Looking to upgrade your showers and bathrooms with smart design, durable finishes and a smooth renovation process? Joyce Kitchens designs and builds beautiful, practical wet areas across Perth and WA — from big shower makeovers to compact powder rooms, and full bathroom, kitchen, laundry and wardrobe transformations.
With decades of custom cabinetry and renovation experience in WA, we bring expert planning, quality trades and locally made joinery together to deliver spaces that work hard and look better for longer.
Table of Contents
- Core insights: What makes a great shower and bathroom
- Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
- Materials & finishes that last in WA homes
- Layouts & styles — from big showers to compact ensuites
- Costs in Perth: low cost shower options to premium builds
- WA case-style examples
- Practical pre-renovation checklist
- FAQ
Core insights: What makes a great shower and bathroom
Whether you’re creating a big shower for a growing family or a serene ensuite, the best showers and bathrooms balance layout, waterproofing, storage, ventilation and style. Here’s what to prioritise.
- Plan for flow: Clear entry, dry zone near the door, and towel storage within arm’s reach of the shower.
- Waterproofing first: Compliant membranes (AS 3740 wet area waterproofing) and fall to a linear drain are non-negotiable.
- Ventilation: Correct extraction and make-up air reduce mould in Perth’s humid months (see AS 1668 guidance).
- Water efficiency: Choose a WELS 4–5 star rain shower head for comfort and lower bills.
- Storage you’ll use: Custom cabinetry WA-made with soft-close drawers, under-mount basins and internal power keeps benches clear.
- Safety underfoot: Tile slip rating P3–P4 in wet areas helps prevent falls.
- Consistency across the home: Tie finishes to your kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation and wardrobe design for a cohesive look.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
Joyce Kitchens handles design, custom joinery and renovation delivery for bathrooms, showers, kitchens and laundries across Perth.
- In-home or showroom consult: We measure, discuss your wish list (big shower, low cost shower upgrade or full reconfiguration) and align on budget and timeframe.
- Design & selections: 3D concepts, layout options, and curated choices for tiles, vanity tops, tapware and shower screens. We help you shop shower fixtures that match your style and budget.
- Technical documentation: Plans, elevations and scope of work. Plumbing to AS/NZS 3500, waterproofing to AS 3740, and NCC compliance are baked in.
- Quoting & approvals: Transparent quotation with PC items. We advise on any permits; minor internal bathroom works rarely need council approval, but structural changes may.
- Custom manufacture: Perth-made cabinetry (laminate or 2-pac polyurethane) with quality hardware such as Blum.
- Build & project management: Licensed trades, daily protection of adjoining areas, quality control and tidy site practices.
- Handover & warranty: Practical completion check, care guides and product warranties.
We align with industry bodies for best practice. For general guidance, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA.
Materials & finishes that last in WA homes
Perth’s climate, UV exposure and hard water mean your finishes need to resist heat, moisture and limescale. Here’s what we specify and why.
Showers
- Screens: Frameless shower screen for a minimal look; semi-frameless for a low cost shower solution.
- Drainage: Linear drain at the wall for easier fall and fewer grout lines.
- Tapware & showers: Matte black or brushed nickel finishes pair well with terrazzo or stone-look tiles. Choose WELS 4–5 star shower heads.
- Tiles: Porcelain slab panels reduce grout, while classic subway tiles are timeless and affordable.
Vanities & Storage
- Cabinetry: Moisture-resistant board with 2-pac polyurethane or high-pressure laminate doors; soft-close drawers, internal dividers and LED strip lighting.
- Basins: Under-mount basin for easy cleaning and a sleek top line.
Benchtops: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (for vanities)
Engineered stone benchtop products in Australia are subject to new national rules. Many traditional high-silica products are banned; low/zero-silica alternatives, porcelain and solid surface are popular options. Always confirm compliance before selecting.
| Benchtop Material | Pros | Considerations | Approx. Perth Supply & Install | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low/No-silica “engineered” surfaces or porcelain slab | Durable, stain and heat resistant, premium look | Confirm compliance and availability; heavier to install | $1,500–$3,000+ per vanity (size dependent) | Premium bathrooms, high-use family spaces |
| Laminate | Budget friendly, wide range of colours, quick to replace | Less heat resistance, exposed edges need care | $600–$1,400 per vanity | Rental properties, low cost shower/bathroom upgrades |
Layouts & styles — from big showers to compact ensuites
Layouts
- Big shower, walk-in comfort: A 1200 × 900 mm or larger walk-in shower with a hobless entry and frameless glass offers spa-like comfort and easy cleaning.
- Compact bathrooms: Corner showers, wall-hung vanities and mirrored cabinets maximise space; a sliding door can free up circulation.
- Family bathroom: Consider a separate toilet, double vanity and durable finishes; storage for kids’ items in deep drawers.
- Universal design: Hobless showers, grab rail provision and wider clearances support ageing-in-place without compromising style.
Styles
- Contemporary coastal: Light porcelain, brushed nickel tapware and timber-look cabinetry.
- Hamptons/shaker: Shaker kitchen and vanity profiles, soft whites, subway tiles and classic pulls for a timeless look.
- Minimal luxe: Large-format porcelain slab, linear drain, matte black tapware and warm LED lighting.
Our designers ensure your showers and bathrooms align with your kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation and wardrobe design for a consistent, high-value result.
Costs in Perth: low cost shower options to premium builds
Every project is unique, but these ballparks help planning. Allow for plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry, benchtops, shower screen, lighting and project management.
- Low cost shower or refresh: $6,000–$12,000 — keep plumbing in place, semi-frameless screen, laminate vanity top, quality but affordable fixtures.
- Mid-range bathroom renovation Perth: $15,000–$30,000 — re-tiling, hobless big shower, custom vanity, premium porcelain tiles, WELS 4–5 star fixtures.
- Premium ensuite/main bathroom: $30,000–$60,000+ — structural tweaks, large-format porcelain, low/zero-silica engineered or porcelain vanity tops, bespoke joinery and lighting.
Timelines typically run 3–6 weeks on site depending on scope, sequencing and lead times. Integrated whole-home projects (kitchen, bathroom and laundry) can deliver better value and a consistent style.
WA case-style examples
City Beach Big Shower Upgrade
Brief: Create a big shower with a spa feel and easy daily use. Solution: Hobless walk-in shower, 1400 mm linear drain, frameless screen, porcelain slab walls, brushed nickel rain shower and hand shower, custom double vanity with soft-close drawers and LED strip lighting. Outcome: Low maintenance, high-impact design aligned with the client’s shaker kitchen details.
Fremantle Compact Ensuite
Brief: Improve storage and light in a small heritage ensuite on a tight budget. Solution: Wall-hung vanity with laminate top, mirrored cabinets, semi-frameless screen and light-toned subway tiles with contrasting grout. Outcome: A thoughtful, low cost shower/bathroom update that feels larger and brighter without moving plumbing.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Define your priorities: big shower, extra storage, fast refresh or full reconfiguration.
- Set an “all-in” budget including tiles, tapware and contingency (10–15%).
- Decide on screen type: frameless, semi-frameless or fully framed.
- Choose water-saving fixtures: target WELS 4–5 star shower heads and mixers.
- Confirm compliance: AS 3740 waterproofing, AS/NZS 3500 plumbing and NCC requirements.
- Select durable materials for WA conditions: porcelain tiles, moisture-resistant cabinetry.
- Plan lighting and power: task lighting at the vanity, extraction ducted outside.
- Book skilled trades early and lock in lead times for tiles, screens and tapware.
- Coordinate with adjacent works like kitchen or laundry renovation for efficiency.
Why Joyce Kitchens
- Integrated design across kitchens, showers and bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
- Custom joinery manufactured in Perth with premium hardware and finishes.
- Experienced project management and compliant workmanship.
Visit our Perth showrooms to see, test and shop shower heads, screens, tiles and vanity options with a designer. We’ll help you find the best showers for your home and budget.
Helpful resources: WELS Water Rating, HIA, WA Worksafe – Engineered Stone Ban.
FAQ
How much does a shower or bathroom renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, a low cost shower refresh starts from $6,000–$12,000, mid-range bathroom renovations are typically $15,000–$30,000, and premium projects can reach $30,000–$60,000+ depending on size, materials and scope.
What’s the difference between a big shower, walk-in and hobless shower?
A big shower refers to generous dimensions (around 1200 × 900 mm or larger). A walk-in shower is open with minimal glass; a hobless shower has no step, sitting flush with the bathroom floor for easier access and cleaning.
How do I keep costs down without cutting corners?
Retain plumbing locations, choose semi-frameless screens, specify durable but affordable tiles, and use laminate benchtops. Always keep compliant waterproofing and ventilation—these protect your investment.
Are engineered stone benchtops still allowed in WA bathrooms?
Traditional high-silica engineered stone is banned nationally; approved low/zero-silica alternatives, porcelain and solid surface options are available. Always confirm product compliance before ordering.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most shower and bathroom renovations take 3–6 weeks on site, depending on scope, lead times and whether structural changes are required.
