Bathroom Renovation Cost Guide Melbourne (2026)
Bathrooms are small rooms with big budgets. Every square metre involves waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and fixtures — so cost per square metre is higher than almost any other room in the house. This guide sets out realistic 2026 ranges for Melbourne and explains what you're paying for.
It also covers the part most quotes gloss over: the hidden costs that surface once demolition begins, especially in the 1970s–90s brick homes common across Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Frankston.
Bathroom renovation cost by scope
- Small bathroom / ensuite — $10,000 to $20,000. Compact footprint, standard fixtures, efficient layout.
- Full bathroom renovation — $20,000 to $35,000. Complete strip-out, new waterproofing, tiling, vanity and fittings.
- Premium full remodel — $35,000 to $45,000+. Freestanding bath, floor-to-ceiling tiling, frameless glass and premium tapware.
Where the money goes
Unlike a kitchen, much of a bathroom's cost is in labour and compliance rather than the visible fittings. Waterproofing and tiling are skilled, time-intensive trades — and getting them wrong is expensive.
- Waterproofing — a legal requirement, certified to AS/NZS 3740. Non-negotiable and worth paying to get right.
- Tiling — labour-heavy; large-format tiles and full-height walls add time and cost.
- Plumbing — relocating the toilet, shower or vanity is far dearer than keeping fixtures in place.
- Fixtures & tapware — the range from builder-grade to premium is enormous.
- Waterproofing certificate — issued on completion and kept with your property records.
Hidden costs in older homes
The most common cause of a bathroom blowout isn't a change of mind — it's what's found behind the old tiles.
- Water damage to timber framing or subfloor, hidden by the old membrane.
- Asbestos in wall sheeting or flooring in homes built before the late 1980s (requires licensed removal).
- Outdated or corroded pipework that has to be replaced to current standard.
- Uneven or rotten floors that need re-sheeting before tiling.
How long does it take?
A standard bathroom renovation runs about 2–3 weeks from demolition to handover; an ensuite can be done in 10–14 days. The biggest cause of delay is special-order tiles or fixtures arriving late — confirm every selection before work begins.
Permits and compliance
Cosmetic swaps — retiling, a new vanity, fixture upgrades — generally don't need a permit. Moving plumbing or altering the layout in a way that affects the waterproofing membrane can. Waterproofing itself must always be certified. See our Victorian permit guide for the detail, and confirm with a registered building surveyor.
Key Takeaways
- Budget $10k–$20k for an ensuite, $20k–$35k for a full bathroom, and $35k+ for a premium remodel.
- Waterproofing and tiling — not the fittings — are where much of the cost sits.
- Older homes carry real risk of hidden water damage or asbestos; build a contingency in.
- Always insist on a waterproofing certificate on completion.
This guide is general information for Melbourne homeowners, not legal or financial advice. Costs are indicative and vary by project. Always confirm permit and compliance requirements with your council, a registered building surveyor, or the Building and Plumbing Commission before starting work.