How Much Do Bathroom Renovations Cost in Melbourne?
Melbourne homeowners spend between $15,000 and $45,000 on typical bathroom renovations, with luxury projects reaching $80,000 or more. Understanding bathroom renovation cost Melbourne pricing helps you plan effectively and avoid budget surprises.
At Cameron Construction, we’ve completed hundreds of bathroom projects across Melbourne’s suburbs. This guide breaks down real costs, from basic updates to premium transformations, so you can make informed decisions about your renovation investment.
What Do Melbourne Bathroom Renovations Actually Cost?
Basic Renovation Costs Start at $15,000
Basic bathroom renovations in Melbourne start at $15,000 for small spaces with standard fixtures and finishes. These projects typically include new tiles, a basic vanity, standard toilet, and simple shower installation. Most basic renovations finish between $15,000 and $22,000 for bathrooms under 6 square metres. The Housing Industry Association confirms that basic renovations focus on functionality over luxury, use mid-grade materials, and keep the existing layout intact. Labour costs represent about 50% of your budget at this level, with materials accounting for the remainder.
Mid-Range Projects Range from $22,000 to $35,000
Mid-range bathroom renovations cost between $22,000 and $35,000 in Melbourne and offer better fixtures and finishes without luxury pricing. These projects often include stone benchtops, quality tiles at $60-90 per square metre, and semi-frameless shower screens. Most homeowners choose this category because it delivers excellent value while incorporating some layout changes. Plumbing modifications typically add $1,500-$3,000 to your budget when you relocate fixtures.
Custom cabinetry costs around $2,500 but significantly improves storage and functionality.
High-End Luxury Renovations Exceed $35,000
Luxury bathroom renovations start at $35,000 and frequently exceed $50,000 for premium materials and custom designs. These projects feature natural stone, high-end fixtures, and often include spa-like elements such as freestanding baths and rainfall showers. Luxury renovations regularly reach $80,000 when clients choose premium finishes and significant layout changes. Labour costs increase proportionally due to complex installation requirements and longer project timelines (often 4-6 weeks). The return on investment for luxury bathrooms provides solid value in Melbourne’s sought-after suburbs, making them worthwhile investments for many homeowners.
Several factors beyond your chosen price range will influence your final renovation costs, from the size of your space to the complexity of required trades work.
What Drives Your Renovation Costs Higher
Bathroom Size Determines Your Base Investment
Bathroom size directly controls your renovation budget in Melbourne, with costs that scale predictably by square metre. Small bathrooms under 4 square metres typically cost $15,000-$25,000, while medium bathrooms of 6-8 square metres range from $25,000-$40,000. Large bathrooms that exceed 10 square metres often reach $45,000-$70,000 due to increased tile areas, more fixtures, and extended labour requirements.
Layout changes add substantial costs regardless of size. Each plumbing fixture relocation costs $1,500-$3,000, while electrical modifications for new light positions add $800-$1,500.
The Victorian Building Authority requires permits for major layout changes, which adds 2-3 weeks to project timelines and $500-$1,200 in permit fees.
Premium Fixtures and Finishes Command Higher Prices
Fixture and finish selections create the largest cost variations in Melbourne bathroom renovations. Standard ceramic tiles cost $40-$60 per square metre, while natural stone reaches $80-$150 per square metre (installation included). Quality vanities range from $1,200 for laminate options to $4,500 for stone-top custom units.
Shower screens vary dramatically in price. Basic framed models cost $400-$800, while frameless glass systems reach $1,500-$2,500. Tapware selections span from $200 for standard chrome fittings to $1,200 for premium brands. The Housing Industry Association data shows fixture quality impacts long-term maintenance costs, which makes mid-range selections often more economical than budget alternatives over 10-15 years.
Electrical and Plumbing Work Creates Major Cost Variables
Electrical and plumbing modifications represent unavoidable expenses that vary significantly based on your existing infrastructure and renovation scope. Standard electrical work that includes new circuits and exhaust fans costs $1,200-$2,000, while complex installations with heated floors and smart controls reach $3,000-$5,000.
Plumbing costs depend heavily on accessibility. Ground floor renovations typically cost $2,000-$4,000, while upper level bathrooms often require $4,000-$7,000 due to access difficulties. Waterproofing compliance adds $1,500-$2,500 but prevents costly future repairs.
These cost factors combine differently in each renovation element, from tiles and vanities to showers and storage solutions.
How Much Does Each Bathroom Element Cost
Tiling and Waterproofing Set Your Foundation Budget
Tiling and waterproofing represent 25-35% of your total renovation budget in Melbourne, with costs that vary dramatically based on material selection and installation complexity. Standard ceramic wall tiles cost $40-$60 per square metre installed, while premium porcelain reaches $80-$120 per square metre. Natural stone tiles command $100-$150 per square metre but require specialised installation techniques that add labour costs. Floor tiles typically cost 20% more than wall tiles due to thicker materials and complex substrate preparation requirements.
Waterproofing costs typically range from $500 to $750 and represents non-negotiable expense under Victorian codes. This investment prevents structural damage that costs $15,000-$40,000 to repair. Budget $8,000-$15,000 for complete tiling and waterproofing in medium-sized bathrooms, with luxury installations that reach $20,000-$30,000.
Vanity and Storage Solutions Command Premium Prices
Vanity selection creates substantial cost variations, from $1,200 for basic laminate units to $4,500 for custom stone-top installations. Quality engineered stone benchtops cost $800-$1,500, while natural stone reaches $1,500-$3,000 (depending on complexity). Custom cabinetry adds $2,500-$5,000 but maximises storage efficiency in Melbourne’s typically compact bathrooms.
Storage solutions beyond standard vanities cost $500-$2,000 for built-in niches and shelves. Medicine cabinets range from $300-$1,200, while custom mirror storage systems reach $2,000-$3,500. Smart buyers choose mid-range vanities with quality hardware that withstand Melbourne’s humidity fluctuations better than budget alternatives.
Shower and Bath Installation Drives Major Expenses
Shower installation varies from $2,000 for basic tile surrounds to $8,000 for premium frameless glass systems with multiple shower heads. Standard acrylic shower bases cost $400-$800, while custom tile shower floors reach $1,500-$3,000. Frameless glass screens add $1,500-$2,500 but create visual space expansion that benefits smaller bathrooms significantly.
Bathtub installations range from $1,500 for standard acrylic models to $6,000 for freestanding stone baths. Spa baths with jets cost $3,000-$8,000 installed, though maintenance requirements make them less practical for most Melbourne homes. Combined shower-bath installations typically cost $4,000-$12,000 based on fixture quality and plumbing complexity.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne bathroom renovation costs range from $15,000 for basic updates to $80,000 for luxury transformations, with most homeowners who invest $22,000-$35,000 achieve quality mid-range results. Your final bathroom renovation cost Melbourne pricing depends on size, fixture quality, and complexity of plumbing modifications. Budget an additional 15-20% for unexpected expenses like structural issues or permit delays that commonly arise during renovation projects.
Compare three written quotes from licensed builders and specify all fixtures in your contract to avoid cost overruns that damage your budget. The Housing Industry Association data shows bathroom renovations deliver approximately 65% return on investment in Melbourne’s competitive property market. Start your renovation plans by obtaining building permits through your local council (which typically takes 2-3 weeks for approval).
We at Cameron Construction handle complete renovations across Melbourne, from initial design through final inspection. Our team manages the entire process to deliver quality results that meet your budget and timeline requirements. Contact Cameron Construction to discuss your bathroom renovation requirements and receive detailed cost estimates based on your specific needs and location.
