Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are one of the most expensive renovation projects homeowners can undertake. While they might be much smaller than a kitchen, specialist tradespeople for waterproofing, tiling, and plumbing mean they can be as expensive to renovate.
However, bathroom renovations can add as much as 10% to the value of your home and greatly improve your lifestyle. After all, a new bathroom can be safer, easier to clean, and far more aesthetically pleasing.
Before you embark on your bathroom remodel, use this guide to assess your budget requirements for the room of your dreams.
Bathroom renovation costs depend on the scope of work, size of the space, quality of the renovation and whether you're planning changes to the plumbing and electrical layout.
However, it's important not to overcapitalise and have a buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses that may arise. For example, if the structural integrity of your bathroom needs to be improved, this can cost thousands of dollars more.
Just getting started with your bathroom renovation? See our 10 top tips for a successful bathroom remodel here.
A large part of your renovation budget will go toward labour for professional tradespeople, from the design and planning to the waterproofing and lighting.
A bathroom renovation is no simple undertaking, so you may also choose to hire a project manager to ensure your remodel goes smoothly and is finished as quickly as possible (which is particularly important if you only have one bathroom in your home).
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for the tradies and other professional services you'll need for a bathroom renovation.
Getting the layout of your bathroom right from the start is crucial to ensuring you end up with a well-functioning space. Interior designers will also help you bring all of your ideas together to guarantee an aesthetically pleasing space.
They may also be able to suggest products and materials that you're not aware of. The fee interior designers charge depends largely on their experience and the scope of their work, so get an estimate from several design companies before you choose the right one for you.
A builder's estimate will vary greatly depending on the scope of their work. However, having a builder manage your bathroom renovation can save you a lot of money in the long run.
They can also ensure that the room is structurally sound, that materials are ordered on time, and that other trades (such as plasterers if you require new walls) are organised when required.
Builders can also advise you if your renovation requires permits, take care of demolition, install cabinetry, and take care of the finer details, such as hanging towel rails and mirrors.
The National Construction Code requires that all wet areas in a home be waterproof. A special waterproofing material is applied to walls and floors to prevent water from penetrating and damaging other parts of your home. Not every plumber is a waterproofer. Waterproofing is a specialist licensed trade that can cost between $500 and $4000, depending on the size of the area.
Installation of the bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink in your bathroom reno needs to be undertaken by a licensed professional, so plumbing costs are one of the elements of a remodel that you cannot avoid.
Plumbers' work is covered by insurance, and they will provide you with a compliance certificate, so don't risk a DIY plumbing job to save a few dollars because it can end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Plumbers charge between $60 and $90 per hour, so for a bathroom renovation, expect to pay between $2000 and $7000.
Tiles are an obvious choice in a bathroom, especially for flooring. Like other trades, bathroom tilers usually charge by the hour, but you can expect to pay around $50 to $150 per square metre for tiling.
Keep in mind that floor tiles require more preparation than wall tiles, and the complexity of the laying pattern and look of the tiles will add to the cost. If you want to save money on your renovation, speak to your tiler before picking the tiles of your dreams.
While electricals might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to a bathroom renovation, electrical upgrades can make your bathroom safer and enhance your bathroom experience.
Good electricians can help you with your lighting plan, install exhaust fans and underfloor heating, and install bathroom-safe power outlets to run appliances such as hair dryers and charge electric toothbrushes. Budget between $500 and $3500 for electrical work on a bathroom renovation.
Paint is an easily overlooked aspect of a bathroom renovation. However, if your budget allows for it, hire a professional painter who can suggest the best products to cope with the constantly changing humidity and avoid mould and the blistering and flaking that often occurs in bathrooms.
Because it's a small room, paint can have a big impact, so always check if your painter offers a colour consultancy service to help you top off your bathroom renovation with the right hue. The price point for bathroom painting is between $200 and $500, depending on the size of the area to paint and the type of paint you choose.
Tackling the bathroom as part of a larger renovation? See A Class Building & Construction's 7 time-saving tips for renovating your home here.
As well as managing the cost of the products and materials you choose, a bathroom renovation budget should take into account the various tradespeople required to bring your dream bathroom to life.
Choosing a builder you can trust to manage the project for you will make the bathroom renovation process faster, less stressful and easier on your budget.
If you're looking to renovate a bathroom in your Wollongong or Illawarra property, contact A Class Building & Construction today or see the bathroom renovation section on our website for more information.
With more than 45 years of expertise, you can trust us to give you advice and guide you through the process of a bathroom renovation that will add value to your home in more ways than one.
