Bathroom-renovation cost and timing depend on the existing room, hidden condition, layout, plumbing, electrical work, ventilation, waterproofing, structure, finishes, consent requirements, and product availability. A generic range cannot price a specific bathroom.
Use this guide to define the scope and questions for a written proposal. It does not state a standard Diack Homes price, programme, product choice, inclusion, or project outcome.
Define the renovation level
| Scope level | Typical decisions to document |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacement | Fixture compatibility, substrate condition, finishes, ventilation, and required compliance work. |
| Full strip-out | Framing and substrate inspection, services, waterproofing, lining, fixtures, finishes, and ventilation. |
| Layout or structural change | Walls, doors, drainage, water, electrical, structure, floor levels, consent, and adjacent rooms. |
Inspect before fixing the scope
Record moisture, ventilation, plumbing and drainage, electrical work, substrates, framing, floor levels, hazardous materials, and any signs of past leaks or movement. Opening-up may be needed where concealed conditions cannot be assessed another way.
State what has been inspected, what remains unknown, and how concealed conditions will be approved and priced.
Coordinate waterproofing, plumbing, and ventilation
Waterproofing, drainage falls, penetrations, fixtures, substrates, ventilation, and finishes need to be designed and installed as a coordinated system. Ask the relevant designer, contractor, product supplier, and council to confirm current requirements for the exact scope.
If fixture positions change, confirm drainage routes, floor and wall work, service access, clearances, and the effect on adjacent spaces before finalising the layout.
Specify products and finishes
Record fixture models, tapware, vanity, shower system, glass, bath, lighting, heating, fan, tiles, grout, trims, accessories, paint, hardware, and any owner-supplied products. Check product compatibility, lead times, installation requirements, maintenance, and issued warranties.
Avoid unsupported claims that one material is universally best or that a particular selection guarantees durability, sale value, or maintenance outcomes.
Build a complete price comparison
Ask proposals to identify:
- demolition, protection, waste, access, and temporary facilities;
- plumbing, drainage, electrical, ventilation, structure, lining, and waterproofing;
- fixtures, fittings, tiles, finishes, joinery, glass, and accessories;
- design, consent, inspection, and other professional services;
- allowances, exclusions, owner-supplied items, assumptions, and variation treatment;
- testing, certificates, warranties, defects, cleaning, and handover records.
Plan the sequence around the actual products and room
The programme should account for investigation, design, approvals, product selection and procurement, protection, demolition, services, substrate preparation, waterproofing and cure requirements, finishes, fixtures, inspections, testing, and handover.
Confirm how loss of the bathroom affects the household and what temporary arrangements are required. Do not rely on a generic renovation duration.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bathroom renovation need consent?
It depends on the work. Confirm the exact scope with the relevant council and appropriately qualified professionals.
Can I keep the existing layout?
Possibly. Check fixture clearances, drainage, ventilation, substrate condition, and how the room needs to function.
Can I live in the house during the work?
That depends on access, safety, dust, services, and whether another bathroom is available. Agree the occupation plan in writing.
Which tile or fixture is best?
Compare suitability, slip resistance where relevant, maintenance, compatibility, installation requirements, availability, and warranty conditions.
How much and how long will it take?
A reliable answer requires the existing-condition information, defined scope, specification, approvals, procurement, and project-specific programme.
Discuss the proposed scope
Diack Homes publishes information about detailed specifications, fixed-price contracts, documented costs, and BuilderTrend use for regular progress updates, photos, and documentation. Confirm how those items apply to the proposed bathroom scope.
Book a free building consultation to discuss the room and the information needed for a written proposal. See also the kitchen-renovation planning guide.