How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A Bathroom?

Thinking of investing your hard-earned cash into bringing your tired and outdated bathroom back to life? If so, it's a good idea to know the cost of renovating a bathroom before committing to such a major project. Knowing what things like materials, labour, and any unexpected costs may add up to is necessary for budgeting purposes - and we can help! In this blog post, we will go through a breakdown of all the cost considerations when planning for a dreamy new bathroom space in your Australian home.

What is the average bathroom renovation cost in Australia?

Costing around $3,000 per square metre, what you can expect to pay in Australia can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the project. According to Architecture & Design, if you have a budget between $15,000-30,000 that should be enough for your bathroom renovation project. For this price, you can expect things like new fittings and fixtures, a new shower screen, tiling, lighting, layout reconfiguration, and more.

However, more extensive bathroom renovations requiring structural changes to walls or new plumbing may cost up to $50,000 and beyond. It is important to remember that these numbers are just estimates, as many factors can affect the total price of a bathroom renovation including labour costs, the quality of materials used, and any unexpected issues that may arise during the course of the project. When considering your own budget for a bathroom remodel it is best to seek out quotes from multiple contractors before committing to anything.

What is the biggest expense in bathroom renovations?

One of the biggest expenses contributing to your entire bathroom renovation cost is hiring tradespeople. Plumbers, tilers, kitchen fitters, and electricians all need to be paid for their labour and the cost adds up quickly. If you are looking to save money on your bathroom renovation, it’s best to try and do as much of the work yourself as possible. This will reduce labour costs, but you also need to consider your own skill level and the cost of any tools or materials you may need to purchase.

Obviously, you won't be able to carry out the electrical work yourself (unless you happen to be a qualified electrician), yet there are many smaller jobs you can do to help keep your bathroom renovation costs down. Things like removing old fixtures and cupboards as well as painting are tasks you can do yourself to help reduce the cost of a bathroom renovation.

What about materials?

Another big cost consideration is the materials you choose for your bathroom renovation. High-end finishes such as marble and quartz countertops, designer tiles, and luxury taps can all add up quickly so it is important to do your research and know what your budget is before making any major purchases. It can be helpful to create a list of items you want and the associated price, so you can compare different materials and find the one that is best for your bathroom within your budget.

Now that you know the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Australia and what factors affect the price, it is time to start planning your dream space! Here is our step-by-step guide to carrying out a bathroom reno on a tight budget:

Step 1. Assess the state of your existing bathroom

Now is the time to consider any structural or plumbing repairs that may be needed in order to complete the renovation. Maybe you don't need a complete bathroom renovation. Maybe you can just update the fixtures and fittings to give your space an instant facelift. If you decide that a bathroom reno is the way to go, common areas for refurbishment include worn-out floors, dated cabinetry, and outdated plumbing fixtures. Take note of any existing damage and make sure you incorporate necessary repairs into your complete renovation plan - this will save you plumbing costs in the long run and help ensure longevity for your complete bathroom makeover.

Step 2. Research different types of fixtures, such as sinks, tubs, showers, tile, and flooring

Research is key to making an informed decision. Look at different types of fixtures, materials, and finishes within your budget. Consider the style, quantity, size and finish for each item to create a cohesive look. Take into account how the fixtures will interact with each other, for example, floor and wall tiles should typically coordinate with each other. Knowing what works together can help you make the best choices and create a polished finished look that will add value to your home.

Step 3. Create a budget

Once you have done your research and know what fixtures, materials, and finishes you need for your bathroom renovation, it is time to set a budget. Make sure you include labour costs, as well as any tools or materials you need to buy for the job. Setting a realistic budget will help you stay on track and avoid going over budget. Also, don't forget to have a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.

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    Step 4. Contact tradespeople

    Now that you have your budget, it is time to start looking into hiring suitable tradespeople. Get at least three quotes from qualified professionals and make sure to check their references and credentials. Ask to see examples of their work and read any reviews they may have online. You can also ask for a breakdown of their costs to make sure you are getting quality workmanship at a good price. And if you do decide to carry out some of the work yourself, find out if they would be willing to be negotiable on price. Finding the right tradespeople is an important step to ensuring your bathroom renovation budget stays on track.

    Step 5. Plan the layout and design

    You may choose to work with a kitchen designer to help you create the bathroom of your dreams. Or, you may prefer to plan the layout and design yourself. Either way, it is important to create a detailed plan before you begin any work on the bathroom. Many kitchen suppliers and bathroom renovation companies have handy online tools that let you plan out your bathroom before you commit to anything. This way, you can play around with different designs and make sure everything fits perfectly before you start the actual renovation.

    Step 6. Start renovating

    Once you have all your plans in place, it is time to start renovating! If you have hired a contractor to carry out the work, make sure to communicate any changes or concerns you may have as the project progresses. If you are doing the work yourself, take your time and do it right - no one wants to be dealing with any costly repairs down the line. With the right preparation and planning, you will be rewarded with a stunning new bathroom that will look beautiful for years to come.

    How much value does a renovated bathroom add to a home?

    Knowing how much any renovations you make to your home will typically yield in ROI is a great way to determine if the costs to renovate are worth it. On average, a bathroom renovation can add around 5-10% to the total value of your home, and it’s possible for luxury bathroom renovations to add even more. Of course, the actual amount you can get back on your investment will depend on the quality of the renovation and any features that you may have added, such as heated floors, a free-standing bathtub, or a rainfall shower. If you are looking to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, a renovated bathroom could be an excellent way to go.

    Final thoughts

    For many Australians, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in their home. That's because it is a place to relax, unwind, and start the day with a sense of rejuvenation. And that's why investing in a bathroom renovation can not only add value to your home, but it can also make it a more enjoyable and comfortable place for you and your family. By taking the time to research materials, set a budget, and hire the right tradespeople, you can ensure that your bathroom renovation process is a successful one. So why wait? Start planning your bathroom renovation today and transform it into the perfect place to relax and unwind.

    Now that you have decided a bathroom reno is the right move for you, it's time to get your finances in order. A renovation loan can be a great way to cover the costs of your project, so that you don't have to dip into savings or rack up expensive credit card debt. At Driva, we don't just help Australians with financing the new car of their dreams, we also specialise in helping you finance home renovations. We can match your unique circumstances with the most suitable loan on the market and get you pre-approved in just minutes. So why not get started today and make your dream bathroom renovation a reality?

    Philana Kwan

    Philana Kwan is the marketing coordinator at Driva she has a demonstrated history in customer service excellence and is knowledgeable in all things car and finance related. When she’s not working Philana enjoys learning new things and keeping up with the latest trends in marketing and technology.

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