Before you look at tiles or tapware, be honest about the real reason you want to renovate.
Are you trying to fix leaks, modernise a tired room, make the space work better for a family, or add value before selling? Your “why” will guide everything else.
If the main issue is a leaking shower and failed waterproofing, you may need a full strip out, not just cosmetic changes. If you plan to sell soon, neutral, durable finishes often make more sense than something very bold and personal.
Next, separate “nice to have” from “non negotiable”.
Ask yourself whether the layout is a problem or only the finishes. Are you always fighting over bench space or storage? Is there enough natural light and ventilation? Do you feel cramped around the shower, toilet or vanity?
If the layout works, you may be able to keep plumbing in place and put more of the budget into finishes and storage. If the layout is poor, moving plumbing now can stop you from disliking the room for the next decade.
Bathroom renovations in Melbourne can vary widely in cost. Age of the home, access, plumbing condition and materials all play a role.
Instead of asking “How cheap can this be”, a better question is “What is a realistic range for this size and scope”. Think about full strip out versus partial update, moving plumbing versus keeping it put, and standard versus premium fixtures.
Good renovators talk in ranges, not fixed promises before inspection. Be wary of any quote that is much lower than the others without a clear explanation.
A bathroom in a weatherboard or older brick home often hides surprises.
Before finalising scope, look for signs of movement or cracking in tiles and grout. Check for swollen skirting boards or door frames that hint at moisture. Notice any smells or damp patches that keep returning.
A good renovation partner will want to understand these issues and may suggest opening small sections to inspect framing or subfloor. This is how you avoid building a new bathroom over failing structure.
Waterproofing and ventilation are the boring parts that keep bathrooms from turning into mouldy headaches.
Your planning should cover correctly designed falls to floor wastes and showers, waterproofing membranes that meet Australian Standards, and exhaust fans vented outside, not into the roof space.
Ask who is doing the waterproofing, how it is applied and whether you will receive documentation. You do not want this step rushed or ignored.
Pinterest is full of beautiful bathrooms that are annoying to use in real life.
When planning your layout, think about who uses the bathroom and at what times, whether two people need to move around without bumping into each other, and how easily you can access the shower without squeezing past the toilet.
Measure your current space carefully. A small shift in the shower or vanity can make a tight room feel more generous if it is planned properly.
Melbourne’s mix of cold winters and humid showers is tough on finishes.
When comparing products, look past the showroom shine and ask how often they will need cleaning, what products are safe to use, and whether the tile has enough grip for a wet floor.
Simple, well chosen finishes usually age better than complex feature walls and fussy mosaics. Your future self will thank you when cleaning day comes around.
A bathroom renovation means losing a key room for a period of time. In a one bathroom home, this matters a lot.
Before work starts, ask how long the bathroom is likely to be out of action, whether there is a backup toilet or shower, and what hours trades will be on site. Also ask how dust and access will be managed.
If timelines sound too optimistic, they probably are. A realistic schedule with a bit of buffer is far better than a promise that collapses in week two.
Not every renovation business works the same way. For bathrooms, the way they think and communicate matters as much as the final quote.
When comparing options, look at how clearly they explain the process and stages, whether they address waterproofing, plumbing and ventilation without prompting, and how they handle questions about variations.
A slightly higher price from someone who thinks three steps ahead can be cheaper than the “bargain” that ends up needing fixes later.
If you are also considering kitchen, laundry or toilet upgrades, think about whether they should be staged or bundled.
There can be advantages to doing multiple wet areas while plumbers and tilers are already on site, or upgrading drainage once instead of piece by piece. Finishes can also be kept consistent between spaces.
On the other hand, your budget and ability to live through disruption might mean tackling one bathroom now and planning the next stage later. There is no single right answer, only what fits your home and finances.
A bathroom renovation in Melbourne does not have to be a stressful guessing game. If you start with a clear reason for renovating, set a realistic budget, pay attention to layout, waterproofing and ventilation, and choose the right people to partner with, the process becomes far more manageable.
If you are thinking about upgrading your bathroom and want straight, practical advice, reach out to dcnorwood. Share a few details about your space, your budget and how you use the room, and you will get a clear, no-nonsense response in plain language.
Use the contact form to start the conversation and take the first step toward a bathroom that feels solid, calm and easy to live with every day.
