How Much Should I Budget for a Bathroom Renovation in New Zealand? (Pricing Guide)
How Much Should I Budget for a Bathroom Renovation in New Zealand? (Pricing Guide)
Most homeowners are keenly aware that a beautiful bathroom renovation can greatly improve the value of a home. And while the actual room size may not be very large, it’s still one of the more costly areas to update. Not to worry, we can help with all the important details, and will even identify some cost-saving areas as well. By the end, you’ll be ready to take the next step in bringing your project to completion.

What’s Involved?
The Archant team of design experts often talks with designers, homeowners, and joiners around New Zealand about bathroom remodels. From the tiles, the vanity, sink, shower, tub, and walls, we know there’s a lot to think about. To make the process less arduous, we’ve done the necessary research for you.
In this article, we’ll look at some incredible ways to update your bathroom. We will also unpack the cost and give an approximate range you can expect to budget for. We trust this information will help you tackle your bathroom renovation with style. Let’s dive in!


What Will a Bathroom Reno Cost in New Zealand?
The prevailing wisdom from experts in the design field generally recommends you budget approximately 5% of your home value toward the cost of your bathroom renovation.
That may sound like a small number, but here’s how it looks in today’s real estate market. According to new data just released by REINZ, the median sale price for a home in NZ is forecasted at approximately $790,000 in 2023.
For a home valued at $790,000, the estimated budget for a bathroom renovation would be around $39,500. This isn’t a quick refresh, but a major overhaul. Of course, there are a few key considerations that can increase or decrease that figure dramatically.
Three main aspects will affect the budget.
- Size of the space
- Quality of materials
- Complexity of project


What Increases the Price?
Not surprisingly, a larger room involves more raw materials and therefore cost. Yet, most experts agree that the biggest price increase comes from changing the bathroom layout. Once you start relocating elements, the plumbing also needs to be adjusted which will increase time and labour. To save substantially, you may want to simply swap out the items without moving their location.
Of course, the actual quality of the items you choose will also have a direct impact on the bottom-line price. The good news is, there are a huge variety of options to compare and consider. This is a smart approach, but we’d like to add one word of caution.
We sometimes see customers who shop solely on price. And while this may save on cost in the short term, it’s not a great long-term strategy. In our experience with thousands of bathroom renovations around New Zealand, you are typically better served by higher-quality components that are built to last.
What Reduces the Price of a Bathroom Renovation?
If all this talk of budgeting makes you uneasy, there are several ways to keep costs down. If you’re comfortable with demolition, for example, you can save on labour there. If that’s not part of your skillset though, there’s no need to worry.
Smaller bathroom sizes will also be more affordable, as will spaces that keep the existing layout intact. Then, ask to see the various ranges of tiles. Most suppliers offer collections from basic to premium. These savings can add up quickly when remodeling an entire bathroom.
Is the ROI on a Bathroom Renovation Worthwhile?
According to Harcourts, “The bathroom is one space in your home that will directly effect the saleability of your listing.”
On average, a renovated bathroom can add thousands to the value of your home. Yet, if you’re not careful with your budget, you can easily over-capitalise. Be mindful of this while preparing your design.
It also helps to think of the return on investment in a non-monetary way. For instance, a spectacular bathroom with a modern shower and sleek vanity completed by gorgeous porcelain walls and floors can make the space feel quite luxurious. This adds value whether you’re selling your home or staying in it.
What Kind of Bathroom Do You Envision?
As famed interior designer David Hicks noted, "The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them."
While all the details on cost are helpful, let your vision guide the ideal space you want to create. It’s this mental picture of how you want the bathroom to look and feel that can drive the rest of the process. And while we know these average figures can be discouraging for some, they are just estimates. Using the tips above, you can certainly design a gorgeous bathroom for less.

Trusted Experts by Your Side
By now, we hope you have a better idea of what to expect with the cost of your bathroom renovation in New Zealand. If you’re ready to take the next step, we encourage you to talk with us. The Archant team of design experts has assisted customers all over New Zealand with their bathroom renovation questions.
From routine bathroom updates to the most detailed project layouts, we love to help homeowners bring their vision to life. Bathroom renovations don’t have to be a scary process. With our free one-on-one showroom consult appointments, you can speak with a professional about your specific project.
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