Templeton Built

A bathroom renovation is one of the most rewarding improvements you can make to your Adelaide home — and one of the most complex. Getting it right means understanding bathroom renovation costs in Adelaide, understanding Adelaide-specific requirements, and working with a builder who knows how to deliver a result that lasts.

Bathroom Renovation Costs in Adelaide (2025–2026)

Bathroom renovation costs in Adelaide depend on the scope, size, and finish level. Here are realistic ranges for the current market:

• Cosmetic refresh (new paint, fixtures, vanity, mirror): $8,000–$15,000
• Mid-range full renovation (complete strip-out, new waterproofing, tiling, fixtures): $20,000–$35,000
• Premium renovation (high-end fixtures, custom joinery, heated flooring, frameless glass): $40,000–$65,000+

The biggest cost drivers are waterproofing (which must comply with AS 3740), tiling (labour-intensive), plumbing relocation, and fixtures quality. In older Adelaide homes, add $2,000–$5,000 for asbestos removal if present in walls or ceilings, plus potential replumbing from old copper or galvanised to PEX.

Adelaide-Specific Considerations

Waterproofing Compliance

Waterproofing is the most critical element of any bathroom renovation. In South Australia, all wet area waterproofing must comply with AS 3740 and the NCC. This means a licensed waterproofer, proper membrane application, and a mandatory inspection before tiling begins. Cutting corners on waterproofing is the most expensive mistake a homeowner can make — water damage behind tiles can cost tens of thousands to rectify.

Licensed Trades

SA law requires that all plumbing and electrical work be carried out by licensed tradespeople. Your builder should coordinate these trades and ensure all work is certified. At Templeton Built, we manage every trade on your project so you have a single point of contact.

Asbestos in Older Homes

If your Adelaide home was built before 1990, there’s a good chance the bathroom contains asbestos-containing materials — in wall linings, ceiling sheets, vinyl flooring, or even behind tiles. A licensed assessor must inspect before demolition begins, and removal must be done by a licensed removalist. This adds $1,500–$5,000 to the project but is non-negotiable for safety and legal compliance.

The Renovation Process

A quality bathroom renovation follows a clear process: initial consultation and design, detailed quoting, council approval (if structural changes are involved), strip-out and demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in, waterproofing and inspection, tiling, fixture installation, and final finishing. Your builder should provide a clear timeline at the start and keep you updated throughout.

Working with experienced renovation builders in Adelaide ensures nothing falls through the cracks. A bathroom renovation touches plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tiling, joinery, and glazing — that’s a lot of trades to coordinate.

Choosing Your Bathroom Renovation Builder

Look for a builder with specific bathroom renovation experience in Adelaide, a current BLD licence, and a portfolio of completed projects you can visit. Ask about their waterproofing process, which trades they use, and how they handle unexpected issues (like discovering asbestos or water damage during strip-out).

Templeton Built delivers bathroom renovations in Adelaide across Adelaide — from compact ensuites in inner-suburban character homes to luxurious master bathrooms in new builds. We also handle kitchen renovations in Adelaide, home extensions in Adelaide, and full renovation builders in Adelaide.

Ready to Get Started?

Templeton Built has been helping Adelaide homeowners bring their renovation and building projects to life — from the Hills to the beaches. We understand local regulations, soil conditions, and what it takes to deliver a quality result in South Australia.

Contact Templeton Built today for a no-obligation chat about your project.