An in-depth guide to the things to think about, and what you can expect to pay for your New Zealand bathroom renovation.

The most important thing to consider when you decide to renovate a bathroom is the purpose of the renovation. The choices you make need to be centred 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 in New Zealand can vary hugely depending on size and purpose – is yours a large bathroom or an en-suite? Are you after a luxury bathroom or do you want to keep it as cheap as possible? Whatever your answers, the Auckland bathroom renovation experts Add Value Renovations can keep you on the right path.

Let’s talk general price-ranges before we break it down further:

Basic: Under $25,000
Vinyl or low-range floor tiles; acrylic shower; painted walls; affordable fixtures; standard mirror and vanity.

Mid-range: $25,000 to $40,000
Tiled floor and shower and half- or fully tiled walls; mid-range fixtures; underfloor heating; LED mirror and a custom-made vanity.

Luxury: $40,000+
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 makes 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: brand, design and size.

Tiled shower

Tiled showers are popular options because of their contemporary look; they also 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 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 bathroom walls

The cheapest option, painting your bathroom is a quick and easy way to bring it back to life.

Cost: $1,300
Variables: paint brand and cost

Tiled bathroom walls

Tiling your walls can give your bathroom a luxurious feel and make a tiled shower feel more integrated into the bathroom as a whole. You don’t have to go for tiling all over – for a luxury feel with lower cost, you can always go for a combination such as 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 really get fun! Choose your mod-cons wisely to make your bathroom perfect for your purpose. The right tech can make your ensuite a private paradise or turn your family bathroom into 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 may sound obvious, 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 bathroom flooring

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 bathroom floor

If tiling the whole bathroom is not part of your plan, 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 when it comes to furniture like a vanity and a mirror, 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 bathroom mirror can transform a space, making a small bathroom look big or a big bathroom brighter.

Cost:

• Standard mirror: $50-$100
• LED mirror: $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 works alongside many interior designers to meet customers’ wants and needs.

Cost: $900-$2,000
Variables: designer’s experience and accolades

7. Other

In the initial consultation, issues may come to light that need some work to ensure that your bathroom is safe for your family or tenants. Some of the main bathroom issues are listed below.

Asbestos removal

If your bathroom contains asbestos, it will likely have to be removed in order to remodel or renovate.

Cost: $500-$5,000
Variables: the type of work involved (for example, old vinyl can be pricey)

Additional building work

If there are any leaks or you 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

If you’re considering renovating your bathroom in New Zealand, building consent won’t be necessary most of the time. However, if you’re planning on fully tiling your shower, this may trigger the need for building consent. It’s always best to check with the local council about their requirements to avoid any issues or potential penalties before proceeding. Auckland City Council provides detailed information about consent requirements for kitchen and bathroom renovations. If you need assistance determining whether consent is necessary, Add Value can help you with that. Please feel free to contact us.

Cost: $4,500-$8,000
Variables: planning and consent costs, including council fees