How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the Illawarra?
It’s the first question every homeowner asks. The honest answer is it depends — but here’s a straight guide to typical price ranges in Wollongong and the Illawarra, and what actually drives the cost.
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Typical price ranges
Every bathroom is different, but most renovations fall into one of three brackets. These are general Illawarra guide ranges only — your quote may sit above or below depending on your home and choices.
Refresh / update
Same layout, with new tiles, vanity, toilet, shower screen and tapware. The most cost-effective way to modernise a tired bathroom.
$12,000 – $18,000
Standard full renovation
A complete strip-out and rebuild with mid-range fixtures and full floor-to-ceiling tiling. This is the most common type of bathroom renovation.
$18,000 – $28,000
Premium / large / layout change
Larger bathrooms, premium finishes, relocating plumbing, or structural changes like removing a wall, adding a window or combining a bathroom and laundry.
$28,000 – $45,000+
Guide only · not a quote. Prices vary with the size of the room, fixtures and the scope of work.
What affects the cost?
- Size of the bathroom
- More floor and wall area means more tiling, waterproofing and labour.
- Layout changes
- Moving the toilet, shower or vanity means relocating plumbing and drainage — one of the bigger cost drivers.
- Fixtures and finishes
- Tapware, vanities, tiles and shower screens range from budget to high-end. This is where prices vary the most.
- Tiling
- How much you tile (a feature wall vs floor-to-ceiling), tile size and any feature or mosaic tiles all affect the labour.
- Structural work
- Removing walls, adding or replacing windows, or repairing water-damaged framing adds to the scope.
- Hidden surprises
- Once the old bathroom comes out we sometimes find rot or old plumbing that needs fixing to do the job properly.
Why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best
Bathrooms are wet areas, and the work that protects your home — waterproofing in particular — is the part you never see. A quote that comes in well below the others is often cutting corners somewhere that will cost you far more down the track. Always make sure your renovator is licensed, insured, and waterproofing to Australian Standards.
At HBN Constructions we’re fully licensed (Lic 376653C) and insured, owner-managed by Harley with 20+ years in the trade. Our quotes are free, honest and itemised — we’ll talk you through where you can save and where it’s worth spending. For a full breakdown, see our guide to bathroom renovation costs or read about our bathroom renovations in Wollongong.
Bathroom renovation cost — FAQs
- How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Wollongong?
- As a general guide across the Illawarra, a straightforward refresh starts around $12,000–$18,000, a standard full renovation runs about $18,000–$28,000, and larger or premium bathrooms can be $28,000–$45,000 or more. The only way to get an accurate figure for your home is a free, on-site quote.
- Why are some quotes so much cheaper than others?
- Bathrooms are wet areas, and the work that protects your home — waterproofing especially — is the part you never see. A quote well below the others is often cutting corners somewhere that costs you far more down the track. Always check your renovator is licensed, insured and waterproofing to Australian Standards.
- Can I renovate a bathroom on a budget?
- Yes. Keeping the existing layout (so plumbing doesn't move), choosing quality mid-range fixtures, and tiling smartly are the main ways to keep costs down without cutting corners on the things that matter. We're happy to talk you through where to save and where it's worth spending.
- Does your quote include everything?
- Our quotes are clear and itemised so you know exactly what's included — labour, waterproofing, tiling, and what's allowed for fixtures and tiles (whether we supply them or you do). They're free and no-obligation.
Want an accurate figure for your bathroom?
Get a free, no-obligation on-site quote from your local licensed specialist.