Bathroom Renovation Cost Guide & Council Planning Rules (2026)
Full bathroom strip-outs, AS 3740 waterproofing, tiling, vanity installations, and plumbing rough-ins.
Material Pricing & Longevity Comparison
Supply and installation brackets for common residential specifications in Australia.
| Material Option | Installed Range (per m²) | Expected Lifespan | Description & Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh (Keep Existing Layout) | $900 –$1400 | 15-20 yrs | Replacing vanity, tapware, shower screen, and surface re-grouting. |
| Full Strip-Out & AS 3740 Waterproofing | $1600 –$2400 | 25-30 yrs | Complete demolition back to studs, Class III liquid membrane, floor-to-ceiling tiles. |
| Luxury Ensuite / Wet Room Custom Fitout | $2400 –$3800 | 30+ yrs | Walk-in frameless shower, freestanding stone bath, in-wall cistern, underfloor heating. |
State & Territory Exemption Thresholds
Select your state to view development approval exemption triggers under local planning schemes.
Internal wet-area alterations complying with AS 3740 waterproofing
Internal layout refurbishments without moving structural load-bearing walls
Internal wet-area alterations complying with AS 3740
Internal wet area refurbishments within existing floor plan
Internal cosmetic and wet-area refurbishment to AS 3740
Internal non-structural wet area refurbishments to AS 3740
Internal alterations not affecting structural stability or light/ventilation
Internal non-structural wet area alterations complying with AS 3740
Calculate by Local Government Area (LGA)
Select your council area for interactive dimension calculators and local certifier checklists.