TOP 5 WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR BATHROOM RENOVATION
Three Birds House 14 Main Bathroom
Bathrooms might be the smallest rooms in the house, but they sure know how to burn through a budget. Between the tiles, tapware, waterproofing, lighting, and labour, it’s no wonder costs can skyrocket before you’ve even picked your grout colour.
But here’s the good news: after years of renovating (and teaching thousands of Reno School students how to bring their bathroom dreams to life without breaking the bank), we know it’s possible to create a beautiful, functional bathroom without flushing your savings down the toilet. All it takes is a few clever tricks up your sleeve.
Here are five of our favourite money-saving hacks to help you get the bathroom of your dreams, without blowing the budget.
1. KEEP THE PLUMBING IN PLACE
Want to know the sneakiest budget-buster in bathrooms? Moving plumbing. Every time you shift a toilet, shower, or vanity, you are not just moving a fixture; you are moving thousands of dollars straight out of your renovation fund and straight towards your plumber’s labour and fresh piping. It all adds up fast!
The smartest move is to stick with your existing layout. You will still get a beautiful new bathroom, but your money goes into the fun stuff like tiles, tapware and finishes, instead of pipes hiding behind walls and under floors.
💡 If you absolutely have to move something, keep it minimal - like swapping the vanity and shower, rather than a complete plumbing shuffle.
2. TILE SMART (AND LESS!)
Tiles are the jewellery of a bathroom, but not every piece has to be a diamond. You can save serious cash and still get the luxe look with a few clever tricks:
Tile only the wet zones, like inside the shower and behind the bath or vanity.
Use waterproof VJ panels, like Hardie™ Axon™ Cladding or paint in the other areas.
Mix feature tiles with budget-friendly basics. A splash of marble mosaic looks extra fancy when it is paired with affordable large-format tiles.
💡 Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which cuts down labour costs and creates that seamless, high-end finish.
3. SHOP AROUND FOR FIXTURES & FITTINGS
Your vanity, tapware and shower fittings do not need to cost the earth to look high-end. Hunt down bargains at clearance sales, outlet stores or online-only retailers, and never be afraid to ask suppliers if they offer discounts. You will be surprised how often the answer is yes.
💡 Ex-display pieces and end-of-line stock can look just as beautiful once installed, at a fraction of the cost.
And here is our best insider tip. With the Three Birds Dream Discount Card, you can unlock savings with some of our favourite suppliers every single time you shop, without having to wait for a sale. We would not dream of renovating without it, and neither should you.
4. MIX HIGH & LOW FINISHES
Splurge where it counts and save where it doesn’t. A few clever swaps can make your bathroom look luxe without the scary price tag:
Go all out on statement tapware in a brushed brass finish, then team it with a budget-friendly vanity.
Invest in a luxe benchtop but balance it with simple subway tiles.
Splash out on a frameless shower screen and keep the lighting simple and affordable.
💡 The trick is knowing what makes the biggest visual impact, then letting that hero piece do the talking.
5. PLAN, BUDGET & COMPARE QUOTES
It might not sound glamorous, but careful planning is the ultimate money saver. A clear plan means fewer costly surprises and a smoother reno journey.
Set your scope by separating must-haves from nice-to-haves.
Collect at least three quotes from trades so you are comparing apples with apples.
Always leave a buffer of 10–15% for those “oops, did not see that coming” moments.
💡 Trades expect you to shop around, so do not feel awkward about asking for more than one price.
BONUS TIP: STYLE IT UP, NOT OUT
A bathroom can feel five-star with clever styling, not just expensive finishes. Finishing touches like fluffy towels, rattan baskets, scented candles and a statement mirror bring instant luxury without draining your budget.
✨ With these five strategies (plus a little styling magic), you can create a bathroom that is affordable, functional and future-proof. It proves that saving money does not mean skimping on style. And remember, with the Three Birds Dream Discount Card in your back pocket, you can keep saving every time you shop. We would not reno without it.
Three Birds House 14 ensuite bathroom
GET YOUR FREE BATHROOM BUDGET BLOWOUT CHECKLIST
Bathrooms are often the most expensive room to renovate. And a budget blowout can happen quickly. Our free Bathroom Budget Blowout Checklist can help. Grab it for free right now 👇
