How to Renovate a Bathroom

While bathroom renovations are among the most impactful home improvements you can make, the question of how to renovate a bathroom is often shrouded in uncertainty and apprehension. Concerns about cost, disruption, and decision-making can quickly become overwhelming, particularly when working with a limited budget.

However, with the proper planning and a clear process in place, a bathroom renovation doesn’t have to be daunting. This guide provides a practical, six-step approach, covering everything from early planning and budgeting to design decisions, trades, and final finishes, while outlining realistic timelines to help you know exactly what to expect at each stage.

Before beginning your bathroom renovation, it’s important to determine whether you’re undertaking a comprehensive renovation or a cosmetic update. This will help you define your approach and the scope of the work you need to undertake. If you are undergoing a complete renovation, it is also essential to understand any layout limitations and waterproofing requirements, as well as identifying your goals in terms of style, storage, and accessibility. Gather inspiration from design magazines, online platforms, and showrooms to clarify your vision and guide your decisions.

Part of the process of renovating a bathroom is about accurately estimating your renovation costs. While the size of your space plays a role, your overall budget will also be influenced by the condition of the existing plumbing, the complexity of the layout, and the quality of materials and fixtures you select. It’s essential to factor in often-overlooked costs, such as plumbing upgrades, waterproofing, electrical work, waste removal, and labour, as these can significantly impact your final expenditure. 
 

Knowing where to save and where to invest can make a noticeable difference. Prioritising tapware, waterproofing, and installation can help avoid costly issues down the track. Choosing quality tiles, cabinetry finishes, and bathroom accessories may offer opportunities to stay within budget without compromising on style. Allowing a contingency of around 10–15% is also wise, particularly in older homes where unexpected issues may arise.

It’s also worth considering the practical implications of your design choices. For example, large-format tiles can reduce grout lines, simplify installation, and potentially shorten overall installation time, while mosaic tiles may be better suited for splashback walls. These core design decisions then influence other major product selections, including bathroom vanity units, basins, and baths.

Spending time refining these design decisions can make it easier to select bathroom products that strike a balance between aesthetics, performance, and longevity. Our Nesso Collection, for instance, is designed with this balance in mind, offering a refined take on minimalist square forms. Crafted from lead-free 304 stainless steel and available across tapware, showers, and accessories, Nesso delivers durability and visual continuity throughout the bathroom. With five versatile finishes, it adapts seamlessly to a range of interior styles.

Consider booking a complimentary showroom consultation for guidance on selecting the best ABI products suited to your bathroom renovation. Additionally, our Bathroom Renovation Calculator provides a practical starting point for understanding the potential cost of your project. By entering a few key details, you’ll receive an estimated breakdown that considers materials, labour, fixtures and fittings, along with recommended allowances for contingencies and project margins.

From initial demolition and strip-out through to waterproofing, tiling, flooring, and final finishes, this step-by-step guide breaks down the key stages involved in renovating a bathroom.

This stage involves stripping back your old bathroom, from removing fixtures, tiles, and vanities to handling waste, dust, and debris, making way for the new layout and finishes. Careful planning is essential, particularly in older homes, as it can uncover hidden issues such as water damage or outdated plumbing that may need to be addressed before work commences. 

Appointing qualified, licensed tradespeople for demolition and strip-out is highly recommended to minimise the risk of damage and ensure the work is carried out safely.

Once the space has been stripped back, work begins on the services behind the walls and floors. This stage involves relocating plumbing to accommodate the new layout, running electrical wiring, and installing lighting points for vanities, mirrors, heating, and ventilation. These rough-ins must be completed before walls are closed, as they determine the final placement and functionality of all bathroom fixtures.

Careful coordination is essential to ensure plumbing and electrical services align with your approved design and product selections. Preparation for waterproofing also begins here, with surfaces assessed and readied to meet Australian Standards before membranes are applied in the next stage. All plumbing and electrical work should be carried out by licensed tradespeople to ensure compliance and avoid costly changes later on in the renovation process.
 

Waterproofing is one of the most critical stages of a bathroom renovation and is strictly regulated in Australia. This process involves applying mandatory waterproofing membranes to floors and designated wall areas, including showers, baths, and wet zones, to protect against moisture penetration and long-term structural damage.
 

Again, compliance with Australian Standards is essential, with specific requirements around coverage, application methods, and detailing. Equally important is allowing adequate drying and curing time before tiling can begin. Rushing this stage can compromise the integrity of the waterproofing system and lead to costly issues down the track, making it a key factor in determining the overall renovation timeline.

Once waterproofing has fully cured, floor and wall tiling can commence. At this point, layouts are set, levels are established, and the overall structure of the space begins to take shape, making precision and quality of work critical.

Large-format tiles are recommended for bathroom renovations, as they create visual continuity across walls and floors and establish a strong architectural base for the design. Their clean lines and reduced grout joints contribute to a more refined finish, allowing other fixtures to sit cohesively within the space. Small tiles, such as mosaics and zellige tiles, are ideal for bathroom feature walls and splashbacks.

Shop our complete range of tiles.

With tiling complete, the focus shifts to installing fixtures and fittings. This stage involves installing tapware, showers, vanities, basins, toilets, and shower wastes and floor wastes, transforming the space into a functional bathroom.

Precision is key during installation, as these elements rely on accurate alignment with plumbing and waterproofing set earlier in the renovation. Quality fixtures not only elevate the overall design but also contribute to long-term performance and durability. Thoughtfully selected pieces, such as aesthetic tapware and bathroom accessories, help create a cohesive finish, ensuring every element works seamlessly both visually and practically within the space.

Consider the benefits of ABI’s Infiniti Technology. With an In-Wall kit for rough-in and a Tap Handle Kit for fit-off, you can start the rough-in process without waiting on final tapware choices. You can then select the handle style and finish later, and even change your tapware after installation, making updates and design changes simple.

The final stage of a bathroom renovation is all about bringing the design together and adding the details to complete the space. This includes painting walls and ceilings, sealing around wet areas, installing mirrors, shelving, and any other fittings, as well as adding final styling touches.

Attention to detail is essential. Well-executed caulking and sealing not only enhances the appearance but also protects against water damage. The final details complete the space, bringing your bathroom together seamlessly.

A bathroom renovation timeline will vary depending on the size of your space and the complexity of the project. As a practical guide, it’s advisable to dedicate approximately a week to each of the six key stages outlined above, from demolition and strip-out through to plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, fixture installation, and finishing touches.

Allowing this time ensures each stage is completed carefully, reduces the risk of delays, and helps maintain the quality and durability of the finished bathroom. Don’t forget to allow extra time for planning, taking accurate measurements, and ordering materials before work begins, as these steps are as important to a smooth renovation as the construction itself.

Small bathroom renovations are all about maximising the space you have. Clever design choices can enhance both functionality and the sense of openness, ensuring your bathroom feels larger and more practical.

Some effective strategies include:

 

• Vertical storage to free up floor space  
  
   
• Wall-hung vanities and toilets to create a sense of openness underneath fixtures
  
   
• Large-format tiles on floors and walls to give the illusion of a bigger space
  
   
• Light colour palettes to reflect light and make the room feel brighter
  
   
• Smart lighting placement to enhance functionality and highlight features
  
   
• Mirrors to visually expand the space and increase natural light, and bathroom mirror cabinets for convenient storage
  
   

These considerations should be factored in, alongside budgeting and product selections, and implemented throughout the six-step renovation process. By planning carefully, even a compact bathroom can feel airy, stylish, and highly functional, with every detail contributing to the ideal modern bathroom renovation.

Use this simple checklist as a guide to track your progress and ensure the key elements of your renovation are in place before work begins:

For further inspiration, check out these blogs:

Bathroom Renovations: 9 Things You Need to Know

Bathroom Renovations: Bathtub, Shower, or Both?

Bathroom Renovations Under $5,000: 10 Ideas to Upgrade Your Bathroom on a Budget