How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Sydney? (2026 Price Guide)

What Does a Bathroom Renovation in Sydney Actually Cost?

Bathroom renovation cost in Sydney is one of the most searched questions we get from homeowners, and for good reason. A bathroom renovation is one of the largest single-room investments you'll make, and prices vary dramatically depending on what's involved.

The short answer? Expect to pay between $8,000 and $35,000 for a complete bathroom renovation in Sydney as of 2026. That range covers everything from a basic ensuite refresh through to a full luxury transformation with premium fixtures and custom tiling.

As licensed contractors with 15+ years of experience renovating bathrooms across Sydney, we've seen every type of project and budget. This guide breaks down exactly where your money goes, what drives the price up or down, and how to get the best value from your renovation budget.

Quick Reference: Bathroom Renovation Cost Summary (2026)

Prices are accurate as of 2026 for the greater Sydney market. Individual quotes may vary based on site conditions, access, and specific requirements.

Breaking Down Bathroom Renovation Costs

A complete bathroom renovation involves multiple trades and stages. Here's how the typical budget breaks down by category:

Demolition and Strip-Out (10-15% of budget)

Before anything new goes in, the old bathroom comes out:

• Full strip-out (tiles, fixtures, waterproofing): $1,500-$3,500
• Asbestos testing (pre-1990 homes): $250-$450
• Asbestos removal (if detected): $1,500-$5,000+
• Skip bin and waste disposal: $400-$600

Plumbing and Electrical (15-25% of budget)

These are the trades that typically drive costs in ways homeowners don't expect:

• Plumbing rough-in and fit-off: $2,000-$5,000
• Relocating plumbing fixtures: $500-$1,500 per fixture
• Electrical rough-in and fit-off: $1,000-$3,000
• Heated towel rail installation: $300-$600
• Exhaust fan replacement: $200-$400

Waterproofing (5-10% of budget)

Waterproofing is mandatory under Australian Standards AS 3740 and is not an area to cut costs:

• Standard wet area waterproofing: $40-$60 per m²
• Full bathroom waterproofing: $60-$80 per m²
• Flood testing and certification: Typically included in waterproofing quote

Tiling (20-35% of budget)

Tiling is typically the single largest line item in a bathroom renovation. For a detailed breakdown of tiling costs specifically, see our complete bathroom tiling cost guide.

• Ceramic tiles (supply and install): $60-$100 per m²
• Porcelain tiles (supply and install): $80-$150 per m²
• Natural stone tiles (supply and install): $120-$250+ per m²
• Feature wall or mosaic accent: $300-$1,500 depending on area
• Shower niche tiling: $200-$350 per niche

The tile you choose has a massive impact on the final cost. A standard 6m² bathroom with 22m² of total tiling area (floor plus walls) could cost anywhere from $1,320 using budget ceramic to $5,500 or more using premium porcelain. Our porcelain vs ceramic comparison guide can help you decide which material suits your needs and budget.

Fixtures and Fittings (15-25% of budget)

Fixtures range from basic builder-grade items through to high-end designer pieces:

Finishing Trades (5-10% of budget)

• Painting: $300-$800
• Silicone sealing: Usually included in tiling
• Door hardware and accessories: $200-$600
• Final clean: $150-$300

Bathroom Renovation Pricing Tiers in Sydney

To make budgeting easier, here's what you can expect at each price point:

Basic Renovation: $8,000-$15,000

Best for small ensuites, powder rooms, or budget-conscious updates:

• Full strip-out and retile of floors and walls
• Waterproofing membrane to Australian Standards
• Standard ceramic or porcelain tiles
• Basic fixture replacement (toilet, vanity, tapware)
• Standard shower screen
• All plumbing and electrical within existing layout

Standard Renovation: $15,000-$22,000

The most common tier for main bathroom renovations:

• Complete demolition and rebuild
• Quality porcelain tiling with a feature wall or accent
• Premium waterproofing system
• New vanity, toilet, and quality tapware
• Frameless or semi-frameless shower screen
• All plumbing and electrical (minor layout changes possible)
• Shower niche included

Premium Renovation: $22,000-$30,000

For homeowners wanting high-end finishes and features:

• Premium tile selection (large format, designer, or natural stone)
• Underfloor heating option
• Frameless shower screen
• Designer fixtures and fittings
• Custom cabinetry
• Feature lighting
• Layout modifications

Custom Renovation: $30,000-$35,000+

Bespoke luxury bathrooms with no compromises:

• Imported or designer tiles throughout
• Freestanding bath installation
• Custom joinery and storage
• Smart home integration (heated mirrors, digital shower controls)
• Complete layout redesign
• Full project management

What Drives the Price of a Bathroom Renovation?

Understanding cost drivers helps you control your budget. These are the factors that most commonly push bathroom renovation costs up or down:

1. Bathroom Size

Size is the most obvious factor, but the relationship isn't always straightforward:

• Small ensuite (3-4m²): $8,000-$18,000. Compact spaces can be tricky to work in, which offsets the smaller area
• Standard bathroom (5-7m²): $12,000-$25,000. The most cost-efficient size to renovate
• Large master bathroom (8-12m²): $20,000-$35,000+. More materials, more labour, more time

2. Layout Changes

Keeping the existing plumbing layout saves thousands:

• Same layout: Minimal plumbing costs. Fixtures stay in the same positions
• Minor changes: Moving a toilet or vanity 500mm costs $500-$1,000 per fixture
• Major redesign: Relocating the shower, moving walls, or changing the entire layout can add $3,000-$8,000+ in plumbing and structural work

3. Building Age and Condition

Older homes often carry hidden costs:

• Pre-1990 homes: May contain asbestos in wall sheeting, floor tiles, or adhesive. Testing is recommended and removal is expensive
• Water damage: Existing leaks may have damaged framing or substrate, requiring structural repairs before the renovation can proceed
• Non-standard framing: Older construction methods may require additional work to bring walls and floors to a tileable standard

4. Access and Location

Where your property sits in Sydney affects pricing:

• Eastern Suburbs and North Shore: Labour rates tend to run 10-15% higher than Western Sydney
• High-rise apartments: Limited access, lift bookings, and strata requirements add $500-$2,000 to most projects
• Heritage-listed properties: May require council approval and heritage-sensitive materials

5. Tile Selection

Your tile choice can swing the tiling portion of your budget by 200-300%:

• Budget ceramic at $30-$50/m² for a 22m² bathroom = $660-$1,100 in tile costs
• Mid-range porcelain at $80-$120/m² = $1,760-$2,640
• Premium natural stone at $150-$250/m² = $3,300-$5,500

Where Sydney Homeowners Overspend (and How to Avoid It)

After 15+ years of bathroom renovations across Sydney, we see the same budget traps come up repeatedly:

Changing Your Mind Mid-Project

The most expensive decision in any renovation is changing the plan after work has started. Moving a drain point after waterproofing has been applied means ripping it out and starting again. Choose your layout, fixtures, and tiles before demolition begins.

Over-Specifying Fixtures

A $3,000 toilet suite doesn't perform meaningfully better than a $600 one. Allocate your premium budget to items you'll see and touch every day: tiles, tapware, and the vanity. Standard fixtures behind the wall (cisterns, pipes, drains) don't need to be top-of-the-line.

Ignoring Waterproofing Quality

Cheap waterproofing is the most expensive mistake you can make. A failed membrane can cause damage to structural timber, neighbouring rooms, and floors below. The difference between budget and premium waterproofing on a standard bathroom is typically only $300-$500, but the consequences of failure can run into tens of thousands.

Full Floor-to-Ceiling Tiling When It's Not Necessary

Tiling every wall from floor to ceiling looks impressive, but it's expensive. In many bathrooms, tiling to 1200mm on non-wet walls (with paint above) saves $1,000-$2,500 while still looking polished. Reserve full-height tiling for the shower recess and feature walls.

Bathroom Renovation vs. Bathroom Retile: Which Do You Need?

Not every bathroom needs a full renovation. If your layout works, fixtures are in good condition, and there's no water damage, a retile can deliver a dramatic transformation at a fraction of the cost.

If you're unsure which approach suits your bathroom, read our tile over or tear out guide for a detailed comparison of your options.

How to Budget for Your Bathroom Renovation

Step 1: Define Your Scope

Before getting quotes, decide what level of renovation you need:

• Are you keeping the existing layout or changing it?
• Which fixtures need replacing?
• What tile finish are you after (budget, mid-range, or premium)?
• Are there any known issues (water damage, asbestos, structural problems)?

Step 2: Get Three Itemised Quotes

Always get at least three quotes from licensed contractors. Each quote should clearly break down:

• Demolition and waste removal
• Plumbing and electrical
• Waterproofing (with certification)
• Tiling (materials and labour separately)
• Fixtures and supply
• Project timeline

Compare like-for-like. A $12,000 quote that excludes plumbing and fixtures is not cheaper than a $18,000 quote that includes everything.

Step 3: Allow a 10-15% Contingency

No matter how well you plan, unexpected issues arise. Water damage behind tiles, non-standard plumbing, or substrate problems are common discoveries once demolition begins. A 10-15% contingency buffer protects you from budget blowouts.

Step 4: Understand Payment Schedules

Reputable contractors use milestone-based payments:

• Deposit: 10-20% at contract signing
• Progress payments: Tied to completed stages (demolition, waterproofing, tiling, fixtures)
• Final payment: 5-10% held until completion and handover

Avoid any contractor requesting more than 20% upfront or full payment before work is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a bathroom renovation take in Sydney?

A standard bathroom renovation takes 2-3 weeks from demolition to handover. Complex projects with layout changes or custom features may take 3-4 weeks. Weather rarely affects bathroom work since it's indoors, but material lead times (especially for imported tiles or custom fixtures) can extend the timeline if not ordered early.

Do I need council approval for a bathroom renovation in Sydney?

Most standard bathroom renovations don't require council approval, as they're classified as exempt development under NSW planning rules. However, you may need approval if the renovation involves structural changes (moving walls, altering floor levels), changes to the building's external appearance, or work on heritage-listed properties. Your contractor should advise you on this during the quoting phase.

What's the return on investment for a bathroom renovation?

A well-executed bathroom renovation typically adds 1.5-2x its cost in property value for Sydney homes, according to industry estimates. A $20,000 renovation could add $30,000-$40,000 to your sale price. The return is highest when the renovation brings a dated bathroom in line with current buyer expectations rather than over-capitalising on luxury finishes.

Should I renovate my bathroom before selling?

If your bathroom is visibly dated or damaged, a mid-range renovation ($15,000-$22,000) is generally worth the investment before selling. Buyers often overestimate renovation costs in their minds, so a freshly renovated bathroom removes a major objection. However, a basic cosmetic refresh (retile, new tapware, fresh paint) at $5,000-$8,000 can deliver strong returns if the bathroom is structurally sound.

Can I live in my home during a bathroom renovation?

Yes, in most cases. If you have a second bathroom, the disruption is manageable. If it's your only bathroom, discuss temporary arrangements with your contractor. Most tradespeople can ensure the toilet is functional at the end of each work day, though shower access may be limited for 3-5 days during waterproofing and tiling stages.

Planning Your Bathroom Renovation

A bathroom renovation is a significant investment, but it's also one that you'll benefit from every single day. The key is matching your budget to your actual needs, understanding where the money goes, and working with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process.

At Ace Tiling Sydney, we handle complete bathroom renovations from demolition through to final handover. With 15+ years of experience, contractor licence 957882283, and $20M public liability insurance, we provide transparent, itemised quotes with no hidden costs.

For a free, no-obligation quote on your bathroom renovation, call us on 0434 383 940 or request a quote online.