June 2026 · Find A Tradie

How to prepare for a bathroom renovation (so it doesn't blow out)

Bathroom renovations are the most popular home improvement project in Australia — and the most common source of budget blowouts, timeline overruns, and homeowner stress. Most problems trace back to insufficient planning before the first tile is smashed. Here's how to prepare properly.

Know what trades you'll need

A typical bathroom renovation involves 4 to 6 licensed trades, and they need to work in a specific sequence:

1. Demolition — strip the existing bathroom to a shell
2. Plumber — rough-in water supply, drainage, and any pipe relocations
3. Electrician — rough-in power, lighting, exhaust fan, heated towel rail
4. Waterproofer — membrane the shower, floor, and wet areas (this must be inspected before tiling)
5. Tiler — walls and floors
6. Plumber again — install fixtures (tap, shower, toilet, vanity)
7. Electrician again — final fit-off (lights, switches, fan)
8. Painter/carpenter — door, trims, final touches

If any trade is delayed, the whole sequence shifts. This is why hiring a builder or project manager who coordinates all trades is often worth the overhead.

Set a realistic budget

For Adelaide and most Australian capital cities in 2026:

• Basic refresh (new tiles, fixtures, paint, same layout) — $10,000–$18,000
• Mid-range renovation (layout changes, quality fixtures, niche shelving) — $18,000–$30,000
• High-end renovation (custom design, premium materials, freestanding bath, underfloor heating) — $30,000–$50,000+

Add 10–15% contingency to every budget. Hidden problems (rotten framing, asbestos sheeting, failed waterproofing) only reveal themselves once demolition starts.

Choose fixtures before you get quotes

Tradies can't quote accurately if you haven't decided what goes in the room. Before requesting quotes, choose (or at least shortlist):

• Vanity style and size
• Shower type (tiled base, acrylic base, frameless screen, semi-frameless)
• Toilet (back-to-wall, wall-hung, close-coupled)
• Tap and mixer styles
• Tiles (floor and wall — have the specific product or at least the size and material)
• Heated towel rail, mirror cabinet, exhaust fan

You don't need to have purchased them yet — but knowing what you want lets tradies quote on actual installation requirements rather than guessing.

Timeline expectations

A standard bathroom renovation takes 2 to 4 weeks from demolition to completion. This assumes trades are available and materials are on site. Delays in tile delivery, waterproofing inspections, or fixture availability are the most common causes of overruns.

During the renovation you won't have access to that bathroom. If it's your only bathroom, plan for alternative arrangements — a gym membership for showers, a portaloo, or staying with family for the worst of it.

Questions to ask your tradies

• Is the quote fixed price or an estimate? What triggers a variation?
• Who coordinates the trades? Do I need to schedule them myself?
• What's included in the waterproofing? Will it be independently inspected?
• How do you handle unexpected problems (asbestos, rotten framing)?
• What's the payment schedule? (Never pay more than 20% upfront)

Get started

On Find A Tradie, describe your bathroom renovation in your own words — we'll work out which trades are needed and send your job to up to 3 verified local tradies who can quote on the full scope.