Upgrading an outdated bathroom to a modern, luxurious space often surprises many with its price tag. While the room is usually small, the complexity of the required work and the variety of materials and trades can drive up the costs. This blog will explain why bathroom renovations are expensive and what factors contribute to their cost.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Bathroom renovations are often pricier than expected due to the involvement of multiple skilled trades, such as plumbers, electricians, and tilers, all of whom must be coordinated carefully. While the small space may seem cost-effective, the complexity and precision required for installation increase costs. Labour, which can account for up to 20% of the budget, and material expenses like custom tiling and plumbing further increase the price.
Common mistakes like poor planning, opting for luxury fixtures unnecessarily, or replacing rather than repairing can escalate costs. For example, moving plumbing fixtures or making structural changes adds significantly to the budget. To cut expenses, homeowners should stick to the existing layout, choose affordable yet durable materials, and hire experienced professionals for a smoother renovation.
All Trades Involved In Bathroom Renovation
A bathroom remodel may involve multiple skilled trades, even though it is a relatively small space compared to other rooms. Below is a list of the most common professionals required for a bathroom renovation:
- Tiler
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Carpenter
- Painter
- Cabinet Maker
- Drywall Installer
- Flooring Installer
- Countertop Installer
- Demolition Crew
While each trade has a specific role in the project, coordinating their work and schedules adds to the overall cost. Moreover, each professional must be licensed and insured, increasing expenses.
Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes That Can Increase Costs
Renovating a bathroom without proper planning or oversight can lead to unnecessary costs and delays. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when remodelling your bathroom:
1. Skipping A Detailed Plan
Jumping into a bathroom renovation without a clear layout is a sure way to escalate costs. Unlike other rooms, bathrooms have a high density of fixtures packed into a limited area. Moving fixtures like toilets or bathtubs during the project can incur additional expenses. Therefore, create a comprehensive plan for your bathroom’s layout before bringing in contractors.
2. Opting For Expensive Fixtures Unnecessarily
Many assume that the more expensive the fixture, the better the result. However, plenty of mid-range options offer durability and style without breaking the bank. For example, a frameless glass shower may look stunning, but a framed glass option could achieve a similar aesthetic at a lower cost. Opting for more affordable materials, such as ceramic tiles instead of natural stone, can help manage your budget.
3. Replacing Instead Of Repairing
In many cases, bathroom fixtures and features can be repaired or updated rather than replaced entirely. Regrouting tiles, refinishing a bathtub, or painting a vanity are more affordable alternatives to full replacements. This is especially important in bathrooms, where tiles and cabinetry can be costly to remove and replace.
4. Neglecting Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial in a bathroom to avoid mould and mildew problems, yet it’s often overlooked in bathroom renovations. Upgrading to a modern, efficient exhaust fan will help keep moisture under control, prolonging the lifespan of your fixtures and preventing costly damage in the future.
5. Choosing The Wrong Flooring
Water-resistant and slip-proof flooring is essential for bathrooms. Popular choices include porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, and sheet vinyl, which offer durability in wet conditions. Avoid hardwood or laminate, which can deteriorate quickly when exposed to moisture. If you opt for natural stone, ensure it is properly sealed to prevent water damage.
The Most Expensive Parts Of A Bathroom Remodel
Many factors influence the cost of a bathroom renovation, but some areas are consistently the most expensive. The biggest driver of bathroom renovation costs is labour, often accounting for up to 20% of the total project budget.
1. Labour Costs
Labour rates in Australia can vary significantly depending on the trade and complexity of the job. On average, a plumber charges between $80 and $150 per hour, while an electrician may bill between $75 and $130 per hour. The cost of skilled tradespeople for plumbing, tiling, and electrical work can quickly increase, particularly when dealing with intricate bathroom renovations.
2. Tile Work
Tiling is one of a bathroom renovation’s most time-consuming and expensive aspects. This is especially true for custom tile work or intricate designs. Professional tiling work, including preparation, installation, and grouting, can take days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the design.
3. Plumbing Work
Expect a significant cost increase if your renovation involves relocating or adding plumbing fixtures. Moving a toilet, sink, or shower can range from AUD3,500 to AUD 5,000 and requires complex plumbing work, including rerouting pipes and adjusting behind-the-wall systems.
Luxury Additions And Their Costs
Many homeowners dream of luxury bathroom features, but these additions come at a price. Here are some of the most common high-end bathroom upgrades and their associated costs:
- Frameless glass showers are more expensive than framed enclosures due to the required custom glass and precision installation.
- Heated floors: While heated floors add a touch of luxury, they also add to your overall budget, especially if you install them throughout the bathroom.
- High-end fixtures: Designer taps, showerheads, and lighting fixtures often have a hefty price tag.
Factors That Impact Bathroom Renovation Costs
In addition to labour and materials, several other factors can affect the overall cost of a bathroom renovation:
1. Moving Plumbing Fixtures
Changing the layout of your bathroom can quickly drive up costs, especially if it involves moving plumbing fixtures like toilets, sinks, or bathtubs. The labour required to relocate these items,
combined with the complexity of the plumbing work, can add thousands to your budget.
2. Structural Changes
Structural changes like moving or removing walls will also increase renovation costs. Altering load-bearing walls could involve expensive engineering work to ensure the building’s structural integrity.
3. Bathroom Size
The size of your bathroom will directly impact the cost of the remodel. Larger bathrooms require more materials and labour, while smaller spaces can often be completed more efficiently. A standard bathroom renovation in Australia typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000. In contrast, a main suite renovation can range from $20,000 to $35,000, depending on the materials and complexity of the project.
How To Save On Bathroom Renovation Costs
While bathroom remodelling can be expensive, there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips to keep your renovation budget in check:
- Stick to the existing layout: Moving plumbing fixtures significantly increases the cost of your renovation. Keeping them in their original positions can help you save money.
- Choose mid-range materials: To keep costs down, opt for durable yet affordable materials like ceramic tiles and laminate countertops.
- Refinish rather than replace: Refinish fixtures like bathtubs and sinks instead of replacing them entirely.
- Hire experienced professionals: While hiring a cheaper, less experienced contractor might be tempting, paying for skilled labour upfront can save you from costly mistakes and repairs later on.
Conclusion
Bathroom remodelling can be expensive and complex due to the variety of trades involved, the precision required in a small space, and the potential for unexpected costs like plumbing changes or structural adjustments. However, you can keep your renovation within budget by planning carefully, sticking to your existing layout, and choosing affordable materials. Hiring experienced professionals will also help ensure that the work is done correctly and efficiently, saving you from future costly mistakes. You can achieve a beautiful, functional bathroom with smart decisions without overspending.
FAQs About Bathroom Renovation
How Often Should You Remodel Your Bathroom?
A bathroom should be redesigned every four to five years. When you are between the ages of four and five, you may notice that certain colours are no longer in style, that your accessories are beginning to break, and that you are growing weary of the design of your bathroom.
Do Most People Want A Bathtub In Master Bath?
The simple answer is no. If you do not enjoy baths, adding a gorgeous tub as part of your Main Bathroom remodel might not necessarily mean that you will use it more frequently in the future, even if the tub itself is aesthetically pleasing.
How Large Should A Master Bath Be?
Compared to the standard average, which can range from 40 square feet to 100 square feet, the size of a small main bathroom is five by eight, equivalent to 40 square feet. A main bathroom that is considered to be large can range in size from 110 to 200 square feet and even larger.
What Is the Lifespan Of A Bathroom?
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” is a long-standing proverb. Since a bathroom’s typical lifespan is around ten years, its design should follow this long-lived rule without exception.
What Is The Most Expensive Part Of A Bathroom Remodel?
Renovating a standard bathroom can cost from $3,000 to $25,000. In addition to these overall expenses, each component of a bathroom remodel will incur a different cost. For instance, labour typically accounts for between 20 and 40 percent of the total budget, making it the most expensive component of a bathroom renovation.
