While kitchens are the most renovated rooms in Australia, second place is bathrooms.

According to a survey by the Housing Industry Association (HIA), the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Australia was $17,522. Notably, this is close to the average cost of a new bathroom in a brand new home – $16,430.

However, there are many factors that can determine the value of a new bathroom.

Generally speaking, a budget renovation for a small bathroom in Australia can cost as little as $5,000. A major renovation in a larger bedroom costs closer to $25,000 or more.

If you are looking to change a few cosmetic items, such as fixtures, drawer and cupboard knobs, this could cost even less.

Along with kitchens, renovating bathrooms is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your property. This is a good idea before being listing a property on the market.

There are many factors that influence the cost of a bathroom renovation, varying from $8,000 to $25,000.

This includes whether structural work needs to be undertaken, such as moving plumbing.

The cost of floor tiles, wall tiles and fittings also influences renovation costs – do you want a high-end tile or happy with a budget option. The size of the bathroom has an obvious impact on budget. It could be an ensuite or a large family bathroom.

Luxuries such as underfloor or towel rack heating can be costly.

Therefore, a budget bathroom typically costs between $5,000 to $15,000, a standard costs between $15,000 to $25,000, while premium renovations cost over $25,000.

Budget tiles typically cost from $30 to $55 per square metre, while premium tiles cost $165 sqm or more.

While basic toilets cost around $120, standard toilets cost around $400. A premium toilet can cost up to $1200, although some can cost as much as $42,000. Budget vanities cost $120 to $400, with $700 to $850 for a standard vanity and $1,500 for premium models.

While a shower is a necessity, bathtubs are not. Nonetheless, most houses have a bathtub.

A budget bathtub, typically fibre or acrylic glass, costs around $300 to $1,000.

Mid-range bathtubs, usually cast iron, steel or polymer, will cost around $1,000 to $3,000.

Premium bathtubs, which are usually made with higher-end materials such as stone, can cost as much as $3,000 to $8,000.

Bath installation costs can vary, given some bathtubs are free-standing while others are located on a platform or in an alcove.

Excluding those who are super handy on tools, tradespeople are likely to be required to perform a bathroom renovation.

The cost of this will vary depending on what works need to be done.

For example, a typical bathroom renovation would require an electrician, tiler, plumber, carpenter and perhaps a general handyman. A plumber would be needed to move or add plumbing, and can do toilet, shower and bath installations.

An electrician is required for the installation of new lighting, underfloor heating, exhaust fans, hot water heaters and heated towel rails. Tilers are needed for waterproofing and wall and floor tiling.

A carpenter is likely needed for bathroom shelving or cabinetry. A dedicated bathroom designer may also be needed for more upmarket designs.

Don’t be afraid to ask any tradies for examples of previous work and licences. The stat and territory, and industry bodies such as the Master Builders Association, can confirm if a tradesperson has the appropriate licence or not.

As mentioned earlier, the cost of a tradie will vary depending on the work that needs to be done.

A survey from Service Seeking collated the average national hourly rates based on over 50,000 quotes. Do take into account these are averages, and will vary between the state and territories, especially given labour shortages.

For a budget of $10,000, you could spruce up your walls by resurfacing tiles, adding features and installing PVC panels. A bath, shower, vanity or tapware could be changed too. Mirrors can be replaced or allow natural light could enter bathroom by installing either a window or skylight. The latter could be especially beneficial prior to selling a property.

For a bathroom renovation under $5,000, there is much that can be done.

Tiles can be cleaned, with bathtubs and basins also be resurfaced.

Walls can be repainted too. Light fittings and tapware can be modernised, the same also applies to shower enclosures. Some of these can be DIY but resurfacing, in particular, should be done by professionals.

As a general rule of thumb, one should conduct renovations that will add twice their cost to the value of your home.

If you are looking for flooring that is easy to maintain, glazed tiling or porcelain tiling options should be explored.

Natural stone and limestone are porous materials that should be avoided. If not properly sealsed, they can absorb every substance and will end up being stained.

Non-slip flooring should be installed, especially for homes with young children or people with mobility issues. Tiling with textured surfaces, matte finishes and glazes containing sand should be selected. Smaller tiles with grout lines can allow for more grip.

In terms of ventilation, moisture can destroy the bathroom. Make sure the vent fan is working, and the size if appropriate for the space.

Brendan Cunningham, director of BTC Constructions, told The Property Tribune of five factors that should be taken into account when renovating a bathroom.

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