Complete guide to Bathroom Renovation Stages Australia

1. Planning and Design

• Define your vision and needs: What do you want to change? Are you looking for a minor update or a complete overhaul? Consider your style preferences (modern, traditional, etc.), functionality requirements, and any accessibility needs.
• Assess your current bathroom: Identify pain points, existing layout issues, and storage problems.
• Set a realistic budget: Detail all potential costs, including demolition, waste disposal, plumbing, electrical, lighting, waterproofing, tiling, plastering, painting, fixtures (vanity, taps, shower, mirror), and permits. Always include a contingency (10-20%) for unforeseen expenses.
• Gather design ideas: Look for inspiration online, in magazines, and showrooms.
• Plan your layout: Decide on the placement of fixtures, keeping in mind plumbing lines and building codes (e.g., minimum distances between sinks and electrical outlets). Professional help from a designer or architect can be beneficial, especially for complex changes.
• Choose fixtures and materials: Select tiles, vanity, tapware, shower, bath, lighting, and accessories. Consider durability, maintenance, and lead times for special orders. Fixtures and fittings should be purchased before any work has started.
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2. Hiring Professionals

• Vet contractors: Look for licensed and insured professionals with good reputations, experience in bathroom renovations, and positive reviews. Get multiple comprehensive quotes.

3. Disconnection and Demolition (1-2 days)

• Disconnect services: A plumber and electrician will disconnect all water, electrical, and gas services to the bathroom.
• Demolition: This is the messiest part. Old fixtures, tiles, flooring, and potentially walls will be removed. Ensure adequate protection for other areas of your home from dust and debris.

4. Rough-in (1 day)

• Structural work (if applicable): Any new structural beams for wall changes or windows are installed.
• Plumbing rough-in: The plumber will install new pipes for supply and drainage in their new positions.
• Electrical rough-in: The electrician will run new wiring for lighting, power points, exhaust fans, and any other electrical requirements, ensuring they are placed according to the new layout and codes.

5. Wall and Floor Finishes (5-7 days)

• 1 day – Sheeting: Plasterboard, cement sheets or tile backer board are installed on walls and ceiling.
• 1 day – Waterproofing: This is a crucial step. A professional will apply waterproofing membranes to the floor and shower area to prevent water damage. This often involves two stages and requires drying time.
• 1 day – Screed (if needed): A cement bedding (screed) may be laid on the floor to create a smooth and level base for tiling, especially if the floor is uneven. Usually in the shower base.
• 2 to 3 days – Tiling and grouting: Once the waterproofing is complete and dry, tiles are laid on the walls and floor, followed by grouting.

6. Cabinetry and Benchtop Installation

• Cabinetry installation: The vanity and any other built-in cabinetry are installed.

7. Final Fix / Fit-Off(1-2 days)

• Plumbing fit-off: The plumber will install and connect all the final plumbing fixtures, such as the toilet, basin, tapware, and showerheads.
• Electrical fit-off: The electrician will install light fittings, switches, power points, and exhaust fans.
• Shower screen installation: The shower screen is measured and installed after tiling is complete. This can also have a lead time for manufacturing.
• Accessory installation: Mirrors, towel rails, toilet roll holders, and other accessories are installed.
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8. Cleaning and Finishing Touches (1-2 days)

• Deep cleaning: The bathroom is thoroughly cleaned to remove all construction debris, dust, and grime.
• Caulking/silicone: Silicone is applied around fixtures and between tiles and walls for a neat finish and to seal gaps.
• Painting: Any areas that need painting are completed.