Bathroom Renovation Cost Melbourne 2026

One of the first questions every Melbourne homeowner asks when considering a bathroom renovation is: "How much is this actually going to cost?" It's a fair question — and one that deserves a straight, honest answer. In this guide, we break down real bathroom renovation costs in Melbourne for 2025–2026, what drives prices up or down, and how to make sure you get genuine value from your investment.

Bathroom Renovation Cost Ranges in Melbourne (2025–2026)

Bathroom renovation costs vary widely depending on the size of the bathroom, materials chosen, and the scope of work involved. Here's a realistic overview of what Melbourne homeowners are currently spending:

Cost Guide by Bathroom Type & Quality Level

Project Type	Standard	Premium	Luxury
Small bathroom (6m²)	$12,000–$20,000	$20,000–$35,000	$35,000–$65,000
Mid-size bathroom (10m²)	$18,000–$28,000	$28,000–$45,000	$45,000–$80,000
Large bathroom / ensuite (15m²+)	$28,000–$42,000	$40,000–$65,000	$65,000–$115,000+

*Prices include labour, materials, plumbing, electrical, tiling and fixtures. All prices are GST inclusive.

What's Included in a Full Bathroom Renovation?

A complete bathroom renovation in Melbourne typically covers all of the following:

Demolition and strip-out — removal of all existing tiles, fixtures, and fittings
Waterproofing — the most critical component for long-term bathroom integrity
Plumbing — relocation or replacement of pipes, shower, bath, toilet, and vanity connections
Electrical — lighting, exhaust fans, heated towel rails, underfloor heating
Tiling — floor and wall tiles, including waterproofed wet areas
Fixtures and fittings — vanity, toilet, bath, shower screen, tapware
Painting and finishing — walls, ceiling, trims
Building permits (where required)

What Drives Bathroom Renovation Costs Up (or Down)?

1. Layout Changes

Keeping plumbing in the same location is the single biggest way to control costs. Moving your toilet, shower, or vanity to a new position requires rerouting pipework — which can add $3,000–$8,000 to the project. If you can work with your existing plumbing layout, you'll save significantly.

2. Tile Selection

Tiles vary enormously in price — from $30/m² for basic ceramic through to $300+/m² for imported natural stone. For a 10m² bathroom you might need 30–40m² of tiles when you include floor and walls. The tile you choose can swing your material costs by $5,000–$15,000 on its own.

3. Fixtures and Fittings

A standard toilet, vanity, and tapware package can be completed for around $3,000–$5,000. Premium or designer fixtures from brands like Caroma, Reece, or Rogerseller can easily reach $10,000–$25,000+ for the same items. Freestanding baths alone can range from $1,500 to over $10,000.

4. Waterproofing System

Don't cut corners here. At Brownlow Building, we use the Wedi waterproofing system — a premium European waterproofing technology that's 100% waterproof throughout its entire thickness. While it costs more than basic membrane waterproofing, it eliminates the risk of moisture damage, leaks, and mould — problems that can cost far more to fix down the track. Our Wedi installations are backed by a 10-year warranty.

5. Apartment vs House

Apartment bathroom renovations often carry additional costs for body corporate approvals, strata requirements, noise management, and waste disposal logistics. Expect to add $2,000–$6,000 to base costs if you're renovating in an apartment or strata-titled property.

The Hidden Costs of Choosing the Wrong Builder

Bargain quotes are tempting — but the bathroom renovation industry in Melbourne has a well-documented history of projects going wrong when homeowners choose the cheapest option. The most common issues we see when rectifying failed renovations include:

Substandard waterproofing leading to leaks and structural water damage (typically $15,000–$40,000 to rectify)
Unlicensed electrical or plumbing work requiring costly rectification
Builders disappearing mid-project, leaving homeowners to find someone to finish the work
No Domestic Building Insurance, leaving homeowners with no recourse
Poor tiling with uneven grout lines, cracking tiles, or water penetration

When you engage a licensed bathroom renovation contractor in Melbourne like Brownlow Building, you're protected by Domestic Building Insurance, a VBA-registered licence, and fixed-price contracts. The peace of mind is priceless — and so is avoiding a costly rectification project later.

How to Get the Best Value from Your Bathroom Renovation

Get 2–3 detailed quotes — not just a price, but a full scope of works breakdown
Check the licence — verify your builder's VBA licence at vba.vic.gov.au
Confirm Domestic Building Insurance — it's mandatory for projects over $16,000
Keep the existing layout where possible — moving plumbing adds cost with little visual impact
Invest in waterproofing — the one place not to scrimp is moisture protection
Combine projects — combining bathroom and kitchen renovations can save 10–15% on shared costs like project management and site setup

Ready to Plan Your Bathroom Renovation?

At Brownlow Building, we provide free, no-obligation consultations and detailed fixed-price quotes for bathroom renovations across all Melbourne suburbs. Our team will walk you through the full scope, timeline, and costs — clearly and without surprises.

Book your free consultation today or call us on (03) 8351 5753.