One of the most common questions we get asked at Bathroom Central is simple: “how much is this actually going to cost?” It's a fair question, and the honest answer is “it depends” — but that's not much help when you're trying to budget. So in this guide, we've broken down real cost ranges by renovation type, the factors that move the price up or down, and what to budget for, based on the renovations we complete across the Central Coast, Newcastle, and North Sydney every week.

Quick answer

A standard bathroom renovation on the Central Coast typically costs between$15,000 and $30,000, depending on size, layout changes, and fixture quality. A small or ensuite refresh can come in as low as $10,000–$15,000, while a luxury or full structural renovation can exceed $40,000. Waterproofing, tiling, and labour make up the bulk of most budgets.

Average cost by renovation type

Small bathroom or ensuite renovation: $10,000–$18,000

Smaller spaces cost less overall, but not proportionally less per square metre —plumbing, waterproofing, and tiling costs don't shrink much just because the room does. A small bathroom renovation or ensuite renovation that keeps the existing layout (same position for toilet, shower, and vanity) is the single biggest lever for keeping this at the lower end.

Standard mid-size bathroom renovation: $18,000–$28,000

This covers a full strip-out and rebuild — new waterproofing, tiling, vanity, toilet, shower screen, tapware, and fixtures — without moving plumbing or knocking down walls. Most of the Central Coast homes we renovate fall into this range for a typical job.

Luxury or full renovation with layout changes: $28,000–$45,000+

Moving plumbing, changing the room's footprint, freestanding baths, frameless glass, underfloor heating, and premium tapware/tile brands all push costs toward the top end. A luxury bathroom renovation in particular adds cost because layout changes usually mean new pipework, not just cosmetic updates. If you prefer a cleaner, more contemporary look instead, a modern bathroom renovation can achieve a high-end feel without every premium add-on.

Laundry renovation (often bundled with bathroom work): $6,000–$15,000

A laundry renovation follows similar cost drivers to small bathrooms — waterproofing and plumbing dominate the budget, with cabinetry and benchtop choices affecting the rest.

What actually drives the price up or down

Waterproofing and compliance

Australian Standards (AS 3740) require full waterproof membranes in wet areas, and this isn't optional or something to cut corners on. Poor bathroom waterproofing is the single most common (and expensive) renovation failure, leading to leaks, mould, and damage to the subfloor or the room below. We always budget for this properly rather than treating it as a line item to trim.

Layout changes

Keeping the toilet, shower, and vanity in their existing positions avoids relocating plumbing, which is one of the most expensive parts of any layout change. If the existing layout works reasonably well, a “like-for-like” renovation will almost always cost less than a reconfigured one — a traditional-style renovation that respects the original footprint is often the most budget-friendly path.

Tile and fixture selection

Tile costs on the Central Coast can range from $40/m² for basic ceramic to $150+/m²for imported porcelain or natural stone. Tapware and fixtures show similar spread — a full tapware set might run $400–$600 for mid-range options or$1,500+ for premium European brands like Grohe or Roca. These choices alone can shift a renovation budget by $5,000–$10,000.

Access and site conditions

Older Central Coast homes — particularly older weatherboard or brick-veneer builds common in suburbs like Berkeley Vale, Wyong, and Gosford — can have access or structural quirks (asbestos sheeting, dated plumbing runs, uneven subfloors)that add unexpected cost once walls are opened up. This is exactly why were commend an on-site assessment before locking in a fixed budget.

Trades and timing

Renovation demand on the Central Coast fluctuates seasonally, and busy periods can mean both higher quotes and longer lead times. Booking a few months ahead, rather than during peak renovation season, can help control both cost and timeline.

A realistic budget breakdown

For a standard $20,000 mid-size bathroom renovation, costs typically break down roughly like this:

●      Demolition and waste removal: $1,000–$2,000

●      Waterproofing:$1,500–$2,500

●      Tiling (supply and install): $4,000–$6,000

●      Plumbing (fixtures, no relocation): $2,500–$4,000

●      Electrical (lighting, exhaust fan): $800–$1,500

●      Vanity, toilet, shower screen (mid-range): $3,000–$5,000

●      Labour and project management: $4,000–$6,000

These figures are general guidance, not a fixed quote — every home and renovation scope is different, and the only way to get an accurate number is a proper on-site assessment.

Get an accurate, obligation-free quote

Cost guides like this one are useful for budgeting and setting expectations, but your real quote depends on your bathroom's specific layout, condition, and the finishes you choose. Here's what we recommend before you commit to a budget:

●      Decide early whether you want to keep the existing layout or change it — this single decision affects cost more than almost anything else.

●      Get a detailed, item ised quote so you know exactly what's included — waterproofing, compliance certification, project management, and waste removal should all be spelled out.

●      Ask about water proofing standards and whether a compliance certificate is included — this protects you if issues arise later.

●      Budget an additional10–15% contingency for older homes, since unexpected issues behind walls are common once demolition starts.

At Bathroom Central, we provide free, no-obligation on-site quotes across the Central Coast, Newcastle, and North Sydney — tailored to your home's actuallay out and condition rather than a generic estimate. Get in touch and we'll walk you through the numbers.

Frequently asked questions

Is $20,000 enough for a bathroom renovation on the Central Coast?

For a standard mid-size bathroom with no layout changes and mid-range finishes,$20,000 is a realistic and common budget. It may not stretch as far for larger bathrooms, premium finishes, or renovations that involve moving plumbing.

Why do bathroom renovation quotes vary so much between companies?

Quotes vary based on what's included (waterproofing certification, project management, waste removal), the quality tier of fixtures assumed, and each company's labour and overhead costs. Always check whether quotes are itemised the same way before comparing them directly.

Does a small bathroom costless to renovate than a large one?

Yes, but not proportionally — a lot of the cost (waterproofing, plumbing labour, trade call-outs) is relatively fixed regardless of room size, so small bathrooms often cost more per square metre than larger ones.

How long does a typical bathroom renovation take?

Most standard renovations take 3–5 weeks from demolition to completion, though this can extend if layout changes, custom orders, or unexpected structural issues are involved.

Do I need council approval for a bathroom renovation?

Generally no, if you're not changing the structural footprint or moving load-bearing walls. However, plumbing work should always be carried out by a licensed plumber, and waterproofing should meet AS 3740 compliance regardless of whether council approval is required.

This guide provides general cost estimates for budgeting purposes. Actual pricing depends on your bathroom's specific size, condition, and chosen finishes — contact us for a detailed, itemised quote before committing to a renovation.