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How much does bathroom resurfacing cost?

$1,500 - $3000

    How much does bathroom resurfacing cost

    The cost of a bathroom resurfacing varies depending on the size of the room and the number of surfaces. In most cases, the cost of resurfacing a bathroom is between $1,500 and $3,000 in Australia for an entire bathroom. This price is much more affordable than renovating an entire bathroom, which can cost $5,000 to $25,000.

    Benefits of bathroom resurfacing

    More straightforward and cheaper than a bathroom renovation

    A bathroom renovation can take weeks to complete, and the average cost in Australia is between $5,000 and $25,000. Resurfacing usually includes repairing the tile, basin, and countertops, which takes just a few days to complete. All this can be achieved for less than $3,000 depending on your room size and extent of existing surface damage.

    Factors impacting the cost of bathroom resurfacing

    Bathroom size

    The size of the bathroom impacts the bathroom resurfacing cost. For instance, a small bathroom that requires only a minimal amount of work will cost less than the bathtub reglazing cost for a large bathroom that needs multiple surfaces repaired. 

     

    Colour matching

    Some clients choose specific colours for their bathroom remodelling projects. Most companies will charge you approximately $60 for colour matching services in addition to the price of the tile and the bathtub resurfacing cost. 

     

    The extent of damage

    The bathroom tile resurfacing cost will vary depending on the condition of the tiles. Older, chipped tiles will cost more to repair. While there is no fixed price per metre for wall tiles, the size of the area can increase the bathroom tile resurfacing cost. Whether or not the tiles require extensive work to grout or repair them will also impact the cost of resurfacing a bathroom.

     

    A bathroom with a white bathtub and basin

    A resurfaced bathroom can look as good as brand new / Source: River City Construction

    Price estimates for different types of bathroom resurfacing

    Sink resurfacing

    For a small drop-in basin or wall-hung sink basin, expect to pay about $200 to $300 per basin. For a premium vanity, expect to pay approximately $1,500. 

     

    Bathtub resurfacing

    A typical bathtub reglazing cost is $500 to $700. However, a larger bathtub or an older, cast iron resurface can cost several hundred dollars more than the average cost to reglaze a bathtub.

     

    Shower resurfacing

    The price of a shower resurfacing is similar to a bathtub resurfacing cost, which is about $550 to $650. However, it is typically more affordable when you’re working with cheaper materials. For instance, if you have fine porcelain, expect to pay more than the average cost to reglaze a bathtub or shower. 

     

    Wall tile resurfacing

    The cost to repair chipped tiles averages about $150 to $300, though this price increases if you have significant issues like rust.

     

    Total bathroom resurfacing

    You may choose to resurface individual items or a combination of various tiles, vanities or sink basins. Expect to pay around $1,000 to $3,000 to resurface a smaller bathroom (up to 5 metres in size). For larger bathrooms, expect to pay more for your resurface cost.

    How to hire a bathroom resurfacer

    How to create an accurate estimate

    • Ask about any hidden fees, such as colour matching.
    • Ask if you can get a discount on your bathroom resurfacing cost for having multiple surfaces completed at once.
    • Get quotes from several different tradies to compare prices.

     

    Licencing and qualifications

    Bathroom resurfacing falls under the category of renovation work. If you need structural work done to your home along with your bathroom resurfacing job, you must check the requirements for licensing in your territory or state.

    The government in Tasmania requires that renovations be conducted by or supervised by a licensed worker. However, in most other states and territories, workers don’t need a licence if the work does not exceed a specific dollar amount. For instance, in New South Wales, the worker is required to have a builder’s licence if the work exceeds $1,000 in labour and materials. In Victoria and Australian Capital Territory, if the cost of the materials and labour is more than $5,000, the work must be done by a Registered Building Practitioner unless the worker specializes in only one type of labour, such as tile work. 

    Workers who carry out alterations and renovations to existing buildings don’t need licences in the Northern Territory unless the job increases the floor area or costs above $12,000 for labour and materials. In Western Australia, in most cases, you won’t need a licensed builder unless the work exceeds $20,000. 

    The government of Queensland requires a Builder Restricted Licence for workers who perform or supervise any job exceeding $3,300 in cost. This licence is specific to the particular type of work performed. In South Australia, most resurfacing and renovation work are both considered building labour, which means the worker needs at least one of two types of building licences.

    How to save money hiring a bathroom resurfacer

     

    • Ask if multiple surfaces (e.g. shower, sink basin and tiles) can be completed at the same time. 
    • Ask about warranties.
    • Request a written quote.
    • Request references.
    • Inquire about pictures of previous jobs completed.

     

     

    * The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

    FAQ

    How does bathroom resurfacing work?

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    First, the surface is sanded down. Then, cracks and worn areas are filled in or repaired. Coats of paint or primer are added before buffing the surface.

    How long does bathroom resurfacing last?

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    Resurfacing can improve the look of a surface, but it’s not a permanent fix. Resurfacing will typically need to be touched up after 10-15 years.

    Should I resurface my bathroom floor tiles?

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    Most people can tell when tiles need to be replaced. As tiles age, they will crack, break or become stained. Resurfacing your bathroom floor will create a cleaner and newer look, but is not always advised as the high level of foot traffic can cause damage quickly.

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