Australians love a good home renovation – in fact, 40% of residential construction spending in 2023-24 went toward upgrades.1 Among these, bathroom renovations stood out as one of the most impactful.
Of course, renovations can feel a little daunting. Questions like “How much will it cost?” or “Should I invest in premium materials?” are common, along with considerations about professional help and potential impacts on home insurance. The right approach can vary depending on your goals and circumstances, but starting with a solid plan is a wise first step.
Let’s take a closer look so you can try and be prepared as possible before you invest a dollar.
Things to consider before a bathroom renovation
Have you thought about what you want to achieve from your renovation? Do you have the budget and patience for major structural works, or will a cosmetic renovation – for instance, re-tiling or installing a new vanity – give you the refresh you’re looking for? Here are some key questions you might wish to ask yourself:
Why renovate?
Perhaps you’ve recently added new members to your family and practical changes are needed. Maybe you’ve undertaken other home improvements, such as a kitchen renovation, and you want to create a cohesive style for your home. Alternately, you might just want to refresh your bathroom to feel more luxurious.
Which layout is right for you?
A major renovation may require changing the layout of your bathroom plumbing, which can be costly.2 However, if the scale of your renovation allows for using existing plumbing, it might be possible to get the feel of an entirely new bathroom with cosmetic changes such as new fixtures, fittings and a fresh colour palette.2
When to seek out expert advice?
It can be helpful to speak to a professional before you start on any renovations because in a space where plumbing is present, it’s possible to encounter hiccups you didn’t bargain for – for example, even cosmetic work to a floor could affect the waterproofing of your bathroom.2
Bathroom design ideas – and what they might cost
The average spend on a bathroom renovation in Australia sat at $26,000 in June 2023.3 However, you might be able to get away with a basic renovation from $5,000.3
Broadly speaking, the three types of bathroom renovation are:
Basic
This tier tends to cover small bathroom renovations involving simple cosmetic changes and low-cost fixtures and fittings. Opting for budget-friendly materials such as large and durable bathroom tiling, framed shower screens, standard toilets and floor-mounted vanities could keep you within the range of $8,000 to $15,000.4
Standard
This tends to cover average-sized bathrooms, renovated with mid-range fixtures and fittings. This tier of renovation typically sits between $15,000 and $35,000, dependent on plumbing and electrical alterations, and choices of “fancier” additions such as porcelain (rather than ceramic) tiles,3 freestanding baths or frameless shower screens.4
Premium
This upper tier of bathroom makeover is where the sky is the limit. Opting for major changes to plumbing and electrical elements and choosing luxurious amenities such as wall-mounted vanities, frameless shower screens and opulent bathroom tiling could see the renovation costing $35,000 or more.4
What professionals do I need for a bathroom renovation?
When you’re spending substantial sums of money on a bathroom remodel, it stands to reason you’ll also want to bring in the right tradespeople for the job. Plumbing and electrical work should be handled by licensed professionals, and hiring a fully qualified waterproofer can help you to avoid major defects down the line. In fact, waterproofing tops the list of most common building defects in Australia, according to the Master Builders Association of Australia.2
There’s also a range of other professionals who can help bring your vision to life. If sorting through endless colour swatches or navigating permit requirements feels overwhelming, you might consider hiring an interior designer or an architect. It’s also possible to bring in glass specialists and cabinet-makers for bathroom additions that are unique to your home.3
Budget and patience pending, there are infinite options for inspiration such as Three Birds Renovations, The Interiors Edit and The Design Files.
Will a bathroom renovation add value to your home?
Maybe you’re planning a bathroom refresh to make the space more serene, or more functional. But given the costs involved, it’s reassuring to know that your investment might improve your home’s value if you ever decide to sell.
While CHOICE suggests $4 could be added to the value of your home for every $1 spent on a bathroom renovation – which is not a mark-up to sneeze at – there are some potential traps to be aware of.2 Both overspending and underspending, for example, have the potential to devalue your property.2 And with so many variables to consider when renovating or selling a property, it can be a tricky balance to strike. And for anyone who’s watched Grand Designs, you’ll know the big question often ends up being a simple one – 'What can I afford?’2
Telling your insurer about a bathroom renovation
For many, the real fun lies in the design process and the moment you get to enjoy your brand-new – or newly refreshed – space. But one thing you might not have considered is how the renovation affects your home insurance.
As with any major updates to your home that have the potential to change the value of your property, it’s important to tell your insurer and consider updating the amount the insured property is covered for. If your home insurance policy isn’t up to date, this could leave you at risk of being underinsured.
According to Mervyn Hartley, Youi’s Head of Product for Home Insurance, "it's important to contact your insurer if any major renovation or demolition is planned. If you don’t, it may impact the outcome of a claim.”
Depending on who your insurer is, they might have different conditions and exclusions, so it can be important to check your Product Disclosure Statement.
And if you’re looking to get home insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped, start a quote with Youi or find out more about our home and contents cover online.
1 Source: KPMG – Renovation Domination: decline in new builds while home renovations surge, November 2024
2 Source: CHOICE – 5 bathroom renovation traps to avoid, January 2023
3 Source: ArchiPro – Understanding bathroom renovation costs in Australia: A full breakdown for 2024, January 2024
4 Source: Canstar – ‘How much does an average bathroom renovation cost?’, October 2024
