Cosmetic refresh
Tier 01$8,000–$15,000New tiles, vanity, toilet, tapware and shower screen, with everything staying where it is. No moving plumbing.
What a bathroom renovation really costs in Melbourne
Most bathroom renovations in Melbourne cost between $15,000 and $35,000. A small cosmetic refresh can start around $8,000; a large or high-end room can run $35,000 and up.
Planning ranges, not promises · Last reviewed July 2026
The final number depends less on room size than on what happens behind the walls.
Here’s the part most people don’t expect: a small bathroom still needs plumbing, electrical work, waterproofing and tiling. Those costs do not shrink just because the room is small.
Three useful price tiers
Use these to orient your brief—not to replace a written quote.
Mid-range rebuild
Tier 02$15,000–$35,000A full strip-out and rebuild with quality tiles and fixtures. Moving plumbing and custom work add cost.
High-end
Tier 03$35,000+Premium materials, custom cabinetry, feature tiling, a freestanding bath or major layout changes. Luxury projects can pass $60,000.
A small room still has a full stack of work.
Some costs exist before you choose a single tap. Room size changes quantities; it does not remove the sequence.
Visible choicesTiles · vanity · tapware · screen
Room-wide workDemolition · preparation · tiling · painting
Technical foundationsPlumbing · electrical · ventilation · waterproofing
What drives the price up or down
The cheapest-looking quote is not always the smallest final bill. Compare the same inclusions and assumptions.
- Moving plumbing
- Keeping the toilet, basin and shower where they are is one of the biggest savings available. Relocation means new pipework and may trigger other approvals depending on the work.
- Tiles
- Standard ceramic may be around $30–$40 per square metre; premium stone or large-format tile can be $80–$120+ before installation.
- Fixtures
- A built-in bath may sit near $1,500 while a designer freestanding bath can reach $5,000 or more. Similar gaps apply to vanities, tapware and screens.
- Waterproofing
- Wet-area work must be properly designed and installed. AS 3740 sets requirements for waterproofing domestic wet areas.
- Hidden problems
- Rot, mould, asbestos or failing plumbing can surface after demolition. Hold a 10–15% contingency rather than spending every dollar on selections.
The expensive surprise is often invisible at quote time.
Wall linings can conceal old pipework, water damage and unsuitable substrates. A clear quote should say how discoveries are assessed, priced and approved before extra work begins.
- Ask what investigation is included before demolition
- Request a written variation process
- Keep part of the budget uncommitted
Two quick examples
These rooms show the difference in scope—not two versions of the same budget.
Small ensuite
Cosmetic refresh, nothing moved
$8,000–$14,000Standard fittings · existing layout · simple tile choices
Family bathroom
Complete rebuild, mid-range finishes
$18,000–$35,000Full strip-out · bath and separate shower · more tile and storageYour quote will differ. These are ranges to plan around, not promises. Images are generated editorial examples, not completed projects.
Don’t spend the contingency on the bathroom you can see.
If the working project budget is $30,000, holding back 10–15% means keeping roughly $3,000–$4,500 available for discoveries and necessary changes.
15%held back
- $25,500
- planned scope and selections
- $4,500
- maximum 15% contingency
Permits, plumbing and registration
Do not assume a permit is—or is not—needed from a simple list online. Structural work requires a building permit; other requirements depend on the exact scope. Confirm with a registered building surveyor before starting.
One threshold worth knowing
For domestic building work over $10,000, Victorian requirements generally include a written major domestic building contract and an appropriately registered practitioner when the work falls within the registration rules. Plumbing must be done by an appropriately licensed or registered plumber, with compliance certification required for prescribed plumbing work.
Check the current Victorian guidance ↗Work out a rough figure for your bathroom.
Use room type, layout changes and finish level to build an immediate planning range.