How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Auckland in 2022?

Do you own a home in Auckland and wonder how much it will cost to renovate your bathroom?

A brand new bathroom not only smartens up up the look of your home but can also raise its overall capital value. Instead of guessing how much your bathroom renovation costs, this guide will give you a more wide-ranging look, from a new shower to upgraded tapware, so you can make a better, smarter decision.

We’ve updated this guide for 2022, to help you understand average prices and budget for the cost of your bathroom renovation project in the current conditions of the housing and building market.

What is the cost of a bathroom renovation?

Summary

• Bathroom Renovation cost (Industry Average): $20,000
• Bathroom Makeovers: $7,000 to $15,000
• Standard Bathroom Renovations: $15,000 to $30,000
• Structural and Luxury Bathroom Renovations: $30,000+

Average cost for different types of bathroom renovations

This years season of ‘The Block’ average spend of bathroom renovations across the teams ranged from $20,000 – $30,000. However, this is just an average cost to renovate a bathroom on a TV show with subsidized labour and materials. There are several different types of renovations that people do– from small makeovers to a complete bathroom renovation through to high-end upgrades. For any bathroom renovation job, you will need to consider plumbing, tiling, cabinetry, baths, basins, vanities, shower screens, tapware and toilet bowls. A clearer understanding of the costs involved can help you set a more accurate budget for your renovation plans. Unless you have your own plans, you will most likely need to budget for design, drafting and Council costs as well when renovating a bathroom.

Square meter rates

For a very rough cost estimate, you can also use what we call “square meter rates” to get an approximate price range for your renovation. From our experience, residential bathroom renovations typically cost between $1800 and $2900 per square meter. So if you multiply your bathroom floor area with each of these two numbers you’ll have a reasonable price range to work with. Clearly, you still need to get a quote from a professional to know the true cost.

Bathroom makeover cost – $7,000 to $15,000

A small or budget bathroom makeover in Auckland could cost in a range between $7,000 and $15,000 depending on the size and condition of the existing bathroom. This is ideal for those on a thin budget and presuming you don’t need any structural work or major renovations like re-tiling; plumbing pipes, or making any structural changes to the layout. Typical bathroom makeovers include:

• New taps and vanities
• Replacing old mirrors
• Refreshing grout
• Installing toilets and a new basin
• Re-coating or resurfacing existing tiles
• Re-coating an existing bathtub
• Install exhaust fans 

Standard bathroom renovation – $15,000 to $45,000

If you want a complete bathroom renovation without changing the position of any fixtures, you could update your bathroom without paying a lot. As a general idea, expect it to cost as much as $15,000 to $45,000 for a bathroom renovation in Auckland. The price range to renovate a bathroom mostly depends on the size of the space and where you live. Not surprisingly, areas like the Remuera, Parnell, Herne Bay & Ponsonby frequently see higher quotes due to the specification of more expensive equipment and larger bathrooms, whereas bathroom renovations in South Auckland or West Auckland generally tend to look towards more economic fittings and smaller bathrooms.

For a standard mid-range bathroom renovation for your home, you’ll have to make some compromises like keeping electrical and plumbing locations the same to stay in this price range. A complete bathroom renovation or renovations for larger bathrooms are frequently on the higher end due to more tiling or high-end inclusions like vanity with natural stone tops and double sinks. A standard bathroom renovation might include:

• New taps and vanities
• Waterproofing all wet areas
• Replacing toilets
• Install shower screens and mirrors
• New vanity and basin
• Floor and wall tiling
• Installation exhaust fans and towel rails
• Replacing and upgrading to a new bathtub
• Replacing old pipes and redoing plumbing where needed
• Rubbish removal

Structural & Luxury bathroom renovation – $30,000+

A structural renovation strips your bathroom down to its studs in a complete overhaul and includes locating fixtures in different areas, new piping to suit and all new tiles. In this kind of reno, you’d be looking upwards of $30,000. Keep in mind how much you’ll need to spend on this kind of bathroom renovation project in Auckland. A luxury bathroom renovation usually costs $45,000 or more. A budget in this range or higher can get you high quality, designer fittings – including intricate mosaic tile designs, underfloor heating, Custom LED lighting, frameless shower screens, freestanding bathtubs and premium quality tiles. Some of the things involved may include: 

• Floor levelling
• Breaking down or building walls
• Adding a new bathtub, toilet and shower screen
• Plumbing and electrical fixtures, including lighting
• Removing and re-tiling floor and wall tiles
• Installing new vanities, mirrors and heated towel rails
• Adding new plumbing for the toilet and shower area
• Install new hot water system
• Waterproofing all wet areas
• Additions such as new windows or skylights
• Bringing all fixtures up to NZ standards
• Structural alterations like removing or building a new wall (to remove a load-bearing wall, a building permit is required at an additional cost)
• Rubbish removal

 

What are the individual bathroom renovation costs?

It’s important to remember that the cost of a bathroom renovation for your home will depend on the style, materials and type of fittings and fixtures you want. You could choose budget, mid-level or high-end fittings and selections based on your needs, tastes and budget. Here are some costs for fixtures and accessories to help you with your budget ideas, however, these are approximate costs for materials only and you need to consider the cost of labour to install them. Additionally costs given the current market conditions change almost weekly, so check with your local product suppliers to find out the most accurate costs. Most renovation companies in Auckland won’t charge you by the hour for your project, and will generally provide a fixed cost for the whole project. However, for small jobs, some tradies, builders or plumbers could charge an hourly rate between $100 to $150 per hour + gst for their labour.

Shower Screens

A shower screen comes in different styles – framed, semi-framed or frameless. Framed screens are the most inexpensive, while frameless screens are more high end. A framed shower screen starts from $500, while frameless screens go upwards of $550.

Wall Tiles and Floor Tiles

Tiles come at very different price points and range from $30 per square metre to $150 per square metre. Standard white ceramic tiles (at the budget end) cost about $30 per square metre, high-quality ceramic or porcelain tiles can cost about $60 per square metre, and natural stone tiles (at the higher end) costs up to $100 per square metre, with some extremely high-quality brands going even higher depending on the tiles you choose.

Bathtubs

Bathtubs vary widely in price depending on the material, size and style (integrated or freestanding bathtub). For the more budget-focused, budget acrylic or fiberglass bathtubs could result in an average spend of about $500 with a better quality one being on average $1,100. A freestanding stone bathtub, on the more luxurious side, can result in a spend of over $3,000.

Toilets

A budget toilet can cost as little as $300 with the cost going upwards to around $900 for a more deluxe model. You’ll also need to consider whether you want a wall-mounted or floor-mounted toilet based on the design and layout of your bathroom.

Vanities

The cost of a vanity could vary due to variety factors. A standard wall-hung vanity costs upwards of $500. Vanities with double sinks start from $1,000. Vanity fittings with integrated ceramic basins start from $1,200. Wall-mounted vanities are usually the preferred choice for bathrooms where space is a consideration.

Mirrors

Mirrors costs will depend on style, size and frame. Framed wall-mounted mirror fittings cost anywhere between $50 and $200. Frameless mirrors featuring a modern look range from $50 to $250. Built-in light mirrors installed above a sink or vanity cost between $60 and $300. On the upper end, premium anti-fog mirrors, fitted with a heated element, cost between $300 and $1,000.

Basins

The prices of bathroom basins start from $150 for standard, low-cost versions and can go up to $500 or more on the higher end. Designer basins, at the upper end of the scale, can cost upwards of $800. If you want customised inclusions in a specific colour or finish for your home, expect to pay in excess of $1,000.

Tapware

Economical tapware starts from $50 for your basins and showers while designer versions can go up to $1,000. There are plenty of options in between these two extreme price ranges, so expect to pay an average of about $150 for a decent quality tap.

Showerheads

The huge selection of showerheads available means there is something for every budget. Standard shower heads start from about $50, while luxury showerheads can cost in excess of $300. Basic models offer simple functionality and minimal visual appeal. Premium showerheads offer multiple spray patterns and nozzles with adjustable pressure for a spa-style experience.

Lighting

You can choose different types of lighting fixtures when renovating a bathroom. From task lights over vanities to ambient lights lighting up the whole space to mood lights that feature a warm setting; the options are limitless. A single downlight fixture can start from $9 and go upwards depending on your bathroom needs.

Towel Rails

At the budget end of the scale, towel racks start from $30 for standard single-rail models. Heated towel rails come in different styles, sizes and finishes like matte or polished stainless steel, and typically cost anywhere from $150 to $600.

What is the cost of bathroom design?

Unless you have your own plans, you will need basic drawings to determine the sizes and positions of all parts that go into your bathroom renovation project. including required plumbing and electrical work. A typical cost of a bathroom design can range from $500 to $1,000, while full architectural drawings will cost more and council costs on top.

At Auckland Builders & Renovations Ltd, we can help with an in-depth visualization. 3D renders will give you better sense of view of your bathroom before it is built to make sure you get what you want. 3D renders typically cost $800 or more and can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Why is the bathroom layout so crucial for your home?

Many home owners don’t consider the importance of a well-designed bathroom layout. but you’ll be amazed at how much value this can bring. A bathroom design must echo the personality and lifestyle of you as well as your home. Your initial renovation meeting is one of the best times to discuss everything you want so you can get a practical renovation plan that brings your vision to life – within your expected budget and timeline. Here are some things to consider with your bathroom designer:

• How much space is available and how can you can make use of it better? Available space is a major factor in any bathroom design.
• Do you need to make any position changes like changing the shower location or installing a new bath?
• How much storage space do you need? You may need additional space to store bathroom provisions, toiletries and towels.
• Are there an elderly or special needs persons going to use the bathroom? You may need handrails, lower shower entry, extra space for wheelchairs and other specific fixtures.
• What are the things you really want to include? List down the things you unconditionally want so you can work them into the design.

A well thought about bathroom design put down on paper by Auckland Builders & Renovations Ltd gives you a clear idea of what it will look like – allowing you to make changes beforehand. The smartest budgets allow for the costs of professional bathroom design because this helps to reduce the risk of issues and expenses in the future. Professional designers and bathroom renovators find smart ways to maximise space and enhance visual appeal without making your bathroom feel like an afterthought.

Unexpected renovation problems for your bathroom can cost more

No matter how much you originally intend to spend on the job of renovating a bathroom, it’s vital to have a contingency budget of about 20% to cover the unexpected costs for your project. There’s every chance that problems can lurk behind the walls or under the floors of your existing bathroom – Especially in older Auckland houses.

Dependent on the age of your house, there’s a chance unforeseen issues can happen during the renovation process. Some examples we come across include cracked or leaking pipes, structurally weak floors, long-term leaks causing damage to framing, discovery of asbestos, mold growth, choked drains, toilet drain issues and rotting timber. A bathroom renovation is the best time to fix any of these unexpected issues because they can end up becoming major disasters if ignored for too long.

How long does a bathroom renovation in Auckland take?

Once you’re happy with the bathroom design and layout, the actual work can start. The average bathroom renovation time to complete will depend on the scale of your renovation.

• A small bathroom makeover can be completed in 1 to 2 weeks once all the materials and labour have been sourced.
• A standard average bathroom can take 4 to 6 weeks depending on the extent of work required.
• A structurally changed or luxury renovation may take even longer to be completed, depending on the scale like moving walls, plumbing and sourcing specialist fittings.

Keep in mind that any structural changes will take more time, especially if you need to relocate electrical and plumbing equipment. An allowance also needs to be made for unexpected events like finding asbestos in your walls or coming across undetected leaks.

Keep Renovation Costs Down

There are plenty of unreliable companies and contractors who offer the cheapest quote or lowest charge per hour for the job. The price is attractive but unfortunately, you usually get what you pay for compromised work or product are the outcome. You’ll most likely end up with a poor bathroom layout, bad-quality materials and bathroom work that extends for months…if they even finish. Then when you find a leak from faulty workmanship or poor quality product, the company will have disappeared. We’ve seen it many times with homeowners who end up paying a fortune trying to fix mistakes caused by going with the cheapest quotes, instead of getting the job right the first time.

The resilience of your bathroom will depend on the quality of materials and workmanship. A bathroom renovation specialist like Auckland Builders & Renovations Ltd is money well spent.