A bathroom renovation is one of the most common home improvement projects in Melbourne. It is also one of the most misquoted. Online estimates range from $5,000 to $50,000, which leaves homeowners confused about what they should realistically budget.
This guide answers the question every Melbourne homeowner asks: how much does a bathroom reno cost in Melbourne? We break down actual costs for 2026, covering every price tier, what drives the cost and where your money goes.
pricing
Here are the typical price ranges for bathroom renovations in Melbourne in 2026:
These figures include all labour and materials. They assume standard Melbourne eastern suburb conditions: single-storey homes with straightforward access.
A small ensuite (3 to 5 square metres) costs less than a large family bathroom (8 to 12 square metres). More floor area means more tiling, more waterproofing membrane, more paint and longer labour hours.
A cosmetic update (replacing tiles, vanity and tapware on the same layout) costs significantly less than a full strip-out that moves plumbing, changes the layout and upgrades electrical. Moving a toilet or shower drain adds $1,500 to $3,000 in plumbing costs alone.
Tiles are one of the biggest cost variables. Ceramic tiles cost $20 to $50 per square metre. Porcelain tiles run $40 to $80 per square metre. Natural stone starts at $100 per square metre. Large-format tiles cost more to install due to the preparation and skill required.
A basic vanity starts at $300. A premium custom vanity runs $2,000 to $5,000. Tapware ranges from $150 for a basic mixer to $800 or more for designer brands. Shower screens range from $500 for a semi-frameless panel to $2,000 for a custom frameless enclosure
Waterproofing is required by law in every wet area. It costs $1,500 to $3,500 for a standard bathroom. This is a non-negotiable cost that protects your home from structural damage.
Labour makes up 40% to 60% of a bathroom renovation budget. A standard renovation requires a demolition team, plumber, electrician, waterproofer, tiler, carpenter, plasterer and painter. Melbourne trade rates have increased 10% to 15% over the past two years due to demand and labour shortages.
Pricing
Here is a typical cost breakdown for a mid-range bathroom renovation in Melbourne (standard family bathroom, approximately 6 to 8 square metres):
| Work | Start From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition and waste removal | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Plumbing | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| Electrical | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Waterproofing | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Tiling (floor and walls) | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Vanity and mirror | $800 | $3,000 |
| Shower screen | $500 | $2,000 |
| Tapware and fixtures | $500 | $1,500 |
| Toilet | $300 | $800 |
| Painting | $400 | $800 |
| Accessories (towel rails, toilet roll holder, hooks) | $200 | $500 |
| Project management and supervision | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Total estimate | $13,200 | $28,600 |
Bathroom
Choose mid-range tiles. Porcelain tiles offer excellent durability at a fraction of natural stone prices.
Select quality fixtures at mid-range prices. Australian brands like Caroma and Phoenix offer reliable tapware without premium price tags.
Avoid scope creep. Decide on your design before demolition starts. Changes mid-project add cost and delay the timeline
Get a detailed, itemised quote. Compare quotes line by line, not total by total.
The most affordable approach is a cosmetic refresh: replacing tiles, updating the vanity, installing new tapware and repainting. This keeps the existing layout and plumbing, reducing costs to the $8,000 to $15,000 range.
A cosmetic refresh takes 2 to 3 weeks. A full strip-out and rebuild takes 4 to 6 weeks. Complex projects with structural changes take longer.
Yes. Get at least three itemised quotes from licensed renovators. Compare scope, materials, timeline and total cost. The cheapest quote is not always the best value.
Yes. A modern, well-finished bathroom adds 60% to 80% of the renovation cost to your property value. In high-demand suburbs, the return is often higher.
VICO Renovations provides free, no-obligation bathroom renovation quotes across Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs. Call +61 490 151 012 or fill in our online form.
