Planning a bathroom renovation in 2025? With rising material prices, skilled labour rates, and design complexity driving up overall costs, smart budgeting is more essential than ever. In Australia, homeowners typically spend between AU$8,000 and A$35,000 on bathroom remodels, with the national average hovering around AU$26,000. Your final cost depends on the scale of your project—whether it’s a small refresh or a full luxury overhaul—as well as the quality of materials and whether structural or plumbing changes are involved. To budget wisely, you’ll want to break down costs into design fees, materials, labour, and contingencies for unexpected expenses.
The following information walks you through those key cost centres so you can confidently estimate your renovation spend in 2025.
Expenses Involved in Bathroom Design
Design and planning typically account for 5–8% of your total budget if you’re using professional services. Fees may include space planning, material selections, 3D visualisations, and compliance with building codes. If you’re aiming for a mid‑range renovation (~AU$22,000–AU$24,000), design costs could fall between AU$1,100–AU$1,900. For premium renovations, expect design costs to rise accordingly. It’s wise to request itemised quotes and clarify whether permit‑related tasks are included.
Cost of Materials for a Bathroom Renovation
This section explores key fixtures and finishes you’ll need, with current Australian 2025 cost estimates:
Bathroom Tiles:
- Budget ceramic or basic porcelain: AU$30–55 /m²
- Higher‑grade porcelain: AU$50–100 /m²
- Natural stone tiles: AU$80–130 /m²
Vanities:
- Small wall‑hung vanity (~900 mm): ~AU$467
- Floor‑standing console (~750 mm): ~AU$849
- Double‑bowl (~1,500 mm): ~AU$999
- Wall‑hung integrated ceramic (~1,200 mm): ~AU$1,360
Tapware:
- Entry‑level chrome or stainless mixers/showerheads: AU$100–300
- Brushed nickel, matte black, brass mid‑tier: AU$400–1,000
- Designer or touchless models: AU$1,100–3,000
Accessories:
Items such as towel rails, mirrors, lighting and hardware can vary widely—from a few dozen dollars up to several hundred, depending on quality and finish. Mid‑range accessories often cost hundreds each.
Shower Screen:
- Framed 900×900 mm: ~AU$300
- Frameless walk‑in panel ~2,100×900 mm: ~AU$360
- Two‑panel frameless 850×2,000 mm: ~AU$410
- Three‑panel sliding ~1,740×1,785×2,000 mm: ~AU$690
Bath:
- Budget acrylic or fibreglass tubs: AU$200–1,000
- Mid‑range cast iron or enameled marble tubs: AU$2,000–5,000
- Premium fixtures and freestanding styles: AU$5,000–10,000
Toilet:
- Basic model: ~AU$120
- Standard: ~AU$400
- Premium or smart model: up to AU$1,200
Cost of Hiring Labour for a Bathroom Renovation
Labour is a significant budget component—often up to 30–50% of total cost in standard or high‑end renovations .
Typical rates in Australia in 2025 include:
- Plumbers: AU$80–150/hour
- Electricians: AU$70–120/hour
- Tilers: AU$60–150/hour (or per m² rates)
- Waterproofing: AU$500–2,000 depending on scope
- Carpenters/Cabinetmakers: AU$60–150/hour
Tiling alone may be charged per square metre; moving plumbing lines or major electrical upgrades adds significantly to labour cost. Allow for demolition, removal, and disposal charges too.
Hidden Expenses
Hidden expense examples include:
- Water damage or mould behind walls
- Upgrades to electrical wiring or old plumbing to comply with codes
- Waterproofing repairs or re‑application
- Permit fees or council compliance costs (~AU$100–1,000+) depending on scope and location
- Structural issues or layout changes requiring additional trades or materials
By dividing your renovation into design, materials, labour, and contingency, and using updated 2025 cost estimates, you can build a realistic budget tailored to your bathroom’s size, layout, and finish level. Whether you’re aiming for an AU$8,000 refresh or a luxury overhaul around AU$35,000+, planning thoroughly—especially around material selections and labour needs—will help ensure the entire project runs smoothly and stays within budget.