How Much Does A Bathroom Renovation Cost In Melbourne in 2026?

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.

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 $3,000. 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.