Plan the whole room around the way you live.
A complete bathroom renovation brings the layout, plumbing, waterproofing, storage and finishes into 1 coordinated scope.
Compare the Sydney cost planning guide, try the bathroom budget calculator and check illustrated bathroom styles as you shape your brief.
Start with a measured plan and a list of daily priorities: a bath for children, a larger shower, easier cleaning or space for towels and toiletries.
Ask the renovator to compare retaining the plumbing locations with any proposed moves.
Sydney houses and apartments need different site planning.
A terrace may need a careful delivery route, while an apartment brief should include the strata approval process and access to shared services.
Ask for an itemised quote that names the products, preparation, trade work, waste removal and handover documents.
I can pass your brief to a local renovator, who'll inspect the bathroom and confirm the scope and price.
What to discuss in your brief
- A layout with comfortable movement between fixtures
- Storage for the things you use every day
- A complete view of the work and allowances
- An agreed plan for bathroom access during the build
Build a clear scope of work
- Measure the room and record the current plumbing locations
- Compare fixture layouts before selecting finishes
- Confirm the waterproofing system and inspection records with the installer
- Agree on products, exclusions and the payment schedule in writing
Illustrative design, rather than a completed customer project.
Budget and timing
The planning allowance for this type of scope is $20,000 to $60,000.
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 full renovation
Can I keep the existing layout?
Yes, keeping fixture positions is an option worth pricing alongside a revised layout.
The renovator can check whether the existing services and room proportions suit your brief.
What should a complete renovation quote include?
Ask for demolition, preparation, plumbing, electrical work, waterproofing, tiling, fixtures, waste removal and finishing to be clearly described.
Confirm GST, allowances and handover documents.
Does a full bathroom renovation need approval?
The address, building type and proposed work determine the approval pathway.
Ask the council or an appropriate building professional to confirm it, and check strata requirements where relevant.
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.
Further reading
- Check a NSW builder or tradesperson licence
- NSW planning approval pathways
- NSW strata renovation rules
