A planning example, with the scope in view
A main bathroom or ensuite with substantial custom selections, assessed for access, construction and service requirements.
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 |
|---|---|
| Design and selections | $5,000 |
| Demolition and disposal | $4,000 |
| Preparation and waterproofing | $6,000 |
| Selected surface supply and installation | $15,000 |
| Custom joinery | $10,000 |
| Bath, shower and toilet fixtures | $8,500 |
| Tapware supply | $4,500 |
| Plumbing installation | $5,000 |
| Lighting and electrical installation | $4,000 |
| Painting and finishing | $1,750 |
| Contingency allowance | $11,250 |
Priorities for this example
- Detailed design and selection allowance
- Demolition and disposal
- Preparation and waterproofing allowance
- Selected surface supply and installation
- Custom joinery
- Bath, shower, toilet and tapware allowances
- Plumbing, lighting and electrical work
- Finishing and a contingency
Scope to price separately
- Whole-home structural changes scoped separately
- A steam room or sauna designed and quoted separately
- Specialist equipment assessed against its own requirements
- Extensive approval or engineering work confirmed before commitment
Assumptions behind this model
- The design and specification are coordinated before construction.
- Custom finishes are priced with fabrication and installation included.
- Site access, structural conditions and any specialist requirements are assessed separately.
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
- Is every selected finish supported by a product specification and care guidance?
- Are custom fabrication and delivery costs included?
- What inspections and handover documents are part of the contract?
- Which allowances should become fixed selections before work begins?
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 $75,000 budget represent?
This $75,000 example allows more for design, surface finishes, custom joinery and coordinated fixtures.
Each category remains part of a defined total, including a contingency for the project.
Use the model to develop a detailed specification and obtain a contractor quote based on the actual property.
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.