Renovation Guide
Bathroom Renovation in Sydney: Cost, Design and What to Expect
A full bathroom renovation in Sydney typically costs between $25,000 and $60,000+ and takes 3 to 6 weeks. Waterproofing, tiling and fixtures drive most of the budget — here is how to plan for them.
A bathroom renovation is the highest-risk room in a home to get wrong, because a single waterproofing or drainage failure can damage ceilings and structures below. Done well, it is also one of the best value-adds per square metre. A-Plan Kitchens has designed and installed bathrooms and laundries across Sydney since 1984, and the guidance below reflects what those projects actually cost and how long they take.
What a bathroom renovation costs in Sydney
A full bathroom renovation in Sydney generally falls into three brackets. A functional refresh with quality fixtures and standard tiling starts around $25,000 to $35,000. A fully bespoke bathroom with custom joinery, floor-to-ceiling large-format tiles and premium tapware typically sits between $35,000 and $60,000. Architectural bathrooms with freestanding stone baths, custom stone vanities and integrated lighting can exceed $60,000. The four factors below account for most of the variation.
Waterproofing and wet-area work
Waterproofing is the single most important trade in a bathroom and the most common source of future defects. A full membrane to AS 3740, applied by a licensed waterproofer, typically adds $1,500 to $3,500. It is non-negotiable for a warranty-backed renovation.
Tiling and surface area
Tile labour is priced per square metre and rises sharply for large-format, rectified, or feature-laid tiles (herringbone, vertical stack). Floor-to-ceiling tiling, niches and full-height feature walls are where tile budgets scale fastest.
Fixtures and fittings
A wall-faced toilet, frameless glass shower, freestanding bath and mixer tapware can range from $3,000 for reliable brands to $15,000+ for premium European suites. Specifying early keeps plumbing rough-ins simple.
Vanity and custom joinery
A custom vanity built to fit an awkward wall, with stone top and integrated basin, is the bathroom's centrepiece. A-Plan manufactures its own joinery, which removes a reseller markup most renovators pay.
How long a bathroom renovation takes
A typical full bathroom takes 3 to 6 weeks from strip-out to handover. The variable most people underestimate is waterproofing cure time: the membrane must dry fully before tiling begins, and rushing it is the most common cause of later leaks.
- 1
Design and selections
1–3 weeks
Site measure, layout, fixture and tile selections, and a fixed-price quote.
- 2
Strip-out and rough-in
3–5 days
Demolition, framing adjustments, and first-fix plumbing and electrical.
- 3
Waterproof and tile
1–2 weeks
Membrane application, cure time, and full tiling including grout and sealing.
- 4
Fit-off and handover
3–5 days
Vanity, tapware, shower screen, mirrors, accessories and final commissioning.
Waterproofing and compliance
In NSW, all wet-area waterproofing must comply with AS 3740 and be carried out by a licensed waterproofer. A complying development certificate or council approval may be required if the renovation changes the room's footprint, drainage layout, or adds a new bathroom where one did not exist. All plumbing and electrical work must be certified by licensed tradespeople. A-Plan coordinates these certifications as part of every bathroom installation, so the finished room is warrantable and insurable.
Plan your bathroom renovation
Book a free design consultation at our Camperdown showroom for a fixed-price, fully certified bathroom renovation.
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