
How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A Bathroom NZ – 2020
A Bathroom renovation might seem simple and straight forward. This however is far from the truth. The fact is that a bathroom renovation is the most complex of all renovations due to the number of trades involved in a relatively small space.
Average bathroom renovation cost in Auckland 2020 can only be determined when all the various factors are considered. Trades involved in a bathroom renovation include a designer, demolisher, plumber, electrician, tiler, water proofer, installer, painter, grouter, and plasterer. Imagine managing the above trades within a small space. You can easily understand why organisation and planning is key to a bathroom renovation. Bathroom renovations typically should take about 2-3 weeks to complete if you have a project manager on site managing the trades for you.
Managing the trades on your own comes at a risk of either blowing your budget as you are dealing with so many different companies or extending the timeline of your project. Our first advice would be to get a company that provides project manager as part of their service.
But more on project management later, lets talk about the costs related to bathroom renovations.
Before you renovate your bathroom ask yourself the reason for your renovation and plan from there. Once you have determined the reason for your renovation then we can work out a plan and costs related to them.
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Bathroom in Auckland?
Whether you have lived in the same house for several years or just purchased an older home you may be facing the need to renovate that old bathroom. As most Aucklanders know, renovating a bathroom can be one of the most expensive renovations that can be undertaken. Hence it is only natural that one of the first questions people have when considering renovating their bathroom is What is the average cost of a new bathroom renovation?
However, that is also one of the most difficult questions to answer since renovating a bathroom means different things to different people.
For example, a major bathroom renovation can involve changing the layout of bathroom, purchasing new bathroom appliances, purchasing fixtures, changing flooring, new paint, changing plumbing and electrical work may mean an average cost between $18,000 and $22,000 for a mid-range bathroom (this seems to be the most popular choice)
See further examples of Mid-Range bathrooms
Bathroom and Toilet renovation in Papatoetoe
Rental renovation in Hillsborough
Classic Kitchen and bathroom renovation in West harbour
Bathroom renovation in Greenlane
On the other hand if you are only planning on a new coat of paint and making few other small changes then the average cost of a new bathroom renovation could only run a couple of thousand of dollars.
However, since most bathroom renovations falls somewhere in between the two extremes the average cost of a new bathroom renovation will fall somewhere between these two extremes.

Superior Renovations
How to Figure Out Your Average Cost of a New Bathroom Renovation
While the average cost of a new bathroom renovation can change from job to job and situation to situation, you are probably wondering how much your bathroom renovation is going to cost you. We here at Superior Renovations we have some tips to help you determine the cost of your bathroom renovation.
- Start by determining the purpose of your bathroom renovation. Do you need more space? Does your bathroom need to be modernized to fit with the décor of the rest of your home? Once you determine your purpose you will have a clearer idea of what you will need to accomplish your goal.
- Make a list of everything you need to remodel such as fixtures, lighting, paint, tiles, cabinetry, flooring and more.
- Figure in the cost of hiring people to do the renovation.
Keep in mind that you can do the bigger projects of your bathroom renovation first and then add in some of the smaller details to help you spread out the cost of that renovation job.
Why do you need to renovate your bathroom?
Having a plan will ensure that you are spending your money at the right places.
Different families have different needs to renovate a bathroom. The fittings they choose and the choice between a bathtub or shower or both will be determined by your reason to renovate.
1. A young family
A young family has very different needs compared to a mature family with older kids. If you have a toddler or a new baby on the way and there is no bathtub in your bathroom then it would be a wise choice to include a bathtub for your renovation.
Read more…
Bathroom renovation for a young family
2. Growing family/Increase convenience
A growing family might mean that you need more space for adults to live comfortably in the house. This could either mean creating a separate toilet or dividing one en-suite into a toilet and a bathroom. If you have space in your home, then you can add an entire bathroom to increase convenience.
Read more…
Bathroom renovation in Avondale for a growing 3 generational family
3. Adding Value for Re-sale
We advise clients to not over capitalise if you are looking at adding value before a sale or renting your home. Renters and buyers alike prefer homes where they do not have to renovate. They want homes that are updated with little or no need of repairs.
Generally speaking, bathroom renovations add $1.50 for every $1 spent. People looking at selling their home should look at using simple yet updated products and fixtures. There is no need to buy a designer sink costing you $3000 if you are selling as that will not yield any return on investment.
Read more…
Bathroom renovation in St Heliers to Add value to sell
4. Improving quality of living/Adding a luxury bathroom
If you are renovating with the idea of adding comfort and a bit of luxury, then overcapitalising is not a bad idea at all. You can opt for a Wet room style bathroom if you have a small space, create a spa like feel or even splurge on that $3000 sink. The possibilities are endless depending on your budget.
Read more…
Luxury Bathroom in Avondale for a growing family
Tips for Reducing the Average Cost of A New Bathroom Renovation
You also need to keep in mind that the average cost of A new bathroom renovation is just an estimate. However, there are some ways to reduces the costs of your bathroom renovation including:
- Your Bathroom Cabinets- Instead of replacing those bathroom cabinets consider restaining them or painting them in a new modern color. You can also refinish your bathtub and sink and give it a new bright look.
- Go for New Faucets and Handles Instead of All New Bathroom Appliances- Many times simply changing your sink and bath tub handles and faucets is enough to give your bathroom a more modern look.
- Go Lighter- You don’t have to actually enlarge your bathroom to make it look spacious. In fact painting your bathroom in a lighter yellow or beige can make it look spacious without breaking down a wall.
Whether you want a complete bathroom renovation or just want to give your bathroom a new face lift then give us a call at 0800-199-888 between the hours of 9 and 5 and we will be happy to be of assistance.

Superior Renovations
Average cost to replace shower NZ
An average replacement shower costs can be between $1,150 to $8,850, depending on the size and features you want. You might pay as little as $1,150 to install a new acrylic shower box – while tiled showers are a more luxurious option they are harder to clean, so those who are time poor may prefer to go for the easy clean acrylic option. If you need to add plumbing or you want to use expensive materials, the total will run higher, particularly if you’re wanting to do a full re-tile.
Unit Parts |
Cost of Labour and Materials |
Acrylic Shower Box | $700 – $1,600 |
Custom Shower | $1,200 – $3,200 |
Shower Glass Door | $800 – $2,000 |
New Faucet | $100 – $1,200 |
Adding Plumbing | $700 – $1,800 |
Cost to Install Tile Shower
Tile showers are on the higher range and it is reflected in the price, installing a new tile shower runs $1,550 to $8,250. If you only need to replace the wall and floor materials, the cost to retile a shower ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 which doesn’t include waterproofing costs. It offers more options in terms of colour, pattern and design. Well-designed tiled walls can look stunning.
Ceramic tiles are around $25 per square metre. Natural stone and other high-end options can go up to $75 per square metre.
Costs to Replace a Shower |
|
Remove Old Unit | $100 – $200 |
Haul Away Debris | $200 – $400 |
Prepare Surface | $400 – $900 |
New Shower | $850 – $6,750 |
Total | $1,550 – $8,250 |
Average Toilet Renovation Cost
Most homes in Auckland have a separate and often neglected toilet. Usually the space is small, there is the old style discoloured Vinyl flooring and an a toilet hardly to be proud of. If you are renovating your bathroom then this would be a good time to consider renovating your toilet as well. This would save you time as both the bathroom and toilet can be renovated side by side. Generally it works out cheaper if the toilet renovation is done together with the bathroom renovation so there is no double up in labour/resources and product.
This includes removing all fixtures, toilet, basin (if any) and accessories in the bathroom before re-tiling. It takes about 5-10 or so working days per toilet, and new accessories have to be purchased prior to commencement.
Below is a rough toilet renovation price and job scope as a guide.
Tiling Works
- Supply & Overlay Wall Tiles To Ceiling Height — $1900-$3150 (Depending on Size and Complexity)
- Supply & Overlay Floor Tiles For Toilet — $800 – $1000
Plumbing Works
- Supply & Install 01 Set Toilet Bowl & Bidet Spray For Toilet — $520 – $850 (Depending on Model)
- Supply & Install 01 set Wash Basin w/ Tap — $250 – $420 (Depending on Model)
- Supply & Replace Stainless Steel Piping for Toilet — $450 – $800 (Depending on Hot/Cold)
Haulage & Disposal
- Haulage & Disposal of Debris Generated — $350 – $600
Items To Purchase
- Purchase of New Toilet & Accessories for the Toilet Renovation — $200 to $300 and above
Estimated Toilet Renovation Cost: $6xxx.xx and up for full toilet renovation overlay job
Estimated Turnaround: 5-6 Working Days
How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom – NZ average
Pricing guide for 2020
Once you know your exact reason to renovate then you can start planning your budget for your renovation. If you are carrying out your renovation through a renovation company then your renovation would include demolition, supplying of products and fixtures, installation, water proofing, flooring, painting and most importantly project management.
Type of Bathroom Renovation | Average Bathroom Renovation Cost |
Standard Bathroom Minor Alterations (Not Demolishing Everything)
If you’d like to keep the cost of your bathroom renovation on the low side or at least lower than the average cost, you have options. Instead of completely rearranging the bathroom, it’s less expensive to leave the sink, bathtub, shower and toilet where they are. Simply swap the older models for newer, updated versions. |
$8,000 – $13,000 |
Mid Range Bathroom Renovation
Renovating a bathroom has several benefits for the homeowner, aside from making the room look better and improving its function. Adding another sink to a master bathroom, improving the lighting and making the shower function better are a few examples of bathroom updates that pay off in the long run. |
$18,000 – $22,000 |
Custom Bathroom Renovation (high-end)
If you have a bit more to spend, you can upgrade your renovation in a few ways. One option is to get higher-quality, custom countertops, such as quartz or custom-cut granite. Also, you may want to invest in higher-quality fixtures, such as faucets made of bronze or copper and solid wood, glazed cabinets. |
$23,000 – $26,000 + |
Example’s of completed bathroom renovations
Completed by Superior Renovations
Featured Projects (Mid Range to Luxury)
Classic Style Bathroom in West Harbour
An ensuite and a separate toilet were fully renovated to make them more modern and stylish. Materials and fixtures used were mainly from our mid-range products with some luxury items as well see full specifications
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Todd Chandler’s Bathroom renovation in St Heliers
We renovated Todd’s 3 leaky bathrooms in a contemporary style with wooden looking tiles and cabinets. The wooden looking tiles against the white fixtures made the bathroom look spacious and modern. See project specifications
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Full home renovation in Avondale
We renovated two bathrooms and created a third one in a spare space in the house. Our clients wanted to go with a neutral theme for the bathrooms but the tiles were the real star of the show. see full project specifications
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Mary Stuart’s Spanish style bathroom with Mosaic tiles
Mary’s kitchen and bathroom in Stanmore Bay was renovated by keeping the design of Spanish Villa’s in mind. The bathroom was painted Blue with Mosaic tiles as feature on the walls. A brass sink and tap-ware added to the feel of a Spanish rustic villa see project specifications.
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To summarise
How much does it cost to replace a shower NZ?
An average replacement shower costs can be between $1,150 to $8,850
What is the cost to install a tile shower?
Tile showers are on the higher range and it is reflected in the price, installing a new tile shower runs $1,550 to $8,250
How much does it cost to renovate a toilet only?
The average cost to renovate a toilet in NZ is around $6,000 which includes products, installation, plumbing, and labour.
How much does a full bathroom (mid-range) renovation cost?
A major bathroom renovation can involve changing the layout of bathroom, purchasing new bathroom appliances, purchasing fixtures, changing flooring, new paint, changing plumbing and electrical work may mean an an average cost between $18,000 and $22,000 for a mid-range bathroom.
Need more information?
Take advantage of our FREE Complete Home Renovation Guide (48 pages), whether you’re already renovating or in the process of deciding to renovate, it’s not an easy process, this guide which includes a free 100+ point check list – will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Download Free Renovation Guide (PDF)
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Or call us on 0800 199 888
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It’s actually a great and helpful article especially while i’m still considering to renovate my bathroom. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Elizabeth!