Renovating your bathroom is overwhelming!First, you must navigate council and budget restrictions. You’re also responsible for design and layout decisions.
It’s far easier to hire a professional team that handles the entire project, but even that brings some disruption as tradies walk in and out of your property.
Our bathroom renovation checklist explains the key steps so you’re prepared. This is crucial for your peace of mind – whether you’re sourcing the contractors yourself, or hiring a licensed company that handles everything (we recommend this).
Average timeline for quality bathroom renovations
When renovating your bathroom, expect to devote:
- Up to six weeks to research, plan and design your project. This includes time to develop the design, select materials and fittings and get quotes from local tradies.
- Between one to three weeks for the construction and workmanship. This timeframe depends on the project size. Some factors may delay project completion, including structural changes, laying intricate mosaic tiles or dealing with red tape.
What to expect BEFORE you start (pre-bathroom renovation checklist)
- Planning – Planning your bathroom renovation starts with a budget, which means researching all costs beforehand, including materials, tradespeople and permits. Failure to allocate every dollar could lead to higher prices than you expect. Please include a buffer of 10 to 20 per cent for unexpected costs – depending on the complexity and size of your bathroom renovation.
- Permits – Make sure you research local council regulations, especially if changing the floor plan and making structural changes (you likely need a permit for this). Every state has different regulations, which also vary by council. Check the rules for your location. Your bathroom renovator or plumber can also help you make sense of any restrictions.
- Strata – Strata owners face another layer of regulations for any project that impacts common property. As a strata title owner, you essentially only own the space between the walls – and even small renovation jobs require approval from your strata committee. They must see your plans and evidence that you’re using licensed tradespeople. Be aware that renovation approvals take time. You must submit your project at a scheduled strata meeting or pay for a meeting to approve your reno.
- Licences – Tradies are required to hold licences in their state, on top of their specific qualifications. By law, all tradies need a license for any work they do in your home. They also need insurance for any damage to your property.
Assemble your team: what tradies do you need?
No bathroom renovation checklist is complete without assembling a team of skilled, reliable and licensed contractors.
- Bathroom designer – Designing your new bathroom is a real skill, especially if you want to get the most out of compact spaces. A dedicated bathroom designer (or architect) can help, or your bathroom renovator may cover design as part of their service. You’ll need professional help if you’re moving plumbing or altering the floor plan – but feel free to get involved and bring your ideas to the table.
- Demolition and strip out – If you’re doing a complete bathroom reno, you’ll need to demolish, gut or strip out your existing bathroom. Depending on the size, removing wall and floor tiles could take a day or two, which is a dusty, noisy and labour-intensive job. Your bathroom renovator will include demolition in their quote, and we advise you to use them rather than attempt this yourself. You must also organise a skip to remove all the waste from the strip out.
- Plumber – A plumber is the main tradie needed. They connect new fixtures (toilet, bath, shower and toilet) and move any plumbing (pipework and drainage) if you change the floorplan.
- Electrician – Your sparky is responsible for wiring any elements that require power, including general & task lighting, powerpoints and heated towel racks. For safety reasons, you must never attempt any of these tasks yourself. This is true for all trades, but particularly electricians and plumbers.
- Plasterer – A plasterer will make your walls look new after the plumbing and electrical rough-in.
- Waterproofer – A waterproofer applies a special lining to walls and floors to ensure no moisture escapes and causes structural damage. This is especially important for the shower area, around your bath and floor surface.
- Tiler – Tiles are the most common surface for bathroom floors and at least a portion of the walls, so a professional tiler is essential. They lay the screed to level a floor before laying tiles, and then they must get the right drop to the floor waste to ensure water drainage.
Too much on your plate already? Don’t worry, we supply all the tradies
The best part about hiring a professional bathroom renovation company is you don’t need to give the tradies a second thought. We handle all of that for you. For 25 years, Oxford Bathrooms has built strong relationships with experienced, licensed and trustworthy tradespeople.
Fixtures, fittings and accessories
- Cabinetry & joinery – Bathroom cabinetry includes your vanity and any storage you want. You can opt for off-the-shelf products or get a joiner to custom-make those items. It is pricier but has more design options. Look for water-resistant cabinetry that’s structurally sound and well-built. Don’t skimp on this! Choose a wall-mounted or floating vanity for a space-saving option, though these cost more.
- Basin – Your bathroom basin is often integrated into your vanity (above the counter), but choose a semi-recessed basin if you don’t have much space. You can opt for a wall-mounted basin without a vanity or cabinetry in smaller guest bathrooms.
- Bath – Your bath can integrate with the wall and floors or remain freestanding, which is more expensive. There’s no need to stick to big brand names, but be sure to get what you pay for. The traditional material options are porcelain, enamelled steel or acrylic. Alternatively, you could also choose a bath made from stone composites or concrete.
- Shower – A semi-frameless or frameless design looks sleeker and is easier to clean. Frameless shower screens are more expensive. A semi-frameless shower is a good option if you want to save money but still want a modern feel.
- Toilet – Replacing your toilet? Choose the same type or brace yourself for costly modifications to make it fit. Appealing options include a wall-hung or faced toilet, but be prepared to pay for the privilege.
- Tapware – A wide variety of tapware is available, including mixer and wall-mounted taps. Look for water efficiency ratings and buy the same design or series for your bath/basin/shower. Smart and coordinated!
- Accessories – What else does a bathroom need? It could be a heated towel rack, extra storage, or a vanity cabinet with a mirror. Look to create a theme with your accessories – and you don’t need to spend big. Outlets like Freedom and IKEA offer budget-friendly options. You may even stumble across a unique find at your local markets!
Lacking inspiration? Visit one of our showrooms for ideas!
Oxford Bathrooms has two showrooms filled with HUNDREDS of design opinions in Brookvale and Thornleigh. Feel free to browse independently, or ask our experts to help you select products and materials that suit your taste, budget and practical needs. We’ve created lasting partnerships with premium suppliers over the years, so we can sell quality items cheaper than market price to save you money.
The construction stages in your bathroom renovation checklist:
Step 1: Demolition/strip out bathroom
There are many dangers, so please don’t attempt any of these steps yourself.
Before any renovations occur, professionals safely remove all fittings, finishes and fixtures in the target area.
All utilities must also be disconnected, for safety reasons.
The timeframe depends on the project’s scope. If you’re only removing certain elements (like a toilet), the entire demolition takes just a few hours. However, a full demolition could take up to two days, especially if you’re removing walls.
Step 2: Plumbing rough-in
Now we install the main components of a plumbing system, such as vents, connections, sewers, and waterlines. Plumbing lines must be installed inside wall cavities, so it’s best to do this before lining the walls with plaster. A crucial step is to position the wastewater drain pipe at a downward angle, to ensure proper drainage.
We don’t install any fixtures or final plumbing elements during this stage, as this could hinder the safety inspection.
A plumbing rough-in for a small home takes three to five days to complete.
Step 3: Electrical rough-in
It’s time to install the foundational electrical components like boxes, panels, conduits and wiring. We do this before finishing the walls, floors and ceilings to provide easy access for safety inspections. Electricians must strictly follow all building codes and standards, as with every stage of the bathroom renovation checklist. The average timeframe is one to two days for small bathrooms and up to a week for large or complex projects.
Step 4: Plastering walls
First, we prepare the wall surfaces for multiple coats of plaster for a smooth finish. We begin by thoroughly cleaning the surface and repairing any imperfections. A waterproof membrane is then applied to walls in areas that are susceptible to moisture damage, such as showers and sinks. Next, we apply multiple coats of plaster until we get the desired finish. Then we sand the plaster to remove any roughness. The plaster must dry completely before painting or tiling the walls. It takes around three to four hours to plaster a single wall or ceiling.
Step 5: Waterproofing
We apply a liquid membrane to areas that attract moisture to prevent water damage to surfaces, fixtures and fittings. Our team never takes shortcuts. We understand that inadequate bathroom waterproofing can lead to extensive structural damage and safety risks, including plumbing corrosion, damaged electrics, mould and mildew. In fact, waterproofing is one of the biggest building defects in Australia, according to the Australian Master Tilers Association!
Every waterproofing coat takes 24 to 48 hours to dry completely. The entire process usually takes three to five days, depending on the number of surfaces.
Step 6: Cabinetry install
It’s important to start with a clean slate before installing cabinets and vanities. We carefully prepare the space, confirm our measurements and begin the installation process. We use a level to ensure the installation is straight and even, before securing the cabinet or vanity to the wall. Then, we attach additional fixtures, such as handles or shelves. Finally, we add a layer of caulk to the lower border, to prevent water damage. Our plumber and electrician handle any lighting or plumbing adjustments.
Step 7: Screed laid for tiling
Before any tiling occurs, we apply a layer of cement and sand to create a smooth and level surface that also helps water to run into the drain. This material also creates a robust base that is less likely to crack or chip over time. Typically you must wait 24 to 48 hours before walking or building on top of screed. The full curing process takes around 28 days.
Step 8: Tiles laid
This time-intensive step requires proper preparation and patience! Our professional team selects durable materials and applies the best techniques for complex layouts. We know how to prevent common issues like discoloured grout, wobbly tiles and irregular surfaces. The entire tiling and grouting process takes between five and seven days to complete. This timeframe includes waterproofing, sealing and finishing.
Step 9: Plumbing fit off (bath, basins, toilet, shower & tapware)
Now it’s time for our plumber to finish all the plumbing installations. This includes connecting all taps, showerheads and external fixtures to pre-installed plumbing pipes. We also remove the caps on water supply pipes and install drain assemblies under the sink. Finally, we complete any unfinished caulking and sealing, then test new connections.
Step 10: Electrical fit off (lighting, heated towel rails)
Our electrician applies the finishing touches by safely installing all electrical fixtures and appliances, such as lights, outlets, and switches. We test the circuits to make sure everything functions effectively and complies with Australian safety regulations.
Step 11: Fit shower screens
It’s not too difficult to install a simple shower screen yourself. However, frameless screens require careful measurements and handling. This is best left to professionals who know how to prevent glass breakage and ensure waterproofing.
Step 12: Silicone all joints
We apply a flexible and waterproof silicone seal to all joints to prevent water leaks and moisture damage.
Step 13: Test and handover
The final step is to conduct a detailed inspection of all work. We triple-check that all safety features adhere to Australian regulations and standards. We also ensure there’s no leakage and all fixtures are perfectly aligned and securely installed. Are any adjustments required? We handle that before walking you through your new bathroom and explaining how to care for it.
Bathroom Renovation Costs in Sydney
| Stage | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Inclusions |
| Planning & Design | $300 – $800 | Mood boards, layout planning, expert advice |
| Demolition & Strip-Out | $800 – $2,000 | Tile and fixture removal, responsible waste disposal |
| Plumbing & Electrical Rough-In | $1,500 – $3,500 | Pipework, wiring, fixture repositioning |
| Waterproofing | $500 – $1,200 | Certified membrane installation |
| Tiling | $2,000 – $4,000 | Wall and floor tiling, grouting, levelling |
| Fixtures & Fittings Installation | $2,000 – $6,000 | Vanity, toilet, tapware, shower screen, accessories |
| Labour & Project Management | $2,000 – $5,000 | Supervision, timeline management, compliance assurance |
| Total Estimate | $9,100 – $22,500+ | Varies based on space, materials, and design complexity |
Note: Prices are indicative and may change based on your location and material preferences.
Frequently Asked questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Allow up to 6 weeks to research, plan and design the project — including developing the design, selecting materials and fittings, and getting quotes from local tradies — then, depending on size, anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks for the works themselves. Works can take longer if anything structural is involved, if there are intricate mosaic tiles to lay, or if there’s red tape delaying the project.
How do I budget for a bathroom renovation?
Planning starts with a budget, which means researching all your costs thoroughly beforehand — materials, tradespeople and permits. It’s wise to include a buffer of 10%–20% for unexpected costs, depending on the complexity and size of the reno.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation?
You should research local council regulations, especially if you’re changing the floorplan or making structural changes, in which case you’re likely to need a permit. Regulations differ by council and by state, so check what applies where you live — your renovator or plumber can help you navigate the red tape.
What if I live in a strata property?
Strata adds another layer of regulation for any works affecting common property — as a strata title owner you essentially only own the space between the walls, and even small jobs require approval from your strata committee. They’ll need to see your plans and evidence you’re using licensed tradespeople, and approval takes time because you have to submit at a scheduled strata meeting or pay for one to be held.
Do my tradespeople need to be licensed?
Yes — trades must hold licences in the state they operate in, on top of their qualifications, and it’s a legal requirement that your tradie is licensed for any work carried out in your home. They also need to be insured in case of an accident or damage to your property during works.
Which tradespeople do I need for a bathroom renovation?
You’ll typically need a bathroom designer, a demolition/strip-out crew, and then the core trades: a plumber to connect fixtures and move pipework and drainage, an electrician for lighting, powerpoints and heated towel racks, a plasterer to restore the walls after rough-in, a waterproofer who applies a lining to walls and floors so no moisture escapes and causes structural damage, and a tiler, who lays the screed to level the floor and gets the right drop to the floor waste so water drains and doesn’t pool.
Should I do the demolition myself?
Removing wall and floor tiles can take a day or two and is a dusty, noisy, labour-intensive job; your renovator will include demolition in their quote, and it’s advisable to use them rather than attempt it yourself. You’ll also need to organise a skip to remove the waste.|
What should I look for in a vanity or cabinetry?
Choose water-resistant cabinetry that is structurally sound and well built — don’t skimp here. You can buy off-the-shelf or have a joiner custom-make items for more design options at a higher cost, and a wall-mounted or floating vanity saves space, though it costs more.
What are the best options for a bath?
Baths can be integrated with the walls/floor or freestanding, with freestanding the more expensive option. Traditional materials are porcelain, enamelled steel or acrylic, but you could also choose stone composites or concrete.
Framed, semi-frameless or frameless shower screen?
A semi-frameless or frameless design looks sleeker and is easier to clean; frameless is more expensive, so semi-frameless is a good option if you want to save on the overall budget while keeping a modern feel.
Do I need to buy the same tapware for the whole bathroom?
Look for water-efficiency ratings and buy the same design or series for your bath, basin and shower, as this looks smart and coordinated.
What’s the order of steps in a bathroom renovation?
The page lays out the sequence as: demolition/strip out, alter services (plumbing, electrical), plumbing rough in, electrical rough in, plastering walls, waterproofing, cabinetry install, screed laid for tiling, tiles laid, plumbing fit off (bath, basins, toilet, shower and tapware), electrical fit off (lighting, heated towel rails), fit shower screens, silicone all joints, then test and handover.
We specialise in affordable bathroom renovations that impress your guests!
The best bathroom renovations expand the space, while blending modern style with functionality. Oxford Bathrooms has spent 25 years creating safe and beautiful bathrooms that honour your set budget (fixed costs). Our licensed tradespeople deliver quality work on time and respect your space. You’re protected by insurance and a 10-year warranty on builders’ workmanship.
Call (02) 9484 7500 or fill out this form for a free quote
