of money. On the other hand, if you want to have a full-scale renovation project, then you may have to shell out a large amount of money.

As such, thorough planning is a must to ensure the success of the project. Aside from the layout and design, you also need to consider changing the plumbing, electrical wiring, and the moisture content of the bathroom. Here’s what you should know about the cost and other techniques of bathroom remodelling.

UNDERSTANDING THE BREAKDOWN OF BATHROOM RENOVATION COSTS; FROM SHOWERS AND VANITIES TO BATHTUBS AND TAPWARE

Labour is by far the biggest expense – 70% of the total cost will go towards the labour involved in creating the new space, with only 30% allocated to materials and finishes (this analysis is approximate as the cost of particular home improvement projects can always vary).

This is why it’s so important to choose high-quality waterproofing and plumbing work if you want your bathroom to last. If you’re moving plumbing points from their original location or installing additional elements, such as separate overhead and hand showers, plumbing costs will increase.

If you’re looking to add some extra style and functionality to your bathroom, consider including a vanity unit in your renovation plans. Cabinetry costs will depend on the complexity of the job and the quality of the finishes selected, but including a stylish vanity unit can really elevate the look of your bathroom. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are some beautiful, ready-made vanity units available these days that will look incredible in your space without emptying your wallet (our designers can assist with this).

The cost of tiling can be a significant factor when planning a bathroom renovation, especially if you are looking to cover the walls from floor to ceiling. However, it is important to consider how you can use tiles strategically to create a luxurious look on a budget. For example, incorporating tiles into focal points such as around the sink basin or shower can really add drama and make a small bathroom feel larger. Tiles can also be used to create interesting patterns or designs that will catch the eye and add personality to your space.

Bathroom remodeling cost

LABOUR EXPENSES VS. FINISHED PRODUCTS

Just like upgrading a kitchen, there are considerable costs in the finished products of a bathroom renovation. From plumbing, shower surrounds, bathtubs, flooring, cabinets, and bathroom fixtures, these products have similar price tags with the kitchen cabinets, equipment, and countertop installations.

When renovating your bathroom, careful selection of products is key to keeping your budget in check. With so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to find the perfect product that meets all your needs.

However, by taking the time to consider factors such as look, feel, and budget, you can find the right product for your bathroom. Additionally, it’s important to remember that not all products are created equal – some may be more durable than others, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.

There are many ways to upgrade your bathroom – adding heated towel rails, underfloor heating, and other features can really optimise the space for Melbourne living. Speak with your interior designer to explore all the possibilities and create the perfect bathroom for your needs.

TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM? HERE ARE THE PHASES INVOLVED

There are four phases when you remodel your bathroom. These four phases include planning, ordering, demolition, and installation. In this way, you can organise your thoughts and plan accordingly for your home improvement project.

  1. Planning Phase

The first and essential step to bathroom renovation is planning. Planning is helpful to identify the full scope of the project. The first phase is where you brainstorm all of your ideas. Ask yourself what design do you like? Or are you interested in any particular countertop and flooring? You have to determine and list down all your possible choices.

  1. Ordering Material Phase

When it’s time to order the materials, don’t settle with one option. Contact various home improvement stores around your area to compare the difference in the prices. But you can also appoint a professional that’s on the team of your project.

In this way, it’ll make things easier as they know where they could get trusted products. Initially, material buyers can get discounts when they buy wholesale products and can help you identify specific, custom-cut materials with the right quality and quantity.

  1. Demolition Phase

The demolition process is where you declutter everything, but the cost will differ depending on whether if you want a professional or you want to remove everything yourself. A demolition team will usually charge fees for decluttering your bathroom, and by doing the installation process yourself, you may cut the expenses down and can save a particular amount of money.

  1. Installation Phase

The installation process requires time and precise work. Leaving this matter to the professional contractors is essential as they are the ones who can adequately do the job. Most contractors charge an extra for the installation fee other than the current cost of the bathroom materials they’ll be installing.

Renovate bathroom cost

WHO WILL HANDLE THE WORK?

You have to decide who will do the renovation. Are you going to hire a primary contractor? Or subcontractors to distribute work phases, or are you going to handle everything yourself?

Hiring a general contractor would be a good thing as he/she will handle all different phases of the project keeping everything in good hands. Also, hiring subcontractors will develop a fast-working environment. These professionals are essential to improve productivity and assurance.

You could go without a general contractor and hire the subcontractors yourself. In this way, you will handle all management related duties. If you know something about the project, have an organisational skill, and especially time; then taking care of the responsibility could save you more money. But you’ll need to take into consideration that the cost of labour and other decisions would be yours to decide.

THE AVERAGE COST OF INDIVIDUAL SUBCONTRACTORS FOR BATHROOM RENOS

  • Handyman – $60 to $90 per hour
  • Plumber – $45 to $65 per hour
  • Tile Installer – $5 to $10 per square foot
  • Carpenter – $70 per hour
  • Electrician – $65 to $85 per hour
  • Bathroom Designer – $60 to $160 per hour  


It’s essential to ask your subcontractors about any milestone or deposit payments they may require and demand. In this way, you need to make sure your general contractor can handle the accounting to avoid any lapses and shortage.

BATHROOM REMODEL COSTS – HOW TO CRUNCH THE NUMBERS FOR YOUR UNIQUE HOME

When planning a renovation, it can be tricky to determine the right and exact budget. There are different factors to determine the value of your renovation project, and it will depend on the size of the area. From small to master bathroom size, the fixtures that you need to fit will vary in price depending on the type and style of bathroom you choose to have.

The accessories that you may want to change can include floor plan, faucets, showers, tubs, cabinets, lighting, and countertops. So here’s a list of options with their different approximated prices.

Option FixturesLow CostMid CostHigh Cost
Install Flooring$800 – $2,000$2,500 – $3,600$5,000 – $7,000
Install Toilet$130 – $250$340 – $480$550 – $780
Install countertops$900 – $2,000$2,800 – $4,100$5,000 – $6,500
Install sink$190 – $900$1,400 – $2,300$3,500 – $6,500
Install bathtub$400 – $1,500$2,600 – $4,100$6,000 – $8,000
Install shower$450 – $2,000$3,000 – $4,800$6,000 – $10,000
Install cabinets$900 – $2,000$2,800 – $4,100$5,000 – $6,500
Install lighting fixture$120 – $900$1,100 – $1,700$2,500 – $4,000

How Can You Save Money?

There are lots of ways to cut up your expenses for the project. When you’re planning for your new bathroom, it’s normal to fantasise about fancy, elegant-looking, and luxurious bath. But the reality can hit you hard when you realise that the price for that perfection is out of reach.

Did you ever ask yourself if you can still revamp your bathroom even if you’re on a tight budget? Well, you don’t have to worry because yes, you can still create the most suitable bathroom for you. Here’s what you can do to cut your expenses.

Subway Tile at its Best

Sure, you can pick out the most gorgeous and elegant-looking tile in the market. But at $100 per square foot? You won’t be able to finish what you’ve started. Consider using a subway tile as your main flooring in the bathroom, and you can make a decorative tile using any expensive tile of your choice.

In this way, you can have a clean and elegant-looking bathroom with only just a $3 per square foot slab. This classic subway tile has an appeal that you harmonise with most of the decors.

Do It Yourself

Okay, now we mentioned earlier the dangers of renovating your bathroom yourself, but for those with design and construction experience, DIY projects are one of the ways you can save money.

However, you have to keep in mind that even a DIY project would require thorough planning. For example, when doing a DIY project, you need to list down all of the equipment you can use to avoid any lapses.

Also, don’t assume that when doing a DIY project, you won’t have to spend something. In addition to your equipment, you’ll need to hire or rent a skip bin to take away all of the debris, for example.

Add More Light, Not Windows

Adding windows can cost you more than adding lights. You don’t have to cut a big hole in your bathroom to add brightness to the area. Although having more windows is a favourite among homeowners nowadays, installing more light is cheaper than adding more holes.

In addition, there’s an alternative that you can install to add more brightness to your bathroom. A sun tube or a solar tube is a brilliant device which you can install between the rafters of your attic. These tubes are flexible – a range of 10 up to 20 inches in diameter can funnel natural sunlight down to your bathroom. Solar tubes are cost-effective and can range from $200-$400 compared to a $1,500 double-pane window.

How much to redo bathroom

BATHROOM RENOVATION COSTS: THE FINAL TAKEAWAY

Revamping a bathroom is a costly job. You have to be more realistic with your plan and don’t expect to have a fully renovated bathroom with a small budget. Evaluate everything and plan your design thoroughly. If you have the budget, then you can upgrade to the most suitable and luxurious bathroom you’ve ever had. Good luck!

Ready to get started?

As we touched on earlier in the article, the cost of a bathroom renovation varies. However, working with GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens means knowing exactly where you stand every step of the way – we pride ourselves on our transparency.

Together, our expert designers and builders will work closely alongside you to deliver tailored results on whatever budget works best for you.

From bathroom renovations and kitchen remodeling to home extensions and more; get in touch with the GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens team today.

James Scully

James Scully

Operations Manager

James studied Property at RMIT University where he learnt the fundamentals of construction and project management. Over the last twelve years he’s spent time working on both commercial and residential projects, working closely with all trades to gain valuable knowledge in all aspects of construction whilst honing in the skills he studied at RMIT.

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