Bathroom Renovation Checklist: What to Plan For
A bathroom renovation involves more trades and sequencing than almost any other room in the house — plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tiling and fixtures all need to happen in the right order for the finished result to last. Whether you're planning a full renovation or a partial refresh, this checklist covers the key stages, decisions and common mistakes worth knowing before you start.
1. Plan the Layout and Budget First
Decide early whether you're keeping the existing layout (cheaper, faster) or moving plumbing fixtures (more expensive, but sometimes necessary for a better-functioning space). Set a realistic budget that includes a contingency of around 10-15% for unexpected issues, which are common once old tiling and waterproofing are removed and the true condition of the space is revealed.
2. Demolition and Assessment
Once fixtures and old tiling are removed, this is the point to assess the condition of the substrate, check for any water damage or rot from a previously failed membrane, and confirm the plumbing and electrical rough-in locations before anything is closed up again.
3. Rough-In Plumbing and Electrical
Any changes to pipe or drain locations, new electrical circuits for heated towel rails, exhaust fans or underfloor heating, and niche or shower layout changes need to happen at this stage, before waterproofing goes down.
4. Waterproofing
This is the most important step in the entire renovation. A compliant membrane needs to be applied to the shower, floor and any other wet areas in line with AS 3740, with particular attention to junctions, penetrations and the shower hob or step-down. Waterproofing should always be completed and ideally flood-tested before tiling begins — it's far cheaper to fix an issue here than after tiles are down.
5. Tiling and Stone Selection
Choose floor and wall tiles with an appropriate slip rating for wet areas, and decide on a benchtop material for the vanity — stone and engineered stone are popular for their seamless, low-maintenance finish. Grout colour and width also make a bigger visual difference than most people expect, so it's worth deciding this alongside the tile selection, not as an afterthought.
6. Fixtures and Fittings
Vanities, toilets, showerheads, tapware, mirrors and lighting are installed once tiling is complete. This is also when final plumbing and electrical connections happen, along with extraction fans and any heated towel rails or floor heating.
7. Sealing and Finishing Touches
Silicone sealant is applied at all movement joints — around the bath, shower screen, vanity and skirting — using a mould-resistant, bathroom-grade product. Natural stone benchtops or floors should also be sealed at this stage if not already factory-sealed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common and costly mistakes we see are: skimping on waterproofing to save money, choosing tiles with insufficient slip resistance for wet floors, not allowing enough fall to the shower drain, and rushing the sequencing so trades are working over each other's unfinished work. A clear plan and the right trade order avoids nearly all of these.
TN Stone handles waterproofing, tiling and stone benchtop installation for bathroom renovations across Melbourne. If you're planning a renovation, we're happy to talk through the scope, sequencing and provide a fixed quote.
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Request a Free QuoteFrequently asked questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A typical full bathroom renovation in Australia takes around 2-4 weeks from demolition to completion, depending on the scope of work, whether layout changes are involved, and how quickly materials and tradespeople can be scheduled. Simple cosmetic updates can be faster; renovations involving structural or plumbing changes take longer.
Do I need council approval to renovate a bathroom?
Most like-for-like bathroom renovations don't require council approval, but changes to the building's structure, plumbing layout, or waterproofing that affects other properties (such as in units) may need approval or a building permit. It's worth checking with your builder or local council if you're planning significant layout changes.
What order should bathroom renovation work happen in?
The typical order is demolition, rough-in plumbing and electrical, waterproofing, tiling, fixture and fitting installation, then final plumbing and electrical connections and finishing touches like sealant and accessories. Waterproofing must always be completed and, ideally, tested before tiling begins.
How much of a bathroom renovation budget should go to waterproofing?
Waterproofing typically represents a modest portion of the total renovation cost, but it's the single most important step to get right — a failed membrane can cost far more to fix later, including damage to floors below. It should never be the area where corners are cut to save money.
Should I choose tiles or a stone benchtop for a bathroom vanity?
Both are common choices in Australian bathrooms. Stone or engineered stone benchtops offer a seamless, low-maintenance surface for vanities, while tiles are more often used for walls and floors. Many renovations combine both — a stone vanity top with tiled walls and floors.