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Bathroom Renovation Cost Guide · Sydney · 2026How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Sydney?
Cost ranges by bathroom size, AS 3740 waterproofing requirements, and what licensed tradespeople are non-negotiable — for Greater Sydney homeowners.
Direct answer: A bathroom renovation in Sydney costs between $12,000 and $45,000. A small bathroom (4–6sqm) costs $12,000–$22,000. A main bathroom (8–12sqm) costs $18,000–$35,000. A premium ensuite runs $25,000–$45,000. All figures assume licensed waterproofing to AS 3740, licensed plumbing, and licensed electrical. Cheap quotes that don’t include licensed waterproofing and compliance certificates are a documented defect waiting to happen.
Cost Ranges by Bathroom Type
| Bathroom Type | Size | Cost Range 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom — standard | 4–6 sqm | $12,000 – $22,000 |
| Main bathroom — mid-spec | 8–10 sqm | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| Main bathroom — premium | 10–14 sqm | $28,000 – $42,000 |
| Ensuite — mid-spec | 6–9 sqm | $18,000 – $32,000 |
| Ensuite — premium | 8–12 sqm | $28,000 – $45,000 |
Waterproofing — Non-Negotiable Under AS 3740
NSW requires all bathroom renovations to comply with AS 3740 — Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas. Under the standard, all wet area floors and walls must be waterproofed to a minimum height of 1,800mm in shower recesses, and 150mm above the substrate in floor areas. The waterproofing must be applied by a licensed waterproofer and inspected by a building inspector before tiling begins.
A bathroom without a waterproofing certificate is a defect. On upper floors, inadequate waterproofing eventually causes water ingress to the ceiling below, structural damage to the substrate, and mould in wall cavities. The repair cost — stripping the bathroom again after the leak appears — typically exceeds the saving made on cutting this corner initially.
What Drives the Price Beyond the Basic Fit-Out
- Relocating the shower, bath, or toilet: Moving drainage requires core-drilling the slab (or cutting substrate on a timber floor), re-routing drain lines, and re-waterproofing — adds $3,000–$8,000 depending on the work involved
- Freestanding bath: Requires floor-mounted tap connections and adequate floor drainage — $800–$2,000 in plumbing costs beyond a standard bath installation
- Heated floor: Electric underfloor heating mats add $1,500–$3,500 depending on the bathroom size and the thermostat specification
- Frameless glass shower screen: $1,800–$4,500 depending on configuration versus a framed shower screen at $600–$1,500
- Large format floor tiles: Rectified large-format tiles (600×600 or larger) require a skilled tiler, add time, and produce more cuts — tile and labour costs increase 20–40% vs. standard 300×300 tiles
For a bathroom renovation quote across Greater Sydney, call Jay on 0451 151 336.
Get a Bathroom Renovation Quote
Licensed waterproofing. Compliance certificates. NSW Licence 355555C. Jay responds within one business day.