A bathroom renovation is one of the best investments you can make in a South Coast home, but "how much will it cost?" is the first thing every Kiama homeowner asks us. The honest answer is: it depends. Here's what actually moves the number, so you can budget realistically.
What drives the cost
Three things make the biggest difference to a renovation's price:
- Are you changing the layout? Keeping the toilet, shower and vanity in their existing spots is far cheaper than moving them. Relocating fixtures means new rough-in plumbing behind the walls and floor, more labour, more materials.
- The fixtures and finishes you choose. Tapware, a freestanding bath, a frameless shower screen and premium tiles add up quickly. There's a big range here, and it's where your budget has the most flexibility.
- The condition of what's hidden. In older Kiama and Gerringong homes especially, we sometimes find ageing pipework or waterproofing that needs attention once the walls are open. A good plumber will flag the risk up front.
Where the plumbing fits
The plumbing is what makes or breaks a renovation. It covers the rough-in (new pipe layouts in the walls and floor), the fit-off (installing your taps, shower, bath, vanity and toilet), waterproofing coordination, and any gas or hot water connections. Getting this right is what keeps the finished bathroom leak-free for the long haul, and it's not the place to cut corners.
How to budget sensibly
Start with a clear scope: are you refreshing, or fully reconfiguring? Get a written estimate that breaks out the plumbing, and ask what happens if something unexpected turns up behind the walls. At Holland Plumbing and Gas we give a clear estimate up front, communicate before and during the job, and keep the site tidy each day.
Planning a bathroom renovation in Kiama or the South Coast? See how we handle the full plumbing side, or get a free, no-obligation estimate.