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Why Does A Bathroom Renovation Cost So Much?

December 18, 2024

Why Do Bathrooms Cost So Much? And How To Reduce Your Costs

Bathroom renovations are complex and often costly due to the wide range of trades and materials required. They are the most expensive room to renovate per square metre. Factors such as tiling, waterproofing, and structural modifications significantly contribute to the overall expense. Let’s delve into where the money goes and how you can save some!

Why does a bathroom cost so much?

Welcome to the world of bathroom renovation!

You’ve probably already discovered that there are two lessons to be learned in the world of bathroom renovation;
  1. it’s not as straightforward as you first thought, and
  2. it’s more expensive than you first thought!
Whether this is your first time renovating or you’ve had some experience in other areas of your home, almost everyone is surprised to learn that bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to renovate. They’re even more expensive per square metre than kitchens.

Why??

You know that old saying ‘if it was easy, everyone would do it’? That applies to bathrooms. Every single trade is required in a bathroom renovation, often with multiple visits. Each of those trades is often made of teams of two or more people, their vehicles and equipment, and relevant experience, qualifications, and certification.

The following trades and skill sets are required for your standard bathroom renovation:

  • Bathroom designer
  • Project manager
  • Demolition/asbestos crew
  • Carpenter (first visit)
  • Plumber (first visit)
  • Electrician (first visit)
  • Plasterer
  • Waterproofer
  • Tiler (including screed)
  • Renderer and bricklayer (if necessary)
  • Plumber (second visit)
  • Electrician (second visit)
  • Carpenter (second visit)
  • Painter
  • Glazier (who measures and installs the shower screen)
Bathroom renovation cost breakdown pie chart

 

 

A Banana Bathrooms renovation encompasses all these trades, skill sets and more. It’s a full spectrum service! 

 

On average, our clients spend between $35-40k on their bathrooms. Room size does factor into this but in general, a smaller room is not necessarily cheaper. As you can see from the pie chart, the most expensive components are often related to the tiling and waterproofing labour and products purchased for a bathroom – toilets, vanities, tapware, mirrors etc. Another significant expense is demolition and sheeting. Carpentry, plumbing and electrical are standard expenses for every room and vary depending on how much modification is made to the room (this pie chart represents a bathroom with limited modification). The services of a bathroom designers, draftsmen and site supervisor are also included within our project costs.
You can read more on pricing here: Bathroom Renovation Pricing Guide.

But my friend did her bathroom for 20k and under – how is that?

A DIY bathroom for under 20k is certainly achievable but will require a few things from you.
  • The time and knowledge to manage the project (which is a minimum commitment of 1-2 months, often longer with high-demand trades like tilers).
  • Completing a majority of the trades yourself or having family members help.
  • It keeps all plumbing and electrical equipment in its exact location.
  • Could have done a partial renovation, such as only removing or updating tiles within the shower space or painting tiles.
  • They would not have used a draftsman to create 3D renders.
  • Sourcing and scheduling your own trades, supplies and sometimes equipment.
  • Having family members who can complete skilled trades.
  • Potentially using tradespeople who are not as experienced.
  • Reusing products, buying products second hand or waiting for sales.
  • Using poorer quality items, such as tapware with limited warranty periods.
Ensuite Renovations Newcastle

 

Not everyone can do their own bathroom renovation. At Banana Bathrooms, you’ll pay more than you would when doing a DIY, but you’re paying for a certain level of convenience.

 

“We exist because you have a full-time job, there’s only one bathroom in the house, maybe you have young kids at home full time, you volunteer at soccer, your family lives far away, or maybe you just don’t have a DIY bone in your body. Renovating your own bathroom is just not feasible. It’s at that point that we step in to help you find the middle ground between what you’d like to achieve and what your budget will allow.

Which items on my Wishlist will drive up the bathroom renovation cost?

  • Moving plumbing in concrete or second-storey floors.
  • Asbestos removal.
  • Moving windows (especially in second storeys).
  • Adding additional water points.
  • Significant electrical items, like underfloor heating, or including multiple new electrical items.
  • Numerous varieties of feature tiles and/or expensive tiles across large areas.
  • Tiling all the way to the ceiling (especially if your ceiling is higher than 2.4m).
  • High-end PC products – designer vanities, coloured or vintage-inspired tapware, bidets.

Information is key to keeping your bathroom renovation budget on track.

When our clients are looking to keep their bathroom budget between $28-35k, we give them the following advice and options;
  • We provide the option for clients to do their own demolition and painting.
  • Buy your PC items on sale or from a renovation warehouse where returned stock or stock with slight damage is heavily discounted.
  • If you have a qualified trade in your family or friendship circle, we’re more than happy to let them do the work.
  • Buy tiles that are in stock and discounted for a quick sale (and save on a delivery fee by picking them up yourself).
  • Opt for chrome or brushed nickel tapware.
  • Incorporate colour through accessories and paint rather than feature tiles.
  • Keep tile heights to a minimum – this also means you’ll be able to easily hang artwork in your bathroom, install, move and patch accessories like towel rails, paint with a great colour or even install your own wallpaper!

The best conversation we can have about your bathroom budget is an honest one.

When we know your budget and have a common understanding of what can reasonably be achieved, we’ll always do our best to exceed your expectations. We’ll always look for ways to give you a bang for your buck. We’ll always look for an alternate option that meets the brief. It’s for that exact reason you’ll be glad you chose a company that offered bathroom design as part of its service – and that’s just in the first consult!

Come into our Showroom Experience Centre to look through our 18 complete bathrooms catering to all budgets.

 

 

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Let’s journey together to discover the right bathroom design for you.

Join us in our Newcastle bathroom showroom to find inspiration for your bathroom renovation or new bathroom project. We have 18 complete bathrooms for you to explore and quality bathroom supplies, including vanities, vanity tops, baths, shower glass, hand showers, shower fittings, basins, toilets, bath tapware, shower outlets, mirrored cabinets, tiles and accessories.

Visit Newcastle’s largest bathroom showroom to see a wide range of styles and to touch and compare bathroom products easily.