DESKTOP
MOBILE
Building or renovating a bathroom should be exciting. It is your chance to create a space that feels fresh, functional, and a little bit indulgent. But the process can also be daunting, with decisions, quotes, and costs quickly piling up. According to Jennifer Price from Plumbing World, the best way to stay in control is to understand your options from the start and plan your budget carefully.
Here are her top tips to help you set a realistic bathroom budget and make choices with confidence.
1. Do your homework
Look at what similar renovations in your area cost. Prices change depending on labour, finish levels, and whether plumbing is being moved. Solid research makes your budget realistic rather than guesswork.
2. Know the cost ranges
Bathrooms typically fall into three price brackets:
- Cosmetic refresh: $2,500–$6,000
A quick update with a new vanity, mirror, tapware, and paint. - Mid-range renovation: $12,000–$25,000
A full refresh of fixtures plus new tiling, lighting, and ventilation. - Full renovation: $30,000–$60,000+
A complete gut and rebuild with custom finishes and layout changes.
These ranges help anchor your expectations.
3. Focus on priorities
Think about what frustrates you most in your current bathroom. Poor layout, lack of storage, or an outdated look? Direct your budget to the fixes that will have the biggest daily impact.
4. Factor in the extras
It’s easy to focus on visible items like tiles and tapware, but the unseen details are equally, if not more, important. Waterproofing, ventilation, and heating all add to your costs. Include them upfront to avoid nasty surprises.
5. Add a contingency fund
Old bathrooms can hide problems such as water damage or outdated plumbing. Setting aside 10–20% of your budget as a safety net keeps your project moving if surprises crop up.
The bottom line
Spend where it counts, prepare for the unexpected, and you’ll enjoy a bathroom that works beautifully for years to come.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we’re joined by Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager at Plumbing World — New Zealand’s largest 100% locally owned plumbing merchant. With over 60 years of history and a nationwide network of 58 branches, Plumbing World is proudly built on a cooperative model, owned by the very tradespeople it serves. Jennifer unpacks what makes this model unique and how it shapes the way Plumbing World brings high-quality, regulation-compliant products to both tradies and everyday homeowners.
Search similar articles
Building or renovating a bathroom should be exciting. It is your chance to create a space that feels fresh, functional, and a little bit indulgent. But the process can also be daunting, with decisions, quotes, and costs quickly piling up. According to Jennifer Price from Plumbing World, the best way to stay in control is to understand your options from the start and plan your budget carefully.
Here are her top tips to help you set a realistic bathroom budget and make choices with confidence.
1. Do your homework
Look at what similar renovations in your area cost. Prices change depending on labour, finish levels, and whether plumbing is being moved. Solid research makes your budget realistic rather than guesswork.
2. Know the cost ranges
Bathrooms typically fall into three price brackets:
- Cosmetic refresh: $2,500–$6,000
A quick update with a new vanity, mirror, tapware, and paint. - Mid-range renovation: $12,000–$25,000
A full refresh of fixtures plus new tiling, lighting, and ventilation. - Full renovation: $30,000–$60,000+
A complete gut and rebuild with custom finishes and layout changes.
These ranges help anchor your expectations.
3. Focus on priorities
Think about what frustrates you most in your current bathroom. Poor layout, lack of storage, or an outdated look? Direct your budget to the fixes that will have the biggest daily impact.
4. Factor in the extras
It’s easy to focus on visible items like tiles and tapware, but the unseen details are equally, if not more, important. Waterproofing, ventilation, and heating all add to your costs. Include them upfront to avoid nasty surprises.
5. Add a contingency fund
Old bathrooms can hide problems such as water damage or outdated plumbing. Setting aside 10–20% of your budget as a safety net keeps your project moving if surprises crop up.
The bottom line
Spend where it counts, prepare for the unexpected, and you’ll enjoy a bathroom that works beautifully for years to come.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we’re joined by Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager at Plumbing World — New Zealand’s largest 100% locally owned plumbing merchant. With over 60 years of history and a nationwide network of 58 branches, Plumbing World is proudly built on a cooperative model, owned by the very tradespeople it serves. Jennifer unpacks what makes this model unique and how it shapes the way Plumbing World brings high-quality, regulation-compliant products to both tradies and everyday homeowners.
Search similar articles
Related Articles
Top tips for setting your kitchen budget
Kitchen Studio’s Mark Bruce shares tips for setting a realistic kitchen budget that keeps your renovation on track.
Top tips for creating a functional bathroom layout
Get the flow, clearances, and storage right before you choose tiles or tapware.
How long does a bathroom renovation really take? (Spoiler: it’s longer than you think)
Why rushing your reno could cost you big time
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.