Bathroom Renovation Cost in Sydney — 2026 Guide
A bathroom renovation in Sydney costs $20,000 to $45,000+ depending on size and spec. Based on Rawlinson data and Buildana's (Lic. 487805C) experience across Western Sydney.
Cost by Scope
Basic renovation (3–4 sqm bathroom, new tiles, vanity, toilet, shower screen, tapware): • $20,000–$25,000
Medium renovation (full strip-out, new waterproofing, floor-to-ceiling tiles, quality fixtures): • Rawlinson 2026: $29,375–$33,125 • Plus flooring, lighting: $30,000–$38,000
Premium renovation (freestanding bath, wall-hung vanity, niche shelving, underfloor heating, premium tiles): • $38,000–$50,000
Note: Waterproofing is mandatory and non-negotiable. AS 3740 standards must be met. Buildana uses licensed waterproofers with manufacturer-backed warranties on every bathroom.
Key Cost Drivers
1. Tiling: the single biggest cost — floor-to-ceiling tiles in a 4 sqm bathroom = 25–30 sqm of tile area. Tiles $30–$100/sqm, labour $60–$90/sqm. 2. Waterproofing: $1,500–$3,000 for a standard bathroom. Mandatory under NCC. 3. Plumbing: relocating fixtures adds $3,000–$8,000. Like-for-like replacement minimises cost. 4. Fixtures: vanity ($500–$3,000), toilet ($300–$1,500), shower mixer ($200–$800), bath ($800–$5,000). 5. Structural: moving walls, enlarging the bathroom, or converting a bath to walk-in shower may require structural modifications ($3,000–$10,000).
Contact Buildana for a free renovation assessment.
May 2026 Bathroom Cost Refresh — Real Sydney Numbers
Bathroom budgets have moved meaningfully in the 12 months to May 2026, and three line items are responsible for most of the shift.
Waterproofing and tiling labour (+6–8%). Licensed waterproofers are the choke point on most Sydney bathroom jobs. AS 3740-2021 compliance plus the post-2024 enforcement uptick from Fair Trading means inspections happen, callbacks are real, and the trade has priced its risk in. Budget $2,200–$3,500 for waterproofing on a standard 6sqm bathroom (was $1,800–$3,000 in 2024). Wall and floor tiling is now $90–$140/sqm laid for standard porcelain — premium large-format and herringbone patterns run $150–$220/sqm.
Vanities and tapware (+4–6%). The mid-range vanity-and-mirror-cabinet combo is now $1,800–$3,500 supply only. Add tapware: a complete Phoenix or Methven matte-black set (mixer, shower, basin tap, towel rails) is $1,400–$2,200 supply. Premium Gessi or Astra Walker walk into $3,500–$6,500.
Plumbing relocation and demolition (+5%). Concrete-floor bathrooms in 1960s–80s Sydney brick veneers (the bulk of Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown housing stock) cost $1,500–$3,000 just to chase the slab for shifted waste lines. Don't underestimate this if you're moving the toilet wall.
Fair May-2026 Sydney bathroom renovation budgets: $22,000–$30,000 for a basic refresh in existing footprint with off-the-shelf vanity and standard tiles; $35,000–$55,000 for mid-range with new layout and frameless shower; $65,000–$120,000 for premium with stone benchtops, freestanding bath, custom joinery and underfloor heating.
If you're combining bathroom and kitchen, see /insights/kitchen-renovation-cost-sydney for the matching kitchen numbers, or call 0476 300 300 for a fixed-price quote on your actual scope.
