Select early, avoid surprises later 🚽

Bathrooms are one of the biggest variables in your build cost.
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💰 An $8,000 allowance (estimate) might look good on paper... but most finished bathrooms sit much higher once real selections are made.
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Tiles (tiling height differences), tapware quality, Custom vs prefab vanities, and layout all influence the final cost.
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The key isn’t choosing less. It’s understanding what your selections actually cost.
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🤔 So what can I expect from my builder if they are being transparent about allowances?
An example for tiles could be...
Instead of:
“Tiles included”
This would be communicated as:
• m² rate (e.g. $40/m² supply)
• Areas included (floor only vs full height walls)
• Tile size allowance (standard vs large format)
• Whether labour is included
👉 Clear version:
“Tiles allowed at $40/m² supply, floor and 2.1m wall height in showers only.”
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An example for shower screens could be...
Instead of:
“Shower screen included”
This would be communicated as:
• Framed vs semi-frameless vs frameless
• Thickness of glass
• Size assumptions
👉 Clear version:
“Allowance includes semi-frameless shower screen up to 1200mm.”
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A real life example for how small selections change cost is the Floor-Mounted bath tap vs Wall-Mounted bath tap. A floor-mounted tap isn’t just a fixture, it’s a structural and plumbing decision.
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Typical cost for a wall-mounted bath tap =
Tapware: $200 – $600
Installation: Standard plumbing (included in most builds)
👉 Total: ~$200 – $600 (within normal allowance)
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Typical cost for a floor-mounted bath tap = Tapware: $800 – $2,500+
Installation: More complex (floor penetration, bracing, positioning)
👉 Total: $1,200 – $3,500
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🤔 What is the biggest mistake homeowners can make?
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Focusing on the total price and not what’s behind it. 🤑
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A cheaper quote isn’t always a cheaper build.
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If allowances aren’t realistic, the price will change later. Allowances matter.