Looking for affordable bathroom renovations that don’t cut corners on quality or style? Joyce Kitchens & Bathrooms designs and delivers budget-conscious bathrooms across Perth and regional WA. From clever space planning to smart material selections, we’ll help you achieve a premium look for less—compliant with WA standards and built to last.
What “affordable bathroom renovations” really means
Affordable doesn’t mean “cheap bathroom” work that fails early. It means prioritising impact and durability so your spend delivers value. For many Perth homeowners, an affordable bathroom remodel focuses on a “light structural” scope: retain the plumbing layout, refresh fixtures, resurface key zones, and invest in storage.
- Keep services in place to avoid costly re-plumbing (major savings).
- Target high-visual elements—vanity, shower screen, tiles, lighting.
- Select materials with low maintenance and high moisture resistance.
- Use custom cabinetry smartly to unlock storage and reduce clutter.
Small bathroom ideas on a budget
Whether it’s a unit in Cottesloe or a starter home in Baldivis, small bathroom ideas on a budget can dramatically elevate the space. Try these cheap small bathroom ideas that punch above their weight:
Quick wins for an inexpensive bathroom remodel
- Wall-hung vanity to show more floor and make cleaning easier.
- Frameless or semi-frameless shower screen to open sightlines.
- Large-format porcelain tiles (fewer grout lines = bigger feel).
- LED strip lighting under the vanity or mirrored cabinets for layered light.
- Chrome tapware (classic, lower cost) or carefully selected matte black for contrast.
- Recessed niche in the shower to replace bulky caddies.
- Soft-close drawers for longevity and a premium touch.
Style continuity with your kitchen and laundry
For whole-of-home cohesion (and better resale), echo elements from your kitchen renovations Perth project—think shaker kitchen door profiles repeated on a vanity, a matching engineered stone benchtop, or a complementary splashback tile in your laundry renovation. Consistency supports a polished, designer look at a budget-friendly price.
Our WA renovation process (clear, compliant and efficient)
We manage your budget bathroom renovations end-to-end with licensed trades and clear communication.
1) Consultation and design
- Measure, mood boards, and 3D renders that test your vision and budget.
- Material samples: laminates, engineered stone, tiles, grout, and hardware.
2) Fixed, transparent quote
- Line-by-line inclusions to avoid surprises.
- HIA-aligned documentation and practical timelines.
3) Approvals and compliance
- We follow AS 3740 (waterproofing), AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing and drainage) and tiling best practice.
- Where required, we coordinate council or strata approvals for structural or service changes.
4) Build phase
- Demolition and protection of adjacent areas.
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in by licensed trades.
- Waterproofing membrane application and curing.
- Tiling, grouting, joinery install and benchtops.
- Final fit-off: tapware, shower screen, accessories, lighting.
- Quality assurance, cleaning and handover pack.
Materials and finishes that stretch your budget
Smart material choices deliver big visual impact at low cost—perfect for an economical bathroom remodel.
Vanity benchtops: Engineered stone vs laminate (for WA homes)
| Feature | Engineered Stone | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. cost (supply only) | $$–$$$ | $ |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent | Very good with sealed edges |
| Heat resistance (hair tools) | Good, but use a trivet | Moderate; avoid direct heat |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Design range | Stone-look, concrete-look | Extensive; stone-look at low cost |
| Best for | Mid-range to premium budgets | Low cost bathroom remodels, rentals |
Both can suit budget bathrooms. If you want the “stone look” on a tight budget, a modern stone-look laminate is a savvy choice. For higher impact, engineered stone lifts the vanity and ties nicely to your kitchen’s benchtop if you’re planning whole-home updates.
Tiles and grout
- Porcelain for durability; ceramic is a cost-saver for walls.
- Rectified edges enable thinner grout lines and a high-end look.
- Epoxy grout costs more up front but resists mould—ideal for an inexpensive bathroom remodel that lasts.
Tapware and hardware
- Chrome remains the best value; matte black or brushed nickel as accents.
- Choose reputable WELS-rated brands for warranty and compliance.
Custom cabinetry WA
Our custom cabinetry WA team designs vanities, mirrored cabinets and linen storage to the millimetre, maximising every nook. The right storage is often the difference between a “cheap bathroom remodel” and a space that feels intentionally designed.
Layouts and styles that work in budget bathrooms
Layout tips for small spaces
- Walk-in shower with a single fixed panel reduces hardware costs.
- Concealed cistern toilet if wall cavity permits; back-to-wall models are a budget-friendly alternative.
- Standard WA sizes: 600–900 mm vanities; 1700 mm baths suit most homes.
Style ideas that don’t blow the budget
- Modern coastal: White and light timber-look laminates, textured wall tile, chrome tapware.
- Scandinavian: Wall-hung vanity, matte finishes, soft greys, warm task lighting.
- Classic shaker: Shaker-profile vanity doors echo your shaker kitchen for cohesion.
Costs and budgeting in Perth
Every project is unique, but these ballpark figures help frame an affordable bathroom remodel in WA. Pricing assumes a typical 3 x 2 m bathroom and mid-value selections.
- Bathroom refresh / facelift: $6,000–$12,000 (paint, tapware, vanity, mirror, screen, minor tiling).
- Budget small bathroom remodel: $12,000–$18,000 (retain layout, new tiles to wet areas, new fixtures, custom vanity).
- Full low cost bathroom renovations: $18,000–$28,000 (complete strip-out, full tiling, upgraded fixtures).
Waterproofing is non-negotiable—see how much does it cost to waterproof a bathroom and avoid costly rework.
Where the money goes: tiling and waterproofing, plumbing/electrical rough-in, custom cabinetry, and screens. Save by retaining plumbing locations, choosing ceramic wall tiles, and using laminate or stone-look options for benchtops.
Cheapest bathroom renovation strategies:
- Keep the layout. Moving the toilet or shower is what drives plumbing costs.
- Full-height tiling only in wet zones; paint elsewhere.
- Go semi-frameless screens and chrome tapware.
Considering DIY strip-out? Our bathroom demolition primer covers safety, sequencing and disposal in WA.
Compliance note (Australia): Waterproofing to AS 3740 and plumbing to AS/NZS 3500 are essential. Use licensed contractors and consider HIA or Master Builders contract frameworks for clarity.
Two quick WA case examples
Case 1: Cottesloe unit – bathroom redo on a budget ($9.8k)
Scope: retain layout, new 750 mm wall-hung vanity (laminate top), chrome tapware, semi-frameless screen, paint, partial tile update, LED mirror. Outcome: brighter, modern look and 2 m² extra perceived space—with minimal downtime.
Case 2: Baldivis family home – inexpensive bathroom renovations ($17.5k)
Scope: walk-in shower, rectified porcelain floor tile, engineered stone vanity top, shaker-profile doors, epoxy grout, niche, new exhaust. Outcome: cohesive with their kitchen renovations Perth project; durable finishes for kids; water bills down thanks to 4-star WELS fixtures.
Budget bathroom renovation checklist (WA)
- Define scope: facelift, partial, or full renovation.
- Decide layout changes (or retain for savings).
- Set allowances for tiles, vanity, tapware, screens, lighting.
- Confirm compliance: AS 3740 waterproofing, AS/NZS 3500 plumbing.
- Select finishes: laminate vs engineered stone, tile size, grout type.
- Ventilation plan: exhaust fan sized to room; duct to exterior.
- Lighting layers: task at mirror + ambient + accent (optional).
- Storage: wall-hung vanity, mirrored cabinet, niche.
- Timeline: allow 2–4 weeks depending on scope and curing.
- Warranty and care: keep product manuals and maintenance guides.
Why choose Joyce Kitchens & Bathrooms
- Integrated design: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobe fit-outs for whole-home cohesion.
- Custom cabinetry WA: Locally made, measured to fit, premium hardware.
- Trusted process: Clear timelines, licensed trades, and HIA-aligned contracts.
- Showrooms and service: Perth-based designers with material libraries and 3D visuals.
Helpful Australian resources:
- Housing Industry Association (HIA)
- Building and Energy WA (DMIRS)
- Australian Building Codes Board (NCC)
Ready to start? Talk to our Perth design team about cheap bathroom renovations that look anything but cheap. We’ll tailor the right bathroom remodel ideas on a budget for your home.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to renovate a bathroom in Australia?
The cheapest route is a cosmetic refresh: keep the layout, update the vanity, tapware, shower screen and lighting, and retile only wet zones. Choose ceramic wall tiles, chrome tapware, a laminate vanity top and a semi-frameless screen. This “simple bathroom renovation” approach avoids expensive plumbing changes while delivering a visible upgrade.
How much does a low cost small bathroom remodel cost in Perth?
As a guide, a small low cost bathroom remodel in Perth typically ranges from $12,000 to $18,000 when you keep the plumbing layout, choose value-focused finishes and use custom cabinetry strategically. A basic facelift can be achieved from about $6,000–$12,000.
Is engineered stone or laminate better for a budget vanity top?
For strict budgets, high-pressure laminate is the better value—it mimics stone looks at a fraction of the cost. If you have room to spend and want a more premium finish, engineered stone is durable and low maintenance. Both can suit affordable bathroom renovations; the right choice depends on budget and desired look.
Do I need council approval for a simple bathroom renovation in WA?
Generally, no approval is needed for like-for-like replacements. You may need approval if you move plumbing, alter structure, or change waterproofed areas. Always use licensed trades and check local council requirements or Building and Energy WA guidance to confirm your project’s obligations.
How long does an affordable bathroom remodel take?
Most inexpensive bathroom renovations take 2–4 weeks from demolition to final fit-off, depending on scope, tile lead times and membrane curing. Light facelifts can be faster; full re-tiles and layout changes can extend timelines.
