Bathroom Renovation Cost Melbourne: A Detailed 2026 Price Breakdown
Melbourne bathroom renovations typically cost $18,500–$90,000, with most landing between $35,000 and $60,000. But "it depends" isn't useful when you're trying to budget — so here's where the money actually goes, line by line.
Where your bathroom renovation budget goes
| Line item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition & strip-out | $1,500 – $4,000 | Higher if removing a bath/reconfiguring layout |
| Waterproofing | $1,800 – $4,500 | Non-negotiable — this is the line item to never cut corners on |
| Tiling (floor + walls) | $4,000 – $18,000 | Standard porcelain vs full-height feature tile or natural stone |
| Vanity & storage | $1,500 – $8,000 | Stock range vs custom joinery with stone top |
| Shower screen | $800 – $4,500 | Framed vs frameless glass |
| Bath (if included) | $1,200 – $8,000 | Standard drop-in vs freestanding designer bath |
| Tapware & fittings | $1,000 – $6,000 | Chrome vs PVD brass/gunmetal finishes |
| Toilet suite | $500 – $2,500 | Standard vs in-wall cistern system |
| Plumbing & electrical | $3,000 – $9,000 | Higher if moving the toilet, shower or vanity plumbing |
| Heating (floor/towel rail) | $800 – $3,500 | Heated floors add comfort and resale appeal |
| Design & project management | $2,000 – $6,000 | Detailed drawings, selections, site supervision |
The three quality tiers
Budget refresh ($18,500–$35,000)
Same footprint, standard porcelain tiling, mid-tier tapware, prefab shower screen, stock vanity.
Mid-range ($35,000–$60,000)
Full-height tiling, custom vanity with stone top, frameless shower, freestanding bath, quality Australian tapware. This is where most Tetris Homes projects land — including a recent Eltham renovation with a luxury double vanity, delivered in 8 weeks.
Premium ($60,000–$90,000+)
Designer stone slab walls, heated floors, in-wall cisterns, premium European tapware, structural layout changes. A recent Hawthorn ensuite — freestanding bath, frameless walk-in shower, custom double vanity — came in at $58,400 fixed-price.
What pushes a bathroom to the top of its range
- Moving the toilet, shower or vanity plumbing rather than keeping the existing layout
- Full-height feature tiling or natural stone instead of standard porcelain
- A freestanding bath instead of a built-in tub
- Heated flooring and in-wall cistern systems
- Period homes (common in Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell) where old plumbing or asbestos sheeting adds unplanned cost
Getting a fair quote
A genuine fixed-price bathroom quote should itemise every line above — not bundle "fixtures and fittings" into one vague allowance. If a quote looks unusually low, check what's excluded: waterproofing certification, tiling wastage, and disposal/skip bin costs are common places corners get cut.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?
A small ensuite or powder room refresh typically starts around $18,500–$25,000 for a same-footprint renovation with standard finishes.
What's the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Tiling and waterproofing together usually account for 25–35% of the budget, followed by vanity/joinery and tapware.
Is it cheaper to keep the same bathroom layout?
Yes — moving plumbing (toilet, shower or vanity position) typically adds $3,000–$9,000 compared to renovating within the existing footprint.
Do I need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Victoria?
Most bathroom renovations don't need a planning permit unless you're in a heritage overlay or changing the building's structure. A licensed plumber's compliance certificate is still required for any plumbing work.
Get a fixed-price bathroom quote
Book a free 30-minute planning consult — we'll walk through your scope, selections and realistic Melbourne pricing.
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