How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne's northern suburbs?

Kitchen renovations in suburbs like Brunswick, Reservoir and Preston typically range from $15,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $60,000+ for a full structural renovation with new cabinetry, benchtops, splashback and appliances. We collect quotes from multiple local tradies so you can compare real prices side by side.

Are the builders and tradies VBA registered?

Yes. Every tradie we connect you with holds a current Victorian Building Authority (VBA) registration. We don't list unlicensed operators. You can also verify any tradie's licence yourself at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything.

Will I get cold-called by random tradies after submitting my details?

No. Your details are only shared with tradies who are a genuine match for your job and suburb. We don't sell your information to lead brokers or third-party lists. You choose who to engage — nothing gets passed on without your knowledge.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?

A basic bathroom renovation runs from around $8,000–$15,000. A full wet area renovation with new tiles, plumbing, waterproofing and fixtures is typically $18,000–$35,000. Getting at least two or three quotes is essential — and that's exactly what we help you do.

Do I need a building permit for a home extension in Victoria?

Most extensions over 10m² require a building permit in Victoria. Your builder is legally required to obtain it before work starts. The tradies we work with handle permits as part of the job.

How long does a kitchen or bathroom renovation actually take?

A bathroom typically takes 2–4 weeks once trades are booked. A kitchen runs 3–6 weeks depending on whether cabinetry is custom or flatpack. Extensions vary widely — a single-storey rear extension might be 10–16 weeks from permit to completion.

What areas in Melbourne do you cover?

We focus on Melbourne's northern suburbs — Brunswick, Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote, Bundoora, Lalor, Pascoe Vale, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Oak Park, Glenroy, Hadfield, Fawkner, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Mill Park, Thomastown, Greensborough, Eltham, Fitzroy North and Diamond Creek.

Is it actually free to get quotes through Melb Renovations?

Yes — completely free for homeowners. You describe your project, we match you with vetted local tradies, they quote you directly. You're under no obligation to accept any quote. We're paid by the tradies, not you.

Spa Bathrooms Are Taking Over Melbourne Homes — Here's What They Cost in the Northern Suburbs

Spa bathroom renovation Essendon Melbourne northern suburbs

Walk into any open for inspection in Melbourne's northern suburbs right now and you will notice something. The bathrooms that stop buyers in their tracks are not just clean and functional. They feel like a retreat. Floor-to-ceiling tiles, freestanding baths, frameless showers, heated floors, and stone benchtops. What used to be reserved for high-end new builds is now showing up in renovation projects across Coburg, Northcote, Brunswick, Essendon, and Reservoir.

Spa-like bathroom renovations are one of the fastest growing trends in Australian homes in 2026. And for good reason. A well-executed bathroom renovation adds real value to your property, improves your daily life, and in Melbourne's competitive northern suburbs market, it gives buyers a reason to pay more.

Here is what a spa bathroom actually involves, what it costs, and how to get one done properly.

What Is a Spa Bathroom?

A spa bathroom is not a specific product or package. It is a design philosophy — creating a space that feels calm, luxurious, and intentional rather than purely functional.

Common features include:

Large format floor to ceiling tiles in natural stone or stone-look porcelain.
Frameless or semi-frameless shower screens.
A freestanding bath as a feature piece.
Heated flooring, particularly in Melbourne where winters are cold.
Niches and recessed shelving to eliminate clutter.
Matte black, brushed nickel, or brushed gold tapware and fixtures.
Integrated lighting including LED strip lighting and backlit mirrors.
Double vanities where space allows.

You do not need all of these to achieve the feel. The key is cohesion — materials, fixtures, and finishes that work together rather than a collection of upgrades that feel random.

Freestanding bath spa bathroom renovation Coburg Melbourne

What Does a Spa Bathroom Cost in Melbourne's Northern Suburbs?

Bathroom renovation costs vary significantly depending on the size of the space, the quality of finishes, and whether any structural or plumbing changes are involved.

As a general guide for Melbourne's northern suburbs in 2026:

Entry level spa bathroom refresh:
5,000 to
5,000. This covers new tiles, vanity, shower screen, tapware, and fittings without moving any walls or plumbing.
Mid range spa bathroom renovation:

5,000 to $45,000. This includes higher quality tiles and stone finishes, a freestanding bath, heated flooring, frameless shower, and custom joinery for the vanity.

Premium spa bathroom: $45,000 to $80,000 and above. Full structural work, bespoke finishes, top tier fixtures, and a fully custom design.

The biggest cost variables are tile selection, whether plumbing needs to be relocated, and the quality of the vanity and bath. A freestanding bath alone can range from $800 to over $5,000 depending on the brand and material.

Double vanity spa bathroom renovation Northcote Melbourne

Does a Spa Bathroom Add Value to Your Home?

Yes — consistently. Bathrooms are one of the first things buyers assess at inspections and one of the most cited reasons for passing on a property. A dated bathroom signals that the home needs work, which affects buyer confidence and price.

In Melbourne's northern suburbs, upgrading from a functional but dated bathroom to a well-designed spa bathroom can add significantly more than the cost of the renovation to your sale price — particularly when the rest of the home is in good condition.

And if you are in your primary residence, that uplift in sale price is completely exempt from capital gains tax.

How Many Bathrooms Should You Renovate?

If you have one bathroom, renovate it. If you have two, prioritise the main bathroom first and assess the ensuite based on your budget. Buyers in the northern suburbs increasingly expect both the main bathroom and ensuite to be renovated, particularly in homes priced above

million.

Adding a second bathroom to a home that only has one is one of the highest return renovations you can make — particularly in family homes where a single bathroom is a genuine barrier for buyers.

What to Look for in a Builder

Bathroom renovations involve waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, electrical, and joinery — often all in a small space with tight tolerances. The quality of the waterproofing is particularly critical. Waterproofing failures are one of the most common and expensive defects in bathroom renovations and they are often not visible until significant damage has occurred.

In Victoria, any builder carrying out bathroom renovation work should hold a current VBA licence. This is not optional. Always ask to see it before signing any contract.

Every builder in the MelbRenovations network is VBA-licensed, insured, and manually vetted before they receive a single lead from us.

Ready to Get Your Spa Bathroom Quote?

Tell us about your bathroom renovation project and we will match you with a vetted, VBA-licensed local builder in your suburb — completely free, no obligation.