Bathroom renovations in New Zealand: costs, consents and how to choose

Bathroom renovators take a bathroom from strip-out to finished room, managing the builder, plumber, electrician, waterproofer and tiler. Costs range from a cosmetic refresh to a full luxury rebuild, and moving plumbing or adding a tiled shower adds cost and often a building consent.

Best bathroom renovators by city

Best bathroom renovators in Auckland Ranking in progress

We publish city by city, and only once every business on a list is verified. More cities follow Auckland.

Browse bathroom renovators by city

Bathroom renovators in Auckland 242 listed
Bathroom renovators in Wellington 65 listed

What bathroom renovators do

Cosmetic refresh: New fittings, vanity and paint, keeping the existing layout.
Full renovation: Strip-out, new layout, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and electrical.
Ensuites and extra bathrooms: Adding a bathroom where there wasn't one.
Accessible bathrooms: Level-entry showers and grab rails for ageing in place.

Who needs to be licensed for a bathroom renovation?

A bathroom renovation usually involves several licensed trades. Plumbing must be done by a PGDB-licensed plumber, electrical work by a registered electrician, and any restricted building work by a Licensed Building Practitioner. Many renovations also need a building consent, for example when plumbing is moved, walls change or a tiled shower is built over framing. Ask who applies for the consent and books the inspections.

Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP)

How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

Two cited renovation guides estimate bathroom projects at $8,000–$18,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $18,000–$35,000 for a standard renovation and $30,000–$50,000 or more for a high-end room. These are scope-dependent estimates; fixtures, layout changes and hidden damage can shift the quote.

Job or rate	Typical price (NZD)	Unit	Source
Cosmetic refresh	$8,000–$15,000	per bathroom	[1]
Standard renovation	$18,000–$30,000	per bathroom	[1]
High-end renovation	$30,000–$50,000	per bathroom	[1]
Luxury designer bathroom	$50,000–$80,000	per bathroom	[1]
Budget refresh, Auckland	$8,000–$18,000	per bathroom	[2]

Full bathroom renovation price guide with sources →

How to choose a bathroom renovator

Get a fixed-price written quote that lists every trade, fitting allowance and the waterproofing system.
Ask whether your job needs a building consent, and who applies for it.
Check the plumber on the PGDB register and any builder on the LBP register.
Ask what happens if they find rot or water damage behind the walls, and how it will be priced.
Keep 10% to 20% of your budget aside for surprises.

Red flags

Telling you a tiled shower over framing never needs a consent.
A large deposit before any materials are ordered.
Unlicensed people doing plumbing or electrical work.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in NZ?

A cosmetic refresh usually costs $8,000 to $18,000, a standard renovation about $18,000 to $35,000, and a high-end bathroom $30,000 to $50,000 or more. Luxury designer bathrooms can reach $80,000.

Do I need a building consent for a bathroom renovation?

Often. Moving plumbing, changing walls or building a fully tiled shower over framing usually needs one. Like-for-like replacements of fixtures usually do not. Check with your council or renovator.

How much contingency should I allow?

Renovators recommend 10% to 20% of the budget for problems found once walls are opened, such as rot or leaks.

Can I renovate a bathroom for under $15,000?

Usually only if you keep the existing layout and focus on cosmetic changes.