Bathroom renovations with Rentoule Projects in Canberra start at $35,000 for a small bathroom or ensuite (compact footprint, roughly 3 to 6sqm), and $45,000 for a full main bathroom (family bathroom, roughly 8 to 12sqm). Premium finishes and layout changes move up from there. Luxury architect-led bathrooms with bespoke stone and structural work start at $150,000+. Where your project lands depends on the bathroom size and layout, tile choices, tapware quality, joinery, and how many premium options you select. This guide splits Canberra bathroom costs into two realistic tables and then lists the premium options that push a starter build into the premium and luxury bands.
The Canberra bathroom renovation market at a glance
Bathroom renovations in Canberra span a wide market. Broadly, the tiers look like this:
- Cosmetic refresh ($6k to $18k): new tapware, mirror, vanity swap, paint. Tiles and layout stay. Usually a handyman or DIY job.
- Budget partial reno ($18k to $35k): new vanity and toilet, retile floor and walls, keep the layout. Common for rental properties and cost-driven owners.
- Small bathroom or ensuite, custom ($35k to $65k): full strip-out of a compact bathroom or ensuite, larger-format tiles, frameless screen, quality tapware, custom vanity, proper waterproofing to AS 3740. Where a lot of Canberra ensuite and second-bathroom projects land.
- Full main bathroom, custom ($45k to $70k): full strip-out of a larger family bathroom, standard drop-in bath, single-basin semi-custom vanity, standard frameless shower screen, chrome or matte black Caroma-grade tapware, existing window and layout kept. The realistic starter for a builder-delivered main bathroom.
- Premium full main bathroom ($70k to $130k): custom joinery vanity, freestanding or corner bath, brushed brass or nickel tapware, feature or full-slab tiling, undertile heating, new window if replacing, minor layout adjustments. Where most Canberra main-bathroom renovations sit once premium options are selected.
- Luxury / architect-led ($150k+): bespoke stone, structural layout changes, imported fixtures, wet-room feature, freestanding stone bath, architect involvement.
Rentoule Projects starts at the small bathroom or ensuite custom tier and works up through full main bathroom, premium and luxury. We don't do cosmetic refreshes or budget partial renos. If your project sits under $35,000, you're better served by a bathroom specialist or a handyman. From $35,000 up is our sweet spot: fixed-price contracts, proper waterproofing certified to AS 3740, quality tiling, and me personally across every project.
The rest of this guide gives you two separate cost tables, one for small bathrooms and ensuites and one for full main bathrooms, followed by a list of premium options that lift a starter build into the premium and luxury bands. Numbers reflect Rentoule Projects fixed-price quotes issued in 2026.
Small bathroom or ensuite cost breakdown: 2026 Canberra pricing
This table covers compact bathrooms and ensuites, roughly 3 to 6sqm, with a shower (bath optional), a single vanity, and one window. It assumes a full strip-out back to studs, proper waterproofing certified to AS 3740, tiling floor and walls, and a real builder-managed process with insurance, temporary services and a certified handover. Ranges are Rentoule Projects delivered 2026 numbers.
| Cost Item | Custom small bathroom or ensuite (from $35k) | Premium small bathroom or ensuite ($55k to $95k) | Luxury small bathroom or ensuite ($95k+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-construction, insurance, HSE, temporary services | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,500–$5,500 | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Demolition & strip-out | $3,000–$5,500 | $4,500–$8,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Waterproofing (AS 3740 compliant) | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$6,000 |
| Tiling - supply & installation (roughly 15–25sqm) | $7,000–$12,000 (larger-format porcelain) | $11,000–$18,000 (feature stone or full-height tile) | $18,000–$32,000+ (bookmatched stone or slab) |
| Plumbing - rough-in & fit-off | $5,000–$7,000 | $6,500–$9,000 | $9,000–$14,000 |
| Electrical (lighting, fan/Tastic, heated floor circuit) | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,000–$5,000 | $5,000–$8,500 |
| Vanity (wall-hung, single basin) | $2,500–$5,500 (custom joinery, stone top) | $5,500–$9,000 (custom joinery, feature stone) | $9,000–$15,000+ (bespoke joinery, natural stone top) |
| Toilet suite | $900–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,800 | $2,800–$5,500 |
| Tapware (shower, basin, bath if applicable) | $1,500–$3,000 (Caroma or equivalent chrome) | $3,000–$5,500 (brushed brass or nickel) | $5,500–$10,000+ (imported luxury) |
| Shower screen / frameless glass | $1,500–$2,500 (frameless) | $2,500–$4,500 (frameless with premium fittings) | $4,500–$8,000 (oversized or curved frameless) |
| Bath (if included) | $1,200–$3,500 (built-in or freestanding acrylic) | $3,500–$6,500 (freestanding stone-look composite) | $6,500–$14,000+ (freestanding natural stone or imported) |
| Undertile heating (mat + thermostat) | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$6,500 |
| Joinery, doors, trim, plaster, paint, window (if replacing) | $4,000–$8,000 | $7,000–$12,000 | $11,000–$18,000 |
| Builder management, completion & certification | $3,500–$5,500 | $5,000–$8,500 | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Total estimate | $35,000–$55,000 (compact, standard finishes) | $55,000–$95,000 (higher fixtures, feature tiling, bath included) | $95,000–$150,000+ (custom joinery, stone, imported fixtures) |
Prices are indicative 2026 ranges for a 3 to 6sqm Canberra bathroom or ensuite. Moving plumbing fixtures to new locations adds $3,000–$8,000 to the plumbing line item. Asbestos removal (common in pre-1990 Canberra bathrooms) is an additional $4,000–$8,000 site allowance. Always obtain a fixed-price quote from a licensed builder.
Full main bathroom cost breakdown: 2026 Canberra pricing
This table covers a full-size main or family bathroom, roughly 8 to 12sqm, with a walk-in shower and a bath, single-basin vanity, and one window. The custom column reflects a starter build (existing layout, standard drop-in bath, semi-custom single vanity, chrome or matte black Caroma-grade tapware, no undertile heating). Premium and luxury columns reflect what happens when several of the premium options (listed further down) get added. Ranges are Rentoule Projects delivered 2026 numbers.
| Cost Item | Custom full main bathroom (from $45k) | Premium full main bathroom ($70k to $130k) | Luxury / architect-led ($150k+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-construction, insurance, HSE, temporary services | $2,500–$4,500 | $4,500–$7,500 | $7,000–$12,000 |
| Demolition & strip-out | $3,500–$6,500 | $6,500–$12,000 | $11,000–$20,000 |
| Waterproofing (AS 3740 compliant) | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$6,000 | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Tiling - supply & installation (roughly 25–40sqm) | $9,000–$15,000 (larger-format porcelain, floor-to-ceiling in the wet zone) | $15,000–$28,000 (floor-to-ceiling throughout, feature tile, larger format or micro cement) | $28,000–$55,000+ (bookmatched natural stone or slab) |
| Plumbing - rough-in & fit-off | $5,000–$7,500 | $7,500–$12,000 | $12,000–$20,000 |
| Electrical (lighting, fan, powerpoints) | $2,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$6,500 | $6,500–$12,000 |
| Vanity (semi-custom to fully bespoke) | $2,500–$5,000 (semi-custom, single basin, stone top) | $5,000–$14,000 (custom joinery, single or double, feature stone) | $14,000–$28,000+ (bespoke joinery, natural stone slab) |
| Toilet suite | $900–$1,800 (standard suite) | $1,800–$4,000 (wall-hung with concealed cistern) | $4,000–$8,000+ |
| Tapware (shower, basin, bath) | $1,500–$3,000 (Caroma or equivalent chrome/black) | $3,000–$7,500 (brushed brass or brushed nickel) | $7,500–$15,000+ (imported luxury) |
| Shower screen / frameless glass | $1,800–$3,000 (standard frameless) | $3,000–$6,000 (frameless with fixed return, premium fittings) | $6,000–$12,000 (oversized, curved or wet-room glazing) |
| Bath | $1,200–$2,500 (standard built-in drop-in acrylic) | $2,500–$8,000 (freestanding or corner feature bath) | $8,000–$18,000+ (freestanding natural stone or imported) |
| Joinery, doors, trim, plaster, paint (window kept) | $4,000–$7,000 | $7,000–$14,000 (includes new window if replacing) | $14,000–$26,000 |
| Builder management, completion & certification | $4,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$11,000 | $11,000–$18,000 |
| Total estimate | $45,000–$70,000 (existing layout, standard drop-in bath, single vanity, no undertile heating) | $70,000–$130,000 (multiple premium options selected, minor layout adjustments) | $150,000–$250,000+ (structural changes, imported fixtures, bespoke stone) |
Prices are indicative 2026 ranges for an 8 to 12sqm Canberra main or family bathroom. Asbestos removal (common in pre-1990 Canberra bathrooms) is an additional $4,000–$8,000 site allowance. Always obtain a fixed-price quote from a licensed builder.
Premium options that push the price up
The starter numbers above cover a standard mid-range specification: existing layout, drop-in bath, semi-custom single vanity, chrome or matte black Caroma-grade tapware, and floor-to-ceiling tiling in the wet zone with skirting-height elsewhere. Below are the options I quote most often that push a project into the premium and luxury bands. None are strictly required. Ticking a handful of them turns a $45,000 starter into a $70,000 to $95,000 build. That is the honest reason the same 8sqm room can price so differently across two quotes.
Fittings and fixtures
- Custom joinery double-basin vanity in place of a semi-custom single
- Freestanding acrylic or composite bath in place of a built-in drop-in
- Corner or feature bath (like the Caroma Urbane II 1700 corner bath)
- Brushed brass, unlacquered brass or brushed nickel tapware in place of chrome
- Wall-hung toilet with concealed cistern in place of a standard suite
- Bidet or additional tapware set
- LED backlit mirror in place of a standard mirror
- Feature or architectural lighting on top of standard downlights
Tiles and finishes
Floor-to-ceiling tiling in the wet zone is standard on almost every Canberra bathroom we deliver. The premium options here are what happens to the rest of the room and the tile selection itself.
- Feature tiling: KitKat, mosaic, subway or other smaller-format tiles
- Super large-format porcelain (1200x2400mm slabs or larger)
- Micro cement finish in place of tiling
- Feature stone accent wall or shower niche cladding
- Bookmatched natural stone
- Full-height tiling to every wall (including outside the wet zone)
Comfort and utility
- Wet room design (open shower and bath, no enclosed shower screen). More complex waterproofing detailing lifts the tanking cost.
- Undertile heating with thermostat
- Oversized or curved frameless glazing
- Cavity slider door in place of a hinged door
Layout, structure and site
- Fixture relocation (moving shower, bath or toilet to a new position)
- New window opening in place of keeping the existing window
- Structural wall removal to expand the footprint
- Asbestos removal allowance (a common site allowance in pre-1990 Canberra homes)
What you get at each price point
Custom small bathroom or ensuite: $35,000–$55,000
This is the floor of what we deliver. Compact footprint (3 to 6sqm), complete strip-out back to studs, fresh waterproofing certified to AS 3740, larger-format tiles (600x600mm or 600x1200mm) from a quality range, a wall-hung single-basin vanity with a stone or engineered stone top, quality Caroma-grade tapware in chrome or matte black, a fully frameless shower screen, proper ventilation and lighting, and a heated floor mat in most builds. The plumbing layout typically stays in the same general positions to keep the budget tight, but everything you can see and touch is renewed. A bath, if included, is a standard built-in acrylic. This is the tier Cindy from Kambah described: "Their professionalism, communication and attention to detail were truly a breath of fresh air."
Premium small bathroom or ensuite: $55,000–$95,000
Same size footprint, meaningfully lifted finish. Same quality of strip-out and waterproofing, but with material and joinery upgrades: full-height tiling, larger-format porcelain or feature stone, a semi-custom or custom joinery vanity with stone top and integrated lighting, designer tapware (matte black, brushed brass or brushed nickel), frameless shower screen with a fixed return panel, undertile heating across the full floor, a freestanding acrylic or composite bath where included, and the option to relocate one or two fixtures within the room. This is the range where a lot of Canberra ensuites (including the recent Chantelle ensuite job at $79,600) actually land once the client sees the difference the finish tier makes.
Custom full main bathroom: $45,000–$70,000
This is the honest starter point for a full main bathroom. 8 to 12sqm, existing layout kept, existing window kept. A walk-in shower with standard frameless screen, a built-in drop-in acrylic bath, a semi-custom single-basin vanity with stone top, and chrome or matte black Caroma-grade tapware throughout. Floor-to-ceiling tiling in the wet zone with larger-format porcelain, skirting-height tiling on the dry walls. Standard Tastic, downlights, no undertile heating, no fixture relocations. Everything is fresh, everything is delivered by a licensed builder with fixed-price contract and proper waterproofing to AS 3740. If you're happy to keep the layout and let the fixture and finish choices carry the design, this is a strong, honest tier.
Premium full main bathroom: $70,000–$130,000
Where most of our main-bathroom work sits once premium options come into play. Custom joinery single or double vanity with stone top, freestanding or corner feature bath, brushed brass or brushed nickel tapware, feature or large-format tiling (or micro cement), undertile heating, wall-hung toilet with concealed cistern, and often one or two fixture relocations to a more considered layout. A new window if the existing one is not right. This is Rentoule Projects delivered work at the level most Canberra owners are targeting when they engage a builder rather than a bathroom specialist. The Chantelle ensuite in Q1144 at $79,600 (with a corner bath, double-basin custom vanity, undertile heating, new window and feature lighting) sits in this band.
Luxury / architect-led bathroom: $150,000+
Luxury bathrooms in Canberra are defined by materials, detail, and proportion. Expect: full-height bookmatched stone or porcelain slabs, a freestanding natural stone bath (budget $9,000–$18,000+ for the fixture alone), brushed brass or unlacquered brass tapware, a fully bespoke joinery vanity with integrated lighting, a wet-room shower with linear drain, undertile heating across the full floor, motorised or sensor-operated lighting and exhaust, and often structural layout changes to expand the footprint. If you are weighing up who to trust with a fitout at this level, our guide on choosing the right Canberra builder covers what to look for beyond the quote.
2026 Bathroom Trends in Canberra
Canberra's renovation market reflects a sophisticated, design-conscious clientele. The trends we're seeing most frequently in premium renovation briefs in 2026 include:
| Trend | Description | Typical Cost Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Large-format stone-look porcelain | 800x1600mm or 1200x2400mm slabs for minimal grout lines | +$4,000–$12,000 vs standard tiles |
| Freestanding bath | Oval or rectangular stone resin or acrylic baths as a focal point | +$3,000–$14,000 over built-in bath |
| Brushed brass tapware | Warm metallic finish replacing chrome as the premium choice | +$1,500–$5,000 over chrome |
| Wet room / walk-in shower | Fully tiled with linear drain, no screen or kerb | +$2,000–$5,000 (waterproofing complexity) |
| Heated flooring | Electric mat under tiles, essential for Canberra winters | +$1,500–$3,500 depending on area |
| Wall-hung toilet concealed cistern | Cistern behind tile-faced panel; cleaner aesthetic | +$800–$2,000 over standard suite |
| Integrated LED mirror / medicine cabinet | Backlit or front-lit mirror with built-in storage | +$800–$3,000 over standard mirror |
Common Mistakes That Blow the Budget
1. Inadequate Waterproofing
Waterproofing is the most important - and often most under-specified - part of a bathroom renovation. Under AS 3740, all wet areas must be waterproofed with a minimum two-coat system applied to floors and walls to a specified height. Skimping here to save $500–$1,000 is the single most reliable way to create a $20,000–$80,000 problem over the next 5–10 years. Water ingress through substandard waterproofing causes timber floor frame rot, structural damage, and mould - all of which require complete bathroom demolition and remediation to fix properly.
2. Selecting Tiles Before Confirming Fixture Sizes
A very common mistake: the homeowner falls in love with a 600x1200mm tile, purchases it, and then discovers that the shower recess is 900mm wide - meaning every tile row requires a cut. This wastes material (typically 15–20% extra) and significantly increases the tiler's labour charge. Always confirm shower, niche, and vanity dimensions before specifying tile format.
3. Underestimating Ventilation Requirements
Canberra's cold climate makes bathroom condensation a serious problem. An undersized or poorly located exhaust fan leads to persistent moisture, mould, and deterioration of finishes. The exhaust fan must be sized correctly for the bathroom volume (in litres per second) and ducted externally - not into the roof cavity. Budget for a quality timer-controlled fan, not the cheapest unit available.
4. Not Budgeting for the Contingency
Once walls and floors are opened, hidden problems are frequently discovered: cracked drain pipes, rotted wall framing, mould in the wall cavity, asbestos-containing texture coat or vinyl tiles (common in pre-1990 Canberra homes). Always hold back a 10–15% contingency on your bathroom budget. It is rare for a bathroom renovation in an older Canberra home to not require at least some unforeseen additional work.
The Renovation Process: Week-by-Week Timeline
Jeff's Builder Tips for Bathroom Renovations
"The most common regret I see after a bathroom renovation is skimping on waterproofing or using a cheap tiler. A bathroom is one of the few rooms in your house where the quality of the hidden work matters as much as the visible finish. If your waterproofing fails in year three, you don't just replace the waterproofing - you demolish the entire bathroom and start again. I'd rather have a client spend $3,000 less on tapware and $3,000 more on a qualified tiler with a track record of proper waterproofing than the reverse." - Jeff Rentoule, Director & Licensed Builder, Rentoule Projects
Additional practical tips for Canberra bathroom renovations:
- Source your own fixtures early. Lead times on premium tapware, bespoke vanities, and imported tiles can be 8–16 weeks. Order before demolition starts so materials are on site when needed.
- Add a niche or two during tiling. Recessed wall niches for shampoo and soap add minimal cost during construction (framing and tiling while on site) but are expensive to retrofit. Specify at least one large niche in every shower.
- Size the vanity correctly. In Canberra's narrower older bathrooms (often 1.5–1.8m wide), a 1500mm vanity will dominate the space. Have your builder measure the room carefully before specifying - a well-proportioned 900mm vanity will look better and cost less than an ill-fitting double.
- Consider the resale market. If renovating to sell, go neutral on tile and tapware colour choices. What appeals to you personally may limit your buyer pool. Mid-grey tiles, brushed nickel or matte black tapware, and white joinery have broad appeal in the Canberra market.
Planning to renovate more than just the bathroom? See our full guide to home renovation costs in Canberra for a whole-home cost overview, or our kitchen renovation cost guide if you're considering tackling both rooms at once.
Preparing for your Rentoule Projects quote
If you have looked at other cost guides or had quotes from other builders, here is what shapes ours. Every project is fixed-price after a detailed scope. Every quote is itemised. Every trade on site is one we have worked with for years. Jeff is personally across every project. That model carries a small premium over a stripped-back quote with subcontractor uncertainty, but it removes the surprises that turn fixed-price into not-so-fixed mid-build.
Where competing quotes come in materially lower, it is worth asking the comparison questions: which trades are sub-contracted and to whom, what waterproofing certification you receive, what the contingency provision covers, how variations are priced, and what happens when something unexpected appears on site. Sometimes a cheaper quote is genuinely better value for a tighter scope. Sometimes it is cheap because it excludes things that come back as variations later.
If your scope is smaller or simpler than the typical projects shown here, the number can come down. If the scope is more complex, structural or fully custom, the number will be higher. The only number that matters in the end is the one on your fixed-price contract, and we will not put pen to paper until you have full visibility on every line item. The starting point is a conversation, not a price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Canberra in 2026?
A complete strip-out bathroom renovation with Rentoule Projects starts from $35,000–$55,000 for a custom small bathroom or ensuite (3 to 6sqm), and $45,000–$70,000 for a custom full main bathroom (8 to 12sqm) in 2026. Premium main bathrooms (with premium fittings, feature tiling, undertile heating and layout adjustments) run $70,000–$130,000, and luxury / architect-led work with bespoke stone and structural changes starts at $150,000+. Where your project lands depends on how many premium options you select. Use these as a realistic starting point for the conversation.
How long does a bathroom renovation take in Canberra?
A typical Canberra bathroom renovation takes 3–5 weeks from demolition to completion. Week 1 covers demo and rough-in plumbing. Week 2 is waterproofing (minimum 24–48 hours cure required by AS 3740). Weeks 3–4 cover tiling and fit-off. Week 5 handles final fixtures, screens, and finishing. Complex or larger bathrooms may take 6–8 weeks.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Labour is consistently the largest cost, representing 40–50% of total project cost. Within materials, tiling (supply and installation) is typically the biggest single line item, followed by the shower screen, vanity, and tapware. Moving plumbing fixtures to new locations adds $3,000–$8,000 to the plumbing component and is the most common cause of budget blowouts.
Do I need a building permit to renovate my bathroom in Canberra?
Like-for-like bathroom renovations that don't move fixtures or alter the structure are generally exempt from DA in the ACT. However, a licensed plumber and licensed electrician must complete their respective works and issue compliance certificates. Moving a toilet, shower, or bath to a new location may require engagement of an ACT building certifier.
Is it worth renovating a bathroom before selling in Canberra?
A well-executed bathroom renovation typically returns $1.50–$2.50 for every $1 spent in a buoyant Canberra market. A $45,000 custom small bathroom or ensuite Rentoule Projects renovation can add $70,000–$110,000 to a home's selling price in most established Canberra suburbs. Return depends on the renovation quality, suburb, and current market conditions, so consult a local real estate agent and your builder before proceeding.
What are the most common bathroom renovation mistakes in Canberra?
The costliest mistakes are: inadequate waterproofing (leading cause of long-term defect claims); changing the plumbing layout after demolition begins (adds $3,000–$8,000); selecting tiles before confirming fixture dimensions; underestimating Canberra's ventilation requirements; and not holding a 10–15% contingency for hidden issues in pre-1990 homes such as asbestos vinyl tiles or rotted framing.