Smart Bathroom Technology: Is The Investment Worth It For Sydneysiders?

Smart home features have been on the rise in the last decade, and while voice-activated lightbulbs and app-controlled robot vacuums are incredible, what are your options in the bathroom? 

1. Smart Bathroom Technology Overview

Most people are surprised when they learn precisely how smart their bathroom could get, with everything from smart toilets and digital showers to smart mixers and sensor-operated taps. You can install smart ventilation, a water monitoring system, smart mirrors, app-controlled underfloor heating, and voice-activated features.

Whether you’re considering a complete smart bathroom renovation or have some key features in mind, some smart features are a must.

1. The Benefits of Upgrading to a Smart Bathroom Renovation in Sydney

In addition to energy and water savings, smart bathroom features provide comfort, convenience, and hygiene improvements for touch-free technology and self-cleaning toilets. With greater control over lighting and temperatures, you have the power to set the right scene. These smart bathroom features also improve cleaning and maintenance, as you’re less likely to deal with mould when you have so much control over the conditions in the bathroom. Additionally, many homeowners look for smart upgrades with accessibility in mind as they plan to age in place.

It’s worth remembering that prospective buyers will be looking for features of convenience, so if you plan to sell in the near future, it should add long-term value and appeal. According to the latest data, the smart feature market is worth almost $5 billion in Australia. Some of that increase is down to touchless features post-COVID, and the app controls over temperature, ventilation, and lighting contribute to lower bills. 

2. The Cost: What to Expect 

Smart Feature	Average Cost
Smart toilets	An entry-level model will cost around $2,000, while a top-of-the-line smart toilet can run as high as $35,000 if you’re looking for something with all the bells and whistles.
Digital shower system	You should expect to spend a few thousand dollars on a digital shower system.
Smart mirror	You can pick up a basic smart mirror from Bunnings for under $100, but if you want a more complex system, you could spend up to $1500.
Underfloor heating	Underfloor heating varies between system types and floor sizes. However, you should expect to spend at least $40 per square metre for a basic system and $70 per square metre for hydronic.
Smart sensors and lighting	The cost of smart sensors and lighting depends on the number of fixtures and sensors required, as well as the complexity of the electrical work required. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars on an entry-level system.

As for the installation cost, you can expect to pay the installers’ hourly rate. However, smart installations are generally more complex than a standard installation and will take hours longer.

2. Sydney-Specific Compliance and Regulations 

If you are having smart features added to your bathroom renovations in Sydney, they must comply with the relevant guidelines and regulations.

1. Plumbing Regulations 

Whether you’re installing a smart toilet or completely renovating bathroom, you don’t need a NSW-licensed plumber to carry out all plumbing works. This work must comply with the Plumbing Code of Australia. All smart toilets, taps, and water appliances must achieve WaterMark certification and smart toilets that connect to the mains must adhere to backflow prevention regulations. 

2. Electrical Regulations

Electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician in compliance with AS/NZS 3000:2018. If you are including demisters, LED lighting, smart mirrors, or underfloor heating in your smart bathroom renovations, you will need a licensed electrician. Additionally, zoning rules apply to wet areas when powered devices are installed. 

3. Approvals

Unless you are making structural changes or relocating plumbing beyond existing boundaries, you likely do need approval to have work completed. All waterproofing must comply with AS 3740, and a certified installer is non-negotiable. Not only does it ensure the job is done correctly, but failure to use a certified installer could void your insurance policy and leave you facing council fines.

If you live in a strata property, you need approval from the Body Corporate. Heritage-listed properties also require additional approvals.   

3. Do Smart Features Add Value in Sydney Homes?

1. Potential Hits

• Prospective buyers are increasingly seeking out modern Sydney homes with smart features. 
• Due to high-density living, there’s a greater demand for energy and water efficiency in bathrooms in Sydney.
• Smart technology makes homes more accessible, which makes them appealing to the older demographics looking for a home to age in place.
• If you’re in the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, or Lower North Shore, there’s an expectation that homes will feature luxury smart upgrades.

3. Potential Misses

• If you’re in a budget property, the return might not match the product and installation costs.
• There are overly niche smart features that won’t appeal to every buyer. 
• If a feature requires ongoing software support, it can turn people off. Smart features should deliver simplicity, not more work. 
• Some smart features date more quickly than others; you should be cognisant of that. 

Ultimately, the best value is choosing smart features that are practical, durable, and useful to you. Smart tech around water control, lighting, and heating is going to be a hit with most people, but a $35,000 smart toilet has a specific market. 

4. When To Smart Tech & When To Not

If you’re renovating for a long-term stay, smart features you love are a win because you’ll get plenty of use out of them. If you have ventilation issues, want to reduce water and electricity use, you’re preparing the home for a premium resale, or you’re creating a luxury ensuite, then smart features are a must. The right choices will deliver. You can reduce your water usage by installing a smart toilet and a digital shower that automatically controls temperature and flow. Likewise, you can reduce your energy bills by taking control of your smart underfloor heating system via an app on your phone or a remote control. Convenience is a click of a button away, but there’s savings to be had as well. 

As for when smart tech isn’t necessary, it’s not a good choice for budget properties, low-end flips, investment properties with a low rental return, and small bathrooms where smart features may clutter the space. 

If the manual alternative delivers similar benefits, save your money for a different smart feature. 

5. How Crystal Bathrooms Can Help 

With 30 years of combined experience, Crystal Bathrooms is fully licensed and insured, delivering high-quality workmanship in line with NSW and Australian Standards. We handle compliant plumbing and electrical installations. We also take care of the necessary council or strata requirements. We deliver customised bathroom designs, including smart tech layouts. We’re more than happy to recommend which smart products suit your budget, needs, or home type.

If you’re interested in learning more about smart features in bathroom renovations, get in touch with Crystal Bathrooms to book a free, no-obligation consultation.