2023 How much does it cost to hire a bathroom designer?

If you're serious about renovating your bathroom, you'll naturally want it to be perfect. But new bathrooms don't come cheap – if you're planning to completely strip it out, you probably won't get much change from $15K.

One expense that shouldn't be overlooked is how much a bathroom designer costs. Designing a functional and stylish bathroom can be harder than it sounds, and the typical cost of bathroom design is between $1000 and $4000, with some projects costing more.

Read this guide to find out more about:

• What does bathroom design involve?
• Bathroom design process
• How much does a bathroom designer cost?
• What affects bathroom renovation costs?
• Questions to ask your bathroom designer
• Hiring the right tradies for your bathroom project

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What does bathroom design involve?

Bathroom design is planning a bathroom so that it's as functional and easy to use as possible, as well as being beautiful. This includes details such as:

• the correct placement of baths, showers, basins, etc
• functional and attractive lighting
• your choice of materials
• colour design and themes
• using the space as well as possible

Who can help with your bathroom design? You can ask your bathroom renovator whether they have a bathroom designer working in-house, or talk to an architect or interior designer who may have the necessary skills and experience.

Read: How much does bathroom renovation cost?

Bathroom design process

If you're working with a professional bathroom designer or architect, they will have a process that they follow. Expect them to follow these 4 steps for your project:

1. Initial consultation

   Your initial meeting is where you get to know each other and discuss your project in detail. Here is where you get to share your bathroom design ideas as well as your budget. Your designer will tell you what they recommend, specifically regarding the layout of your space and what finishes and fixtures are within your budget. Some designers can help you to save precious cash by recommending products that are best suited to your job and within your budget. If you like their ideas, they will prepare a client agreement which details their fees and the scope of works.

2. Concept design

   Here is where you get to see some pretty pictures or designs, maybe even 2D or 3D renders of what your bathroom could look like. Your bathroom designer will make any necessary changes based on your feedback. This is also the stage where you get an idea of costs for all your finishes and fixtures.

3. Approval

   If you're happy with your bathroom design and costs, you now proceed to signing a contract and paying a deposit – typically 5% to 10%, depending on the total cost of your job.

4. Construction

   Your project can now get underway, which typically involves stripping out your old fixtures, fittings and tiling. Plumbers, waterproofers, tilers and sparkies will then provide their services. An architect or dedicated bathroom builder can supervise all of this for you.

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How much does a bathroom designer cost?

How much a bathroom designer costs you depends on how you approach your project.

• If you use a dedicated bathroom renovator, the design fees might well be covered in their overall fee. Ask if you're not sure what's included.
• Architects typically charge 8% to 15% of the total project cost as their fee, which would include the design of your bathroom.

As a guideline, expect to pay around:

• $250 for an initial consultation, where you discuss your ideas and the scope of works. This would typically be an hour or two worth of their time.
• $1000 to $4000 to redesign the layout of your bathroom
• $2300 for a high-end interior designer to design and specify your bathroom

What affects bathroom renovation costs?

Factors that can impact your bathroom design costs and overall remodelling costs can include:

• Bathroom layout: if you're adding partitions or knocking down walls to create an open plan bathroom
• Plumbing: installing or relocating plumbing connections for sinks, showers and toilets
• Cabinets and countertops: whether you prefer cheaper laminate or granite or more expensive marble or glass
• Flooring: replacing a bathroom floor involves removal and installation fees on top of the cost of materials
• Amenities: deluxe features such as automatic showers, Jacuzzi tubs and decorative lighting will add to the cost of your project

Questions to ask your bathroom designer

Make sure you ask your bathroom designer or architect all the right questions before you sign a contract. Things you need to know include:

• How much experience do you have?
• How do you charge for your service?
• Do you have references from past clients?
• Can I see examples of your work?
• Are you a member of an industry association?

Hiring the right tradies for your bathroom project

Besides a bathroom designer, you'll also need to hire other professionals for your bathroom renovation. Whoever you choose, you should make sure the service you use is appropriately qualified, licensed, and insured.

• Jobs such as plumbing and tiling require the use of a licensed contractor
• Individual trades such as plumbers, waterproofers and sparkies all need to be qualified and licensed.
• A complete bathroom renovation will typically require you use a licensed bathroom builder, while some states have a specific licence that covers bathroom and kitchen renovations.

Get at least three quotes before you commit to hiring anyone, so you can compare prices and the level of service.

* All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.