Creating a realistic budget for a bathroom renovation in Sydney is a bit like planning a holiday. You can dream about the Maldives all you want, but if your wallet says “Maybe just Wollongong for the weekend,” then you need a plan that matches reality. A bathroom renovation works exactly the same — the dream is important, but the numbers have to line up, otherwise the project will spiral faster than a Bunnings sausage sizzle queue on a Saturday morning.
A realistic renovation budget isn’t something you randomly guess. It’s something you build step-by-step with logic, clarity, and a little bit of straight talk. And lucky for you, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
Let’s break it down Sydney-style, with examples, everyday language, and solid renovation knowledge.
1. Step one: Know the typical bathroom renovation costs in Sydney
Sydney is an expensive city — coffee, housing, parking, even the sea breeze feels like it charges GST. Bathroom renovations follow the same trend.
On average:
• Basic makeover: $18,000–$25,000
• Mid-range renovation: $25,000–$35,000
• High-end renovation: $35,000–$50,000+
• Luxury / designer build: $50,000–$80,000+
If someone quotes you $12,000 total, either they’re removing half the bathroom, using invisible tiles, or planning to disappear halfway through the job.
A realistic budget always starts with realistic price expectations.
2. Step two: Define your renovation scope clearly
Your scope of work determines almost everything:
• Are you doing a cosmetic update (new vanity, new taps)?
• Or a full strip-out, waterproofing, tiling and plumbing overhaul?
• Are you relocating the toilet or shower (big cost jump)?
• Are you installing a freestanding bath?
• Are you choosing large format tiles?
• Do you want a custom vanity?
Sydney homeowners often underestimate how much a “couple of changes” can cost once plumbing, waterproofing and tiling come into play.
A solid rule of thumb:
The more you move things, the more money moves out of your wallet.
Keeping plumbing where it is can save $3,000–$10,000 instantly.
3. Step three: Budget for labour vs materials
A bathroom renovation in Sydney is typically 60% labour, 40% materials.
Why?
Because licensed trades in NSW aren’t cheap — nor should they be. You want people who know the Building Code, know waterproofing standards, and won’t turn your house into an accidental indoor swimming pool.
Labour costs include:
• Demolition
• Waterproofing
• Plumbing
• Tiling
• Electrical
• Carpentry
• Rubbish removal
• Project management
Materials include:
• Tiles
• Vanity
• Tapware
• Shower screen
• Bath
• Toilet
• Waterproofing membranes
• Grout, adhesives, trims
A realistic budget ALWAYS separates labour and materials so you can see where your money goes.
4. Step four: Understand the cost drivers that affect your final number
Sydney bathrooms vary massively in cost due to:
Bathroom size
A 2m x 2m bathroom costs less than a 3m x 3m – fewer tiles, less labour.
Tile choice
Tiles have the biggest impact.
You’ll find:
• Lower range tiles: $30–$50/m²
• Mid-range tiles: $60–$80/m²
• Designer tiles: $90–$160/m²
• Italian/feature tiles: $180–$350/m²
But here’s the catch:
Tile installation costs more than the tile itself, especially with large formats or herringbone patterns.
Plumbing changes
Moving a toilet? Budget $2,000–$4,000 extra.
Moving a shower drain? $800–$1,500.
Waterproofing system quality
Cheaper waterproofing often means expensive future leaks.
Structural upgrades
Old houses in Sydney — especially Federation, terraces, and older brick builds — sometimes need new studs, leveling, or flooring repairs.
Accessibility or luxury features
Wall-hung vanities, LED mirrors, underfloor heating, custom niches… all add cost.
Knowing these cost drivers early prevents financial heartbreak later.
5. Step five: Get 3 detailed quotes — not 3 random numbers
A realistic budget comes from proper quotes, not quick online calculators.
But quotes MUST include:
• Scope of work
• Labour costs
• Materials list
• Waterproofing warranty
• Electrical/plumbing certifications
• Allowance items (PC items, provisional sums)
• Inclusions and exclusions
• Timeline
• Payment structure
If a company gives you a one-line quote like:
“Bathroom renovation: $20,000 all inclusive”
That’s not a quote — that’s a mystery box.
Detailed quotes help you set a realistic budget because you can compare, adjust, remove or upgrade based on clear information.
6. Step six: Plan for “hidden but normal” costs
In Sydney, some costs appear in nearly every renovation:
• Asbestos testing (common in older suburbs)
• Parking fees for trades
• Waste disposal skip bins
• Waterproofing upgrades
• Tile levelling systems
• Unexpected plumbing corrections
• Structural reinforcement
• Delivery fees during peak times
• Lead time delays for imported fixtures
These are not “rip-offs” — they’re normal renovation realities.
A smart budget always includes:
10%–20% contingency.
If you never use it — congratulations!
You can buy yourself a fancy mirror or a weekend getaway.
7. Step seven: Set budget ranges for each component
A smart bathroom budget breaks down each category like this:
Demolition
$1,200–$2,000
Plumbing
$2,500–$5,000 (more if relocating fixtures)
Electrical
$800–$2,000
Waterproofing
$800–$1,800 depending on size
Tiling
• Labour: $4,000–$8,000
• Tiles: $1,000–$3,000+ depending on style
Shower screen
$800–$1,800
Vanity
$600–$3,000+ depending on custom features
Tapware
$300–$2,000 depending on brand
Toilet
$300–$1,200
Labour for fit-off
$1,500–$3,000
Adding these together helps you predict your TRUE budget — not your “optimistic budget.”
8. Step eight: Prioritise your must-haves and nice-to-haves
A realistic budget has hierarchy.
Must-haves:
• Quality waterproofing
• Licensed trades
• Proper plumbing and drainage
• Durable materials
• Safe electrical work
• Good tiling workmanship
(These protect your home.)
Nice-to-haves:
• Fancy feature tiles
• LED mirrors
• Underfloor heating
• Premium tapware brands
• Luxe niches
• Designer vanity shapes
(These add comfort but can be reduced to save money.)
By ranking items, you can upgrade or downgrade strategically.
9. Step nine: Choose materials that balance cost and durability
Sydney’s humidity means cheap materials often don’t perform well.
Save smart:
• Go for mid-range tiles
• Use chrome tapware (cheaper than black or brushed gold)
• PVC or plywood vanities instead of MDF
• Standard shower screens instead of fully custom builds
• Keep plumbing locations the same
Don’t save on:
• Waterproofing
• Grout and adhesives
• Plumbing fixtures
• Tiling labour
• Electrical safety
These decisions shape a budget that feels realistic AND safe.
10. Step ten: Align your budget with your suburb’s property value
Believe it or not, suburb matters.
If your home is in:
• Bondi, Mosman, Wahroonga, Balmain → Higher-end finishes may increase resale
• Ryde, Strathfield, Castle Hill, Parramatta → Mid-range quality works beautifully
• Older terraces in Newtown, Redfern, Glebe → Budget for structural corrections
Your bathroom renovation should match the market expectations of your area. Overspend too much, and you won’t recover the value. Underspend too much, and buyers will notice.
Final Summary: What makes a bathroom renovation budget realistic?
A realistic budget is one that:
✓ Matches Sydney’s real renovation prices
✓ Is based on a clear scope
✓ Includes detailed quotes
✓ Covers both labour and materials
✓ Has realistic allowances
✓ Accounts for hidden or unexpected costs
✓ Matches your suburb’s property values
✓ Leaves space for contingencies
✓ Prioritises quality waterproofing and workmanship
When your budget includes all of the above, your renovation becomes predictable, manageable and drama-free — exactly how a good bathroom renovation should be.
For more Sydney-specific renovation insights, bathroom planning tips or renovation services, visit www.mb9.com.au to learn more about professional kitchen, bathroom and home renovation solutions from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.
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