A bathroom renovation is one of the most common — and most expensive — home improvement projects Australians take on. It's also one of the easiest to get ripped off on, because most people have no idea what individual components should cost. Here's a realistic breakdown of what you should expect to pay in Melbourne in 2026.
The Short Answer
A standard bathroom renovation in Melbourne typically costs between $15,000 and $35,000 for a complete gut-and-replace of a standard-sized bathroom (roughly 4-6 square metres). A basic cosmetic refresh starts around $8,000, while a high-end renovation with premium fixtures can push past $50,000.
The variation is huge because bathroom renovations involve multiple trades — plumber, electrician, tiler, waterproofer, carpenter, painter — and the materials range from budget to luxury. Let's break it down.
Labour Costs by Trade
Labour typically makes up 40-50% of a bathroom renovation. Here's what each trade charges in Melbourne:
| Trade | Typical Rate | Estimated Hours | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $90–$180/hr | 16–24 hrs | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Electrician | $85–$150/hr | 8–12 hrs | $700–$1,800 |
| Tiler | $45–$120/hr | 16–24 hrs | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Waterproofer | $60–$100/hr | 4–6 hrs | $800–$1,500 |
| Carpenter | $50–$100/hr | 8–16 hrs | $600–$1,500 |
| Painter | $35–$80/hr | 4–8 hrs | $300–$600 |
| Demolition & removal | Flat fee | — | $500–$1,500 |
Total labour: $5,600–$14,400 depending on bathroom size and complexity.
Materials and Fixtures
This is where the range really blows out. You can spend $200 on a toilet or $3,000.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet suite | $200–$400 | $400–$800 | $800–$2,500 |
| Vanity + basin | $300–$600 | $600–$1,500 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Shower screen | $300–$500 | $500–$1,200 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Tapware (set) | $150–$300 | $300–$800 | $800–$2,500 |
| Floor tiles (per sqm) | $20–$40 | $40–$80 | $80–$200+ |
| Wall tiles (per sqm) | $20–$40 | $40–$80 | $80–$200+ |
| Waterproofing membrane | $300–$500 | $500–$800 | $800–$1,200 |
| Exhaust fan | $50–$100 | $100–$300 | $300–$600 |
| Heated towel rail | — | $200–$500 | $500–$1,200 |
| Mirror/cabinet | $100–$200 | $200–$600 | $600–$2,000 |
Total materials: $3,000–$8,000 for budget, $6,000–$15,000 for mid-range, $12,000–$25,000+ for premium.
Hidden Costs That Blow Budgets
These are the costs most people forget when budgeting:
Asbestos removal — If your home was built before 1990, there's a real chance your bathroom has asbestos in the walls, floor, or ceiling sheeting. Licensed removal costs $1,500–$5,000 and is legally required. You cannot DIY this.
Structural issues — Once you strip a bathroom, you often find rotted timber framing, termite damage, or inadequate subfloor support. Fixing structural problems adds $1,000–$5,000.
Plumbing relocation — Moving the toilet, shower, or vanity to a new position costs significantly more than replacing in-place. Each relocation can add $500–$2,000 to your plumbing bill.
Waterproofing compliance — Under AS 3740, all wet areas must be waterproofed by a licensed applicator with a certificate of compliance. Cutting corners here is illegal and will cause expensive problems later.
Building permit — If you're making structural changes (moving walls, changing the layout significantly), you may need a building permit from your local council. Budget $500–$1,500.
Red Flags in Bathroom Renovation Quotes
Watch out for these warning signs:
One lump sum with no breakdown — A legitimate renovation quote should itemise labour, materials, fixtures, and any allowances. If a builder quotes "$22,000 for the lot" with no detail, you have no way to assess value.
No waterproofing line item — Waterproofing is legally required for all wet areas. If it's not explicitly listed, either it's been forgotten (dangerous) or bundled into another cost (lack of transparency).
Unrealistically low price — A complete bathroom renovation for under $10,000 should raise questions. Either the scope is very limited, the tradie is cutting corners, or key items are excluded.
No licence numbers — Plumbing and electrical work must be done by licensed tradies. The quote should show licence numbers or at minimum reference that licensed professionals will complete these components.
"Allowances" for fixtures — Some builders quote a low price with small fixture allowances (e.g. "$400 allowance for vanity"). When you actually shop for a vanity you like, it costs $1,200, and the difference comes out of your pocket. Check what the allowances actually buy.
How to Get the Best Value
Get three quotes minimum. Not just for price comparison — three quotes give you three professional opinions on the scope of work. If two builders say you need new framing and one doesn't mention it, that's a red flag.
Visit a tile shop before quoting. Know what tiles you want and what they cost per square metre. This prevents builders from marking up materials excessively.
Ask about project management fees. Some builders add 10-20% on top for coordination. This is common but should be transparent.
Check your quote with TradieTruth. Upload your quote and get an instant line-by-line analysis comparing each item against real Australian pricing data. It's the fastest way to know if you're paying a fair price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take? A standard full renovation takes 2-4 weeks. Delays are common due to material availability, waterproofing cure times, and trade scheduling. Budget 3-4 weeks to be safe.
Can I save money by buying my own fixtures? Yes, but some tradies charge more for labour if you supply materials because they lose their markup. Discuss this upfront. Buying from trade suppliers like Reece or Tradelink can save 20-30% vs retail.
Do I need a building permit for a bathroom renovation? Not for a like-for-like replacement (same layout, no structural changes). If you're moving walls, changing the layout, or adding a new bathroom, you likely need one. Check with your local council.
Is it cheaper to renovate or build a new bathroom from scratch? Renovation is almost always cheaper unless the existing space has major structural issues. New builds require full framing, plumbing rough-in, and potentially slab work.
Not sure if your bathroom renovation quote is fair? Upload it to TradieTruth for a free instant analysis — or upgrade to our premium report for a detailed line-by-line breakdown with red flag detection.
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