A planning example, with the scope in view
A selected fixture and finish refresh, with the room's size, condition and access assessed before the scope is agreed.
Use this model to organise your brief, then compare the contractor's written inclusions against it.
It isn't a market average, a fixed package or an offer to perform building work.
Compare the full budget guide, the complete renovation scope and the cost calculator.
Example allowance breakdown
The figures below show how this model distributes the budget.
| Item | Illustrative allowance |
|---|---|
| Scope assessment | $500 |
| Selected removals and disposal | $800 |
| Vanity and mirror supply | $3,000 |
| Tapware and toilet supply | $1,800 |
| Shower screen supply and installation | $1,800 |
| Plumbing installation | $1,500 |
| Electrical installation | $1,000 |
| Surface finishing and painting | $1,600 |
| Contingency allowance | $3,000 |
Priorities for this example
- Assessment and a clearly defined refresh scope
- A stock vanity and mirror allowance
- Selected tapware and toilet replacements
- A replacement shower screen allowance
- Plumbing and electrical work for the agreed selections
- Limited surface finishing and painting
- A contingency within the total
Scope to price separately
- A full wet-area rebuild priced as a separate option
- Structural or layout changes assessed and quoted separately
- Specialist material removal subject to assessment
- Strata, design or approval costs confirmed for the property
Assumptions behind this model
- The existing layout and suitable wet-area surfaces are retained.
- Selected products are available and fit the current connections.
- The contractor confirms what preparation and reinstatement the changes require.
Illustrative allocation in AUD including GST where applicable.
The items add up to the stated budget, including contingency; they're planning allowances rather than market averages, a package price or a contractor quote.
Illustrative construction window after approvals, final design and product availability are confirmed.
Ask the contractor for the programme that applies to your room.
Questions to take to the renovator
- Which improvements matter most within this total?
- What has the contractor assessed about the existing wet-area system?
- Can the quote separate product supply from installation?
- What would trigger a revised scope or use of the contingency?
Make the written quote comparable
Ask whether GST, delivery, demolition, disposal, protection, making good and provisional sums are included.
Confirm who supplies fixtures and how changes are approved and priced.
For an apartment, include building access, common-area protection and the strata approval process in the brief.
Read the NSW strata renovation guidance with your strata manager.
Further reading
- Check a NSW builder or tradesperson licence
- NSW planning approval pathways
- NSW strata renovation rules
Budget questions
What does this $15,000 budget represent?
This $15,000 example allocates money to selected fixtures, trade work and finishing within an existing bathroom.
It assumes the retained surfaces and wet-area system are assessed as suitable for the proposed work.
Use it to discuss priorities with a renovator and replace each allowance with the actual quote.
Is this a quote for my bathroom?
This is an illustrative budget exercise. A contractor needs to assess your property, scope, access and selections before quoting.
How should I allow for timing?
Ask the renovator for a project-specific schedule that includes ordering, approvals, trade sequencing and curing requirements.