The Complete Ensuite Renovation Guide for Melbourne [2025 Edition]
Your ensuite should feel like a private escape — not a cramped afterthought. Whether you're dealing with old tiles, a tiny shower, or a layout that just doesn’t work, this guide will help you plan a smarter, cleaner, more beautiful ensuite renovation.
We’ll break down real costs, timelines, layout tips, must-have upgrades, and the biggest design mistakes to avoid — all tailored to Melbourne homes in 2025.
What Does an Ensuite Renovation Cost in Melbourne?
Renovating your ensuite in Melbourne generally costs:
$15,000 – $25,000 for basic upgrades
$25,000 – $40,000 for mid-range full renovations
$40,000 – $60,000+ for high-end finishes, reconfigurations, and premium features
Why the wide range? It depends on your layout, selections, and how much plumbing is being moved. Keeping everything in the same spot saves money — but a complete rework can transform how the space functions.
Why Renovating an Ensuite Is Different From a Main Bathroom
You’re not designing for guests. You’re designing for yourself — every single day. That changes everything.
You don’t need a bath. Most ensuites favour walk-in double showers.
You need storage that works. Not “guest bathroom” levels — actual daily use.
You want peace and quiet. That means soundproofing, proper ventilation, and soft-close everything.
Lighting matters. One foggy globe isn’t enough. Good ensuites use multiple lighting zones.
The Most Popular Ensuite Layouts in 2025
Melbourne homes vary, but smart ensuite layouts all come down to these fundamentals:
1. Wall-to-wall walk-in shower
– Clean, open, and perfect for narrow rooms. Pair with a single glass panel and linear drain for a seamless feel.
2. Floating vanity with drawers
– Looks modern, adds airflow, and makes the room feel bigger. Go double if you’ve got the wall space.
3. Hidden toilet
– No one wants to see the toilet first. Tuck it behind a nib wall or into a less-visible corner.
4. Recessed shaving cabinet
– Doubles your storage and keeps benchtops clear. Soft-close, of course.
Must-Have Upgrades (That Are Worth Every Cent)
You don’t have to go overboard — but these upgrades genuinely make a difference in ensuite life:
Heated towel rail – No more damp towels in winter
Wall niches in the shower – Built-in storage without clutter
Underfloor heating – Energy efficient and comfort-maximising
Dimmer switches or layered lighting – Morning vs. night mode
Smart ventilation – Prevents fog, damp, and mould
Ensuite Design Mistakes to Avoid
Bad ensuite layouts haunt homeowners for years. These are the ones we see too often:
Swinging shower doors that crash into vanities or walls
Poor lighting above the vanity (no one wants to do makeup in the dark)
Toilets visible from the bedroom when doors are open
Zero storage because the vanity looks good in a showroom but has no drawers
Overcrowded layouts with no breathing room
How Long Does an Ensuite Renovation Take?
Most ensuite renovations take around 2.5 to 4 weeks, depending on:
Whether plumbing is being moved
Custom vs. ready-made fittings
Material lead times
Trade coordination
At Bluestone, we line up every trade before we start — so there’s no waiting around halfway through.
Do You Need Permits for an Ensuite Renovation?
Usually, no. If you’re not touching structural walls and your plumbing is staying put, you can renovate without council involvement.
But if you:
Move a toilet or add a new one
Touch load-bearing structures
Run new plumbing through a slab
…then approvals might be needed. We handle all of this for you.
Should You DIY or Hire a Builder?
You could DIY parts of an ensuite — like painting or basic demolition.
But for everything else — waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry — you're legally required to use licensed professionals. Get it wrong, and you’ll pay more fixing it than it would’ve cost to hire someone good from the start.
More importantly: if waterproofing fails, your insurance might not cover it. That’s a nightmare you don’t want.
Resale Value: Do Ensuites Add to Property Price?
Absolutely — especially in family homes and dual-living properties. A good ensuite:
Improves daily livability
Adds wow-factor for inspections
Boosts perceived quality of the home
If you're renovating for resale, stick to neutral tones, durable finishes, and high-function layouts.
When Should You Renovate an Ensuite?
If you’re doing other renovations (like the main bathroom or kitchen), bundling the ensuite with those projects can save time and money.
Otherwise, the best time is when you can spare 2–3 weeks to live without that bathroom. If it’s your only shower? You’ll need a backup plan — temporary shower, family nearby, or staged renovation.
Why Bluestone Build Co. is a Favourite for Ensuite Renovations
We don’t do cookie-cutter bathrooms. Every ensuite is designed around:
How you live
What works in your space
Your style, not just trends
We plan everything before day one, manage all trades ourselves, and stay in touch from start to finish. You’ll always know what’s happening, when, and why.
Book Your Ensuite Renovation Consultation
Let’s walk through your space, map out what’s possible, and build a real quote — not an estimate pulled out of thin air.
