A bathroom renovation is one of the most popular home improvement projects in New Zealand — and one of the most complex. It involves multiple trades, building consents, and careful planning. Here's everything you need to know.
How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost?
In New Zealand, a basic bathroom renovation costs $15,000-$25,000, a mid-range renovation $25,000-$40,000, and a high-end renovation $40,000-$70,000+. These figures include materials, labour, and GST. The biggest cost factors are the size of the bathroom, quality of fixtures and fittings, extent of structural work, and whether plumbing needs to be relocated.
Do I Need a Building Consent?
You'll likely need a building consent if you're altering the structure, changing the layout, moving plumbing, or modifying waterproofing membranes. Cosmetic changes like replacing tiles, vanities, and fixtures generally don't require consent. Your builder or project manager should handle the consent application.
Which Trades Do I Need?
A typical bathroom renovation requires a builder (project management, framing, general work), a plumber (pipes, taps, shower, toilet), a tiler (floor and wall tiles), an electrician (lighting, heated towel rail, ventilation), and sometimes a painter and a gasfitter (if you have gas hot water). You can find all of these trades on Call A Tradie.
Planning Your Timeline
A standard bathroom renovation takes 3-6 weeks. Allow 2-4 weeks for planning and ordering materials, 1-2 weeks for demolition and rough-in (plumbing, electrical, framing), 1-2 weeks for waterproofing, tiling, and fit-out, and a few days for finishing touches. Building consent can add 2-4 weeks to the timeline.
Waterproofing is Critical
Poor waterproofing is the number one cause of bathroom failures in NZ. Under the Building Code, all wet areas must be waterproofed by a qualified applicator. Ensure your builder uses a code-compliant waterproofing system and provides a warranty. This is not an area to cut costs.
Tips for a Successful Renovation
Plan your layout before you start — moving plumbing is expensive. Choose your fixtures and fittings early to avoid delays. Set a contingency budget of 10-15% for unexpected issues. Keep one bathroom functional during the renovation if possible. Get everything in writing — quotes, timelines, and specifications.