A bathroom renovation is one of the most rewarding projects a Gold Coast homeowner can take on. Done well, it improves your daily life, makes your home more saleable, and in the case of a master ensuite, genuinely changes how you feel about where you live.
But bathroom renovations are also one of the most misunderstood. People underestimate costs, underestimate lead times, and overestimate how straightforward the whole thing is. This guide covers bathroom renovation cost on the Gold Coast, realistic timeframes and what to expect.
Last updated: October 2026
What Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost on the Gold Coast?
A bathroom renovation on the Gold Coast typically costs between $20,000 and $130,000 in 2026. Premium bathrooms usually cost $20,000 to $35,000, luxury bathrooms $38,000 to $65,000, and ultra-luxury bathrooms $70,000 or more. The build takes three to five weeks, and the whole project runs 10 to 14 weeks from first conversation to handover.
Complete Homes is a family-owned Gold Coast renovation business, operating since 1985 and run by Fouad and his father William. These ranges come from the bathroom renovations we design and build on the Gold Coast. Recent projects include two bathrooms and a laundry in Gaven, a bathroom and laundry in Ormeau, and two bathrooms with new flooring in Tallai.
Gold Coast bathroom renovation costs in 2026 broadly fall into three tiers:
Premium – $20K to $35K
- Quality porcelain or stone-look tiles
- Freestanding or built-in bath
- Quality tapware (Caroma, Methven)
- Frameless shower screen
- Wall-hung vanity
- Heated towel rail
Luxury – $38K to $65K
- Large-format stone or imported tiles
- Designer freestanding bath
- Designer tapware (Astra Walker, Brodware)
- Custom joinery and niches
- Underfloor heating
- Feature lighting and mirror
Ultra-Luxury – $70K to $130K+
- Rare or bookmatched natural stone
- Bespoke bath (stone, concrete, marble)
- Villeroy & Boch, Vola or equivalent
- Full bespoke cabinetry
- Steam shower or wellness features
- No compromise on any element
These are per-bathroom figures for a standard Gold Coast ensuite or main bathroom (typically 5–10m²). Larger bathrooms, structural changes, or moving plumbing walls will push costs higher.
Want a range for your own home? Our free Gold Coast renovation cost estimator gives an itemised estimate in a couple of minutes. Renovating more than one room? See our whole-home renovations on the Gold Coast and our kitchen renovation cost guide.
Don’t Forget the 15% Rule
Always budget a 15% contingency on top of your bathroom renovation quote. Once waterproofing is stripped back, old plumbing is exposed, or tiles are removed, surprises are common, especially in homes built before 2005. It’s not pessimism, it’s good planning.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?
The build phase takes three to five weeks for a single bathroom, and the full project takes 10 to 14 weeks. This is where a lot of homeowners get caught out. Demolition, tiling and final fixture installation are only part of the job. Design, selections and procurement come first.
If your plans need council or certifier approval, have it finalised before you contact a builder. Allow around 4–8 weeks, and start early so it does not hold up your start date. Start planning three to six months before you want the work done.
Typical Timeline
Week 1–2: Design and Brief
Consultation, measurements, concept design, and initial quote. This is where the vision is locked in.
Week 3–6: Selections and Procurement
Tiles, tapware, vanity, bath, mirrors, and accessories all need to be selected and ordered. Some items have 6–10 week lead times from Europe.
Week 7–8: Demolition and Rough-In
Strip out, plumbing and electrical rough-in, then waterproofing and its inspection.
Week 9–11: Tiling and Fit-Out
Floor and wall tiles, niches, screens, vanity, fixtures, and final finishes.
Week 12: Handover and Defects Check
Final inspection, snagging list, and handover. Your new bathroom is ready.
Total: 10–14 weeks from first conversation to completed bathroom is a realistic expectation for a well-run project. Rushing this often leads to poor selections, supply delays, and on-site hold-ups that cost more in the long run.
Renovating the bathroom as part of a bigger job? See what happens during a whole-home renovation, week by week.
What Should You Check Before You Sign in Queensland?
In Queensland, residential building work over $3,300 must be done by a QBCC-licensed contractor, and QBCC home warranty insurance is compulsory for work above that value. Check the licence and ask for a fixed-price contract before you sign.
Gold Coast humidity is hard on bathrooms. Good waterproofing and ventilation matter more here than in a drier climate, so ask how both will be done.
What Are Gold Coast Homeowners Choosing Right Now?
Design trends in Gold Coast bathrooms have shifted meaningfully over the last few years. Here’s what we’re seeing most on the builds we’re doing right now. For kitchens and living areas, see our 2026 renovation trends guide.
Warm Stone and Travertine
The cold grey palette has given way to warm limestone, travertine, and sandy stone-look tiles. Luxurious without trying too hard.
Fluted Everything
Fluted vanities, fluted wall panels, fluted glass. Adds texture and movement to what could otherwise feel flat.
Concealed Cisterns and Wall-Hung Suites
Back-to-wall toilets with concealed cisterns are now standard in quality renovations. Cleaner look, easier floor cleaning.
Statement Baths as Art
Freestanding baths are no longer just functional. They’re the centrepiece. Stone baths, sculptural concrete, and curvaceous acrylic are all popular. In our Lower Beechmont renovation, the freestanding bath sits in a bay window overlooking the bush.
Matte Black and Brushed Brass Together
Mixing metal finishes used to be avoided. Now it’s a deliberate design choice and can look exceptional when done right.
Wellness-Focused Features
Underfloor heating, rain showers, steam capability, and heated mirrors are increasingly requested at the luxury end. The bathroom as a retreat, not just a utility space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost on the Gold Coast?
A bathroom renovation on the Gold Coast typically costs $20,000 to $35,000 for a premium finish, $38,000 to $65,000 for a luxury finish, and $70,000 to $130,000 or more for ultra-luxury. These are per-bathroom figures for a standard ensuite or main bathroom. Add a 15 per cent contingency on top.
Do I need council approval for a bathroom renovation?
A bathroom renovation that keeps the same layout generally does not need council approval in Queensland. Moving plumbing, changing structural walls or altering drainage may need approval. If your plans do need council or certifier approval, have it finalised before you contact a builder, and allow around four to eight weeks.
Can I live in my home during a bathroom renovation?
Yes, in most cases, especially if you have more than one bathroom. The build phase usually takes three to five weeks for a single bathroom. If you are renovating your only bathroom, plan alternative arrangements for that time, or renovate it as part of a larger project while you are living elsewhere.
What is the biggest mistake people make with a bathroom renovation?
The biggest mistake is not finalising tile and fixture selections before work starts. Some items have lead times of six to ten weeks, so a late decision can pause the build and add cost. Lock in every selection during the design stage, before demolition begins.
How do I know if I need to move plumbing?
If you want to reposition the toilet, shower or bath, the plumbing will probably need to move. Moving plumbing adds cost and time, and it may need approval. If the current layout works, keeping the fixtures where they are is the simplest way to control the budget.
Is it worth renovating a bathroom before selling?
Almost always, yes. Buyer expectations on the Gold Coast are high, and bathrooms get close attention at inspections. The key is to match the level of finish to the home and its likely sale price, so you do not overcapitalise. Spend on waterproofing, tiling and joinery before anything decorative.
Thinking About a Bathroom Renovation?
We’d love to take a look at your space and give you an honest picture of what’s possible and what it’ll cost. No obligation, no hard sell. Selling soon? Read how to add value to your Gold Coast home before selling.