Whether you’re looking to spruce up your forever home or increase the value of your investment property, a bathroom renovation can make a big difference. However, it can also be quite expensive.
Choosing the right tiles and bathroom fixtures can dramatically impact the overall cost of your renovation. For example, premium tiles can cost up to $165 per square metre, according to Hipages.
Tiles
If you’re planning a major renovation, it’s best to consult with a tradie before beginning the project. They’ll be able to advise you on the feasibility of your plans and help you set a timeline. They can also help you choose materials and get quotes from a plumber, tiler, and waterproofer.
The cost of tiles is one of the biggest bathroom renovation costs. It’s worth hiring a licensed tiler to lay your tiles, as this is a skilled trade. Professional tiling requires careful preparation to avoid water damage and cracks.
If you’re on a budget, consider doing a partial bathroom remodel. This will give your bathroom a fresh new look without breaking the bank. You’ll need to keep your existing bathroom layout and plumbing locations, but you can swap out the vanity and mirror, repaint the walls, and replace any broken fixtures.
Plumbing
The plumbing in a bathroom can be tricky to change without major renovation. This is especially true if you live in a strata titled property and your work impacts common areas. The best way to manage your budget is to plan the project well and get quotes from multiple tradies before making any changes.
A great way to save money on a renovation is to opt for a bathroom upgrade instead of a full remodel. This might include swapping a basin for a vanity, resurfacing your tiles or having the bathtub re-coated.
Hiring a bathroom builder or dedicated renovation service is a great option as they will have all the necessary tradies, like plumbers and tilers, on staff. However, it is important to make sure the tradespeople you hire are registered. You can check this on sites like Licence Hero or Service NSW.
Fixtures
With new bathroom fixtures, you can give your renovation a complete and polished look. It is important to carefully consider your selections in order to keep costs down. For example, installing trim to match the existing molding can be expensive, especially if you’re renovating an older home.
You can do a basic renovation for around $18,000, but this will involve some compromises. According to Hipages, this budget will probably mean keeping the existing plumbing locations and sticking with framed shower screens, standard back-to-wall toilets and floor mounted vanity choices. Luxury products like freestanding tubs and shower niches are usually out of the question. Also, expect a higher call out fee and hourly rate for plumbers on this budget. This is because they will need to purchase materials and tools.
Electrician
A sparkie comes in to install any electrical wiring and powerpoints, which could take one to four days depending on the bathroom’s size. This is a crucial step and it’s important to get someone who can deliver on quality and timeframes.
A budget tier may involve a simple cosmetic renovation of a small space, using basic fittings and fixtures. It could include wall-hung vanities, framed shower screens and a standard back-to-wall toilet. Hipages says this type of renovation is generally cost-effective, but it’s still worth getting quotes from several tradies for peace of mind.
Try to work with a registered building practitioner who has a roster of experienced tradies on hand. This way, supply and scheduling issues won’t interfere with your reno. Plus, they can manage any additional work that you’d like to do.
Painter
For the final touch to your bathroom renovation, a painter will help you choose the right colour scheme. They will also paint the room and apply a penetrative sealer to protect the tiling. They can also recommend tiling with a textured surface to create more grip on the floor and a glaze that contains sand, which can be helpful in homes with young children or people with mobility issues.
According to tradie booking platform Hipages, a budget level renovation costs around $8,000 and involves cosmetic changes or swapping out items like a new shower screen or a wall-mounted vanity. A standard level reno costs $15,000 and up, which includes replacing back to wall toilets with wall hung models, frameless shower screens and more expensive fittings and materials.bathroom renovation cost melbourne