A full bathroom renovation in Sydney typically costs between $15,000 and $40,000, with premium and luxury bathrooms going well beyond that. The size of the room, whether the layout changes, and the fixtures and tiles you choose make the biggest difference. Here are current Sydney prices and what drives them.
Bathroom renovation costs in Sydney at a glance
| Type of renovation | Typical cost | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $11,500–$23,000 | Full strip-out, new waterproofing and tiles, standard fixtures, same layout |
| Mid-range | $23,000–$40,000 | Better tiles and tapware, wall-hung vanity, frameless screen, niche, heated towel rail |
| Premium | $40,000–$63,000 | Layout changes, freestanding bath, custom vanity, floor-to-ceiling tiles |
| Luxury | $63,000–$92,000+ | Large or multiple rooms, designer fixtures, specialist finishes |
| Ensuite (3–5 m²) | $17,000–$34,500 | Same layout, mid-range finishes |
Ranges include labour, materials and GST for Sydney metropolitan homes (What’s The Damage, October 2026). We confirm a fixed price only after seeing your bathroom.
Where the money goes
| Item | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | $1,150–$3,450 |
| Plumbing rough-in | $2,300–$5,750 |
| Waterproofing | $800–$4,000 |
| Floor and wall tiling | $3,200–$8,600 |
| Vanity | $575–$4,000 |
| Frameless shower screen | $920–$2,900 |
| Freestanding bath | $1,700–$5,750 |
What makes a bathroom cost more
- Moving the toilet, shower or drainage. New drainage falls and pipework add cost quickly, especially on concrete slabs or upper floors.
- Tile choice and coverage. Floor-to-ceiling tiles and large-format or patterned tiles take more labour.
- Hidden problems. Rotten floor framing, old leaks and failed waterproofing are common in older Sydney homes and only show once tiles come off.
- Apartments. Strata approval, lift bookings, restricted work hours and waterproofing over other units add time and cost.
- Custom joinery. A custom vanity or built-in storage costs more than off-the-shelf, but fits the room exactly.
Small bathroom and ensuite costs
Small bathrooms aren’t always much cheaper. They still need every trade: demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrical and fit-off. A small bathroom or ensuite with the same layout and mid-range finishes typically costs $17,000–$30,000 in Sydney. For ways to make a small room work harder, see our bathroom renovation ideas.
Getting good value from your bathroom renovation
A renovated bathroom is one of the improvements buyers and renters notice most, but value comes from getting the basics right rather than spending the most.
- Keep the layout if it works. Leaving the toilet and shower where they are saves thousands.
- Spend on what’s hidden. Proper waterproofing and drainage protect the whole house. Cheap tapware can be upgraded later; failed waterproofing can’t.
- Choose durable, timeless finishes. Neutral tiles and quality fixtures age better than trends. See our guide to the best bathroom materials.
- Add storage. A good vanity, a shower niche and a mirrored cabinet make a small bathroom far easier to live with.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most bathrooms take 3–6 weeks on site, from demolition to final clean. Waterproofing needs curing time before tiling, which is why bathrooms can’t be rushed. Custom vanities or imported tiles can add 4–8 weeks of lead time, so we order them before work starts. For the full process, read our bathroom renovation guide and mistakes to avoid.
Bathroom renovations with Blackwood
Blackwood Carpentry & Joinery renovates bathrooms across Sydney’s North Shore, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs and Inner West. We coordinate every licensed trade, from plumbing and electrical to waterproofing to AS 3740, and build custom vanities and storage with our own joiners. NSW Lic. 502666C. Every job over $20,000 comes with a written contract and Home Building Compensation insurance.
See our bathroom and laundry renovations or call Fred on 0478 900 078 for a free site visit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Sydney?
Most full bathroom renovations cost $15,000–$40,000. Basic renovations start around $11,500, and premium bathrooms with layout changes often cost $40,000–$63,000 or more.
How much does a small bathroom renovation cost?
Typically $17,000–$30,000 for a small bathroom or ensuite with the same layout and mid-range finishes.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Usually tiling and plumbing. Moving fixtures or fixing hidden water damage can add the most.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Usually 3–6 weeks on site, plus lead time for custom vanities or imported tiles.
Do I need approval to renovate my bathroom?
In a house, usually not if the layout and structure stay the same. Apartments need owners corporation approval first.