Updated October 2026. Ranges below are indicative, drawn from current published Australian pricing guides and industry figures — regional NSW typically sits a little under Sydney metro. Your bathroom’s size, condition and choices will move the number: treat this as orientation, then get local quotes.
Bathroom renovations are the Illawarra’s most variable big job: the same “new bathroom” phrase covers everything from a tidy-up of a Warilla original to a full strip-and-rebuild in a Kiama cottage with 60-year-old plumbing. The honest starting point is that the national average spend is around $26,000, and NSW regional full renovations commonly land between roughly $12,500 and $38,000.
Indicative ranges
| Scope | Typical range (inc GST) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $5,000 – $15,000 | New vanity, tapware, paint, shower screen — layout and waterproofing untouched |
| Standard full renovation | $20,000 – $35,000 | Strip-out, new waterproofing, tiling, fixtures; layout mostly kept |
| Premium / structural | $35,000 – $60,000+ | Layout changes, moved plumbing, custom cabinetry, high-end finishes |
What moves the price most
- Waterproofing, tiling and plumbing — together these typically account for over 60% of the cost. Waterproofing must meet AS 3740 and is where cheap jobs fail.
- Moving things. Keeping the toilet, shower and vanity where they are saves thousands; relocating drainage is the single biggest cost-adder.
- What’s under the tiles. Older Illawarra homes often reveal water damage or dodgy past work at strip-out — hold a 10–15% contingency.
- Access and storeys. Upstairs bathrooms and tight access add labour.
The rules worth knowing
In NSW, residential building work over $5,000 requires a licensed contractor, and over $20,000 your renovator must hold Home Building Compensation (HBC) insurance and give you the certificate before taking a deposit. Waterproofing is a licensed trade in its own right. Check any licence free on the NSW Fair Trading register — and see how we verify businesses for what our badge does and doesn’t cover.
Frequently asked questions
Why do quotes for the same bathroom vary so much?
Usually inclusions: one quote covers demolition, waterproofing certification, PC items and waste removal; another leaves them as “extras”. Compare itemised quotes line by line, not bottom lines.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A standard full renovation typically runs 2–4 weeks on site once materials are ready. Waterproofing cure times are a legal and practical constraint — a quote promising a full rebuild “in a week” deserves scepticism.
Can I save by doing some of it myself?
Demolition and painting are realistic DIY. Plumbing, electrical and waterproofing are licensed work in NSW — doing them yourself is illegal and can void insurance and ruin resale.
Browse bathroom renovators in the Illawarra, or see all cost guides.