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How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Australia?
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If you’re thinking about renovating your bathroom this year, it’s essential that you have a good idea of the costs involved so you can budget appropriately.
Here, Houseace, who offer bathroom renovations in Sydney, take us through all the costs involved in renovating a bathroom, as well as the factors you need to consider before starting a renovation project.
What is the average bathroom renovation cost in Australia?
The cost for renovating a bathroom can vary, but on average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $18,000 to $25,000 for a complete bathroom renovation in Australia.
However, this number is not set in stone and will depend on a variety of details including the size of the bathroom, the type of renovations being done, as well as the company enlisted to do the work.
Size will impact the price…
Generally speaking, the larger the bathroom, the higher the renovation cost. And though the below figures are just averages, the size of your bathroom will affect the cost of your renovation.
Typical (avg) costs in relation to room size
| Bathroom size (square m2) | Total Price |
|---|---|
| 1x2 (2m2) | $6,500 - $10,000 |
| 2x2 (4m4) | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| 3x2 (6m2) | $10,500 - $18,000 |
| 4x2 (8m2) | $19,000 - $25000 |
| 10m2+ | $25,000++ |
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What you need to consider before starting a renovation project
It’s not just size that matters. Before you start a bathroom renovation, you’ll need to have a good think about the following:
- Are you happy with the current size and configuration? I.e. do you need to change the layout or enlarging or decreasing the space?
- How do you want the space to look and function?
Once you’ve answered those questions, you’ve probably got a good idea of the scope of the work involved.
For example, perhaps your bathroom will need to be completely renovated with replacements and upgrades and plumbing installation, or maybe it will be more simple replacements and repairs.
Keep this in mind: Taking out an old bathtub and replacing it with a new one will cost considerably less than having to install brand new plumbing in a new area of the bathroom.
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Budget and resale value
Next, you need to consider how much you want to spend. Bathroom renovations (along with kitchens) are one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your property, but if you want to benefit from the gains, it’s important to keep your home’s resale value in mind when considering costs.
As a rule of thumb, you want to pay no more than 2% of the property value on your bathroom renovation.
On the other hand, if you are renovating your bathroom to improve your chances of selling, or increase your sale price, you’ll want to spend even less.
In this case, it would make sense to opt for a cosmetic makeover rather than a full-on renovation. After all, you don't have to completely overhaul your bathroom in order for it to look fresh and new. Below are some simple ideas for how to refresh your bathroom on a budget.
How to refresh your bathroom on a budget (opt for a makeover rather than a full renovation)
- Replacing existing floor tiles with new tiles
- Installing new finishes to your toilet, sink or bathtub
- Replacing the bathtub, toilet or sink completely
- Updating your shower with new tiles and walls
- Replacing mixers/tapware with new ones
- Replacing bathroom cabinet hardware
- Adding new bathroom countertop
- Adding new bathroom paint or wallpaper
- Adding an accent wall in the bathroom
- Replacing or adding new light fixtures
- Replacing an old bathroom mirror with a new one
- Adding a bathroom vanity
It’s important to consider materials, too. If you are purely refreshing your bathroom to sell, don’t waste your money on luxury, customised fittings that may not be to the new buyers’ taste. Instead, opt for more budget-savvy options.
The work involved in a complete bathroom renovation
If you think back to the initial questions and you require the space, functionality or configuration of your current bathroom to change, you’ll need to undergo a complete bathroom renovation.
This will be more expensive as it will require more plumbing and labour time, including the following jobs:
- Leveling the floor
- Building up the walls for the bathroom
- Building a bathtub frame
- Creating falls for a shower
- Running plumbing & electrical for all fixtures
- Installing the tub
- Installing tile flooring
- Installing tiled Walls
- Installing the vanity
- Installing the shower
- Installing the plumbing underneath the bathroom for the toilet & shower
- Installing the toilet
Typical cost per fixture or finish
| Line Item | Typical Range* | Percent of Total Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures (toilets, bathtubs) | $2500-$4,800 | 10%-20% |
| Showers | $1600-$7,000 | 5%-35% |
| Bathroom vanity costs | $1600-$4,800 | 5%-20%. |
| Electrical cost | $300-$1,500 | 2%-5% |
| Lighting | $300-$800 | 2%-4% |
| Bathroom fan costs | $150-$300 | 1%-$2% |
| Flooring costs | $800-$4,800 | 3%-20% |
| Wall Tiling | $800-$4,800 | 3%-20% |
| Painting costs | $600-$1200 | 3%-5% |
| plumbing | $1200-$2,500 | 12%-10% |
Tips for saving money on a bathroom renovation
It is possible to save money on bathroom renovations if you know what you are doing. Here are some professional tips that will ensure you stick to a tight budget:
Don't buy a fancy toilet: Fancy toilets are a luxury but not a necessity, so stick to budget-friendly standard toilets instead. If you want to save more money in the long run, look for a low flow toilet that will use less water and reduce your water bill.
Compare prices with floor tiles: You can find a lot of great floor tiles at competitive prices when you shop around, thanks to an increase in competition between tile manufacturers. For a high-quality look at a lower price, opt for ceramic tiles that mimic granite, which will give you a high-end look at a cheaper price.
Shop at big box stores for bathroom accessories: Buying bathroom accessories from high end stores can be fun, but it's an unnecessary expense. You can find good quality towel bars, mixers, and bathroom accessories at stores like Bunnings for a fraction of the price.
Get a free bathroom renovation quote today
When you’ve considered all these aspects and know what type of style and scope of bathroom renovation you need, now it’s time to get an online renovation quote. The friendly team at Houseace cater to all types of bathroom renovation, whether you’re after a budget bathroom refresh, mid-range cosmetic improvements, or a full-blown luxury renovation.
Head to their website to find out more or ask the team any questions, or click here to get a quick quote.
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The information in this post is general in nature and should not be considered personal or financial advice. You should always seek professional advice or assistance before making any financial decisions.
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Tags: investment, home equity, capital growth, renovate, renovation, bathroom, flooring, interior design
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