Bathroom renovations in Sydney: where to start
Bathroom renovations in Sydney are among the most common home projects, and among the most complex. Plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrical work and carpentry all happen in one small room. A clear brief on what stays, what moves and how you use the room makes quotes much easier to compare.
A bathroom quote needs more than a tile selection. Decide whether the room is being refreshed or rebuilt, whether fixtures are moving and whether accessibility needs change circulation. For an apartment, clarify strata requirements, work hours and common-area protection before arranging the build.
A renovation brief suits a coordinated change to layout, fixtures, finishes or wet-area construction. A leaking shower first needs its cause investigated; regrouting or a surface treatment is not evidence that the underlying waterproofing is sound. Distinguish a cosmetic refresh from a strip-out and rebuild, and an ensuite from a main bathroom with household access needs.
What’s usually included
Every property is different, but a good quote for bathroom renovations should spell out items like these.
- Strip-out and substrate assessment
- Fixture layout and licensed service alterations
- Waterproofing scope and documentation
- Tiling, drainage and ventilation details
- Fixtures, accessories and final making good
How much does it cost?
Most Australian bathroom renovations cost about $8,000–$35,000. Premium renovations often run past $35,000, and HIA data puts the average spend at around $26,000.
Total project cost from national guides (not Sydney-specific). Basic refreshes sit at the lower end. Full rebuilds with layout changes and premium fixtures sit at the top. An older Airtasker guide expects NSW costs to run about 5–15% above the national average.
A small room can still involve several trades. The amount of strip-out, service relocation, substrate repair, tile format and fixture selection can matter more than floor area. Compare like-for-like fixture schedules and ask how unknown conditions will be handled.
Indicative ranges only, compiled October 2026 from Canstar – How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Australia 2026? (citing hipages), OpenAgent – How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Australia 2026? (citing HIA), Airtasker – How much is a new bathroom? (2023). Your quote depends on your property and scope.
How long it takes: A full strip-out and rebuild commonly takes several weeks on site, depending on the scope, waterproofing cure times and when fixtures arrive.
Compare quotes properly
Two quotes are only comparable if they price the same job. Check each one covers:
Strip-out and hidden conditions
Define removal, retained fixtures, substrate assessment and repair allowances. Ask how discoveries are documented and priced before extra work proceeds.
Water and services
Compare fixture positions, plumbing and electrical alterations, waterproofing interfaces, drainage and ventilation. Identify who coordinates inspections, documentation and reinstatement.
Finishes and completion
Use the same fixture, tile and accessory schedule across quotes. Separate supplied products, labour, provisional allowances, waste removal and final making good.
List fixtures to retain or move, storage and accessibility needs, and whether another bathroom remains usable. For apartments, identify strata approvals, permitted work hours, lift access and common-area protection. Ask for a programme explaining when the room is out of use rather than relying on an advertised duration.
Identify the contracting builder or renovation provider and the appropriately licensed trades responsible for plumbing, electrical and other regulated work. Check licence scope and relevant insurance, and ask what waterproofing documentation will be handed over. A planning guide cannot certify a room or diagnose a leak.
Licences, insurance and approvals
In NSW, bathroom work worth more than $5,000 (incl. GST) usually needs a licensed contractor, for example in kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovation, general building or waterproofing. Plumbing and electrical work must always be done by licensed trades, and jobs over $20,000 also need home building compensation insurance.
Every member of our crew has their NSW licence verified and insurance sighted before joining, and agrees to quote in writing with their licence number shown. Before you sign, confirm the licence number on the quote using the NSW Government licence check, and make sure residential work over $5,000 (including GST) has a written contract.
Have these details ready
A clear brief gets you faster, more accurate quotes.
- Current layout and desired changes
- House or strata apartment
- Fixtures to retain or replace
- Access, timing and accessibility priorities
Bathroom renovations: common questions
Does regrouting fix a waterproofing failure?
Regrouting changes the joints at the surface. It does not establish that an underlying membrane is sound. Investigate the leak before deciding on a repair.
Can the price be fixed before a site visit?
A preliminary estimate can help planning, but the contractor needs enough information about layout, access and existing conditions to define a reliable written scope.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
It depends on the scope. A simple swap of fixtures can be quick, but a full strip-out and rebuild usually takes several weeks. Plumbing rough-in, waterproofing cure times, tiling and fixture delivery all have to happen in order. Ask your builder for a written schedule, and order fixtures early so the job isn't held up waiting for a vanity or tapware.
Can I live at home during a bathroom renovation?
Usually, if you have a second toilet and shower. If it's your only bathroom, plan for some days without one, especially during demolition, plumbing work and waterproofing. Ask your builder for a day-by-day plan, and whether a temporary toilet or shower arrangement can be made. Some families stay with relatives for the busiest stage.
Is it cheaper to keep the same bathroom layout?
Generally, yes. Keeping the toilet, shower and vanity where they are avoids moving drains and pipes. That saves plumbing labour and lowers the risk of surprises under the floor. Moving a toilet on a concrete slab can be especially involved. Ask for a price with and without layout changes so you can see the real difference.
What should a bathroom renovation quote include?
Look for demolition and rubbish removal, plumbing and electrical work, waterproofing with a certificate, tiling with the tile allowance stated, fixtures and fittings, ventilation, and the final clean. Check who supplies the fixtures. Also ask how the builder will price any rot or water damage found once the old tiles come off.
Do I need strata approval to renovate an apartment bathroom?
In most cases, yes. Under NSW strata rules, renovations that involve waterproofing are major renovations. They need approval by special resolution at a general meeting of the owners corporation. Check your building's by-laws, allow time for the approval process, and get approval before you book trades or pay deposits.