A bathroom renovation involves dozens of decisions, multiple trades and a timeline measured in weeks. Without a clear plan, delays, cost blowouts and design regrets are common. This bathroom renovation checklist also serves as a home renovation checklist for any wet area project in your Melbourne home.
This checklist covers every step from initial planning through to final handover. Use it to stay organised and in control of your bathroom renovation project.
Decide on a total budget including a 10% to 20% contingency for unexpected issues (old plumbing, asbestos, structural problems). A realistic mid-range budget for a Melbourne bathroom renovation is $20,000 to $30,000.
Write down what you want to achieve: more storage, better layout, modern finishes, accessibility features, fixing water damage. Clear goals prevent scope creep and help your renovator quote accurately.
Browse renovation websites, Pinterest and Instagram for bathroom design inspiration. Save images that reflect the style, colour palette and fixtures you like. Share these with your renovator during the consultation.
In Victoria, most cosmetic bathroom renovations do not require a planning permit. A building permit is required if you are altering the structure, adding a new bathroom or changing external walls. Your renovator should advise you.
Request at least three detailed, itemised quotes from licensed renovation companies. Compare line by line, not total by total. Check that each quote covers the same scope.
Confirm your renovator holds a current Registered Building Practitioner licence (check on the VBA website). Confirm they carry public liability insurance and construction works insurance.
Ask for references from recent bathroom projects. Check Google Reviews and read both positive and negative feedback. Look at before and after photos of completed work.
Your contract should include the full scope of work, itemised pricing, payment schedule (avoid paying more than 10% upfront), start and completion dates, warranty terms and a process for variations (changes to the agreed scope).
Select floor tiles and wall tiles. Order 10% extra to cover cuts and future repairs. Confirm tile size, colour and grout colour with your renovator.
Select your vanity, mirror, tapware (basin mixer, shower mixer, bath spout if applicable), toilet, shower screen and accessories (towel rails, hooks, toilet roll holder).
Lock in paint colours, grout colours, tapware finish (chrome, matte black, brushed nickel) and cabinetry finish. Get physical samples, not screen images.
Ensure all tiles, fixtures and fittings are ordered and delivery dates confirmed before the build starts. Delays in material delivery are the most common cause of project delays.
Remove personal items, towels, toiletries and anything stored in the bathroom. Clear access paths for tradesperson entry and waste removal.
If you have a second bathroom, ensure it is stocked. If not, discuss temporary arrangements with your renovator.
Get a day-by-day schedule from your renovator: demolition day, plumbing day, waterproofing, tiling, fitting, painting, handover. Know what to expect each week.
Existing bathroom stripped out. Plumbing and electrical rough-in completed. Any structural work or layout changes done.
Waterproofing membrane applied and certified. Floor and wall tiling begins after the membrane cures.
Vanity, toilet, shower screen, tapware, mirror and accessories installed. Painting and silicone sealing completed.
Walk through with your renovator. Check all fixtures function correctly. Confirm grouting, silicone and paint finish quality. Receive compliance certificates for waterproofing and any permits.
Waterproofing compliance certificate, building permit sign-off (if applicable), warranty documents for fixtures, and maintenance instructions for tiles and finishes.
Make the final payment only after the walkthrough is complete and any noted items are resolved.
Start planning 6 to 8 weeks before your desired build start date. This allows time for quotes, material selection, ordering and scheduling.
Not setting a clear budget with contingency. Unexpected issues (old plumbing, asbestos, water damage) add costs. A 10% to 20% contingency protects you.
It is possible but not cost-effective. Trades mobilise, set up and clean up for each visit. Completing the renovation in one project saves on labour costs and minimises disruption.
VICO Renovations provides free bathroom renovation quotes across Melbourne. Call +61 490 151 012 or fill in our online form.
