Plan your apartment bathroom around the building as well as the room.
An apartment renovation brief should cover the bathroom design, strata process and the practical route from delivery point to front door.
Compare the Sydney cost planning guide, try the bathroom budget calculator and check illustrated bathroom styles as you shape your brief.
Ask the strata manager for the current renovation process and the documents required for your proposed scope.
Changes involving waterproofing need particular attention under the NSW strata rules.
Record lift dimensions, stair access, parking arrangements and the route for materials and waste.
Include any shared water shutdown process in the discussion with the contractor.
A measured layout helps compare storage, a shower over the bath or a separate shower.
Keep proposed plumbing changes subject to inspection of the building's services and the necessary approvals.
What to discuss in your brief
- An approval pack matched to the proposed scope
- Fixtures that fit the room and delivery route
- Clear arrangements for shared services
- A practical plan for materials, waste and resident access
Build a clear scope of work
- Obtain the scheme's current renovation requirements
- Check access dimensions before ordering bulky fixtures
- Ask for a detailed scope and trade documentation
- Agree on building protection and site communication
Illustrative design, rather than a completed customer project.
Budget and timing
The planning allowance for this type of scope is $20,000 to $55,000.
Illustrative planning allowances in AUD, not measured market prices or a quote.
Confirm the scope, GST and actual price with the contractor.
Ask the renovator to price access, preparation, product selections and any specialist work for your property.
The indicative work window is 20 to 45 days, with design, approvals and ordering considered separately.
Illustrative construction allowance only.
Design, approvals, product supply and site conditions can change the programme.
Questions about apartment bathroom
Do I need strata approval for an apartment bathroom?
NSW guidance says bathroom renovations need permission, with waterproofing changes treated as major renovations.
Confirm the process and any by-law requirements with the strata manager.
Can I move the toilet in an apartment?
The contractor needs to assess drainage, floor construction and shared services.
Ask for the proposed work and approval requirements before selecting a new position.
What should I tell the renovator about the building?
Include the floor level, lift or stair access, parking, site hours and any shared service arrangements supplied by the strata manager.
How does the quote referral work?
I pass your project details to a local renovator who can discuss the work and arrange a quote.
The contractor confirms availability, scope, price and terms directly with you.
Checks before work begins
Use the Service NSW licence checker and ask the contractor to explain which licences and insurance apply to the work.
For a strata property, review the NSW renovation approval guidance with your strata manager.
