If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Melbourne, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer is that it depends on your bathroom’s size, the scope of work, and the quality of finishes you choose. But we can give you a realistic picture of what Melbourne homeowners are actually paying in 2026.
At WeDo, we’ve been helping Melbourne families transform their bathrooms for over 25 years. In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs involved, explain what affects your final price, and help you budget with confidence.
Short Answer: What Can You Expect To Pay?
According to the Housing Industry Association, the average bathroom renovation in Australia costs around $26,000. In Melbourne, that figure tends to sit slightly higher due to labour costs and the age of many homes requiring additional work.
Here’s a general guide to bathroom renovation costs in Melbourne:
Budget renovation: $15,000 to $25,000
This typically covers a cosmetic refresh where you keep the existing layout. You might update tiles, replace the vanity and toilet, install a new shower screen, and repaint. Plumbing stays where it is.
| 💡 Budget Tip Always hold back a 10–15% contingency fund. Unexpected costs — like old plumbing that needs updating or waterproofing issues under old tiles — are common and rarely cheap. |
Mid Range: $25,000 to $40,000
This is the most popular option for Melbourne homeowners. It includes new fixtures, quality tiling throughout, and may involve some layout changes.
Expect new waterproofing, updated plumbing, and modern tapware. through your current kitchen and take stock of what’s working and what isn’t.
Premium Range: $40,000 to $60,000+
A full transformation with high-end finishes, custom cabinetry, underfloor heating, and possibly structural changes like removing walls or relocating plumbing. Luxury fixtures and designer tiles push costs into this range.
At WeDo, our full bathroom renovations start from around $30,000, with clients supplying their own fittings and fixtures. This allows you to choose exactly what you want while we handle the project management, trades coordination, and installation.
What’s included in a bathroom renovation cost?
Understanding where your money goes helps you make informed decisions about where to save and where to invest.
Demolition and removal typically runs between $1,000 and $3,000. This covers stripping out the old bathroom, disposing of waste responsibly, and preparing the space for new work.
Waterproofing is non-negotiable in Australia. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 for proper membrane application to wet areas. This protects your home from water damage and is required by Australian Standards.
Plumbing is often the biggest variable. If you’re keeping fixtures in the same location, plumbing might cost $2,000 to $4,000. Relocating a toilet, shower, or basin can add significantly to this, sometimes doubling the cost.
Electrical work for lighting, exhaust fans, heated towel rails, and power points generally costs $1,000 to $3,000. Older Melbourne homes may need switchboard upgrades, which adds to the expense.
Carpentry works where walls and floors need to be straightened and adjusted to provide support for new fixtures (ie, hanging vanities, wall hung toilet pans, nib walls etc). A straight wall provides for a the best tiling foundation.
Plastering works once existing tiles are removed, there would be the need for moisture resistant plaster sheets or solid plaster works to be done to the walls to create a neat finish ready for new tiling to be adhered to.
Tiling is where many people underestimate costs. Labour and materials for a standard bathroom run $3,000 to $7,000, depending on tile size, pattern complexity, and whether you’re tiling floor-to-ceiling.
Fixtures and fittings include your toilet, vanity, basin, shower screen, tap ware, and accessories. A mid-range set costs $3,000-$8,000. Premium brands and designs can push this much higher.
Labour and project management brings it all together. Coordinating multiple trades (plumber, electrician, tiler, waterproofer, carpenter) is where experience matters. Poor coordination leads to delays and cost blowouts.
Factors that affect your renovation cost in Melbourne.
Every bathroom is different, and several factors will push your final price up or down.
Bathroom size is the obvious one. A small ensuite under 4 square metres will cost less than a family bathroom of 8 square metres simply due to materials and labour time.
Age of your home matters in Melbourne. Properties built before the 1980s often have outdated wiring, old galvanised pipes, or even asbestos that needs professional removal. These hidden issues add to costs once walls come down.
Layout changes are expensive. Moving a toilet even a short distance requires relocating the waste pipe, which can mean cutting into concrete slabs. Keeping your layout is one of the best ways to control costs.
Tile choices have a huge impact. Large format tiles cost more to install due to the precision required. Intricate patterns, feature walls, and floor-to-ceiling tiling all add labour time.
Fixture quality is where you can control spending. A basic toilet costs $300 while a wall-hung smart toilet can cost $6,000. The same applies to vanities, tap ware and shower systems.
Ready to start planning your bathroom renovation? We’d love to help. Contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation.
- WeDo are registered builders with 25+ years experience.
- All projects are managed by a dedicated project team.
- All projects are provided on a HIA building contact and include home warranty insurance where applicable.
Chat to us about your project.
Thinking about renovating your kitchen? You’re in good company. The kitchen is consistently the most renovated room in Australian homes — and for good reason. A well-planned kitchen renovation can transform your daily life, boost your home’s value, and make cooking actually enjoyable.
But here’s the thing: the difference between a renovation that goes smoothly and one that blows the budget usually comes down to planning. The more thought you put in before a single tile is laid, the better the outcome.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of planning a kitchen renovation in Melbourne — from setting your brief to signing off on the final build.
Step 1: Get Clear on Why You’re Renovating
Before you dive into Pinterest boards and tile samples, take a moment to ask yourself what you actually need from your new kitchen. Are you cooking for a growing family and desperately need more bench space? Is the layout awkward and you want it to flow better? Or are you preparing to sell and want something that appeals to buyers?
Your ‘why’ will shape every decision that follows — from how much you spend to which features you prioritise. Write it down. It’ll keep you grounded when you’re standing in a showroom being tempted by a $4,000 rangehood.
Step 2: Set Realistic Budget
Kitchen renovations in Melbourne typically range from $20,000 for a modest refresh to $80,000+ for a full custom transformation. Most mid-range renovations land between $25,000 and $45,000.
A good rule of thumb: spend no more than 5–10% of your home’s value on a kitchen renovation if you want a solid return on investment. That said, if you’re planning to stay for 10+ years, spending a bit more for a kitchen you truly love makes perfect sense.
Set your budget early, add a 10–15% contingency buffer, and be honest with yourself about what you can afford. Your renovator will thank you — and so will your bank account.
| 💡 Budget Tip Always hold back a 10–15% contingency fund. Unexpected costs — like old plumbing that needs updating or waterproofing issues under old tiles — are common and rarely cheap. |
Step 3: Assess Existing Kitchen
Walk through your current kitchen and take stock of what’s working and what isn’t.
Consider –
- Layout — does the flow make sense for how you cook?
- Storage – do you have enough, and is it in the right spots?
- Bench space – is there enough for meal prep?
- Lighting – is it adequate, especially over the cooktop and sink?
- Appliances – what’s staying, what’s going?
Take photos and measurements. You’ll refer to these constantly throughout the process.
Step 4: Choose Your Layout
The layout is the most important functional decision in a kitchen renovation. The most common options are:
Galley Kitchen
Two parallel runs of cabinetry facing each other. Excellent for compact spaces and surprisingly efficient for cooking. Works beautifully in terrace homes across Richmond and Fitzroy.
L-Shaped Kitchen
Cabinetry along two adjoining walls. Great for open-plan living as it creates a natural corner for the work triangle (sink, cooktop, fridge).
U-Shaped Kitchen
Three walls of cabinetry. Maximum storage and bench space — ideal for keen cooks. Needs a larger footprint to avoid feeling cramped.
Island Kitchen
An L or U-shape with a freestanding island bench. The most social kitchen layout — great for families and entertainers. Factor in at least 900mm of clearance around the island.
Step 5: Decide What You’re Keeping vs Replacing
Not everything needs to be replaced. Keeping your existing layout (plumbing and electrical in the same positions) is one of the most effective ways to manage costs. If your cabinets are solid, you might only need new doors and benchtops.
However, if your layout isn’t working, moving plumbing or walls may be worth the added cost in the long run.
Step 6: Choose your style and materials
This is where the fun begins! Gather inspiration from Houzz, Pinterest, and Instagram. Save images that speak to you — not just individual elements, but whole kitchens you love. You’ll start to notice patterns in what appeals to you.
Key decisions include:
- Cabinet style: shaker, flat panel, or handleless
- Benchtop material: stone, laminate, timber, or porcelain
- Splashback: tile, glass, or stone
- Flooring: timber, porcelain tile, or vinyl plank
- Hardware: handles, tapware, and sink style
Stick to a consistent palette. Three materials materials maximum for a cohesive look.
Step 7: Get Plans Drawn Up
Once you have a clear idea of your layout and style, it’s time to get professional plans drawn. Your kitchen designer or renovator can create detailed drawings that show cabinetry, appliance positions, electrical points, and plumbing locations.
These drawings are essential for getting accurate quotes and for council approval if you’re doing structural work.
Step 8: Step What Approvals You Need
Most kitchen renovations in Melbourne don’t require council permits. However, if you’re moving walls, changing the roofline, or doing significant structural work, you may need a building permit.
Your renovator will be able to advise you on what’s needed — but it’s worth asking upfront so there are no surprises.
Step 9: Get Quotes & Choose Your Renovator
Get at least 2–3 detailed quotes. Be wary of quotes that are dramatically lower than the others — this often means something has been left out.
When comparing quotes, look at:
- What’s included (and what isn’t)
- Timeframes and project management approach
- References and portfolio of past work
- Whether they use licensed trades for electrical and plumbing
A good renovator will ask you lots of questions, be transparent about costs, and communicate clearly throughout the process.
Step 10: Lock In Your Timeline
Kitchen renovations typically take 3–6 weeks from demolition to completion, depending on the scope. Allow additional time for:
- Lead times on cabinetry (often 6-10 weeks from order)
- Benchtop templating and fabrication (2-3 weeks)
- Appliance delivery
- Council approvals if required
Plan your temporary kitchen setup in advance — you’ll need a kettle, microwave, and somewhere to wash up. A laundry sink is your best friend during a kitchen reno!
You’re Ready To Begin
With a clear brief, a realistic budget, and the right team in place, your kitchen renovation is set up for success. The planning phase takes time, but every hour you put into it pays dividends when the build begins.
Ready to start planning your kitchen renovation? We’d love to help. Contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation.
- WeDo are registered builders with 25+ years experience.
- All projects are managed by a dedicated project team.
- All projects are provided on a HIA building contact and include home warranty insurance where applicable.
Chat to us about your project.