A planning example, with the scope in view
An existing main bathroom with a retained footprint and service layout, subject to the room's condition and the quoted scope.
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 and product planning | $1,000 |
| Demolition and disposal | $2,000 |
| Preparation and waterproofing | $3,500 |
| Tile supply and installation | $6,000 |
| Vanity and bathroom fixtures | $6,000 |
| Plumbing installation | $3,500 |
| Electrical installation | $1,500 |
| Painting and finishing | $2,000 |
| Contingency allowance | $4,500 |
Priorities for this example
- Measured scope and product planning
- Demolition and waste removal
- Preparation and waterproofing allowance
- Tile supply and installation
- Vanity, toilet, shower fittings and tapware allowance
- Plumbing, electrical and finishing allowances
- A contingency within the total
Scope to price separately
- Major structural and service relocations priced separately
- Custom stone and joinery compared as optional upgrades
- Specialist material removal assessed separately
- Approval and specialist design fees confirmed against the property
Assumptions behind this model
- The main fixture positions and room footprint remain suitable.
- The tile and fixture selections fit the stated supply allowances.
- The quote identifies access, preparation and required documentation.
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
- Does the quote cover every stage from removal to handover?
- Which selections are fixed prices and which are allowances?
- Would retaining a fixture location improve the overall scope?
- What written process applies to changes during construction?
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 $30,000 budget represent?
This $30,000 example gives a complete bathroom renovation a defined allowance for preparation, tiles, fixtures and trade work.
It assumes the room keeps its main plumbing positions and the design uses products selected to fit the budget.
The figures are a planning model for discussing your own room with a contractor.
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.