Cost guides › Bathroom renovation
Australia
Bathroom renovation cost
A full strip-out and renovation of a 5 m² bathroom, replacing the old built-in bath with a walk-in shower, typically costs $22,000 including GST, with most mid-range jobs between $17,100 and $28,500. A budget reno with basic tiles and fittings is around $16,600, while floor-to-ceiling tiles, a stone floor and a rain shower push it to about $29,600.
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Cost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $17,500 | $23,000 | $30,700 |
| Western Australia | $17,000 | $22,400 | $30,100 |
| Northern Territory | $16,800 | $22,200 | $29,900 |
| New South Wales | $16,700 | $22,100 | $29,700 |
| Queensland | $16,500 | $21,800 | $29,400 |
| Victoria | $16,400 | $21,800 | $29,400 |
| South Australia | $15,900 | $21,200 | $28,700 |
| Tasmania | $15,500 | $20,700 | $28,200 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Full strip-out: old bath, toilet, basin and all wall and floor tiles removed, rubbish carted away
- New hot and cold water lines and waste pipes inside the bathroom, with isolation valves
- Bath removed and replaced by a walk-in shower with a shower base
- Waterproofing membrane over the whole floor and the shower walls to about 2 m
- Walls re-rendered flat, then 300 x 600 porcelain tiles on the floor and walls to 2.2 m
- New close-coupled toilet suite and a semi-recessed or above-counter basin with chrome mixers
- In-wall shower mixer, rail shower with hand piece
- Electrical: three light points, two double power points and a sealed LED ceiling light
- Vanity unit with basin top and mirror, and a shower screen, supplied and installed
- Ceiling and the wall band above the tiles painted
What affects the cost
Moving the plumbing
The estimate keeps fixtures roughly where they are and keeps the main stack. Moving the toilet or shower to another wall means new waste runs, and on a slab that can mean cutting and re-pouring concrete.
Tiles and tiling height
Tiling is the biggest labour item. Tiling to 2.2 m and painting above is cheaper than floor-to-ceiling, and large-format or stone tiles take longer to lay than standard porcelain.
Waterproofing and hidden damage
Old bathrooms often hide failed waterproofing, rotted floor framing or damaged wall sheeting behind the tiles. Any repairs found after strip-out are extra, so keep a contingency.
Vanity, screen and bath
The estimate includes a stock vanity with basin top and mirror and a standard shower screen; custom joinery, a mirror cabinet, accessories or heavy frameless glass cost more. Keeping a separate bath as well as the shower adds fixtures, plumbing and tiling.
Apartment or house
Apartments bring strata approvals, restricted work hours, lift bookings and carting rubbish through common areas. An upstairs bathroom in a house can mean more work to access plumbing below.
Exhaust fan and ventilation
The estimate does not include a new exhaust fan or ducting it outside. If the room has mould problems or no window, allow for ventilation work.
How to save
- Keep the toilet, shower and basin in the same positions so waste pipes don't move.
- Tile to about 2.2 m and paint the top band instead of tiling floor to ceiling.
- Choose a stock vanity and framed or semi-frameless screen rather than custom joinery and heavy frameless glass.
- Pick tiles, tapware and the vanity before the strip-out starts, so trades aren't paid to wait on back-ordered items.
Grants, tax and rules
Licensed trades
Plumbing and electrical work must be done by licensed tradespeople under state licensing. Ask for their licence numbers and compliance certificates when the job is finished.
GST
Quotes to households include 10% GST, and so do our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Australia?
A full renovation of a 5 m² bathroom, with the bath replaced by a walk-in shower, costs about $22,000 including GST. A simpler job with basic tiles and fittings is closer to $16,600.
Does the price include the vanity and shower screen?
Yes. A mid-range vanity unit with basin top and mirror and a standard shower screen are included, supplied and installed. Custom joinery or frameless glass cost more and would be added to the figure shown.
Should I remove the bath?
In a small main bathroom, a walk-in shower is easier to use and clean, and that's what this estimate assumes. If it's the only bathroom in a family home, think about resale before removing the only bath.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Around three to four weeks of work is common for a full strip-out, because trades come in sequence and waterproofing needs curing time before tiling.
Can I renovate a bathroom without moving out?
Yes, if there's another toilet and shower in the house. If it's the only bathroom, plan for a few weeks without one or arrange a temporary option.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 80.2 · Labour: $9,408 · Materials: $10,547
Sources: ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia; Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates.