A brand new bathroom can significantly increase the value of your home, so it’s not surprising that bathroom renovations are at the top of many homeowners’ priority lists.
Bathroom renovations are complex, but can ultimately be accomplished with careful planning and consideration. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive bathroom renovation cost guide that will help you estimate the cost of your own bathroom renovation project.
How much does the average bathroom renovation cost?
The average cost of bathroom renovations ranges from $8,500 to $21,000, depending on the size of the bathroom and other factors. A typical budget bathroom renovation usually costs around $96 per square metre and up to $342.50 for high-end small bathrooms.
Considering that the average-sized bathroom in Australia is approximately 14 square metres, the national average for a standard bathroom renovation costs around $15,000.
However, the costs of luxury bathroom renovations that use high-quality fixtures and tapware, as well as remodels that include structural changes, can cost upwards of $376.75 per square meter. Considering high-end bathroom elements and the cost of premium materials, luxury bathroom renovations can cost up to $34,000 or more.
What factors influence the cost of a bathroom renovation?
The size of your bathroom is a significant factor when it comes to cost, but only in terms of materials and contractors’ hourly rates. Fixtures and fittings can account for more than one-half of your budget, depending on the quality of items you choose.
Bathtub or shower
Depending on their size and style, bathtubs and showers drastically vary in price. For example, baths cost anywhere from $1,300 for an acrylic budget option, or up to $3,000 for a freestanding bathtub that would require additional plumbing work.
Installing shower screens can cost upward of $500 per screen or at least $1,500 for a tight-budget build. Standard showerheads with minimal functionality start at $50, while luxury spa-like models cost more than $300, adding to the total cost.
Faucet and sink
The prices largely depend on the manufacturer, style, and quality of materials. For example, faucets start at $50 but can go up to $1,000 for designer pieces, with numerous available options between two extremes.
Sinks tend to be pricier, starting at $150 for an inexpensive version, going up to $500 or more for a premium product. Designer sinks with customised color and finish can cost over $1,000.
Toilet
Replacing an old toilet is simple, which means that installation costs are low, but the toilets themselves cost as little as $150, or approx. $750 or more for a more luxurious model. It’s paramount to consider whether you want a wall or floor-mounted model based on your bathroom layout.
New tiles
Tiles come at various costs, depending on the type, quality, and materials. For example, floor tiles are usually thicker and costlier than wall tiles, though materials also play a crucial role. Standard ceramic tiles cost about $30 per square meter, while porcelain tiles cost around $60 per square meter.
Natural stone and other premium tiles cost up to $100 per square meter. However, they’re more difficult to cut and place, so expect additional labour costs to drive up the price.
Cabinets or countertops
Pricing varies, with standard countertops costing upwards of $500. Bathroom cabinets and vanities may exceed $2,000 or more depending on the size, countertop style, and material.
For example, the white stone countertop is particularly stylish and durable, but it’s also quite costly. Prefabricated products usually work in different settings while keeping the price down. On the other hand, custom cabinetry may be ideal for small or luxurious bathrooms.
Other factors
Other factors that might increase the overall costs are:
- Installing exhaust fans
- Installing grab bars
- Installing towel rails
- Installing additional shelving
- Painting/Wallpaper
- Additional structural work
- Additional electrical work
DIY renovation costs vs hiring a contractor
Considering that labour costs account for 40% to 46% of your total budget, a DIY bathroom renovation project can cut your expenses to anywhere between $3,000 to $8,000. This still depends on the size of the bathroom, quality of materials used, and time.
Admittedly, homeowners can DIY simpler tasks, like painting walls, putting up wallpaper, changing a faucet, or moving the vanity. However, more complex work like moving major fixtures and changing the plumbing or electrical components and lighting, usually requires hiring a contractor. Complete bathroom renovations remodels usually include contracting plumbers, plasterers, electricians, tilers, and other tradesmen.
Considerations to make when renovating your bathroom
There are certain factors worth considering during the planning phase of the bathroom renovation:
Will the renovation increase your home’s value?
The updated bathrooms tend to be one of the key features that add to your home’s value and grant a return on investment. The average homeowner can expect to recoup about two-thirds of the full renovation costs upon resale.
However, if your bathroom design is unusual or too trendy, it could either be a major selling point, or a negative factor, depending on the buyer. Buyers with more traditional tastes might even negotiate the price on counts of redesigning the bathroom if they ever bought the house.
Will you hire a contractor or DIY the remodel?
If a complete bathroom renovation by tradespeople is out of your budget, you can opt to refresh the old bathroom yourself. Focus on straightforward things to swap out, like a new vanity, another mirror, more towel racks, or a new shower curtain.
All major structural changes and changes to your plumbing and electrical wiring should be done by professionals.
What is your budget?
Determine how much money you can spend on your bathroom renovation project before deciding which renovations you can make.
What is your timeline?
Some homeowners believe that their bathroom renovation is long overdue and prefer to tackle the entire project at once. Likewise, implementing incremental changes rather than a complete overhaul might be a better option in some instances.
Summary
Bathroom renovations can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $34,000, depending on factors such as labour costs, the size of the bathroom, and the quality of materials used in the renovation. However, you can minimise some expenses by doing part of the work yourself or asking your contractor for advice on how to better utilise your bathroom renovation budget.
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