This is one of the questions we get asked most, and there’s no single number that answers it honestly. Bathroom renovation costs vary because of three things: your layout, what demolition uncovers, and the materials you choose.
Layout: keep it, save it
Keeping your existing layout and simply replacing what’s there is the most cost-effective way to renovate a bathroom, because your plumbing stays where it is. The moment you move plumbing, costs start climbing, and access can be more difficult than it first appears. Even if the layout stays the same, older plumbing may still need replacing to meet current standards before new fixtures go in. Have a builder or architect assess whether plumbing can be moved, and how difficult it will be, before you commit to a layout.
Demolition: what you don't see coming
Demolition is where budgets get tested. Pulling up old floor tiles without removing the bedding underneath can seem like a saving, but older tiles are harder to lift cleanly and the bedding often can’t be salvaged. Once wall tiles come off in an older bathroom, the walls generally need rendering again before new tiles and waterproofing can go on. Demolition can also uncover water damage, rotting floors or asbestos. Budget a contingency regardless of how small the renovation looks on paper.
Materials: where the range comes from
The tiles and fixtures you choose will move the final number more than almost anything else. You don’t need the most expensive tile to get a premium look. The market is full of products that mimic higher-end finishes at a fraction of the cost, and the same applies to fixtures like mixers, shower rails and vanities. A custom vanity costs more than one built from an off-the-shelf carcass in the right size. If you’re working to a tight budget, choosing well-made, unbranded products that look the part will get you further than chasing brand names.
Why the number depends on your scope
Every one of these variables is exactly why a bathroom quote isn’t meaningful without a documented scope of works behind it. Without one, three builders will price three different versions of your bathroom, and none of the numbers will be comparable.
