A fresh look without a full renovation.
When the waterproofing is sound and the tiles are straight but the room feels dated, a makeover gives you a clean result at a fraction of the price.
Typical spend
$0.0k
Range
$7k – $18k
Duration
5–14 days
Makeover project — typical spend $10.5k, 1-week average build
About Bathroom Makeover
A bathroom makeover is the right choice when the bones are good and the surface is tired. If the waterproofing is under five years old, the tiles are straight and intact, and the plumbing is modern, the remaining story is cosmetic.
Makeover work is a different skill set from renovation work. Many of Adelaide's best builders are not interested in $9,000 makeover projects. Our network includes specialist makeover teams who have made a business of fast, clean, presentable cosmetic work.
The most impactful makeover moves are: vanity replacement (usually the biggest visual change per dollar), tapware upgrade in matching finish, mirror upgrade, shower screen swap, and a paint refresh. Skip the cheap items (towel rails, toilet seats, door handles) until the big moves are done.
If you are preparing the home for sale, resurfacing is worth considering. A complete tile resurfacing by an Adelaide specialist costs $2,200 to $3,800 for an average bathroom, changes a yellowed 90s room into a modern neutral one, and holds up for seven to ten years. It is not a replacement for a full renovation, but it is an honest intermediate step.
Common situations our network handles.
Recognise any of these?
- The bathroom works fine but the fittings feel 2005.
- A full renovation is not in the budget this year but something has to change.
- The tiles are structurally sound and recent, so tearing them up feels wasteful.
- You are preparing the home for rental or sale and need presentable, not premium.
Here is what we do about it.
- Vanity replacement, new mirror, updated tapware in matching finish.
- Epoxy tile resurfacing for dated colours without demolition.
- Shower screen replacement from framed to frameless.
- Lighting upgrade: new centre fitting plus vanity task light.
A recent transformation from the network.
A visual sample of this speciality.
Bathroom Makeover: your questions.
Is a bathroom makeover worth it before selling?
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Yes, almost always. A $9,000 makeover routinely adds $20,000 to $30,000 to Adelaide sale prices in a confident market. Real estate agents we speak to consistently say the bathroom is the second-most-influential room in a sale, after the kitchen.
What is the difference between a makeover and a renovation?
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A makeover is cosmetic: vanity, taps, mirror, shower screen, lighting, paint. No demolition, no new waterproofing. A renovation goes back to studs and slab. Makeovers start around $6,500. Renovations start around $18,000.
Can you resurface tiles instead of replacing them?
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Yes, epoxy tile resurfacing is available for sound tiles that are only cosmetically dated. Adelaide specialists apply a bonding primer and tinted epoxy over existing tiles. The look is closer to a painted surface than a tiled one. Expect 7-10 year life.
How long does a makeover take?
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Most makeovers finish in one to two weeks. The bathroom is typically out of service for only 5 to 7 days of that.
Three Makeover quotes, free.
Tell us about your project. We match you with three Adelaide renovators who specialise in makeover work.
Related services
Get 3 makeover quotes from Adelaide's network
Fixed-price, line-itemised, within 24 hours. You choose which renovator wins the job. The service is free.