Complete Bathroom Renovation Checklist
A successful bathroom renovation follows four key phases: Pre-Renovation (2-4 weeks planning, permits, design, quotes), Demolition Phase (3-5 days demo, waterproofing prep, asbestos check), Installation Phase (2-3 weeks tiling, plumbing, electrical, fixtures), and Finishing Touches (3-5 days painting, sealing, final inspection). Total timeline: typically 3-5 weeks. Critical checkpoints: AS 3740 waterproofing certification, licensed tradies for all plumbing/electrical, final inspection before handover.
Checklist Overview
Get 3-5 detailed quotes from licensed contractors. Check permits required (council/strata). Finalize design, fixtures, tile selections. Plan temporary bathroom access. Remove old fixtures, tiles, vanity safely. Check for asbestos (pre-1990s homes). Dispose of waste at licensed facility. Prepare substrate for waterproofing. Waterproofing + AS 3740 certification. Floor + wall tiling (7-10 days cure time). Plumbing rough-in, electrical, ventilation. Install vanity, toilet, shower, fixtures. Grout sealing (wait 48-72 hours cure). Painting, mirror, accessories installation. Final inspection + waterproofing sign-off. Deep clean before handover
Critical Success Factors
Never skip waterproofing certification - it's legally required in Australia. AS 3740 compliance prevents expensive water damage repairs. Only hire licensed plumbers and electricians (check licences with your state licensing body). Allow 48-72 hours cure time for tiles before grouting. Test all fixtures before final sign-off. Keeping the existing plumbing layout avoids new plumbing runs, one of the larger line items. Add 15% contingency for hidden issues (common in pre-1990s homes).
Quote check
Compare itemised quotes for materials, labour, access, warranties and exclusions.
Local factors
Final pricing can vary by location, site access, compliance requirements and supplier availability.
Bathroom Renovation Scope by Size: Small, Medium and Large Bathrooms Australia
Pricing varies widely by location, access and materials, so we describe each tier by scope and inclusions rather than a dollar range. Use the tiers to brief renovators, then compare itemised quotes for your bathroom.
Small Bathroom (3-4sqm)
Ensuite or powder room • Basic fixtures • Standard finishes
Budget Refresh
Cosmetic update scope
- • Paint & new fixtures
- • Budget tiles/vinyl
- • Basic vanity & mirror
- • Standard toilet & taps
- • Typically 1-2 weeks on site
Standard Renovation
Full strip-out scope
- • Full retile & waterproofing
- • Mid-range tiles
- • Quality vanity & storage
- • New shower screen
- • Typically 2-3 weeks on site
Premium Quality
Designer finish scope
- • Designer tiles & finishes
- • Premium fixtures & fittings
- • Custom vanity & storage
- • Heated towel rail
- • Typically 3-4 weeks on site
Medium Bathroom (5-7sqm)
Main family bathroom • Bath & shower • Full storage
Budget Refresh
Cosmetic update scope
- • Cosmetic updates only
- • Budget materials
- • Off-the-shelf vanity
- • Basic fixtures
- • Typically 2-3 weeks on site
Standard Renovation
Complete renovation scope
- • Complete renovation
- • Quality tiles & fixtures
- • Semi-custom vanity
- • Separate bath & shower
- • Typically 3-4 weeks on site
Premium Quality
Luxury finish scope
- • Luxury finishes
- • Premium tiles & stone
- • Custom cabinetry
- • High-end fixtures
- • Typically 4-6 weeks on site
Large Bathroom (8sqm+)
Master ensuite • Luxury features • Custom design
Standard Renovation
Complete renovation scope
- • Quality finishes
- • Standard fixtures
- • Walk-in shower
- • Double vanity option
- • Typically 4-5 weeks on site
Premium Quality
Designer finish scope
- • Designer finishes
- • Premium fixtures
- • Custom cabinetry
- • Underfloor heating
- • Typically 5-6 weeks on site
Luxury Custom
Fully custom scope
- • Luxury stone & tiles
- • High-end European fixtures
- • Full custom design
- • Smart features & automation
- • Typically 6-8 weeks on site
Biggest Cost Drivers: Labour, Fixtures, Tiles and Waterproofing Australia
These are usually the biggest cost drivers in a bathroom renovation, roughly from largest to smallest. Ask every renovator to itemise them so you can compare quotes like for like:
- 1. Tiling & waterproofing - usually the largest line item; driven by wall and floor area, tile choice and substrate condition
- 2. Vanity & cabinetry - off-the-shelf vs semi-custom vs full custom is one of the biggest swings in any quote
- 3. Fixtures (toilet, taps, shower) - fixture grade varies enormously; lock in exact models before comparing quotes
- 4. Plumbing work - grows quickly if the layout changes or fixtures move; keeping the existing layout keeps this down
- 5. Electrical & lighting - new circuits, IP-rated lighting, exhaust fans and heated towel rails all add up
- 6. Demolition & waste removal - higher for older homes, difficult access or asbestos-era materials
- 7. Painting & finishing - the smallest share, and a common DIY saving
Step-by-Step Planning Timeline: From First Quote to Handover Australia
Phase 1: Planning (2-4 weeks before)
- • Set budget: Determine total spend including 10-15% contingency
- • Measure space: Create accurate floor plan with all measurements
- • Research & inspiration: Collect design ideas, Pinterest boards, colour schemes
- • Get 3+ quotes: Compare licensed bathroom renovators
- • Check compliance: Confirm if council approval needed (rare for bathrooms)
Phase 2: Selection (2-3 weeks before)
- • Choose tiles: Wall tiles, floor tiles, grout colour (order 10% extra)
- • Select vanity: Size, style, storage, basin type (undermount/vessel)
- • Choose fixtures: Toilet, taps, shower head, shower screen, accessories
- • Select lighting: Downlights, vanity lights, exhaust fan (all IP rated)
- • Confirm waterproofing: Ensure licenced waterproofer booked
Phase 3: Pre-Construction (1 week before)
- • Arrange alternative bathroom: Set up temporary facilities
- • Clear bathroom: Remove all items, medicine cabinet, accessories
- • Protect access paths: Cover floors/stairs from bathroom to street
- • Confirm delivery dates: Ensure all materials arrive before/during reno
- • Final contractor meeting: Confirm timeline, scope, payment schedule
Phase 4: Construction (typically 3-6 weeks)
- • Week 1: Demolition, plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in
- • Week 2: Waterproofing (requires 7-day cure + certification)
- • Week 3-4: Tiling walls and floors, grout, seal
- • Week 4-5: Install vanity, fixtures, shower screen, accessories
- • Week 5-6: Painting, final electrical/plumbing, clean, handover
Essential Design Considerations: Ventilation, Lighting, Storage, Accessibility Australia
Layout & Space Planning
Fixture Selection Guide
Tiles & Material Selection
Lighting & Ventilation
Waterproofing Requirements AS 3740: Mandatory Compliance Standards Australia
Why Waterproofing is Non-Negotiable
Waterproofing is legally required by Australian building codes and must be certified by a licensed professional. Poor waterproofing is one of the leading causes of bathroom failures, leading to water damage, structural rot, and mould that is expensive to rectify.
Areas Requiring Waterproofing
- ✓ Shower area: Full height (minimum 1800mm) on all walls, full floor
- ✓ Bath area: 150mm above bath edge on walls, 100mm beyond bath footprint
- ✓ Basin area: 100mm behind basin, 150mm around basin on walls
- ✓ Entire floor: Must be fully waterproofed including under toilet
- ✓ Penetrations: All pipes, drains, fixtures must be sealed with bands
Waterproofing Process & Timeline
- 1. Surface prep: Clean, level substrate (cement sheet/concrete)
- 2. Membrane application: 2-3 coats liquid membrane or sheet membrane
- 3. Reinforcing: Fabric tape on all joints, corners, penetrations
- 4. Curing time: 7 days minimum before tiling (critical - do not rush)
- 5. Certification: Licensed waterproofer issues compliance certificate
Warning: DIY Waterproofing is Illegal & Risky
In most Australian states, waterproofing must be completed by a licensed waterproofer and certified. DIY waterproofing voids insurance, fails building inspections, and costs significantly more to fix when it inevitably leaks.
Money-Saving Strategies for Bathroom Renovations Australia
Smart Savings (Maintain Quality)
- • Keep existing layout: Avoiding new plumbing runs cuts one of the larger line items
- • Off-the-shelf vanity: Custom cabinetry costs significantly more
- • Large format tiles: Faster install = lower labour costs
- • Mix materials: Use expensive tile as feature wall only
- • Standard shower screen: Custom screens cost significantly more than standard sizes
- • Time renovations right: Winter has more availability, better quotes
Risky Savings (May Cost More Long-Term)
- • Unlicensed tradies: No insurance, no warranty, illegal waterproofing
- • Cheapest materials: Budget tiles crack, cheap tapware leaks
- • Skipping exhaust fan: Leads to mould and moisture damage
- • DIY plumbing/electrical: Illegal, dangerous, voids insurance
- • Rushing waterproofing: Not allowing proper cure time causes leaks
- • Skipping contingency: 10-15% buffer essential for hidden issues
Sources and further reading
- NSW Government - Building or renovating (licensing and approval requirements for NSW)
- NSW licence check - verify a tradesperson's licence before hiring
Wet-area waterproofing requirements come from the National Construction Code and AS 3740; licensing rules differ by state and territory, so check your local building regulator. We do not publish market price ranges we cannot substantiate - use itemised quotes from licensed renovators for current pricing.
