How do renovation costs differ between units and houses? (Bathroom | Cost & Budget)

Renovating a bathroom in Sydney is never a one-size-fits-all process. One of the most common questions from homeowners is how renovation costs differ between units (apartments) and houses. Whether you’re updating a compact bathroom in a Newtown apartment, modernising an ensuite in a Mosman house, or redesigning a family bathroom in Castle Hill, understanding the cost differences helps plan a realistic budget and avoid unexpected expenses.

Key Factors Affecting Bathroom Renovation Costs in Units vs Houses

Several factors make bathroom renovation costs in units and houses different. These include structural limitations, access, plumbing complexity, council regulations, and labor requirements.

1. Size and Layout

• Units: Apartments in inner-city Sydney, such as Surry Hills, Newtown, and Paddington, tend to have smaller bathrooms. While smaller size reduces material costs (tiles, vanities, cabinets), it often increases labor costs because of tight spaces and complicated installations.

• Houses: Family homes in suburbs like Mosman, Hunters Hill, or Castle Hill often have larger bathrooms, which increases material costs but allows for more straightforward access and labor efficiency.

2. Plumbing Complexity

• Units: Plumbing is often fixed behind walls or under concrete slabs. Relocating fixtures or upgrading pipes in older apartments in Glebe, Balmain, or North Sydney can be tricky and expensive due to restricted access, shared plumbing risers, and building regulations.

• Houses: Detached houses usually allow easier access to plumbing through floors and walls. Relocating showers, baths, or sinks in homes in the North Shore or Eastern Suburbs can still be costly but is generally less constrained than in units.

3. Access and Logistics

• Units: Inner-city apartments may have lift restrictions, narrow staircases, and strict building management rules. Delivering tiles, cabinets, and large fixtures can increase labor costs. Additionally, noise restrictions in multi-unit dwellings may extend project timelines.

• Houses: Houses, especially in suburbs like Castle Hill or Mosman, typically have easier access for tradespeople and materials. Driveway access or backyard staging areas reduce labor complications and potential delays.

4. Council and Strata Regulations

• Units: Renovations in strata-titled apartments in Paddington, Newtown, or Bondi often require approvals from the owners’ corporation. Plumbing or electrical changes may need permission, adding time and potential costs to the project.

• Houses: Renovations in detached homes generally require only council approvals if structural changes are involved, which is more straightforward than managing strata rules.

5. Labor Costs and Trades Coordination

• Units: Working in tight apartment spaces often requires more careful coordination among tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, tilers). This specialized work can increase labor costs, particularly in inner-city apartments with limited space for materials and tools.

• Houses: Detached houses allow tradespeople to work simultaneously in different areas, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs per square meter.

Typical Cost Differences Between Units and Houses in Sydney

While renovation costs vary depending on materials, design, and scope, here’s a rough comparison for a standard bathroom renovation:

Property Type Bathroom Size Average Cost (AUD) Notes Unit / Apartment 3–6 m² $15,000 – $30,000 Smaller size reduces materials but higher labor due to access limitations. Strata approvals may add extra cost. Detached House 6–12 m² $25,000 – $50,000 Larger space increases material costs, but labor can be more efficient. Easier to relocate fixtures or upgrade plumbing.

Luxury Renovations:

For high-end, luxury bathroom renovations, the cost difference can become even more pronounced:

• Units: Luxury features in apartments, like freestanding baths, imported tiles, or custom vanities, can drive costs to $50,000–$80,000+, especially in premium locations like North Sydney or Mosman.

• Houses: Larger spaces and structural flexibility allow homeowners to incorporate multiple luxury features—spa baths, rain showers, heated floors—pushing costs to $70,000–$120,000+, particularly in affluent Eastern Suburbs or North Shore homes.

Suburb-Specific Considerations

• Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt): Many apartments are in older buildings with hidden plumbing or outdated electrical systems, which may increase costs for both standard and luxury renovations.

• Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Bronte): Coastal properties may require moisture-resistant materials, particularly for bathrooms in units exposed to higher humidity and salt air.

• North Shore (Mosman, North Sydney, Chatswood): Houses tend to have larger layouts, allowing expansive luxury bathrooms. Units often face strict strata limitations, which may limit certain renovations.

• Western Sydney (Castle Hill, Parramatta, Blacktown): Houses are more common, with ample space for larger layouts and lower labor costs compared to inner-city apartments.

Managing Costs Effectively

1. Planning and Design

• Map out the desired layout and features before obtaining quotes.

• Decide whether plumbing relocations or upgrades are essential. For units, keeping fixtures in existing positions can save considerable costs.

• Consider staged renovations for budget management—start with essential changes and add luxury features later.

2. Obtaining Multiple Quotes

• Always get at least 2–3 detailed quotes from licensed contractors.

• Ensure quotes specify labor, materials, fixture brands, and contingency for unforeseen issues.

• Compare like-for-like to identify unusually high or low estimates.

3. Material Selection

• Units: Choose compact, efficient fixtures suitable for smaller spaces. Pre-fabricated vanities and mid-range tiles can reduce costs.

• Houses: Larger bathrooms allow for custom vanities, imported tiles, and luxury features without overcrowding the space.

4. Working With Licensed Professionals

• Engage licensed plumbers, electricians, and tilers to ensure compliance with NSW Fair Trading regulations.

• For unit renovations, check strata and council approvals to avoid penalties or delays.

• Project management can reduce labor inefficiencies, especially in multi-trade renovations.

Cost-Saving Tips for Units and Houses

• Keep major fixtures in existing positions to reduce plumbing and labor costs.

• Consider local suppliers in Alexandria, Marrickville, or Rozelle for cost-effective materials.

• Use standard-sized tiles and pre-fabricated cabinetry where possible.

• For luxury upgrades, prioritize high-impact elements (vanity, tapware, freestanding bath) to maximize value without excessive costs.

Partnering With a Professional Renovation Company

Sydney homeowners benefit from working with an experienced company like MB9 Australia Pty Ltd:

• Transparent, detailed quotes for units and houses.

• Expertise in navigating inner-city strata regulations, council approvals, and multi-trade coordination.

• Experience across Sydney suburbs, including Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, and Western Sydney.

• Access to licensed tradespeople for plumbing, electrical, tiling, and cabinetry, ensuring high-quality, compliant results.

• Budget tracking and contingency planning to prevent cost overruns.

With professional guidance, whether in a compact unit or a large house, homeowners can achieve a functional, stylish, and durable bathroom renovation while managing costs effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Renovation costs differ significantly between units and houses due to space, plumbing, labor, and access considerations.

• Units often have higher labor costs per square meter due to access restrictions, strata approvals, and compact layouts.

• Houses generally allow for larger bathrooms, easier plumbing modifications, and efficient labor but higher material costs.

• Planning, detailed quotes, licensed professionals, and strategic material choices help control costs in both property types.

• Partnering with a trusted renovation company ensures budget transparency, compliance, and a high-quality finish.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.