How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation in Melbourne Cost in 2026
Key Takeaways:
- An average bathroom renovation in Melbourne costs $26,000 (more or less, depending on the gravity
- Trusted bathroom renovation builder in Melbourne charges $35,000+ for a premium bathroom renovation
- Most of your bathroom renovation budget goes to the tiles in the bathroom
- Choosing a Melbourne bathroom renovation builder includes some crucial steps
The cost of bathroom renovation in Melbourne is jumping day by day. Before it makes a hole in your pocket, choose a bathroom renovation plan in 2026. An average bathroom renovation in Melbourne costs around $26,000. But an early budget plan can help you reduce the cost. This detailed guide will help you with industry knowledge, price, material, and more.
The Basics of Bathroom Renovation in Melbourne Start with Size
The size of the bathroom is a deciding factor for the cost of bathroom renovation in Melbourne. Here’s a combined balanced budget for an average-sized bathroom that falls between a snug ensuite and a family bathroom:
Budget Cost: $8,000 – $15,000
Standard Cost: $15,000 – $35,000
Premium Cost: $35000++
Most of your budget goes to the region of:
$8,000 – $15,000 is used in materials and fittings for a budget or cosmetic renovation of a smaller bathroom.
$15,000 – $35,000 is a well-planned budget for an average-sized mid-range bathroom renovation using mid-range materials and fittings.
$35000++ suits for a high-end renovation with top-of-the-range materials and fittings. This budget liberates you with as much customization as you want.
Where Does Most of Your Money Go? Hear from a Bathroom Renovation Builder in Melbourne
Tiles Need Some Styles
Tiles are the primary focus of a renovation because they set the tone for your bathroom. Whether you’re into basic large-format porcelain tiles or more intricate marble features, your choice will impact the overall cost. The cuts require more time from your tiler, as per the complexity of the layout patterns.
Fixtures and Fittings
Look at your bathroom now, and you’ll know the number of fixtures and fittings it has. The basic ones are bath, shower screen, vanity, mirror, toilet, and tapware. The list goes on if you want the place to be more accessible and sleek. So, the style and quality of your fixtures demand a lion’s share of the bathroom renovation budget in Melbourne.
Plumbing and Electrical
Functionality is undoubtedly a major driving force behind the bathroom renovation project. But a change in the look and feel of your bathroom makes the project worth spending money on. So, some of your budget goes to moving pipes and adding new lighting fixtures.
Luxe Touches
Do we all have that feeling after visiting a luxurious hotel’s bathroom, “I’ll have such a bathroom in my house”? If you’re one of us, you might like to add these extras to your wishlist: Under-floor heating, heated towel rails, custom coloured tapware, custom joinery, designer lighting, and the list goes on if your budget supports.
No Compromise Deal
If you want an errorless bathroom renovation in Melbourne, appointing good tradies is important. A team that can deliver a unique, perfectly-suited-to-your-need project will make a difference to the project. So, keep a large share of the budget for them to get your job done exactly the way you want.
40%-50% of your total budget will go to the ones who will turn your dream into a reality. Be sure to hire certified professionals to avoid any kind of dispute related to the law.
Planning and Permits
Bathroom renovation in Melbourne doesn’t need a permit if you’re not making any structural changes like knocking down walls, adding windows, relocating plumbing works, adding electrical works, or waterproofing your bathroom. Small changes like replacing fixtures, swapping out old taps, showerheads, or vanities, or re-tiling do not need a permit. Yet, to be safe, check with the council over a quick phone call.
In Australia, Council fees for building permits can range from $500-$1000 for a basic bathroom renovation. The cost could run into the thousands if the renovation is extensive.
Keep Some Dollars in Your Hands
No matter how big or small your renovation is, always keep an extra 10%-20% budget aside for unprecedented odds. Every professional bathroom renovation builder in Melbourne will advise you the same, as we have seen these unexpected things happen in almost every project.
Take A Look at Some Real-Life Bathroom Renovation Budgets in Melbourne
Case Study 1: Lucifer, Berwick
Lucifer turned his traditional bathroom into a high-functioning, modern bathroom with multiple new fixtures. Staying true to his vision for the entire house, Lucifer chose classic colours and royal-styled brass fixtures for his ancestral house in Berwick.
Case Study 2: Julia, Canterbury
Julia chose a natural leafy green outlet for a soothing spa-like feeling in her bathroom. This is one of our favourite outlets that we used in some of our other projects as well. After a tiring, long day, this posh and relaxing ambiance soothes your mind. She wanted her bath just next to her shower without a screen to save space. Hence, it increased the splash zone around the bath, which Julia considers to be fabulous with her young kids in the house.
How to Choose a Bathroom Renovation Builder in Melbourne
Now, you’re well-informed about a bathroom renovation in Melbourne, except for one thing – how to choose your bathroom renovator. Every bathroom renovation website you open will have eye-catching images of its project. But do not judge a book by its cover. Follow these steps before you finally seal the deal:
- Book an appointment
- Share your views
- Take their inputs
- Ask for a clear estimation
- Say “no” to any hidden costs
- Know the exact project completion timeline
- Ask them to involve you in every step
- Get clarity about the cost of the materials
- Make an appointment for a project site visit (your home)
- Ask about the possibilities of your vision
- Check some of their older projects
- Dig down for authentic testimonials
- If everything seems fine, seal the deal
Bathroom renovation in Melbourne is a complex process that needs mental preparation, well-thought-out decisions, and dedication. Once you make the decision, there is no backing off. So, budget accordingly and start your dream renovation. This project should be something you take extreme pride in. Every day you enter your bathroom and feel, “This place is my ultimate haven.”
FAQs
1. How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?
Ans. The cost of Bathroom renovation in Melbourne ranges from $8000-$50,000 depending on the gravity of the project.
2. How long does a full bathroom renovation take?
Ans. A full bathroom renovation takes around 2-5 weeks from demolition to completion. Days increase in number if you want structural changes.
3. Do I need permits for a bathroom renovation in Melbourne?
Ans. Setting up fixtures and other cosmetic changes does not need a permit, but structural changes like knocking down walls and installing windows do.
4. Can I stay in the house during my bathroom renovation in Melbourne?
Ans. Usually, you can stay inside the house if the bathroom renovators allow you to stay.