Ensuite renovation costs

Overall Ensuite Renovation Costs

Planning on renovating your bathroom? If so, it is crucial to have a decent sense of the prices involved so that you can budget accordingly. It is often difficult to genuinely predict how much you will pay, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000 or more depending on the type of ensuite bathroom you opt for.

As you renovate your ensuite, it is preferable to seek the advice of expert bathroom interior designers to provide you with a bathroom layout and to plan every aspect of your ensuite renovation.

In this article, we will skim over the numerous aspects that influence the price of a bathroom makeover so that you can have an overview of how much you will have to pay for your ensuite renovation. If you are ready, let's jump in.

What Is An Ensuite Bathroom?

An ensuite bathroom is a restroom adjacent to a bedroom and separated by a door. Although the term "master bathroom" is more common than "ensuite bathroom," you can use both words interchangeably.

Estimating The Cost Of Ensuite Bathroom Renovation

One complete bathroom remodel could cost around $8,000 to $10,000. On the other hand, another complete bathroom renovation could cost approximately $20,000 to $25,000. The price difference is typically determined by several factors that you must pay attention to while planning your finances to ensure you do not go over and beyond your budget.

Renovating your ensuite bathroom is a project that calls for a variety of expertise as well as labour costs. As mentioned above, you can determine the final cost of your ensuite renovation by several factors. These include:

• Whether or not you need to do any structural work to the ensuite.
• Whether you opt for budget-friendly or high-end floor tiles, wall tiles, and fixtures.
• Will you have additions like skylights or new windows installed?
• The size of your bathroom; is it an ensuite or a big family bathroom?
• Do you need to relocate pipes and fixtures, or can you use the existing plumbing?
• If you are remodelling an existing bathroom or starting from scratch.
• If you intend to include luxury bathroom features, like underfloor heating.
• Changing the lighting and determining how much electrical work is required.
• Repositioning the plumbing or electrical points, replastering walls, and other structural alterations.
• The materials and fittings to be utilised.

Even with the above factors in mind, estimating the cost of an ensuite renovation is possible. You can often group the bathroom renovations listed above into a few broad categories, in general:

• Budget bathroom renovation: Here, you might spend between $5,000 and $15,000.
• An average or standard bathroom renovation costs between $15,000 and $25,000.
• Expect to spend over $25,000 on a premium or luxury ensuite bathroom makeover.

What To Buy For Ensuite Bathroom Renovation

Unlike all other rooms in your house, the bathroom has several items that require skilled installation. The following are the essential items that need to be installed in order to complete your ensuite remodel.

• Toilet
• Shower
• Vanity
• Sink
• Bath

Bathroom fixtures are sometimes more costly than furniture in other spaces, such as your bedroom or office. Unlike a bed or a desk, the fittings in an ensuite must be built-in or installed, which raises the total installation cost. Any ensuite will require some or all of the following fixtures:

• Taps
• A showerhead
• A shower screen
• Towel rails
• Extra storage
• Lighting
• Faucets

Ensuite Bathroom Renovation Costs In Australia

Renovations might cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the size of your bathroom. In Australia, an average bathroom renovation costs anywhere between $20,000 to $27,000, depending on the materials used and additional alterations that you need to make.

Labour and supplies are the two ultimate costs in any home remodelling job. Due to its labour and materials requirements, remodelling an ensuite bathroom is more expensive per square metre than renovating a bedroom or home office. This applies to any adjustments to the structure, like the removal of a wall.

The Renovation Aspects In An Ensuite Bathroom

• Plumbing: For your toilet, shower, bath, and sink.
• Tiling: If you are using tiles for the walls and the floor.
• Electrical expenses: These include the installation of bathroom lights and power point installation.
• Waterproofing expenses

The design of your bathroom and the fixtures you choose have a significant impact on the cost of renovating your ensuite. Consider the following scenario:

• Budget bathroom tiles range from around $30 to $55 per square metre, while premium tiles can cost around $165 per square metre.
• According to the Home Design Directory, a simple toilet can cost around $120, a basic one will set you back around $400, while a high-end one can cost up to around $1200. A budget vanity may cost around $120 to $200, whereas a standard vanity costs about $700 to $850, and a luxury vanity costs about $1500 or more.

Other fixtures, like shower screens, basins, taps, exhaust fans, bathroom lights, towel rails, and sinks, may vary in total cost. As a result, it is imperative to do your research to ensure you get the best price for your cost guide. Some fittings may be out of your price range, but with some digging, you can find some great fixtures at a fair price.

If you are on a set or limited budget, you may opt to only polish, clean, and upgrade a few key fixtures in your ensuite instead of replacing them. Typically, investors like spending as little as possible to produce an impressive factor that will aid in selling their property. Those with a large budget may choose to make structural changes, utilise high-end fixtures, and incorporate luxurious features such as underfloor heating.

Overall Cost For An Ensuite Bathroom Renovation

As already mentioned above, you can opt for a budget, mid-range, or luxury bathroom renovation budget for your ensuite. An overall general rule of thumb is to separate the cost of your renovation project into three areas. You might need around $10,000 to $15,000 on a budget ensuite bathroom renovation.

A standard ensuite bathroom will cost between $16,000 to $23,000 if you use mid-range materials, while the cost of a premium ensuite bathroom makeover utilising high-end materials ranges from $23,000 to $36,000.

Budget Ensuite Bathroom Renovation

• Labour cost: Around $8000 to $12000
• Toilet: Around $180
• Tiles: Around $55 per square metre
• Vanity: Around $300
• Basin and taps: Around $200
• Exhaust fan: Approximately $35
• Shower and screen: Around $600
• Lighting: Around $350
• Other accessories: Around $40

Mid-Range Ensuite Bathroom Renovation

• Labour cost: Around $12000 to $20000
• Toilet: Around $450
• Tiles: Around $110 per square metre
• Vanity: Around $650
• Basin and taps: Around $400
• Exhaust fan: Around $50
• Shower and screen: Around $800
• Lighting: Around $450
• Other accessories: Around $120

Luxury Ensuite Bathroom Renovation

• Labour cost: Around $20000 to $25000
• Toilet: Around $450
• Tiles: Around $160 per square metre
• Vanity: Around $1700
• Basin and taps: Around $1200
• Exhaust fan: Around $500
• Shower and screen: Around $1400

Cost Of Demolishing An Ensuite Bathroom

One of the main costs to remodel a bathroom is the removal of tiles. You might need to anticipate paying between $45 and $55 per square metre to a professional for tile removal. A skip rental costs about $360 (for a three-by-three-metre) in addition to tile removal.

You also need to consider some unforeseen costs while renovating your ensuite bathroom, including the presence of asbestos and bugs. They are usually not included in the pricing as they are not visible until removed. If you have asbestos in your ensuite, its removal usually costs an extra $35 to $50 per square metre.

In addition, pests such as rats, mice, termites, and borers may be present in your bathroom. A bug professional will price these separately. A pest examination and correction are essential anywhere concrete is cut or drilled.

The following is the cost of demolition depending on whether it's low-end, average, or high-end:

Low-End Cost

• Vanity removal: Around $40 to $70
• Shower and bathtub removal: Around $70 to $90
• Toilet removal: Around $60 to $90
• Sink removal: Around $30 to $60
• Flooring removal: Around $60 to $100
• Drywall removal: Around $90 to $130

Average Cost

• Vanity removal: Around $70 to $100
• Shower or bathtub removal: Around $90 to $110
• Toilet removal: Around $90 to $110
• Sink removal: Around $60 to $80
• Flooring removal: Around $100 to $130
• Drywall removal: Around $130 to $170

High-End Cost

• Vanity removal: Around $100 to $130  
• Shower or bathtub removal: Around $110 to $140  
• Toilet removal: Around $110 to $160  
• Sink removal: Around $80 to $100  
• Flooring removal: Around $130 to $170  
• Drywall removal: Around $170 to $210

Other Costs Involved

The Cost of Waterproofing

The Law requires bathroom waterproofing, and it must meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standard AS3740. Professional waterproofing will cost about $750 to $900.

The Cost of Tiling

You can divide the cost of tiling during an ensuite renovation into two parts; the price of the tiles and the cost of hiring a tiler. On average, tiles cost between $30 and $55 per square metre, while a tiler may cost between $75 and $120 per square metre. The complexity of the task will also influence the cost.

In addition, bear in mind that the cost of bathroom tiles will vary depending on the following factors:

• The size of the tiles.
• Whether you will use porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, or feature tiles.

Timber flooring can cost around $1300 per square metre, while brick veneer costs around $1500 per square metre.

The Cost of Bathroom Plumbing

Plumbers are necessary to install the bath, shower, toilet, and any additional plumbing. The cost of a professional plumber might range from around $65 to $85 per hour.

The Cost of Bathroom Materials and Fittings

Bathroom materials and fixtures can account for a large portion of the cost of your ensuite renovation. You can research companies to supply the necessary materials and fittings, who work with various bathroom fitting suppliers and benefit from wholesale pricing, which they pass on to their clients.

The Cost of Getting a Building Permit

If you want to start a construction project or remodel your bathroom, you need a permit. Permits are important regulations enforced by state and municipal governments to ensure compliance with building codes. For structural expansions, renovations, and even electrical or plumbing repairs on your home, you will almost always require a building permit.

A permit is required to repair or add a bathroom to your home, which can cost up to $2,000. To pass inspection, you will need a permit for each of these tasks:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Construction
• HVAC

Some municipalities may require individual permits, while others may use a formula depending on the project's square footage. You should be able to include the permit price in the final cost from your contractor, or you can check with your local building department for a list of fees that apply to your project.

Depending on the sheer complexity of your project, you might need to budget for the following expenses:

• An engineer's report: Depending on the sophistication of your project, an engineer's report can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000.
• The council: The council will require you to present a plan. It requires the services of a drafter or a qualified architect and can cost up to $1000 or more.
• Building permit: A building permit could set you back around $700.
• Insurance: If the renovation costs more than $12,000, your contractor may be required to purchase Home Warranty Insurance, which can cost up to $1000.

Necessities To Renovate Your Ensuite Bathroom

Except for professionals skilled with tools (or those with minor DIY skills), your bathroom renovation will almost certainly necessitate the hiring of tradespeople. You will want to know what tradies you need before diving into the cost. For your ensuite bathroom makeover, you will need:

• Plumbers to move the plumbing system and install baths, showers, toilets, and other bathroom utilities.
• An electrician to install new lighting, underfloor heating, exhaust fans, heated towel rails, shower rails, or hot water systems.
• A tiler to waterproof your ensuite and install wall and floor tiles. It is important to remember that having a licensed tiler install waterproofing is now a legal necessity, so make sure you follow the rules in your area. Make sure you understand what each of your tradies can and cannot accomplish. This is because not all waterproofers are tilers, and not all tilers are waterproofers.
• Bathroom cabinets or shelving may necessitate the services of a carpenter. For more upscale designs, you might require the help of a bathroom designer.
• Repainting walls, doors, and ceilings may necessitate the services of a painter.

Cost Of Bathroom Renovation Tradies

Tradies charge varying fees for different services, and they might need payment in different ways. Some tradies charge based on an hourly rate, while others charge per job or square metre, like a tiler. You can determine the amount a tradesperson will charge per hour by several factors, such as the difficulty of the task, location of the renovation job, and accessibility to your house.

The following are the national average hourly rates for several tradies that you might need for your ensuite bathroom renovation:

• Approximately $62.80 per hour for construction and renovations
• Approximately $56.45 per hour for carpentry
• Approximately $75.56 per hour for electrical
• Approximately $42.56 per hour for painting
• Approximately $80.92 per hour for plumbing
• Approximately $44.93 per hour for tiling

Ensuite Bathroom Tradies Should Be Licensed

Renovating your ensuite bathroom will necessitate the services of several professional contractors—for example, an electrician, a plumber, tiler, waterproofer, and a specialised bathroom builder. Keep in mind that all of them need to be licensed so they can do your work.

When it comes to home renovations, make sure you pick the best tradespeople for the job and question them before hiring to ensure that you get value for your money. Below is a list of some of the questions that you can ask them to determine whether they are perfect for the job:

• Do you have a licence and insurance to work here?
• Have you ever worked on a bathroom suite?
• How much time is needed to complete my renovation?
• Is it possible for you to provide a written renovation quote?
• Do you have any references?

Lower Your Ensuite Bathroom Renovation Costs

One of the most important investments you will ever make for your house is renovating your ensuite bathroom. It doesn't generally matter if you want to sell the house, improve it or upgrade the style. Bathroom remodelling can be quite advantageous in the long term.

On the other hand, total renovation can be so costly. As mentioned before, it will entail replacing old tiles, paying for installation, upgrading the plumbing, materials, and fittings, repairing electricals, rubbish removal, and more. Therefore, as a result, you might be thinking about how you can save money while still getting your desired outcome.

It is even better to hire a bathroom designer to go over your bathroom layout and provide you with further cost-cutting tips and ideas. Below are more tips that you can apply to reduce the cost of your ensuite renovation. Is your bathroom really in need of an upgrade, but you are on a limited budget? If so, follow these tips:

Consider Only What Needs a Change

Some ensuites will look fantastic with just a new shower screen, faucets, and a fresh coat of paint, while others might need a complete overhaul.

Opt for DIY Projects

If you trust your DIY skills, this tip will prove helpful. Adding new tapware, shelving, and painting ceilings and walls yourself are DIY projects that can help you save money on your cost calculator.

Look into Alternatives

If you cannot afford to retile your bathroom, consider tile resurfacing, painting, or even laying overlays directly over existing tiles at comparison rates.

Avoid Giving Local Tradies Unnecessary Work

In general, if you want to keep expenses down, you might avoid giving local tradies unnecessary work. For example, if you leave existing plumbing outlets and do not try to move anything, you can save a bunch of money on plumbing. Keep in mind that due to legal restrictions, you will still need a professional waterproofer.

Reach Out To A Reliable Renovation Company

You can avoid the burden of hiring individual trades for your bathroom renovation project by reaching out to a professional renovation company. Reliable bathroom renovation companies work directly with local tradespeople and contract them on your behalf.

The tradespeople who work for these remodelling specialist companies are licensed, have the necessary abilities, use state-of-the-art tools and equipment, and have been trained to perform their duties professionally.

They would provide you a free estimate, assist you in obtaining any necessary permits, remove any old materials and fixtures that would be replaced in your bathroom, and also arrange for waste removal. Because the prices in this article are estimates, keep in mind that they may vary depending on your region and the renovation specialist you select.