When planning a bathroom renovation in Sydney, many homeowners ask: “How much does it actually cost per fixture?” While the total renovation cost depends on your bathroom size, layout, and finish level, breaking it down per fixture gives you a clearer picture of where your money goes. This approach also makes budgeting simpler, helps avoid surprises, and ensures you make informed choices for your home in Sydney.

Whether you’re renovating a compact apartment in Zetland, Mascot, or Wolli Creek, a family bathroom in Parramatta, Blacktown, or Ryde, or a luxury ensuite in Mosman, Vaucluse, or Double Bay, understanding the cost per fixture is crucial for accurate planning.

1. Bathroom Renovation Cost Overview

On average, a full bathroom renovation in Sydney ranges from $18,000 to $32,000 for a standard bathroom, and $35,000 to $55,000+ for a luxury bathroom. The price includes:

• Fixtures and fittings

• Plumbing and electrical work

• Tiling and waterproofing

• Labour and project management

• Demolition and waste disposal

Breaking it down per fixture helps you see how each component contributes to the overall cost and where you can adjust to match your budget.

2. Cost Per Key Bathroom Fixture

Below is a detailed cost estimate for individual fixtures in a Sydney bathroom renovation, based on real projects across multiple suburbs.

A. Toilet

Average cost per fixture: $1,000 – $3,000

• Standard models: $1,000 – $1,500

• Mid-range models: $1,500 – $2,500

• High-end designer toilets: $2,500 – $3,500+

Factors affecting cost:

• Type: Wall-hung vs floor-mounted

• Plumbing relocation requirements

• Water-efficient models (WELS rating)

• Additional work in apartments (strata approval for slab penetration in Zetland or Mascot)

Tip: In older homes in Ashfield or Leichhardt, relocating the toilet may require slab modifications, which can increase costs.

B. Vanity and Basin

Average cost per fixture: $1,500 – $6,000

• Standard vanities: $1,500 – $2,500 (melamine or laminate finish)

• Mid-range vanities: $2,500 – $4,500 (solid surface, timber veneers, mid-quality cabinetry)

• Custom or luxury vanities: $4,500 – $6,500+ (marble tops, custom storage, designer brands like ABI or Phoenix)

Tips for Sydney homeowners:

• In apartments, custom vanities can be constrained by existing plumbing stacks (Zetland, Wolli Creek, Chatswood).

• In coastal suburbs like Bondi or Coogee, moisture-resistant cabinetry is a must.

C. Shower or Bathtub

Average cost per fixture: $2,000 – $8,000+

• Shower only: $2,000 – $5,000

• Bathtub with shower combo: $3,500 – $8,000+

• Luxury freestanding bathtubs: $6,000 – $12,000

Factors affecting cost:

• Type of bath/shower: Alcove vs freestanding

• Frameless glass panels (adds $800 – $2,500)

• Floor waste relocation or waterproofing modifications

• High-end taps and hand showers

Tip: Coastal apartments or luxury homes in Mosman, Vaucluse, and Balmoral often feature freestanding baths or custom showers, increasing the per-fixture cost.

D. Bathroom Tapware

Average cost per fixture: $500 – $3,500

• Standard tap sets: $500 – $900

• Mid-range: $900 – $1,800

• Designer or high-end tapware: $1,800 – $3,500+

Tips:

• High-quality tapware improves longevity and prevents leaks.

• Popular brands include Caroma, Phoenix, and Fienza.

• Mixing and matching brands may increase installation complexity.

E. Mirrors and Cabinetry

Average cost per fixture: $500 – $2,500

• Basic mirrors: $500 – $900

• Mirrored cabinets or LED mirrors: $900 – $2,500

Considerations:

• Integrated LED mirrors increase both fixture and electrical costs.

• Apartment buildings may require specific mounting methods to comply with strata rules (Newtown, Marrickville, Zetland).

F. Bathroom Exhaust Fan / Ventilation

Average cost per fixture: $400 – $1,500

• Simple fan: $400 – $700

• Fan with integrated heater or light: $700 – $1,500

• Ducted fans in apartments may increase costs due to ceiling penetration restrictions (Bondi, Zetland).

G. Bathroom Lighting

Average cost per fixture: $300 – $2,000

• Standard LED downlights: $300 – $600

• Feature lights or chandelier-style lighting: $1,000 – $2,000+

• Cost varies based on ceiling access, apartment restrictions, and additional electrical work.

H. Tiling and Waterproofing (Floor and Walls)

Average cost per fixture/area: $4,000 – $10,000

• Floor tiles only: $3,000 – $6,000

• Floor + wall tiling: $4,000 – $10,000+

• Large-format tiles, mosaics, or herringbone patterns increase labour costs.

• Waterproofing must comply with NSW Building Code (certificate required), especially in apartments.

Tip: Coastal areas like Manly, Coogee, or Bondi often use anti-slip tiles and moisture-resistant adhesives.

3. Additional Costs Per Fixture

A. Demolition

• $1,000 – $3,000

• Higher in apartments due to lift restrictions and rubbish removal.

B. Labour

• $7,000 – $15,000 overall

• Includes tilers, plumbers, electricians, waterproofers, and builders.

C. Strata Fees (apartments only)

• $500 – $3,000 for approvals, inspections, and compliance documents.

4. Cost-Saving Strategies Per Fixture

1. Keep fixtures in existing locations – Reduces plumbing/electrical relocation costs.

2. Choose mid-range tapware and vanities – Balances cost and durability.

3. Source materials locally – Sydney hardware suppliers or showrooms in Chatswood, Parramatta, or Alexandria may offer bulk discounts.

4. Avoid overly complex tile patterns – Reduces tiler labour cost per square metre.

5. Bundle installation services – Hiring a single company like MB9 Australia can reduce per-fixture labour and project management fees.

5. Sydney Suburb Insights

• Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain): Compact apartments; higher labour costs due to tight access.

• Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Randwick): Coastal finishes; premium waterproofing and corrosion-resistant fixtures.

• North Shore (Mosman, Chatswood, Lane Cove): Luxury finishes; per-fixture costs higher due to designer vanities and high-end tapware.

• Western Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown, Castle Hill): More affordable; standard mid-range fixtures common.

• CBD & Inner City (Zetland, Mascot, Wolli Creek): Strata approvals and lift access increase installation complexity and per-fixture labour costs.

6. Realistic Per-Fixture Budget Example

Scenario: Mid-sized 5m² apartment bathroom in Newtown

Fixture Cost Range (Including Labour) Toilet $1,200 – $2,500 Vanity & Basin $2,500 – $4,500 Shower/Bath $3,000 – $7,000 Tapware $800 – $1,800 Mirror / Cabinet $700 – $1,500 Exhaust Fan $500 – $1,200 Lighting $400 – $1,000 Tiling & Waterproofing $6,000 – $9,000 Total $15,100 – $28,500

This example aligns with Sydney’s mid-range renovation averages.

7. Key Takeaways

• Average cost per fixture varies widely based on type, brand, and location.

• Labour, strata compliance, and plumbing complexity significantly influence per-fixture cost.

• Coastal, luxury, or apartment projects typically cost more than standard renovations in Western Sydney.

• Breaking down costs per fixture helps with accurate budgeting, informed decision-making, and avoiding unexpected expenses.

For detailed information and professional guidance on kitchen, bathroom, and house renovations in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to learn how MB9 Australia Pty Ltd can transform your home with expert design, quality craftsmanship, and full compliance with NSW building regulations.