An in-depth look at what to think about when considering a bathroom renovation and what you can expect to pay.
The most important thing when you decide to renovate a bathroom is to decide the purpose of the renovation. The choices you make need to be centered around your why. Are you looking to maximise value for sale, update a rental property, or create the perfect bathroom for your dream home?
Bathroom renovation or remodel costs can vary hugely depending on whether it’s a small bathroom, an en-suite, or do you want to keep it as cheap as possible? The team at Add Value can keep you on the right path.
Let’s talk general price-ranges before we break it down further:
Basic: Under $15,000
Vinyl or low-range tile floor; acrylic shower; painted walls; affordable fixtures; standard mirror and vanity.
Mid-range: $15,000 to $30,000
Tiled floor and shower and half-to-fully tiled walls; mid-range fixtures; underfloor heating; LED mirror and a custom-made vanity.
Luxury: $30,000+
Award-winning interior designer; high-end designer tiles for the floor, wall and shower; high-end fixtures; custom-designed LED mirror and vanity.
As you can see, there are five or six main aspects to consider when you are planning a renovation: The floor, the walls, the shower, the fittings, the vanity and mirror, and (optionally) an interior designer.
1. Acrylic VS Tiled Shower
Acrylic Shower
For large family homes and rentals, an acrylic shower is a great low maintenance option. They are affordable, easy to clean, durable, watertight, and fast to install (usually 1 to 2 days).
Cost: $900 to $3,000
Variables: the brand, design and made.
Tiled Shower
Tiled showers are a popular option due to their modern look and as they provide great value when it comes to selling a property.
Cost: $3,500 to $11,000
- Tiled shower base $500 – $3,000
- Glass & door $1000 – $3,000
- Tiles & waterproofing $2,000 – $5,000
Variables: the price of the tiles, waterproofing system, and any necessary structural support.
2. Painted VS Tiled Bathroom Wall
The walls of your bathroom will set the tone for the whole bathroom, but there’s more than to consider than colour. (Note: These prices are for a 6 sqm bathroom with a standard height ceiling.)
Painted
The cheapest option, painting your bathroom is a quick and easy way to bring it back to life.
Cost: $1,300
Approximately
Tiled
Tiling your walls can give your bathroom a luxury feel and make a tiled shower feel more integrated into the bathroom as a whole. For the best of both worlds, you can always go with tiling the lower half of the walls and painting the top half.
Cost: $2,300 to $3,500
Variables: tile design and quality
3. Plumbing & Electrical
Here’s where things get fun. Choose your mod-cons to make your bathroom a place of true luxury. Make your ensuite a private paradise or your family bathroom a palace of practicality.
Plumbing
One tap or two? Get the perfect fittings to suit your tastes, uses and budget.
Cost: 2,200 – $3,900
Electrical
Even a small bathroom can feel like a day spa with a little technological help.
Cost: $2,750 – $5,500
- Powerpoints $150 – $250
- LED Lights $300 – $1,000
- Underfloor heating $800 – $2,500
- Heated towel rail $200 – $900
- Extraction Fan $300 – $800
4. Vinyl VS Tiled Flooring
It might go without saying, but it’s important to remember that your bathroom floor needs to be able to withstand a fair bit of water. That does limit your options when it comes to thinking about options during your bathroom remodel. (Note: these prices are for a 6 sqm room.)
Vinyl
Cheap, effective and hardy, vinyl flooring has been a standard of bathroom decor for decades.
Cost: $400 – $1,000
Variables: design and quality of material
Tiled
If tiling the whole bathroom is out, tiling just the floor can elevate the look of the whole bathroom.
Cost: $600 – $1,700
Variables: tile design and quality
5. Vanity and Mirror
Space and budget will be your biggest considerations, but a bathroom remodel is a great chance to update the centrepiece of your bathroom with something eye-catching and practical.
Vanity
Do you need cupboards or drawers? One sink or two? A modern floating look? Form or function?
Cost: $300 – $3000+
Variables: Low end vs high end vanity, brand, standard vs custom made and overall aesthetic
Mirror
Size, shape and lighting – choosing the right mirror can transform a space, making a small bathroom look big or a big bathroom brighter.
Cost:
- Standard mirror $50 – $100
- LED Mirrors $500 – $1,000
6. Interior designer
If you want to bring an expert on board to help make sure your space is both aesthetic and practical, you can hire a designer to transform the space. Add Value work alongside many interior designers to meet customers wants and needs.
Cost: $900 to $2,000
This cost depends on the designer’s experience and accolades.
7. Other
In the initial consultation, there may be things uncovered that need some work to ensure that your bathroom is safe for your family or tenants.
Asbestos Removal
If your bathroom contains asbestos, it will likely have to be removed in order to remodel or renovate.
Cost: $500 – $5,000
Variable: the type of work involved. For example, old vinyl can be pricey.
Additional building work
If there are any leaks or a need to strengthen the bathroom’s underlying support, you may have to pay for labour and materials to get it sorted.
Cost: $500 – $4,000
Building consent
For bathroom renovations in Auckland, you are unlikely to require a building consent. However, it’s always best practice to check the council requirements before you go ahead. Add Value can help you figure out if consent is needed.
Cost: $4,500 – $8,000
For planning and consent, including council fees.