Renovating a bathroom in Sydney is one of the most effective ways to enhance the value, comfort, and style of a home. A mid-range bathroom renovation strikes a balance between quality, design, and affordability. Whether you’re upgrading a family bathroom in Parramatta or Ryde, modernising an ensuite in Zetland or Mascot, or adding luxury touches in Mosman or Double Bay, knowing the cost breakdown and what to expect is crucial for planning your renovation.

This guide provides a detailed overview of mid-range bathroom renovation costs in Sydney, including average prices, influencing factors, suburb-specific insights, and practical tips for budgeting.

1. What Defines a Mid-Range Bathroom Renovation?

A mid-range renovation is characterized by:

• Modern, durable fixtures and finishes

• Customised cabinetry or vanities without going fully luxury

• Quality tiling and waterproofing

• Minor layout changes if required

• Professional labour from licensed tradespeople

Not included: High-end luxury finishes like freestanding baths with premium tapware, gold or matte black fittings, designer tiles, or extensive structural changes.

Typical mid-range bathrooms are approximately 4–8 m², suitable for family bathrooms, master ensuites, or compact luxury bathrooms in apartments.

2. Average Cost of a Mid-Range Bathroom Renovation in Sydney

• Small to medium-sized bathrooms (4–6 m²): $25,000 – $38,000

• Larger bathrooms (6–8 m²): $35,000 – $45,000+

This includes:

• Demolition and disposal

• Plumbing and electrical works

• Waterproofing and tiling

• Vanities and cabinetry

• Shower screens and bath installation

• Lighting and accessories

• Labour and project management

Tip: Costs in apartments may be slightly higher due to strata approvals, lift access restrictions, and disposal logistics, common in Zetland, Mascot, or Wolli Creek.

3. Factors Affecting Mid-Range Bathroom Renovation Costs

A. Bathroom Size and Layout

• Compact bathrooms (4–5 m²): $25,000 – $32,000

• Medium bathrooms (5–6 m²): $28,000 – $38,000

• Large bathrooms (6–8 m²): $35,000 – $45,000+

Note: Open-plan layouts, corner showers, or dual vanities increase both material and labour costs. Apartments in Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain) often require clever space-saving designs that slightly increase renovation complexity.

B. Fixtures and Fittings

Choosing mid-range fixtures allows homeowners to balance style, quality, and cost:

Fixture Mid-Range Cost Estimate Vanity & Basin $2,500 – $4,500 Shower & Tapware $3,500 – $6,000 Bath $2,500 – $4,500 Toilet $1,500 – $2,500 Mirrors & Cabinets $900 – $1,800 Lighting $1,000 – $2,500 Shower Screen (Frameless) $2,500 – $4,500 Tiling & Waterproofing $7,000 – $10,000

Tip: Coastal areas like Bondi, Coogee, or Manly require moisture-resistant finishes, which may slightly increase material costs.

C. Plumbing and Electrical Works

Mid-range renovations often involve:

• Upgrading plumbing to accommodate new showers, baths, or toilets

• Installing modern electrical outlets, downlights, or heated towel rails

Average mid-range cost: $3,000 – $6,000 combined, depending on the complexity of the layout. Apartment projects may be higher due to strata compliance and access restrictions.

D. Tiling and Waterproofing

Quality tiling and waterproofing are critical for mid-range renovations:

• Waterproofing: $1,500 – $3,000

• Tiling (floor & walls, mid-range tiles): $6,000 – $10,000

Suburb-specific notes: Older homes in Ashfield, Leichhardt, or Balmain may require additional preparation for tiling if walls are uneven or plumbing pipes are older.

E. Labour and Project Management

Labour costs cover licensed tilers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and the builder/project manager coordinating the renovation:

• Mid-range bathroom: $10,000 – $15,000

• Luxury finishes or high-complexity layouts may exceed $18,000

Inner West and Eastern Suburbs tend to have slightly higher labour rates due to demand and housing density.

F. Demolition and Waste Removal

• Standard mid-range bathroom demolition: $1,500 – $3,000

• Apartments may require $2,500 – $4,500 due to lift access and disposal logistics

Older homes in Marrickville, Ashfield, or Leichhardt may require careful demolition to avoid structural damage.

4. Mid-Range Renovation Costs by Suburb Type

Suburb Type Average Mid-Range Renovation Cost Notes Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain) $28,000 – $38,000 Compact spaces; slightly higher labour Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Randwick) $30,000 – $42,000 Coastal finishes; premium hardware recommended North Shore (Mosman, Lane Cove, Chatswood) $35,000 – $45,000 Larger bathrooms; luxury touches more common Western Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown, Castle Hill) $25,000 – $35,000 Affordable mid-range options; standard fixtures dominate CBD & Inner City (Zetland, Mascot, Wolli Creek) $28,000 – $40,000 Apartment logistics and strata approvals increase costs

5. Cost-Saving Tips for Mid-Range Renovations

1. Retain existing bathroom layout – Avoid relocating plumbing to reduce labour and material costs.

2. Choose mid-range fixtures – Quality without paying luxury prices.

3. Use local suppliers – Suburbs like Chatswood, Alexandria, or Ryde often have competitive mid-range options.

4. Bundle services – Hiring a company like MB9 Australia for design, plumbing, tiling, and project management reduces overall costs.

5. Plan for strata approvals early – Saves delays and unexpected costs in apartments.

6. Realistic Mid-Range Renovation Example

Scenario: 5 m² family bathroom in Newtown, Inner West

Cost Component Range Demolition & waste removal $1,500 – $2,500 Plumbing $3,000 – $5,000 Electrical $1,500 – $2,500 Waterproofing $1,500 – $2,500 Tiling $7,000 – $9,500 Fixtures & tapware $10,000 – $13,000 Labour & project management $10,000 – $12,000 Total $34,500 – $47,500

7. Hidden Costs to Consider

• Unexpected plumbing issues in older homes

• Electrical upgrades for modern lighting or heated floors

• Waterproofing certificates and inspections

• Strata compliance fees in apartments

• Waste disposal logistics

Recommended contingency: 10–15% of the total renovation budget.

8. Key Takeaways

• Mid-range bathroom renovations in Sydney typically cost $25,000 – $45,000 depending on size, fixtures, and suburb

• Cost drivers: bathroom size, plumbing/electrical complexity, tiling, waterproofing, and labour

• Apartment renovations often involve strata approvals and additional logistics

• Planning, realistic budgeting, and using licensed professionals ensures a smooth, stress-free renovation

• Coastal and luxury suburbs tend to cost more than Western Sydney properties

A mid-range renovation delivers quality, style, and durability without the premium cost of luxury bathrooms, making it a popular choice for homeowners across Sydney.

For professional guidance and full-service mid-range, high-quality bathroom, kitchen, and home renovations in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more about MB9 Australia Pty Ltd and their expert design, installation, and project management services.