How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Sydney? (2026)

What is the typical cost of a bathroom renovation in Sydney?

As a rough guide for 2026, most Sydney bathroom renovations land between 18,000 and 45,000 dollars. Where you sit in that range comes down to the size of the room, the quality of the fixtures and finishes, and how much of the layout you change. These are general market figures to help you plan, not a Coluccio quote. Every bathroom is different, so the only accurate number comes from an on-site look.

Here is how the three broad tiers usually break down.

Budget, mid-range and high-end: what do you get?

Budget refresh, typically 18,000 to 25,000 dollars. You keep the existing layout, so plumbing and drainage stay where they are. You get new waterproofing, new tiling, a new vanity, toilet and shower, and standard-range fixtures. This is the smart option when the current bathroom works but looks tired.

Mid-range renovation, typically 25,000 to 38,000 dollars. This is the most common choice for Sydney homes. It often includes some layout changes, floor-to-ceiling tiling, a frameless shower screen, a quality freestanding or wall-hung vanity, and better tapware and fixtures. Small structural tweaks and better lighting usually sit in this band.

High-end fit-out, from 38,000 dollars upwards. Here you are moving plumbing, reconfiguring the whole layout, and choosing premium tiles, stone benchtops, underfloor heating, custom joinery and designer fixtures. Larger bathrooms and ensuites in the Hills District and Lower North Shore often fall into this range.

What drives the cost of a bathroom renovation up or down?

A few factors move the number more than anything else:

• Room size. More floor and wall area means more tiling, more waterproofing and more labour.
• Moving plumbing. Shifting the toilet, shower or vanity to a new spot is one of the biggest cost drivers. Keeping fittings where they are keeps the price down.
• Tiling. Floor-to-ceiling tiling looks excellent but uses far more material and labour than a half-height tile. Large-format and natural stone tiles cost more to buy and to lay.
• Waterproofing. A non-negotiable that protects the whole job. More on why below.
• Fixtures and finishes. Tapware, vanities, screens and toilets span a huge price range. Your selections here can swing the budget by thousands.

If you want to explore the full scope of a larger project, our bathroom renovations service page walks through what a complete fit-out involves, and our home renovations page covers work beyond a single room.

Why does waterproofing by a licensed builder matter?

Waterproofing is the single most important part of any bathroom, and it is the part you never see once the tiles go on. Done poorly, water gets behind the walls and under the floor, leading to rot, mould, damaged ceilings below and repairs that can cost more than the original renovation. In NSW, waterproofing of wet areas must meet the Australian Standard and be carried out to code.

Using a licensed builder means the waterproofing is done properly, signed off, and backed by the right insurance and warranties. As a licensed Sydney builder (NSW 311025C) and Master Builders member, Coluccio Construction treats waterproofing as the foundation of the job, not a step to rush. It is the difference between a bathroom that lasts twenty years and one that fails in three.

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

Most Sydney bathroom renovations take around three to five weeks on site. A straightforward refresh can be quicker, while a high-end fit-out with moved plumbing, custom joinery and premium finishes takes longer. Waterproofing needs proper curing time before tiling, so a good builder will never rush that stage. A clear schedule agreed up front keeps the project moving and avoids surprises.

Budgeting tips for your bathroom renovation

A few simple habits keep your project on track:

• Set a realistic budget and hold back around 10 to 15 percent as a contingency for anything unexpected behind the walls.
• Decide early whether you truly need to move plumbing, as this is where costs climb fastest.
• Choose your tiles and fixtures before work starts so there are no delays waiting on deliveries.
• Get a detailed written quote that itemises the work, rather than a single lump-sum figure.
• Prioritise the things you cannot easily change later, like layout and waterproofing, over decorative extras.

Coluccio Construction is a family owned licensed builder based in Kenthurst, serving the Hills District, Ryde and Macquarie, Hunters Hill and the Inner West, and the Lower North Shore. We hold a 5.0 rating from 30 Google reviews and have more than ten years of building experience. Whether you are in Dural, Lane Cove or anywhere across our service area, we are happy to take a look.

For an accurate price on your bathroom, the best step is a free on-site quote. We will look at your space, talk through your ideas, and give you a clear, itemised figure with no obligation. Get in touch for your free on-site quote or call us on 0424 047 374.