For most New Zealand homeowners, the bathroom is more than a functional space; it’s a daily retreat, a family workhorse, and a feature that adds tangible value to a property. But before imagining the perfect freestanding bath or sleek vanity, there’s the question that shapes every renovation: how much will it cost?
Bathroom renovations vary widely depending on scope, size, and style. Some homeowners achieve a simple refresh for around $10,000–$15,000, while others invest $20,000–$35,000 for a mid-range makeover, and those pursuing a luxury finish often spend $40,000–$60,000+. This blog breaks down the costs, explores what shapes them, and shows how planning smartly, along with choosing value-driven suppliers, can make all the difference.
Renovation costs aren’t just about how much a new vanity or shower costs. A range of factors interact to shape the final bill:
Size of the bathroom: Most New Zealand bathrooms measure between 8 and 12 m². Larger spaces naturally mean more tiles, waterproofing, and fittings, and the cost per square metre can climb quickly. MoneyHub suggests that full renovations often work out to $2,500–$4,000 per m², depending on finishes and complexity.
Trades and labour: Tilers, plumbers, electricians, builders, and painters collectively make up 40–50% of a typical renovation budget. Auckland homeowners in particular face higher hourly rates, with many trades charging $90–$120 per hour.
Materials, fixtures, and finishes (35–45% of budget): Choosing ceramic tiles over natural stone, or acrylic over solid surface tops, for example, can shift budgets by thousands. Stuff notes that finishes like marble and terrazzo not only add expense but often require specialised installation, which further drives up labour costs.
Plumbing, electrical, and layout (13–20%): Retaining the same layout saves money. Once toilets, showers, or baths are relocated, costs rise due to additional plumbing and electrical work.
Painting and plastering (5-10% of budget): Walls often need patching or re-lining after fixture removal, and quality bathroom paints resist steam and mould. Though less costly than tiling or waterproofing, these finishes are key to a polished, durable result.
Waterproofing and Compliance (3–5% of budget): Bathrooms must meet strict waterproofing and building code standards. Waterproofing alone can cost up to two thousand dollars, but skipping it risks major structural damage.
Unexpected issues: Renovations often reveal surprises: water-damaged flooring, old wiring, or outdated plumbing. Both Stuff and MoneyHub recommend setting aside a 10–20% contingency fund to absorb these costs.
Entry-level renovations (around $10,000–$15,000) usually involve cosmetic improvements. Think vinyl or laminate flooring, repainting, upgrading a vanity or toilet, and minor tapware changes. This tier is common for secondary bathrooms or rental properties, where function and quick turnaround matter most.
Mid-range renovations ($20,000–$35,000) are the most common for Kiwi homeowners. This budget allows for new tiling, upgraded waterproofing, a quality vanity and basin, quality tapware, and improved lighting or ventilation. It creates a noticeable lift in both functionality and design.
High-end renovations ($40,000–$60,000+) unlock premium materials, bespoke cabinetry, freestanding baths, underfloor heating, and frameless glass showers. Layout changes become feasible, and the result is often a bathroom that wouldn’t be out of place in a boutique hotel.
Across all tiers, the mix of materials and decisions about layout are the biggest levers for controlling cost.
One of the most effective ways to manage renovation costs is through careful material selection.
Tiles are a prime example. Ceramic tiles might cost $30–$50 per m², while marble can reach $150 per m² or more. A homeowner covering 20 m² of floor and wall space could save over $2,000 by opting for ceramic instead of marble, without sacrificing a polished look.
Vanities, too, span a wide spectrum. A simple flat-pack vanity might cost $400–$600, but won’t offer the durability or finish of high quality cabinetry. Sitting firmly in the premium category, a Newtech Serenity vanity with a StoneCast slab top — solid, sculptural, and long-lasting — can be paired with more economical choices elsewhere to help homeowners balance aesthetics and affordability.
Tapware is another area where material quality counts. Cheaper imports may save in the short term but often lack compliance certification, leading to potential issues with water pressure, durability, or warranty coverage. With regulatory changes rolling out — including updated lead-limit requirements coming into force in May 2026 — homeowners are increasingly aware of the importance of choosing certified, water-efficient tapware, such as that from Newtech’s fully compliant, WELS-rated Evoke range.
A well-executed bathroom renovation isn’t just about day-to-day comfort. It can also deliver a strong return on investment when selling. Bathrooms and kitchens are consistently listed among the most value-adding upgrades for homes, with buyers seeking modern, low-maintenance spaces.
According to Stuff, a mid-range bathroom renovation can significantly boost resale appeal, particularly if it improves usability through features like double vanities or larger showers. For homeowners planning to sell within five years, investing in mid-tier finishes often delivers the best balance of cost and return.
Proper planning is central to achieving this. Gathering multiple quotes, clarifying what’s included in contracts, and locking in trusted suppliers helps keep projects on track. MoneyHub also advises homeowners to think about how many bathrooms they’ll renovate at once, as combining work can sometimes save on labour and materials.
Consider two different households.
The first has a compact ensuite with a $20,000 budget. They keep the same layout, opt for ceramic tiles, and install a sleek, modern vanity with mid-range tapware. Waterproofing and lighting upgrades are included, but they skip extras like underfloor heating. The result is a fresh, functional bathroom that feels like a new space without stretching finances.
The second has a family bathroom with a $40,000 budget. They invest in a larger vanity, upgrade to frameless glass, and choose more premium tiles. Underfloor heating and a feature bath elevate the room to something truly special. Here, the choices around materials and design ambition justify the higher cost.
In both cases, the budget is realistic, the planning careful, and the outcomes rewarding.
Newtech’s ranges are designed to deliver quality materials and construction at accessible prices. Whether it’s a StoneCast bath, a vessel basin, or carefully engineered cabinetry, the focus is on durability and design integrity. This means homeowners can invest in pieces that will last, without overspending on overseas imports or cutting corners.
Their core ranges — such as Serenity, Boulevard, Vista, and Frank — are New Zealand-designed with everyday use in mind. Short lead times are another advantage: ranges like Vista can often be supplied within five days, keeping renovation timelines on track and reducing costly delays.
For those seeking budget efficiency, Newtech offers bundles such as the Frank 900 Double Tier Bundle — pairing vanities, toilets, and accessories into cohesive, well-priced sets that reduce decision fatigue and installation complexity, while keeping costs transparent.
Whether in the showrooms or the office, Newtech staff are on hand to help with planning, product selection, and budget management. Their advice ensures that homeowners don’t just buy fittings — they make confident, informed choices that align with their goals.
The Newtech Outlet is also there for those open to display stock or end-of-line items at reduced prices. It’s a practical way to stretch the budget further when needed.
Bathroom renovations in New Zealand cover a broad spectrum, from $10,000 entry-level updates to $60,000 luxury transformations. Most families land in the $20,000–$35,000 range, where design improvements and durable materials can create a bathroom that feels both modern and enduring.
Costs are shaped by size, materials, trades, and layout, but the smartest renovations are those that blend planning, value-driven product choices, and expert guidance.
Newtech plays a role in each of these. Their commitment to material quality, value for money, and long-term durability helps homeowners stay within budget while achieving premium spaces that last. Backed by knowledgeable staff, Newtech makes the renovation journey more manageable, ensuring every dollar goes further.
In the end, a bathroom isn’t just another room — it’s a daily experience. With the right planning and the right partners, the cost of creating that space can be not just a necessary investment, but a rewarding one.
Your new bathroom starts with smart choices and trusted advice. Discover Newtech’s ranges online or in one of their showrooms, and let their experienced team guide you through planning, budgeting, and product selection. Get in touch today at sales@newtech.co.nz or on 0800 728 662 to start turning ideas into reality.
