Bathroom Renovation on a Budget: What to Prioritise

You don’t need a $50,000 renovation to transform your bathroom. We show you where to spend, where to save and what to tackle first for maximum impact.

Where to Spend

Waterproofing: Never cut corners here. A failed waterproofing membrane costs $15-30K to fix. Use a licensed waterproofing applicator and insist on a producer statement.

Plumbing rough-in: Moving waste pipes is expensive. Keep toilet, shower and vanity in their existing positions and save $3-5K instantly.

Ventilation: Auckland bathrooms need proper extraction. Install a 150mm ducted fan venting outside — not into the ceiling cavity. Budget $500-800 installed.

Where to Save

Vanity: Off-the-shelf vanities from Bunnings or Mitre 10 start at $300. Custom cabinetry starts at $2,000. The difference is mostly visual.

Tiles: Feature walls need expensive tiles. Shower walls need functional tiles. Use budget wall tiles everywhere except one feature section.

Tapware: Mid-range mixer taps ($150-300) perform identically to designer brands ($600+). Spend on the shower mixer (used daily), save on basin mixers.

Realistic Budget Breakdown

• Budget renovation: $12-18K (basic finishes, no layout changes)
• Mid-range: $25-35K (quality finishes, minor layout changes)
• Premium: $45K+ (full custom, layout changes, high-end fixtures)

Planning a bathroom reno? Book a free project assessment with The Property Crew.