An ensuite renovation Camberwell project differs from renovating a main bathroom in one important respect: space. Ensuites in Camberwell's mix of Federation, Edwardian and 1970s-era homes range from a tight 3 square metres to a generous master suite, and almost every decision flows from that footprint. This guide covers costs, Victorian compliance obligations, layout choices, and what to look for when selecting a tradesperson.
Ensuite renovation Camberwell: what it costs in 2026
Project costs depend heavily on whether the plumbing stays put, the quality of fixtures, and the condition of the existing waterproofing membrane. The ranges below are based on typical projects in the City of Boroondara and are a useful starting point before you obtain fixed quotes.
| Project scope | Typical budget range | What it generally includes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $6,000 - $10,000 | Re-tile, new vanity top, tapware swap, screen replacement. Plumbing positions unchanged. |
| Standard renovation | $10,000 - $20,000 | Full strip-out, new waterproofing, tiling, vanity, shower screen, tapware. Plumbing stays. |
| Reconfigured layout | $18,000 - $28,000 | Plumbing relocated, new floor waste position, heated towel rail, niche shelving. |
| Luxury ensuite | $28,000 - $40,000+ | Heated flooring, frameless screen, wall-hung vanity, rainfall shower, designer tapware and custom tiles. |
The single biggest swing factor is whether moving the drain requires cutting a concrete slab. On a suspended timber floor this is relatively straightforward; on a concrete slab it adds labour and can add $3,000 to $6,000 to the budget. Get this confirmed in writing before signing a contract.
Where the money goes
- Waterproofing and tiling: typically 30 to 40% of a standard renovation budget.
- Vanity and fixtures: budget $1,200 to $4,500 depending on specification.
- Shower screen: frameless screens cost $900 to $2,500 supplied and fitted.
- Labour (plumber and tiler): combined roughly $4,000 to $9,000 for a standard scope.
- Electrical (exhaust fan, heated towel rail): $400 to $1,200 depending on what is added.
Victorian compliance requirements for an ensuite renovation
Victoria's building regulations create clear obligations for wet-area work, and Camberwell falls entirely within those rules. Understanding them upfront protects you from disputes and unpermitted work.
Registered building practitioner
Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic), any domestic building work valued at more than $10,000 must be carried out under a contract with a registered building practitioner. You can verify a practitioner's registration and current status on the Victorian Building Authority website at vba.vic.gov.au. Always check before signing.
Waterproofing to AS 3740:2021
All wet areas in a Victorian bathroom or ensuite must be waterproofed in accordance with AS 3740:2021. The standard specifies membrane types, application zones, upstand heights and inspection requirements. The membrane must be inspected before tiles are laid; once covered, compliance cannot be verified without removing the tiles. Skipping the inspection is one of the most common causes of costly rectification work.
Domestic Building Insurance
For projects over $16,000, the registered building practitioner must take out Domestic Building Insurance (formerly known as builders warranty insurance) before work starts. This protects you if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent before completing the work or honouring a warranty.
How an ensuite renovation in Camberwell works
- Define scope and set a budget. Decide whether you are refreshing cosmetics or doing a full strip-out, and obtain at least three fixed-price quotes from registered practitioners.
- Engage a registered building practitioner. For work over $10,000, registration with the VBA is legally required. Confirm registration before signing any contract.
- Plan the waterproofing membrane. All wet areas must comply with AS 3740:2021. The membrane is inspected before tiling begins, and the inspection certificate should be retained.
- Select fixtures and finishes. Choose vanity, shower screen, tapware and tiles to suit the footprint. In Federation-era Camberwell homes, period-sympathetic profiles often complement the existing architecture.
- Site works and installation. Plumbing and electrical rough-in, waterproofing, inspection, then tiling and fixture installation, typically in that order.
- Final inspection and handover. Trades sign off on waterproofing compliance. For projects over $16,000, the Domestic Building Insurance certificate is provided before practical completion.
Space-saving layout options for small ensuites
Many Camberwell ensuites were added to Federation and Edwardian homes as part of later extensions, often fitting into compact floor plates. The strategies below can recover functional space without moving plumbing.
- Wall-hung vanity: lifts the cabinet off the floor to create a visual sense of space and makes cleaning easier. Works in ensuites as narrow as 750 mm.
- Recessed niche in the shower wall: replaces a shower caddy with a flush-mounted shelf that does not project into the shower zone.
- Large-format tiles: fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more expansive look in a small room. 600 x 600 mm or 600 x 1200 mm formats are commonly used.
- Frameless shower screen: eliminates the visual bulk of a framed screen and lets light move through the room.
- Pocket door: if door swing eats into the usable floor area, replacing a hinged door with a cavity slider can free up 20 to 30% of effective floor space.
Who this guide applies to
This guide is written for Camberwell homeowners planning an ensuite renovation as part of a domestic building project. It covers general information on costs, compliance and layout. Work above the $10,000 threshold requires a registered building practitioner under Victorian law; for specific permit or engineering questions, defer to the VBA and your appointed practitioner. This guide does not constitute legal or building advice.
Choosing a tradesperson in Camberwell
Camberwell Bathrooms works with a vetted network of registered building practitioners who specialise in ensuite renovations across Camberwell and the surrounding City of Boroondara suburbs including Balwyn, Kew, Hawthorn and Surrey Hills. All waterproofing is completed to AS 3740:2021, and Domestic Building Insurance is provided for projects over $16,000. For a full overview of ensuite and bathroom renovation services, visit the Camberwell Bathrooms website.
If you are also comparing costs and compliance requirements for a broader bathroom renovation project, the sibling guide Bathroom Renovation Camberwell: Cost and Compliance Guide covers full-room renovations, heritage Federation bathrooms and the broader permit framework.
This guide covers ensuite renovation planning in Camberwell, Victoria, with reference to Victorian Building Authority registration requirements, AS 3740:2021 waterproofing obligations and typical 2026 project costs. It is a general information resource only.