What are the costs of approval for a bathroom renovation? (Bathroom | Building & Approvals)

When planning a bathroom renovation in Sydney, one of the most common and crucial questions we hear at MB9 Australia is, "What are the costs of approval for a bathroom renovation?" Understanding this financial aspect is key to creating a realistic budget and avoiding unexpected surprises.

The short answer is: There is no single fixed price. The cost of approvals for your bathroom renovation can range from a few hundred dollars for a straightforward compliance check to several thousand dollars for a complex Development Application. The final figure depends entirely on the scope of your project, your property's location, and the specific approval pathway required.

This detailed guide will break down the potential costs associated with the different types of approvals in Sydney, helping you budget effectively for this critical phase of your project.

The Golden Rule: Internal vs. External Changes

The most significant factor determining your approval cost is whether you are altering the internal layout or the external footprint of your home.

• Internal Renovation (Like-for-Like Layout): If you are replacing fixtures, tiles, and cabinetry without moving walls, relocating the toilet, or changing the core layout, you often fall under Exempt Development. In this case, you may not need a formal planning approval, but you are still legally required to comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

• Internal Renovation (Changing Layout): If you are moving walls, shifting the location of the shower, toilet, or vanity, you are likely to require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a Construction Certificate (CC) to ensure the new layout meets BCA standards for waterproofing, structure, and ventilation.

• Bathroom Extension: If you are expanding your home's footprint to create a new bathroom or enlarge an existing one, you will definitely require a formal approval, either via a CDC or a full Development Application (DA).

Below, we dissect the costs associated with each scenario.

Scenario 1: Internal Renovation with Layout Changes (CDC/CC Pathway)

If you're moving sanitary fixtures, this is the most common approval path. The primary cost here is for a Construction Certificate, which is issued by a Private Certifier or your local council.

Typical Cost Breakdown:

• Certifier's Fees for CC: $1,500 - $3,500+

  • This fee covers the plan assessment and critical stage inspections to ensure compliance with the BCA. The cost varies based on the project's complexity and the certifier's rates.

• Long Service Levy: 0.35% of the project cost (if work exceeds $20,000)

  • This is a NSW state government levy. On a $50,000 renovation, this would be $175.

• Council Application Fees: $250 - $600

  • Some councils charge a flat fee for a CC application.

Potential Additional Costs for this Scenario:

• Structural Engineer's Report: $800 - $2,000

  • Required if you are removing or altering any load-bearing walls.

• Survey Report (if applicable): $1,000 - $2,500

  • May be required for certain properties to identify boundaries.

Total Estimated Approval Cost Range (Internal Layout Change): $1,750 - $6,000+

Scenario 2: Bathroom Extension (DA or CDC Pathway)

This is where approval costs become more substantial, as you are adding new floor space to your home.

Pathway A: Complying Development Certificate (CDC) - The Faster, More Streamlined Option

A CDC is possible if your extension meets all the pre-set standards for size, height, and setbacks under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).

Typical Cost Breakdown:

• CDC Application Fee: $2,500 - $5,000+

  • This fee to a Private Certifier includes both the planning and construction approval. It's generally more expensive than a CC alone because it covers more assessment.

• Long Service Levy: 0.35% of the project cost.

• Sydney Water Section 73 Certificate: $350 - $650

  • A mandatory application to connect your new bathroom to the public water and sewer system.

Pathway B: Development Application (DA) - For Complex or Non-Complying Projects

If your extension doesn't meet CDC criteria (e.g., in a heritage area, on a steep block, or too large), you must go through your local council via a DA, followed by a Construction Certificate.

Typical Cost Breakdown:

• Council DA Application Fee: $450 - $1,500+

  • This is just the council's fee to lodge the application. It is often calculated as a percentage of the build cost.

• Construction Certificate (CC) Fee: $1,500 - $3,500+ (as above).

• Long Service Levy: 0.35% of the project cost.

• Sydney Water Section 73 Certificate: $350 - $650.

• Specialist Reports (Can be the biggest variable cost):

  • Heritage Impact Statement: $2,000 - $7,000+

  • Basix Certificate: $150 - $250 (mandatory for all new habitable rooms in NSW).

  • Arborist Report: $500 - $1,500 (if trees are affected).

  • Stormwater Management Report: $1,000 - $3,000+

  • Structural Engineer's Plans: $1,500 - $4,000

Total Estimated Approval Cost Range (Bathroom Extension):

• Via CDC: $3,200 - $6,500+

• Via DA: $4,000 - $20,000+ (highly variable based on report requirements)

Critical Sydney-Specific Factors That Inflate Approval Costs

Sydney's unique landscape and regulations can add significant cost to your approval process.

1. Heritage Overlays: Suburbs like Balmain, Paddington, and Glebe have strict heritage controls. A DA is mandatory, and a comprehensive Heritage Impact Statement prepared by a specialist consultant is required, adding thousands to your upfront costs.

2. Bush Fire Prone Land: If your property is designated as bush fire prone, you will need a Bush Fire Attack Level (BAL) assessment and report, which can cost $1,000 - $3,000, and will influence the more expensive construction materials required.

3. Flood-Liable Land: Properties near waterways may require a flood impact study, adding another $1,500 - $4,000.

4. Asbestos Removal & Certification: In pre-1990 Sydney homes, asbestos is common. While not an "approval fee" per se, the safe removal by a licensed professional (**$1,500 - $5,000+) and the provision of a clearance certificate are a mandatory pre-renovation cost that your certifier will require.

The MB9 Australia Approach: Integrating Approval Costs into Your Project Budget

At MB9 Australia, we believe in transparency and no nasty surprises. We integrate the approval process and its costs directly into your initial project quotation.

When you engage us for your Sydney bathroom renovation, our service includes:

• Feasibility Assessment: We determine the correct approval pathway for your project and provide a detailed breakdown of all anticipated approval costs upfront.

• Expert Management: We manage the entire application process on your behalf, liaising with certifiers, council, and any required consultants (engineers, surveyors). This saves you the time, stress, and potential cost of incorrect applications.

• Accurate Costing: We have established relationships with a network of trusted certifiers and consultants, allowing us to secure competitive rates for these services, which we then pass on to you with a clear, fixed fee structure.

Why You Should Never Skip Proper Approvals

While it may be tempting to avoid approval costs, the consequences are severe and far more expensive in the long run:

• Council Issued Orders & Fines: Your local council can issue heavy penalties and force you to rectify or even demolish unapproved work.

• Invalidated Home Insurance: Any damage related to unapproved work (e.g., a water leak from an un-certified bathroom) will likely not be covered by your insurer.

• Sale Nightmares: Unapproved work will be identified during the conveyancing process when you sell your home, potentially scuttling the sale or forcing you to retrospectively approve the work at a much higher cost.

Visit www.mb9.com.au today to find out more about our comprehensive kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services.