Most full bathroom renovations in Brisbane in 2026 land between $15,000 and $35,000, with a standard-sized bathroom (around 3 x 1.5 metres) typically costing $18,000 to $30,000 all up. A cosmetic refresh that keeps your layout can start around $10,000, while premium renovations with relocated walls, natural stone or underfloor heating run from $35,000 to $60,000 and beyond.
Those are typical ranges, not quotes. Published Brisbane figures vary from source to source, so treat the numbers below as a planning guide and get at least two written quotes before you commit.
| Renovation type | Typical Brisbane budget | What you usually get |
| Budget refresh | $10,000 to $15,000 | Cosmetic update, existing layout and plumbing positions kept |
| Standard full renovation | $15,000 to $35,000 | Full strip-out, new waterproofing, tiling, vanity, toilet, shower screen and tapware |
| Premium renovation | $35,000 to $60,000+ | Layout changes, natural stone, underfloor heating, designer fixtures |
Where the money actually goes
The biggest single cost is labour, usually 40 to 60 per cent of the total. Here is a typical itemised breakdown for a standard Brisbane bathroom:
| Item | Typical cost |
| Demolition and disposal | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Plumbing (standard layout) | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Moving plumbing fixtures | Add $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Waterproofing | $750 to $3,000 |
| Electrical | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Tiling labour | $45 to $150 per m² |
| Tiles (materials) | $20 to $160+ per m² |
| Vanity | $500 to $3,500 |
| Toilet suite | $400 to $1,200 |
| Frameless shower screen | $800 to $2,500 (installed) |
| Tapware | $150 to $800+ per set |
Waterproofing shows the widest spread, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the size of the wet area and the system used. Do not choose a quote on that line alone. It is the one part of a bathroom you cannot see once the tiles go down, and it is the part that fails expensively.
Layout is the biggest lever you control. Keeping the toilet, shower and vanity where they are avoids the extra $2,000 to $5,000 of plumbing relocation. Tile choice is the next biggest, since tile area is large and prices run from budget to $160+ per square metre.
What drives your bathroom renovation cost up or down
Where you live. Inner Brisbane and character suburbs can run 20 to 30 per cent higher than outer suburbs, partly because older homes bring access, structural and heritage complications.
The age of the house. Strip-out in an older home is where surprises turn up: rotted subfloors, old plumbing, and in some pre-1990 homes, asbestos in wall sheeting or flooring. Asbestos assessment and removal is priced separately and must be handled by licensed people.
Size. Plumbing and electrical costs climb with bathroom size, and large bathrooms with freestanding baths or double vanities push totals well into the premium range.
Fixtures and finishes. This is where your own choices matter most. A freestanding bath can run $1,500 to $5,000 on its own, while a standard inset bath costs far less.
Timing. A standard full renovation usually takes two to four weeks of on-site work, though the whole project including ordering and trade scheduling often takes longer. Time without a working bathroom is a cost too, so plan for it.
How much of your budget goes on fixtures?
In a typical $27,000 mid-range renovation, the vanity, basin and tapware come to around 11 per cent of the total and the shower screen around 6 per cent. In other words, fixtures are a minority of the bill, which is good news if you want to upgrade them. Moving from a basic vanity to a good one adds a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, but it changes how the room looks and feels every single day.
As a Brisbane supplier, we see the range first-hand. Our wall-hung fluted vanities with tops, for example, start from $1,479 for a 600mm and run to $1,779 for a 900mm, with double-basin 1500mm and 1800mm options from $2,679 to $2,879. Frameless shower screens start around $279 supply-only, which is a very different number from the installed figure of $800 or more in the table above, because installation, glass handling and finishing are labour.
That difference is worth understanding if you are tempted to buy fixtures yourself to save on a builder’s margin. We supply, we do not install. Buying supply-only can reduce the markup on fixtures, but it also makes you responsible for choosing the right sizes, the right rough-in positions and the right fittings for your layout. Talk to your plumber and builder before you order, and ask whether they are happy to install client-supplied products and how that affects their warranty on the work.
Hidden costs and how to plan for them
Set aside a contingency of 10 to 20 per cent. Strip-out always reveals something. If the budget does not have room for it, the whole project gets stressed.
Check the licence and the insurance. In Queensland, most residential building work valued at more than $3,300 must be covered by home warranty insurance, with the contractor paying the premium. You can check a contractor’s licence history on the QBCC register before you sign anything.
Get the waterproofing certificate. Ask for written confirmation that waterproofing was done to Australian standards and keep it with your house records. It matters for insurance and for resale.
Allow for the small things. Painting, exhaust fans, towel rails, mirrors and accessories are easy to forget and add up. Towel rails, for example, run from $60 to $299 in our range.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Brisbane in 2026?
Most full bathroom renovations in Brisbane cost between $15,000 and $35,000, with a standard-sized bathroom typically at $18,000 to $30,000. Budget refreshes start from around $10,000 and premium renovations run from $35,000 to $60,000 or more.
How much does a small bathroom renovation cost in Brisbane?
A small bathroom with a basic standard of finish typically costs around $20,000 to $27,000 for a full renovation, according to Brisbane renovators. A cosmetic refresh that avoids moving plumbing can cost considerably less.
What is the cost per square metre for a bathroom renovation?
Complete renovations in Brisbane generally work out at roughly $2,300 to $4,600 per square metre including all trades, with mid-range projects often higher per square metre because small rooms still need the same trades and fixtures.
How long does a bathroom renovation take in Brisbane?
Expect two to four weeks of on-site work for a standard full renovation. The whole project, including design, ordering fixtures and scheduling trades, often takes longer, so plan for several weeks without a usable bathroom.
How much should I set aside for unexpected costs?
Between 10 and 20 per cent of your total budget is the usual recommendation. Older homes, wet-area damage and asbestos are the most common causes of overruns.
Can I buy my own fixtures to save money?
Yes, many homeowners do. Check with your plumber and builder first about sizes, rough-in requirements and warranty, and make sure everything you order suits the layout before it arrives.