Cost and budget
What is a realistic budget?
For most Eastern Suburbs bathrooms, $28,000 to $55,000 covers a full renovation to a good standard, with compact rooms, powder rooms and laundries below that and terrace rear wings or new ensuites above. The cost page sets out each band.
Why can't you price it over the phone?
The factors that move the price — access, floor construction, drainage, asbestos and finish — can only be judged on site. A measure takes under an hour.
Is it cheaper to keep the existing layout?
Yes, particularly in a flat where moving drainage involves the shared slab. In a house on timber floors, layout changes are more affordable.
Strata
What will my owners corporation want to see?
Typically a scope of works, a drawing, the waterproofing method and product, the contractor's licence and insurance details, proposed working hours, a protection plan for common areas, and how waste will be removed. We prepare that pack.
How long does strata approval take?
It depends on your building. Some committees meet monthly; some require a general meeting. Ask your strata manager early.
Who is responsible for the membrane after the renovation?
That is usually set out in a by-law approved as part of the work. Commonly the owner who renovated takes responsibility for maintaining the new work. Your strata manager can advise on your building's approach.
Can I work on weekends?
Only within the hours your building's by-laws allow. Many restrict noisy work to weekdays.
Design in small rooms
Is a wall-hung toilet a good idea?
In a compact bathroom, usually. It frees floor space and makes cleaning easier. It needs enough wall depth for the in-wall cistern — on a brick wall we build a short false wall.
Should I keep the bath?
Keep it if it is the only bath and it gets used, or if resale to families matters. Otherwise a bigger walk-in shower usually makes better use of a small room.
What makes a small bathroom feel luxurious?
Fewer interruptions. One floor tile, no shower hob, a floating vanity, recessed storage, a wide mirror, and good lighting from more than one direction. See the small bathroom page.
Can I have underfloor heating in a flat?
Usually, yes. Electric mats sit under the tile and need their own circuit. They are especially welcome in south-facing flats.
Buildings and hidden problems
What do you find under old bathrooms here?
Thick mortar beds and cast-in pipes in interwar flats; fibre cement sheeting in mid-century rear additions; softened joists under showers in semis and terraces; and minimal or no original waterproofing.
What happens if you find damage?
Work on that item pauses, you see the problem, and a written variation with the cost is agreed before it proceeds.
Is mould a sign of a leak?
Not always. In coastal apartments it is often a ventilation problem — an exhaust that is too small, not ducted outside, or not used. A leak shows as staining, lifting tiles or damage below.
Heritage and approvals
My house is in a heritage conservation area. Does that stop a bathroom renovation?
Rarely. Internal bathroom work is usually unaffected. What can need approval is external change — a new window, a vent on a street-facing wall, a roof skylight. Heritage items listed individually have stricter controls, so check with council before planning.
Which council am I in?
Randwick, Coogee, Clovelly, Maroubra and Kensington are in Randwick City Council. Bondi, Bondi Junction, Bronte and Tamarama are in Waverley Council. Paddington is split along Oxford Street: the north side is Woollahra Council and the south side is the City of Sydney.
Contracts and money
What deposit is legal?
A maximum of 10 per cent in NSW. For contracts over $20,000, home building compensation cover must be in place before any deposit is requested.
How are progress payments structured?
Against completed stages — typically demolition and rough-in, waterproofing, tiling, and practical completion.
Who holds the contract?
The licensed builder. Renovation work is carried out in partnership with Coastal Renovation Group, a licensed NSW builder, and licence and insurance details are provided on request. See the disclaimer for how this referral service works.
Call 02 5121 7922 or ask your question through the form.