How do I choose a bathroom renovation package within budget? (Bathroom | Cost & Budget)

Choosing a bathroom renovation package in Sydney can feel a bit like scrolling through Netflix — there are so many options, every one claims to be “the best,” and somehow you still end up confused after 30 minutes. But unlike Netflix, a bathroom renovation is not something you can pause and come back to later. Once you choose, you’re in it, and the budget needs to behave.

So how do you pick a bathroom renovation package that fits your wallet and your dream aesthetic? Easy. Follow the steps below, understand what’s included, and learn how Sydney’s renovation market works so you don’t get surprised by hidden costs.

Let’s break things down clearly, simply, and with a bit of humour — because bathroom planning shouldn’t feel like quantum physics.

1. Start by Knowing Your Budget Range (Not the Exact Dollar)

Sydney homeowners often ask, “Is $20,000 enough?” or “Can I do it for under $15,000?”
The truth: bathroom renovation packages tend to fall into categories, not exact numbers.

Typical Sydney ranges:

• Basic package: $15,000–$22,000

• Mid-range package: $22,000–$35,000

• Premium package: $35,000–$60,000+

Before choosing a package, know which bracket you realistically sit in. If your wallet is at “basic,” but your taste is shouting “five-star hotel suite,” we need to negotiate with your style expectations early!

2. Understand What Is Actually Included in Each Package

This is where many homeowners get caught. All packages sound similar, but trust me — the inclusions can be as different as Surry Hills vs. Rooty Hill.

A proper bathroom renovation package should include:

• Demolition

• Waterproofing

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Tiling

• Carpentry

• Fixtures (toilet, vanity, taps, shower)

• Rubbish removal

• Compliance certificates

But the quality of these items varies dramatically.

For example:

• A basic package might include ceramic tiles; a premium one might include marble-look porcelain.

• A basic package might include a $150 mixer tap; a premium package might include a $650 brushed nickel mixer.

• A basic package might give you a standard shower screen; a premium package might give you a custom frameless design.

Tip: Always ask for a full itemised inclusions list.
If it sounds vague, assume they left things out on purpose.

3. Don’t Choose a Package Based Just on Price — Compare the Value

In Sydney, the cost of trades is generally consistent across the industry. What changes the final price is usually:

• The quality of fixtures

• Tiling complexity

• Brand choices

• Waterproofing systems

• Labour hours

• Structural issues

• The level of service and warranty coverage

A cheap package may look tempting, but if it comes with poor-quality waterproofing, low-grade fixtures, and installers who rush jobs like they’re speed-running a video game, the “cheap” choice becomes wildly expensive later.

Value > Price.
You want durability, proper compliance, and a bathroom that doesn’t leak after two Sydney summers.

4. Understand That Layout Changes Can Push You Into Another Budget Category

This is the biggest package-changer in bathroom renovation.

If you:

• Move the toilet

• Shift the shower

• Relocate the vanity

• Add a niche

• Change the door swing

• Add lighting points

…then congratulations — you’ve just changed your package tier.

Sydney plumbing and electrical labour is not cheap, especially in older suburbs like the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, or North Shore, where wall cavities can be a surprise party no one asked for.

If you want to stay within your chosen budget package, keep your existing layout as much as possible.

5. Know the Difference Between a “Standard Package” and a “Custom Package”

Some renovation companies offer fixed packages. Others tailor everything to your space. Both can be good — it depends on your goals.

Standard packages usually include:

• Limited fixture options

• Pre-selected tile ranges

• A fixed layout plan

• Straightforward construction

Perfect for homeowners who say:
“I just want a clean, modern bathroom without blowing the budget.”

Custom packages include:

• Bespoke fixtures

• Custom joinery

• Layout changes

• High-end design selections

Perfect for homeowners who say:
“I want my bathroom to look like a Pinterest board and I will settle for nothing less.”

To stay within budget, choose the package type that matches your renovation personality — practical or perfectionist.

6. Ask Contractors the Right Questions Before Committing

Sydney trades are busy, and packages can be full of assumptions. Ask these questions to protect your budget:

1. What is NOT included?
   Often more important than what is included.

2. What are the Prime Cost (PC) allowances?
   If they only allow $300 for tapware, good luck finding something decent.

3. How many Provisional Sums (PS) are in the package?
   Too many PS items means your budget can explode later.

4. Does your package include waterproofing to Australian Standards?
   This is mandatory, and cutting corners here is the #1 cause of future headaches.

5. What warranty comes with the package?
   A cheap price without warranty is like buying sushi left out in the sun — risky.

7. Compare Packages Based on Fixtures — Not Just Labour

Fixtures make up a large part of package costs.

Here’s the reality of Sydney pricing:
Cheap fixtures = cheaper package
Mid-range fixtures = balanced package
High-end fixtures = luxury package

What changes your package tier?

• Brushed nickel, gunmetal or brass tapware

• Custom vanities

• Frameless shower screens

• Imported tiles

• Underfloor heating

• Smart toilets

• Designer lighting

If your budget is strict, choose wisely.
If you want the fancy spa vibe, expand the budget or adjust expectations elsewhere.

8. Look at the Package’s Workmanship Standards

A “$20k bathroom” can be great.
A “$20k bathroom” can also be terrible.
The package price does not tell you the whole story.

Signs of a reputable package:

• Licensed trades for every step

• Waterproofing certificate included

• Transparent timelines

• Detailed product selections

• Clean workmanship standards

• Clear process for variations

• Professional communication

• Photo references of previous bathrooms within the same price range

Choosing a renovation package is like choosing a haircut — you want the right stylist, not just the right price.

9. Make Sure the Package Matches Your Home’s Age and Condition

Sydney homes fall into two categories:

1. Modern builds – straightforward, less risk, fewer surprises

2. Older homes/terraces/apartments – hidden issues everywhere

If your home was built before 1990, your package MUST consider:

• Possible asbestos

• Structural movement

• Out-of-square walls

• Old plumbing

• Cracked screeds

If the package doesn’t mention these, your budget may not survive reality.

10. The Best Strategy to Stay Within Budget

After helping thousands of homeowners over the years, here’s the simplest formula to choose a package without overspending:

1. Decide the maximum amount you’re comfortable spending.

2. Choose the package tier that fits that number.

3. Stick to your existing plumbing layout.

4. Select mid-range fixtures — not the cheapest, not the fanciest.

5. Limit custom joinery.

6. Choose simple tile layouts (big tiles = less labour).

7. Avoid extra lighting circuits or new nib walls.

8. Make decisions early to avoid variations.

Follow this formula and you’ll stay on track — no financial rollercoaster, no surprise invoices.

11. Should You Ever “Stretch” Your Budget Package?

Sometimes, yes.
Some upgrades dramatically increase long-term value without blowing up the budget.

Worthwhile upgrades:

• Better waterproofing systems

• Quality tapware (cheap ones fail fast)

• Frameless shower screen

• Under-tile heating in cold suburbs

• Custom vanity with real storage

Not-worth-it upgrades on tight budgets:

• Imported stone tiles

• Smart mirrors with Alexa

• Designer brand accessories

• Niche lighting

• Heated towel rails in tiny bathrooms

Pick the upgrades that give value, not vanity.

Final Thoughts: The Right Package Is the One That Matches Your Lifestyle, Not Just Your Wallet

Choosing a bathroom renovation package in Sydney doesn’t need to be stressful. Once you understand what determines package pricing — fixtures, layout, labour, home condition, waterproofing requirements, suburb factors — you’re able to make smart decisions.

Keep your goals realistic, choose inclusions that give long-term value, and partner with reputable professionals who offer transparency and clear communication.

If you do that, your bathroom will look great, perform well, and stay within budget — without cutting corners or cutting quality.

For more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au.