What Factors Can Increase the Cost of a Bathroom Renovation?
Understanding Bathroom Renovation Costs
A bathroom renovation is an investment in your home, but costs can vary depending on design choices, materials, and complexity. While we always aim to keep pricing transparent, some factors can increase the overall cost of your project.
Here’s what can impact the price of your bathroom renovation and how to plan your budget effectively.
1. Structural or Plumbing Changes
🚧 Moving Fixtures (Toilet, Shower, Vanity, Bath)
✔ Relocating plumbing requires new pipes, drainage adjustments, and extra labour.
✔ The more movement required, the higher the cost.
💡 Tip: Keeping your plumbing and electrical layout the same is one of the easiest ways to save money.
🚧 Fixing Structural or Hidden Issues
✔ Unexpected problems like water damage, rotting timber, or poor past renovations can increase costs.
✔ If we uncover damage, it’s important to fix it properly to avoid future issues.
💡 Tip: We conduct a thorough inspection before work begins to identify any potential risks.
2. Premium Material Selections
🏗 Tiles & Finishes
✔ Large-format, custom, or imported tiles can be more expensive than standard options.
✔ Natural stone and high-end finishes require specialist installation, adding to costs.
🚿 High-End Fixtures & Tapware
✔ Premium stone vanities, custom cabinetry, and designer tapware increase pricing.
✔ Features like rainfall showers, smart mirrors, and freestanding tubs come at a higher price point.
💡 Tip: If you want a luxury finish without blowing the budget, we can recommend cost-effective alternatives that look high-end.
3. Increased Waterproofing & Tiling Work
💦 Full Floor-to-Ceiling Tiling
✔ Tiling all walls instead of just wet zones increases both material and labour costs.
✔ Specialty tiling, such as herringbone or mosaic patterns, requires more time and precision.
💡 Tip: We can help you choose design options that maximise impact while keeping costs manageable.
4. Custom or Bespoke Design Features
🛠 Custom Vanities & Cabinetry
✔ A custom-built vanity offers more storage and a unique design but costs more than off-the-shelf options.
✔ Stone benchtops, timber accents, and integrated sinks increase material and labour costs.
🚿 Luxury Extras
✔ Features like underfloor heating, LED mirrors, skylights, or recessed shower niches require additional work.
💡 Tip: Focus on one or two standout features instead of overloading your budget with custom elements.
5. Accessibility or Complex Installations
📍 Difficult Access to the Site
✔ Apartments, tight hallways, or second-storey bathrooms require more labour and time.
🏗 Heritage or Older Homes
✔ Extra work may be needed for reinforcing floors, upgrading plumbing, or making structural repairs.
💡 Tip: If your home is older, allow a small buffer in your budget for unexpected repairs.
6. Labour & Trades Costs
✔ The level of detail and expertise required affects costs.
✔ Specialty trades like stone masons, custom cabinetry makers, or high-end tilers come at a premium.
✔ If you choose premium materials, the installation often requires more time and precision, increasing labour expenses.
💡 Tip: Skilled labour ensures a high-quality finish, which adds value to your home in the long run.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Renovation Budget
✔ Keep plumbing & electrical layouts the same to save money.
✔ Choose cost-effective materials that still deliver a high-end look.
✔ Allow a contingency budget for unexpected issues in older homes.
✔ Prioritise what’s important—you don’t need to add every luxury feature.
At Custom Bathroom Creations, we’re here to guide you through cost-effective choices while ensuring you get a beautiful, high-quality bathroom that fits your budget.
Want an accurate quote for your renovation? Contact us today!