The cost of renovating your bathroom can vary depending on the size, scope of work, and materials used. It is important to remember that if not done correctly the potential for major damage to your home is significant.
A lot of the work done to renovate a bathroom you will not see, as it will be behind walls, tiles and floor. But it will underpin the structural integrity of your bathroom. So just choosing the cheapest option can be a false economy.
The best way to save money on your bathroom renovation is by making smart choices in tiles, vanities, bench tops and accessories. Often less expensive options can be just as hard wearing and aesthetically pleasing. As a guide, a bathroom build can be anywhere from $15,000 – $75,000, let us give you the facts of where this money is going.
Variables that will impact how much your bathroom build will cost
There are several variables that will impact how much your renovation will cost, such as:
- The size of your bathroom
- The cost of materials
- The cost of fittings
- The labour costs
- Any special features or amenities you want to include
What affects bathroom build costs?
- The size of the room
- Cost of materials
- Labour costs
- Plumbing: Installing or relocating plumbing connections for sinks, showers and toilets can be costly but often necessary and short cuts can be false economy
- Cabinets and countertops: The type of materials you choose for your new cabinets and countertops will make a big difference in price. It is important to choose good quality finishes but sometimes the choice between superior and premium can be significant
- Flooring: Replacing a bathroom floor involves removal and installation fees on top of the cost of materials.
- Amenities: Luxury features like heated floors or a rainfall shower can add to the final price tag.
Designer
Designing your bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive, and in fact, working with a builder could get you the design process for free.
There are practical parameters that have to be worked within and your builder is the best person to advise you on these. You can receive great advice from Tile and Bench Top retailers. Visiting the builders previous jobs can give you great ideas.
Builder
Most homeowners decide to hire a builder to help them with the construction and design of a new bathroom. The labour cost for upgrading a bathroom can vary based on the size of the bathroom and how much work needs to be done.
As a guide, a bathroom build can be anywhere from $15,000 – $75,000. This price should always be agreed in writing via a contract but can be subject to agreed variation as issues arise or changes are required. Builders can also manage the whole build for you – this cuts out the stress of managing the build yourself. The Builder will also provide all the Trades necessary to complete the Bathroom and the cost of these can all be included in the quoted price.
Demolition
Prior to installing a new bathroom, the old one needs to be demolished. This can be time consuming and messy if not done efficiently. It should take 2 days. It is best to leave it to your builder. This will be included in the quoted price.
Something that might increase the cost would be if there is any asbestos on the property. Obviously, asbestos needs to be handled with care, not disturbed, and removed and disposed of by a licensed asbestos removalist.
Plumbing – the rough in
The plumbing in your bathroom is important and needs to be done by a qualified professional. This includes all the piping that is below the surface of the bathroom and inside the walls. A qualified plumber will be able to sign off on your plumbing with a certificate. Remember this is the important stage – you won’t be able to see the rough in once the whole bathroom is completed. But if it is done incorrectly, then you might get leaks, water damage, and structural damage later on down the track.
Waterproofing
The bathroom is usually one of the most troublesome rooms when it comes to leaks and water damage. Whether it’s a running toilet or a leaky tap, water damage is a major concern when it comes to the bathroom. One of the most important things you need to do is have the waterproofing done correctly.
Fit off
This is where items are installed, such as a toilet, shower, bath, taps etc. This can vary greatly depending on the items you choose. A bath alone can vary from $800 – $8,0000.
Electrical
Remember you will need an exhaust fan, lights and don’t forget the powerpoints. The electrician will need to come during rough in and final fit out.
Tiling
Tiling a bathroom can be an exacting process but it needs to look great and be done well.
It’s important to choose the right tiles for the job and to think about the overall effect that you want to achieve.
Of course, you want good quality tiles that look great. But as you pay for tiles by the square metre a $20 – 30 difference between the cost of tiles per square can be significant and something to take into consideration.
Vanity
A custom made vanity will be more expensive than a ready made one but is generally worth the additional cost in terms of the look, storage and how it will fit the space .
Benchtops
Engineered stone benchtops are a popular choice.
Stone benchtops such as Ceaserstone are solid and require very little maintenance. They are non-porous, waterproof, scratch-resistant and resistant to mould.
There are different price points from standard through to premium so there is flexibility to work within your budget and all are great options
Bath
Your bath is an important design choice as it does influence the overall look of your bathroom. The bath can be freestanding or built in with a framework. The cost of a bath can vary greatly.
Fibreglass is a less expensive but popular option. Steel is far more expensive and has superior heat retention.
Within those two options, there is a wide variety of styles to suit your bathroom design.
Toilet
Increasingly the popular choice for a toilet is square backed to the wall. This avoids that messy gap behind the wall that is difficult to clean. Rimless toilets are also increasingly popular.
Shower
Frameless shower screens are the universal choice together with step free showers.
Easy to clean and maintain and has a sleek, modern finish.
Hardware
Some extra costs may sneak up on you and need to be included in the budget. Hardware such as towel racks, toilet roll holders and taps for sink, shower and bath can add up. Again you want good quality, functionality and great design.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can only achieve this with absolute top end prices. These finishing touches can really elevate your bathroom.
Extra Additions
Really the price of a bathroom could be endless, depending on what you are adding. Think about all the little extras you could add on even after a renovation. Things that aren’t part of the fixtures, but do add an extra something to the styling and finish.
Such as;
- removable mirrors
- toothbrush holders
- soap dispensers
- artwork
- hand towels
- bins
- seats
The cost of renovating your bathroom can vary dramatically based on the size, scope of work, and materials used. Keeping in mind that the quality of the materials and labour is important, if not done correctly the potential for major damage to your home is significant.
A great place to save money is by making smart choices in tiles, vanities, bench tops and accessories. Often less expensive options can be just as hardwearing and aesthetically pleasing.
Ever wondered how much it is to renovate a laundry? We have just the price guide.
Are you looking to renovate your bathroom or laundry? We are located in the Bayside area of Melbourne. Feel free to reach out to get a quote on your renovation today.
