How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Sydney?

How much should you budget for a bathroom renovation in Sydney?

A bathroom renovation in Sydney can vary significantly in cost, depending on the size of the room, the condition of the existing space, the quality of finishes and whether you are making layout changes.

As a general guide, many bathroom renovations in Sydney sit somewhere between $15,000 and $35,000, with more premium or complex projects often exceeding $40,000. Recent Australian and Sydney renovation guides place budget or cosmetic bathroom updates from around $8,000 to $18,000, mid-range renovations from around $15,000 to $35,000, and high-end bathrooms from $35,000+.

That said, there is no single “standard” bathroom renovation cost. A compact ensuite with the same layout will usually cost less than a larger family bathroom requiring plumbing changes, custom cabinetry, premium tiles and a full redesign.

At Cummins Joinery, we help Sydney homeowners plan bathroom renovations around their space, lifestyle and budget, with custom joinery at the centre of the design.

Bathroom renovation cost guide

Cosmetic bathroom update: $8,000-$18,000+

A cosmetic update is usually best suited to bathrooms where the layout already works well and the underlying structure is in good condition.

This may include:

new tapware
updated vanity or shaving cabinet
new benchtop
fresh fittings and hardware
minor tiling updates
mirror and lighting upgrades
improved storage

This type of renovation can make a tired bathroom feel much more polished without changing the footprint.

Mid-range bathroom renovation: $18,000-$35,000+

A mid-range bathroom renovation is more comprehensive. This is where most Sydney homeowners tend to sit when they want a functional, long-lasting bathroom with quality materials and a more considered design.

This may include:

demolition of the existing bathroom
waterproofing
new tiling
updated shower, bath, toilet and vanity
custom cabinetry
improved lighting and ventilation
plumbing and electrical updates
better storage and layout refinement

For many homes, this level of renovation offers the best balance between quality, practicality and long-term value.

Premium bathroom renovation: $35,000-$50,000+

A premium bathroom renovation usually involves higher-end finishes, more custom design work, and potentially layout or structural changes.

This may include:

custom vanities and cabinetry
stone or premium benchtops
feature tiling
walk-in showers
wall-hung vanities
integrated lighting
underfloor heating
brushed, matte or designer tapware
layout changes
premium hardware and fittings

For homeowners renovating a main bathroom, ensuite or part of a wider home renovation, this approach can create a more refined and cohesive result.

What affects the cost of a bathroom renovation?

1. The size of the bathroom

A larger bathroom generally requires more tiles, more labour, more waterproofing, more cabinetry and more fittings. However, small bathrooms can still be surprisingly complex, especially if the layout is tight or every centimetre of storage needs to be carefully planned.

This is where custom joinery can make a real difference. A made-to-measure vanity, recessed shaving cabinet or clever storage solution can help a compact bathroom feel more spacious and practical.

2. Whether the layout is changing

Keeping the toilet, shower, vanity and bath in the same location is usually more cost-effective than moving plumbing points.

Changing the layout can be worthwhile, especially if the current bathroom is awkward, cramped or poorly planned, but it can increase costs due to extra plumbing, electrical and building work.

3. Waterproofing and trade work

Bathrooms are wet areas, so the work behind the finishes matters just as much as the finished look.

A proper renovation may involve:

demolition
waterproofing
plumbing
electrical work
tiling
plastering
cabinetry installation
shower screen installation
painting and finishing

Cummins Joinery coordinates the required trades as part of its end-to-end renovation service, including plumbing, waterproofing, electrical, tiling and plastering.

4. The quality of finishes

Tiles, tapware, benchtops, basins, toilets, baths, shower screens and accessories all influence the final budget.

Premium finishes can lift the result, but not every item needs to be top of the range. A good design process helps you decide where to invest and where to keep things simple.

Often, the best results come from combining durable, timeless materials with one or two standout features.

5. Custom joinery and storage

The vanity is one of the most important parts of a bathroom renovation. It affects the look of the room, but also how well the bathroom functions every day.

Custom bathroom joinery can include:

made-to-measure vanities
mirrored shaving cabinets
drawer storage
tall cabinets
recessed storage
laundry-bathroom combinations
integrated hampers
open shelving or display niches

Cummins Joinery manufactures custom vanities and cabinetry locally in its Sydney workshop, using premium materials and trusted brands.

Is custom bathroom joinery worth the extra cost?

For many Sydney homes, yes.

Bathrooms are often compact, and standard flat-pack cabinetry does not always make the best use of the available space. Custom joinery allows the vanity, cabinets and storage to be designed around the exact room dimensions, plumbing locations, user needs and overall style of the home.

It can also help avoid common frustrations, such as:

not enough drawer space
awkward gaps beside vanities
poor storage for toiletries
bench clutter
wasted corners
vanities that look too small or too bulky for the room

A well-designed bathroom should feel easy to use every day. That is where custom joinery adds long-term value.

How to plan your bathroom renovation budget

Before requesting a quote, it helps to think through what you actually want the renovation to achieve.

Ask yourself:

Is this a cosmetic update or a full renovation?
Does the current layout work?
Do we need more storage?
Is this a family bathroom, ensuite or guest bathroom?
Are we renovating to sell or to live in long term?
Do we want a simple, timeless finish or something more premium?
Are there other rooms, such as the laundry or kitchen, that should be considered at the same time?

A good bathroom renovation is not just about choosing tiles and tapware. It is about creating a room that works properly for the way you live.

Why bathroom quotes can vary so much

Bathroom renovation quotes can vary widely because different builders and renovators may include different things.

One quote may include full project management, licensed trades, waterproofing, cabinetry, tiling, fittings and installation. Another may only cover part of the work.

When comparing bathroom renovation quotes, check whether the following are included:

demolition
waterproofing
plumbing
electrical
tiling
cabinetry
fittings and fixtures
shower screen
painting
waste removal
project management
warranties

Cummins Joinery provides an end-to-end service from design to completion, with cabinetry backed by a 7 Year Warranty and hardware backed by a lifetime warranty.

How to keep your bathroom renovation on budget

The best way to manage your budget is to make clear decisions early.

A few practical tips:

keep plumbing locations where possible
choose durable finishes rather than trend-led selections
invest in quality cabinetry and hardware
avoid changing selections once work has started
allow a contingency for unexpected issues
work with an experienced renovation team
visit a showroom to compare materials in person

Cummins Joinery’s Sydney showroom in Peakhurst allows homeowners to view cabinetry, finishes and fittings before making final selections.

So, what should you expect to spend?

For most Sydney homeowners, a realistic bathroom renovation budget will usually fall somewhere between $18,000 and $35,000+, depending on the room, inclusions and finishes.

A smaller cosmetic update may cost less. A premium bathroom with custom joinery, layout changes and high-end finishes may cost significantly more.

The most important thing is not to chase the cheapest possible number. A bathroom needs to be waterproofed, installed and finished properly. Poor workmanship can lead to costly problems later.

With over 60 years of renovation and joinery experience, Cummins Joinery creates bathrooms that are practical, polished and built to last.