How to Budget a Bathroom Renovation
A bathroom renovation can transform your home, but it can quickly become one of the most expensive home improvement projects without proper planning. Learning how to budget a bathroom renovation is essential to create a beautiful, functional space without overspending. This guide will help you balance function, style, and cost to achieve your dream bathroom while keeping expenses in check.
As the Head of Purchasing at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I’ve seen countless Perth homeowners complete stunning renovations on a budget. With over 50 years of experience, our family has helped customers choose cost-effective products for all types of bathrooms, from ensuites to powder rooms. With careful planning and the right strategies, you can create a stylish bathroom without blowing your bathroom renovation budget.
In this article, we’ll explore proven budgeting strategies for your bathroom renovation. From prioritising your renovation needs to selecting affordable yet stylish upgrades, you’ll learn how to save where it counts. Let’s dive into these insider tips and help you turn your bathroom renovation vision into a reality.
The costs of a bathroom renovation in 2025
Are bathroom renovations in Perth getting more expensive? Well, not necessarily. According to the 2023 AU Houzz & Home Renovation Trends Study, Aussies are still investing significantly in bathroom upgrades, with the median spend for a bathroom renovation sitting at $19,000—and remember, that’s just the median figure. If you’re aiming for a show-stopping bathroom like those seen on home renovation shows, you may need a higher budget for a luxury finish.
Being realistic about what you’ll get within your budget is essential. Sticking to the median cost may not get you that high-end look, but there are ways to achieve a premium finish for less if you’re a savvy shopper. Explore our ‘Bathroom renovation budget tips and tricks’ section for advice on maximising your budget and creating the bathroom you envision.
Read our article, How Much Do Bathroom Renovations Cost In 2025? for a more comprehensive look at costs.
How to budget for a bathroom renovation
When planning a bathroom renovation in Perth, the first step is to allocate your budget. This will determine what type of bathroom you can afford and what products and services are available to you.
When allocating your budget, you need to consider all costs involved. The best way to do this is to create a spreadsheet that lists all the services and products you require with estimated cost estimates. Allow a 10% buffer for good measure.
Bathroom Renovation Services
Services to include are general contractor, plumber, electrician, tiler, and painter. You may also need a shower screen installer and skip bin hire to remove your old bathroom. You can visit sites like ServiceSeeking.com.au or hipages.com.au to gather pricing estimates for each service provider.
Bathroom Renovation Products
Products to include are shower screen, shower heads, shower tapware, floor waste, bathroom vanity, basin, pop-up waste, vanity tapware, bathroom mirror, bath, bath tapware, toilet, etc. Don’t forget to also include any bathroom accessories you may want to include, such as a toilet paper holder and towel rails. You can click on the provided links to get pricing estimates for the products you like. Our article on 10 Products You Need in Your Bathroom Renovation will help ensure you don’t forget anything.
Once you have completed your spreadsheet, it’s a good idea to look at the cost of the services and think of them as essential costs. The service total is what you HAVE to spend. The product costs depend on your selection—the style and quality you choose. Therefore, the product total can go up or down in price to meet your budget restrictions. The difference between the total cost of services and your budget total can, therefore, be allocated to the product, stipulating the quality and finish you can afford.
For example, if you are left with a large budget to play with, you can afford a luxury bathroom with top-quality materials, such as marble, brass, or copper. However, if you find you’re left with only a few thousand dollars, you’ll need to focus on cheaper finishes to ensure you have the funds to complete your renovation.
Bathroom renovation budget tips and tricks
A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or abandon your bathroom design goals. With strategic planning and smart budgeting tips, you can achieve a stunning bathroom transformation without overspending.
If you’re still in the planning phase, start by exploring versatile, affordable bathroom products that offer style and functionality. By prioritising essential features and opting for budget-friendly finishes, you can keep costs down while still achieving a high-end look. And if you’re looking to cut your renovation costs in half, there are creative ways to save, such as reusing certain elements or choosing alternative materials that don’t sacrifice style.
Save money with bathroom products
There are a lot of bathroom products out there to help you save money. As mentioned above, to get a high-quality finish for less, you need to become a savvy shopper. Shop around for bathroom products and suppliers. Compare prices to find the best deals.
This is easily done by choosing suppliers like Ross’s Discount Home Centre in Perth for your bathroom renovation products. We’ve got contemporary white bathroom wall tiles for as little as $20.00 per square metre and have bathroom vanities priced at $320!
Save money with DIY trades
Another tip to save money on a bathroom renovation is to opt to do some of the work yourself. Doing bathroom renovations yourself will save you money on trades. You can demolish your old bathroom and do the painting yourself, which will save you a lot of money. Installing bathroom products yourself rather than hiring a professional will also save a lot of money.
Save money with timeless styles
With the cost of a new bathroom being as much as it is, you want to make sure you’ll love it for a long time! You don’t want to change your mind and dislike it once the trend passes or you have outgrown it.
Choose simple, classic designs that won’t go out of style. This will minimise the need for future renovations and save money in the long run. Also, think about the long-term use of the bathroom. For example, if it will be used by children, choose hardwearing materials. You may like to consider our 100% waterproof vanity units, for instance. It will ensure your vanity lasts as long as your bathroom does!
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Bathroom renovations are exciting but can quickly become costly if you fall into common traps. Planning carefully and making informed choices can prevent unexpected expenses that can derail your budget. Simple decisions, like keeping plumbing fixtures in place rather than moving them or opting for durable, moisture-resistant bathroom tiles, can save you thousands in the long run.
Homeowners often make mistakes like prioritising aesthetics over functionality or underestimating the complete renovation costs. By taking these factors into account, you can achieve a stunning yet practical bathroom renovation without breaking the bank. For a deeper dive into these mistakes and how to avoid them, check out our article, 4 Costly Bathroom Renovation Mistakes to Avoid, to ensure your renovation journey is smooth and cost-effective.
Conclusion
Planning a bathroom renovation on a budget is a smart way to add value to your home without overspending. With thoughtful planning and the right choices, you can modernise your bathroom and even halve your renovation costs. Remember, setting a clear budget and sticking to it is essential for a successful, stress-free project. If you’re after more tips on affordable ways to refresh your bathroom, don’t miss our Guide to Perth Bathroom Renovations and our article on How to Update Your Bathroom Over a Weekend for quick, impactful upgrades.
For high-quality, affordable bathroom products, Ross’s Discount Home Centre has everything you need under one roof. With our wide range of renovation essentials at unbeatable prices, you’ll be well-equipped to create a beautiful, budget-friendly bathroom. Visit our Guildford showroom or shop online to start your renovation journey today!