Bathroom Renovation: How Much Will It Cost Me?
Set your bathroom reno budget wisely, then spend on the important stuff, and you won't be throwing money down the plughole
Getting value for money is top priority when renovating a bathroom. But that doesn’t mean skimping on fittings. It’s all about being prepared, thinking about your design and investing your money where it really counts.
Here’s the inside scoop on the cost of bathroom renovations brought to you by professionals who’ve spent a lot of time fixing their minds on the best ways to do up these essential rooms. Start by understanding the reality of your budget, then know where to invest and where to skimp.
Here’s the inside scoop on the cost of bathroom renovations brought to you by professionals who’ve spent a lot of time fixing their minds on the best ways to do up these essential rooms. Start by understanding the reality of your budget, then know where to invest and where to skimp.
Mid-range $20,001-$40,000s
For this kind of budget you can achieve great design detail, such as in-wall cisterns and floor-to-ceiling tiling. You can also install underfloor heating, LED lighting, customised cabinetry and create shower recesses that make a statement. Expect to include top-range architectural tapware, freestanding tubs with well-designed form and solid custom-cut benchtops.
For this kind of budget you can achieve great design detail, such as in-wall cisterns and floor-to-ceiling tiling. You can also install underfloor heating, LED lighting, customised cabinetry and create shower recesses that make a statement. Expect to include top-range architectural tapware, freestanding tubs with well-designed form and solid custom-cut benchtops.
Luxury $40,000+
In this price range it’s all about customised fittings and saying yes to whatever is best for the design. Hire a designer, splash out on artistic elements and make a feature of the tub. High-end materials that can be on your list include whole marble slabs and natural stone (which is more labour-intensive to work with). Also up for selection are glass mosaic tiled floors, wet-lip tubs, double basins, double showers, specialised shower roses and fittings that add sculptural and architectural effects as well as function. Plan wisely and you’ll definitely end up something spectacular.
In this price range it’s all about customised fittings and saying yes to whatever is best for the design. Hire a designer, splash out on artistic elements and make a feature of the tub. High-end materials that can be on your list include whole marble slabs and natural stone (which is more labour-intensive to work with). Also up for selection are glass mosaic tiled floors, wet-lip tubs, double basins, double showers, specialised shower roses and fittings that add sculptural and architectural effects as well as function. Plan wisely and you’ll definitely end up something spectacular.
GET THE MOST FOR YOUR MONEY
Plan well to reduce costs
Interior designer Natalie McDonald of Look Design Group in Sydney says costly things happen when you don’t get the planning stage right. “Firstly, you have to be very realistic – expect the renovation to take four weeks, including a whole week to dry the waterproofing properly,” McDonald says.
Organising professional contractors will also keep the renovation smooth and avoid wasted labour costs. “There can be seven different trades that come into that tiny little space,” she adds.
Plan well to reduce costs
Interior designer Natalie McDonald of Look Design Group in Sydney says costly things happen when you don’t get the planning stage right. “Firstly, you have to be very realistic – expect the renovation to take four weeks, including a whole week to dry the waterproofing properly,” McDonald says.
Organising professional contractors will also keep the renovation smooth and avoid wasted labour costs. “There can be seven different trades that come into that tiny little space,” she adds.
Invest in heating, it pays off
Underfloor heating will only add about $1500 to most renovations, and how lovely would it feel when you emerge from the tub in the middle of winter. “In a bathroom that doesn’t get a lot of natural light it does also assist with drying the bathroom out,” says McDonald. Use a timer to control its use.
Underfloor heating will only add about $1500 to most renovations, and how lovely would it feel when you emerge from the tub in the middle of winter. “In a bathroom that doesn’t get a lot of natural light it does also assist with drying the bathroom out,” says McDonald. Use a timer to control its use.
Avoid the tap trap
If you can only afford to splash out a bit, then make sure it is on tile-mounted fittings such as the taps. Unlike basins, taps have parts that can fail. Skimping on tap hardware can cause expensive trouble down the track.
If you can only afford to splash out a bit, then make sure it is on tile-mounted fittings such as the taps. Unlike basins, taps have parts that can fail. Skimping on tap hardware can cause expensive trouble down the track.
Think before you build-in cisterns
In-wall cisterns are a sought-after look, but don’t be tempted by cheaper brands, McDonald warns. Think about the fact that it’s built into your wall, therefore harder to replace and not very nice if it leaks. And consider boring details such as spare parts – go with a company that’s likely to be supplying them down the track when you might need them.
In-wall cisterns are a sought-after look, but don’t be tempted by cheaper brands, McDonald warns. Think about the fact that it’s built into your wall, therefore harder to replace and not very nice if it leaks. And consider boring details such as spare parts – go with a company that’s likely to be supplying them down the track when you might need them.
Do the pipes right
It’s a bit of a myth that moving the plumbing costs more, says McDonald. That’s because, in most cases, a bathroom renovation will expose pipe issues, so while you’re doing up your pipes why not get them in the places you want them rather than being stuck with an old layout?
It’s a bit of a myth that moving the plumbing costs more, says McDonald. That’s because, in most cases, a bathroom renovation will expose pipe issues, so while you’re doing up your pipes why not get them in the places you want them rather than being stuck with an old layout?
3 BUDGET-FRIENDLY FEATURES THAT MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE
- Pendant lights: Hanging lights promise to up the ante on style without adding great expense. You don’t have to spend much more to get a simple pendant light installed, and it can add a daintier touch.
- Mirrors: These can be a gorgeous and inexpensive way to dress up the style factor, especially when you opt for bevelled edges, unique frames or even an antique design you picked up at a garage sale. “I never use ‘bathroom’ mirrors!” says Gold Coast interior designer Sandy Cousens of Sanctuary in Style.
- Niches: Those little cubbies next to bathtubs, within showers and set into walls are a great idea to nab from luxury bathroom designs. “They cost very little extra if you are gutting a bathroom anyway, just a bit of extra carpentry,” adds Cousens. And the tiler will need to work a little longer on the detailing. But for the small extra outlay, they make a big visual difference.
Low-range $4000 to $20,000
You can get away with a total bathroom renovation for just $4000 and still get that freestanding tub you have your eye on.
If you don’t have a large amount of money spend, or your property’s value doesn’t warrant a big outlay, there are some simple solutions you can adopt, aside from taking up a paintbrush yourself. Believe it or not, going the ‘Hamptons’ look will save you money. It’s all about minimising tiling and featuring painted surfaces on walls. Also, stick to non-customised cabinets, and units that are simple to install, and expect laminated or ‘cultured’ marble benchtops. Finally, find ways to dress up simple, cheap white tiles such as a classic combo set against blue painted walls.