All advice / Planning and cost
Same layout vs new layout
The biggest cost decision in a bathroom renovation is whether to move the plumbing. Keeping the toilet, shower and basin in their current positions is a like-for-like renovation. Moving them is a layout change — and it adds thousands to the bill.
A like-for-like renovation in a standard bathroom starts from $18,000 with ETR. A renovation with layout changes can add $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on how far the fixtures move and whether walls are involved.
When moving plumbing makes sense
If the current layout wastes space, blocks natural light, or forces awkward movement, a layout change is worth the cost. Common examples: moving the toilet away from the door so it is not the first thing you see, swapping the shower and bath to free up floor space, or rotating the vanity to face a window.
Moving the toilet is the most costly fixture to shift because it connects to a 100-millimetre waste pipe in the floor. Moving it more than a metre from the existing waste point often means lifting the floor slab.
Our plumbing guide explains what gets replaced during a renovation and how plumbing changes affect cost.
What layout changes cost
Shifting a basin: $500 to $1,500 depending on the distance from the existing supply and waste points. Shifting a shower: $1,000 to $3,000 including rerouting the hot and cold lines, waste and any screen changes. Shifting a toilet: $1,500 to $5,000 or more if the floor slab needs cutting.
Wall removal adds $1,000 to $3,000 per wall (more if load-bearing, which requires an engineer's beam design). New walls cost $800 to $2,000 each including framing, lining, sealing and tiling.
Structural walls and what you cannot move
Load-bearing walls hold up the floor or roof above. They cannot be removed without an engineer's design for a replacement beam. Internal non-load-bearing walls can usually be removed or shifted with fewer constraints.
Wet area walls (around the shower and bath) must be fully sealed to meet AS 3740. Our sealing guide explains what AS 3740 requires and why it matters.
In apartments, the building's main waste stack is fixed. You can move fixtures within the apartment floor, but the waste must still connect to the stack at the right fall. Our apartment vs house guide covers strata-specific constraints.
Common layout improvements
Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower: frees up 1.5 to 2 square metres of floor space. See our shower vs bath guide for the trade-offs.
Adding a wall niche: creates recessed storage without losing floor space. Moving the door swing from inward to outward (or replacing with a sliding door): opens up the usable area inside.
Widening the shower from 900 to 1,200 millimetres: transforms a tight shower into a comfortable one, especially for people with larger builds or mobility needs.
How ETR designs a new layout
Farah Dawood leads the design process, starting with the existing floor plan and the client's priorities. Layout options are drawn to scale so you can see how each change affects the space, the plumbing cost and the daily use of the room.
Nikki Comensoli said: "Every detail was done with care and attention. Our bathrooms are all great, and our new bathtub is a favourite in our family. Nothing was too difficult."
A free on-site measure anywhere in Sydney is the starting point. Call 0411 752 334 to book yours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move the toilet in a bathroom renovation?
Between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on how far it moves from the existing waste point. Moves over one metre often require cutting into the floor slab, which adds cost.
Can I change the bathroom layout in an apartment?
Yes, within limits. Fixtures can be moved within the apartment floor, but the waste must still connect to the building's main stack at the correct fall. Strata approval is usually needed. Our apartment vs house guide covers the details.
Is it worth changing the bathroom layout?
If the current layout wastes space, blocks light, or forces awkward movement, yes. If the layout works well and you just want new finishes, a like-for-like renovation saves thousands and delivers a great result faster.
How long does a bathroom renovation with layout changes take?
Three to five weeks for a standard bathroom, compared to two to three weeks for a like-for-like renovation. The extra time covers plumbing relocation, any structural work and additional sealing inspections.
Do I need council approval to change a bathroom layout?
Generally not for internal changes that do not alter the building envelope. However, if you are removing a load-bearing wall, you need an engineer's certification. In an apartment, strata approval is separate from council. Our permits guide covers the details.