Melbourne bathroom renovation costs range from $$16,000 to$$35,000+. Get a clear breakdown of what drives the price, what’s included, and how to budget properly.
How much will my bathroom reno cost?
“How much will my bathroom reno cost?” is the first question every Melbourne homeowner asks. It’s also the hardest one to answer honestly, because the real number depends on your bathroom, not someone else’s.
That said, you deserve a straight answer before you start calling around for quotes. Here’s what bathroom renovations actually cost in Melbourne right now, based on our experience completing over 200 projects across the metro area.
The short answer
Most Melbourne bathroom renovations land between $$16,000 and$$35,000. That range covers everything from a cosmetic refresh (new tiles, vanity, and fixtures on existing plumbing) through to a full gut-and-rebuild with layout changes, new waterproofing, and premium finishes.
Go below $$16,000 and you’re cutting corners somewhere. Go above$$35,000 and you’re into luxury territory with freestanding baths, frameless glass, and high-end materials.
What determines the price?
The gap between $$16,000 and$$35,000 isn’t random. A few things push the number up or down.
Bathroom size. A small ensuite (under 4 square metres) costs less than a full family bathroom. More floor area means more tiling, more waterproofing membrane, and more labour hours.
Layout changes. Keeping the toilet, shower, and vanity where they are saves you $$3,000 to$$6,000 in plumbing relocation. Moving a toilet is particularly expensive because it requires changes to the drainage line beneath the slab. If your current layout works, keep it.
Finishes and fixtures. A standard ceramic tile costs $$30 to$$50 per square metre. A porcelain large-format tile runs $$80 to$$150. Multiply that across floors and walls and the difference adds up fast. The same applies to vanities, tapware, shower screens, and accessories.
Structural condition. Older Melbourne homes (pre-1990s, especially weatherboard and brick veneer) often have issues hidden behind the walls. Rotted timber framing, deteriorated waterproofing, asbestos sheeting in wet areas, or sub-floor moisture damage. A good builder accounts for these risks in the quote. A cheap one pretends they don’t exist and hits you with variations later.
Waterproofing. Every bathroom renovation in Victoria requires waterproofing to AS 3740 standards. This isn’t optional. The membrane, application, drying time, and independent inspection all add to the cost, but they protect you from a $20,000+ leak repair down the line.
Typical cost breakdown
Here’s roughly where the money goes on a mid-range Melbourne bathroom renovation (around $$20,000 to$$25,000):
Labour (plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, waterproofing) accounts for about 40% to 50% of the total cost. Materials (tiles, vanity, toilet, tapware, shower screen, accessories) take up 30% to 35%. Demolition, rubbish removal, and site cleanup run 10% to 15%. Project management and compliance documentation make up the remaining 5% to 10%.
These ratios shift depending on how premium your material choices are, but labour is always the biggest line item.
What should be included in a bathroom renovation quote?
A proper quote covers the full scope of work. If any of these are missing, ask why.
Demolition and removal of existing bathroom. Plumbing rough-in (and relocation if applicable). Electrical rewiring, lighting, exhaust fan, and power points. Waterproofing to AS 3740 with compliance certificate. Floor and wall tiling. Vanity, mirror, and storage installation. Shower screen supply and fit. Toilet and tapware installation. Painting, silicone, and final detailing. Rubbish removal and final clean. Project management throughout.
If a quote just says “bathroom renovation $15,000” with no itemisation, that’s not a quote. That’s a guess.
How to avoid cost blowouts
Most renovation horror stories come down to three problems: vague quotes, unscoped work, and unlicensed trades.
Get a fixed-price written quote after an on-site inspection. Not a ballpark over the phone. Not a “starting from” price on a website. A builder who has seen your bathroom, checked the plumbing access, looked at the wall condition, and then written down a number they’ll stick to.
Ask what’s excluded. Asbestos removal, structural repairs, and appliance supply are common exclusions. Know what they are before you sign.
Check the builder’s licence. In Victoria, any renovation project over $10,000 requires a registered domestic builder. Ask for their DB-U licence number and verify it on the VBA (Victorian Building Authority) website. Also ask for proof of public liability insurance and domestic building insurance.
The bottom line
A well-built bathroom renovation in Melbourne costs between $$16,000 and$$35,000 for a standard project. You can spend less on a cosmetic refresh or more on a luxury build, but that range covers what most homeowners need.
The money is worth it. A properly renovated bathroom adds comfort, function, and resale value to your home. A poorly done one creates problems you’ll be paying to fix for years.
If you want to know what your bathroom would cost, the only way to get an accurate number is an on-site visit. We offer free consultations across all Melbourne metro suburbs and provide a fixed-price written quote within 5 business days.
Contact Hexon Renovations to book your free consultation, or call us on 0426 992 464.
