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Bathroom Renovation Cost NZ: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
Bathroom Renovation Cost NZ: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
Planning a bathroom renovation in Franklin, Auckland, or anywhere in NZ? This guide breaks down real costs for budget, mid-range, and luxury bathroom renovations in 2026.
Bathroom Renovation Costs in NZ (2026)
Waiuku: out with the tired fixture, in with a solid replacement — small renovation, big daily difference.
Cost by Renovation Level
| Level | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget refresh | $5,000 - $10,000 | Paint, fixtures, vanity swap |
| Standard renovation | $15,000 - $25,000 | Full strip-out, new everything |
| Mid-range renovation | $25,000 - $40,000 | Quality fixtures, tiling, layout change |
| Luxury renovation | $40,000 - $70,000+ | Premium finishes, freestanding bath, double vanity |
Cost Breakdown by Trade
| Trade | Budget | Standard | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | $2,000 - $4,000 | $4,000 - $6,000 | $6,000 - $10,000 | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| Electrical | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Tiling | $1,500 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Painting | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $1,500 - $3,000 | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Building work | $0 - $1,000 | $2,000 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Fixtures & fittings | $1,000 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $6,000 | $6,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $25,000 |
| Project management | $0 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $5,000 |
Budget Bathroom Refresh ($5,000 - $10,000)
What you get:
- New vanity unit (standard size)
- New taps and showerhead
- Fresh paint (walls and ceiling)
- New mirror and accessories
- Re-grouting tiles (if needed)
What's NOT included:
- No layout changes
- No plumbing relocations
- No new tiling
- No electrical work
Best for: Rental properties, quick refresh before selling
Standard Bathroom Renovation ($15,000 - $25,000)
What you get:
- Full strip-out of existing bathroom
- New plumbing (relocating if needed)
- New wall and floor tiles
- New vanity, toilet, shower/bath
- New lighting and ventilation
- Waterproofing
- Project management
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
Best for: Family bathrooms, main ensuite
Mid-Range Bathroom Renovation ($25,000 - $40,000)
What you get:
- Everything in standard, plus:
- Quality fixtures (Methven, Grohe, Caroma)
- Larger format tiles
- Frameless glass shower
- Heated towel rails
- Underfloor heating (optional)
- Custom vanity
- Better lighting design
Timeline: 3-4 weeks
Best for: Homeowners who want quality finishes
Luxury Bathroom Renovation ($40,000 - $70,000+)
What you get:
- Everything in mid-range, plus:
- Freestanding bath
- Double vanity
- Rain shower with body jets
- Premium tiles (natural stone, large format)
- Custom joinery
- Smart toilet (heated seat, bidet)
- Designer lighting
- Underfloor heating
- Skylight (if applicable)
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Best for: Master ensuites, high-end homes
Bathroom Fixture Costs
Vanity Units
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-hung (600mm) | $400 - $800 | Space-saving, modern |
| Floor-standing (900mm) | $600 - $1,200 | Traditional, more storage |
| Double vanity (1200mm) | $1,200 - $3,000 | Shared bathrooms |
| Custom joinery | $2,000 - $5,000 | Bespoke design |
Toilets
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Close-coupled | $300 - $600 | Standard, budget-friendly |
| Back-to-wall | $500 - $1,000 | Cleaner look |
| Wall-hung | $800 - $1,500 | Space-saving, premium |
| Smart toilet | $2,000 - $5,000 | Heated seat, bidet, auto-flush |
Showers
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shower over bath | $800 - $1,500 | Space-saving |
| Recess shower (900×900) | $1,500 - $3,000 | Standard size |
| Walk-in shower | $3,000 - $6,000 | Frameless glass |
| Double shower | $5,000 - $10,000 | Luxury, two heads |
Baths
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard inset (1700mm) | $600 - $1,200 | Budget-friendly |
| Freestanding (1700mm) | $1,500 - $4,000 | Statement piece |
| Freestanding (premium) | $4,000 - $10,000 | Designer brands |
| Spa bath | $3,000 - $8,000 | Jets, heated |
Tiling Costs
Tile Prices (per m²)
| Tile Type | Cost per m² | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $30 - $60 | Budget, walls |
| Porcelain | $50 - $120 | Floors, durability |
| Natural stone | $100 - $300 | Luxury, feature walls |
| Mosaic | $80 - $200 | Feature walls, niches |
| Large format (600×1200) | $80 - $200 | Modern, less grout |
Tiling Labor
- Standard tiles: $60 - $80/m²
- Large format: $80 - $120/m²
- Natural stone: $100 - $150/m²
- Mosaic: $120 - $180/m²
Waterproofing
- Shower area: $500 - $1,000
- Full bathroom floor: $800 - $1,500
- Wet area (floor + walls): $1,200 - $2,000
Plumbing Costs
Relocating Fixtures
| Fixture | Cost to Move |
|---|---|
| Toilet | $500 - $1,500 |
| Basin | $300 - $800 |
| Shower | $400 - $1,000 |
| Bath | $600 - $1,500 |
New Plumbing
- Hot water cylinder replacement: $1,500 - $3,000
- New waste pipes: $500 - $1,500
- Mixer taps: $200 - $500 each
- Shower mixer: $300 - $800
Electrical Costs
- New lighting (downlights): $200 - $400 each
- Heated towel rails: $300 - $600 (supply + install)
- Underfloor heating: $1,500 - $3,000
- Extractor fan: $400 - $800
- Power points (shavers, hairdryer): $150 - $300 each
Do You Need Building Consent?
When You DON'T Need Consent
- Replacing fixtures in the same location
- New tiles, paint, vanity
- No structural changes
- No new wet areas
When You DO Need Consent
- Moving plumbing to a new room
- Structural changes (removing walls)
- New bathroom in a different location
- Changes to external walls (new windows)
Bathroom Renovation Timeline
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & design | 1-2 weeks | Layout, fixture selection, quotes |
| Ordering | 1-3 weeks | Tiles, fixtures, vanity delivery |
| Strip-out | 1-2 days | Remove existing bathroom |
| Plumbing rough-in | 2-3 days | New pipes, waste, water |
| Electrical rough-in | 1-2 days | Wiring for lights, heating |
| Waterproofing | 2-3 days | Membrane application, curing |
| Tiling | 3-5 days | Floor and wall tiles |
| Fixture installation | 2-3 days | Vanity, toilet, shower, bath |
| Painting & finishing | 2-3 days | Paint, silicone, accessories |
| Final inspection | 1 day | Check everything works |
Total: 2-6 weeks depending on scope
Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes
1. Not Planning Storage
- Fix: Plan vanity size, shaving cabinet, niches early
- Cost if missed: $1,000 - $3,000 to add later
2. Poor Ventilation
- Fix: Install extractor fan (not just a window)
- Cost if missed: Mold damage, $2,000 - $5,000 to fix
3. Inadequate Waterproofing
- Fix: Professional waterproofing, 10-year warranty
- Cost if missed: Leaks, structural damage, $10,000+
4. Wrong Tile Size
- Fix: Large tiles = less grout = easier cleaning
- Cost if missed: Visual regret, harder to maintain
5. Forgetting Future Needs
- Fix: Grab rails, step-free shower (ageing in place)
- Cost if missed: Expensive retrofit later
Tips to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation
1. Keep the Layout
- Moving plumbing costs $2,000 - $5,000
- Keep toilet, shower, basin in same spots
2. Mix Fixture Quality
- Splurge on shower (daily use)
- Save on toilet (standard is fine)
- Mid-range vanity (good enough)
3. DIY Where Possible
- Demolition (strip-out): Save $500 - $1,000
- Painting: Save $500 - $1,000
- Cleaning: Save $200 - $400
4. Shop Smart
- Wait for sales (Mitres 10, Plumbing World)
- Buy fixtures yourself (avoid builder markup)
- Consider second-hand vanities (Trade Me)
5. Get 3 Quotes
- Compare like-for-like
- Check references and past work
- Ask about warranties
Related Articles
Get a Free Quote for Your Bathroom Renovation
Solid Foundations Building renovates bathrooms in Franklin, Pukekohe, Papakura, and Waiuku. We handle:
- Full bathroom renovations (design to completion)
- Plumbing and electrical (licensed tradespeople)
- Tiling and waterproofing (certified installers)
- Building consent applications (if needed)
WhatsApp me at +64 27 951 5272 with your bathroom dimensions and photos, or request a free on-site quote.
Prices are estimates for 2026 and include GST. Final cost depends on bathroom size, fixture choices, and site conditions.
Need help with your project?
I offer free on-site quotes in Franklin, Pukekohe, Papakura, and Waiuku.