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Planning a Bathroom Renovation: A Step-by-Step Guide
By TradieCorner Team · · 2 min read
A bathroom renovation brings together demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tiling, carpentry and painting in a small space, often in a strict order. Good planning before anyone starts is what keeps it on track.
1. Decide how far you're going
A cosmetic refresh — new vanity, tapware, mirror and paint — is a very different project to stripping the room back to the frame. Moving the toilet, shower or vanity to a new position usually means more plumbing work, so decide early whether the layout stays the same.
2. Make your selections early
- Tiles for floor and walls, including any feature tiles
- Vanity, basin, toilet, bath or shower screen
- Tapware, shower heads and accessories
- Lighting, exhaust fan and heating
- Storage — niches and cabinets are easiest to plan before walls are lined
Long delivery times on fixtures are a common cause of delays, so order early and confirm dates before work begins.
3. Understand the order of work
- Strip out and remove waste
- Rough-in plumbing and electrical
- Repairs to framing or wall linings
- Waterproofing — the step you can't see but matters most
- Tiling
- Fit-off: fixtures, tapware, lights and fan
- Silicone, painting and final clean
4. Choose one builder or manage it yourself
A bathroom renovation business or builder will coordinate every trade for you. Managing it yourself can work if you're organised, but you take on the job of scheduling each trade in the right order. Our guide on the order to hire your tradies in helps if you go that way. Larger renovations may also need approvals or a licensed builder — check with your council and state regulator.
5. Plan for life without a bathroom
If it's your only bathroom, ask how long it will be out of action and plan around it. Even a short gap is easier with a plan.
This article is general information only and isn't legal, financial or trade advice. Requirements vary by state and territory and by the type of work.
