Renovating a bathroom can completely change the way your home feels. Whether you’re updating an old space, fixing water damage, or adding value before selling, a well-done bathroom can make a big difference. But it’s not as simple as picking tiles and swapping out the taps. Without the right planning, things can get expensive and stressful fast.
If you’re thinking about starting a bathroom renovation, here are a few important things to keep in mind before you get underway.
Know What You’re Working With
Before you start looking at styles or picking colours, take a good look at your current bathroom. Ask yourself what works and what doesn’t. Are there plumbing issues? Is the layout awkward? Do you need more storage, or better lighting?
Knowing what you want to improve will help guide the decisions you make later. It also helps to understand the space itself — how big the room is, where the pipes and electrical points are, and whether there’s any water damage or structural issues. These are the kinds of things that can affect the budget and timeline.
Set a Realistic Budget
Bathroom renovations can range from a simple cosmetic refresh to a full strip-out and rebuild. The costs will depend on what you’re changing, the materials you choose, and the quality of the tradespeople doing the work.
Always include a buffer in your budget for unexpected costs. It’s not unusual for hidden problems to come up once work begins — especially in older homes. Waterproofing, plumbing upgrades, and even just moving a toilet or shower can all add up quickly.
If you’re not sure where to start, a chat with bathroom renovation experts can give you a clearer idea of what’s possible within your price range.
Think About Function First
It’s easy to get caught up in the design side — picking tiles, fixtures, vanities and finishes. But function should always come first. A bathroom needs to be practical for the way you live. That means enough storage, the right ventilation, proper lighting, and a layout that makes sense.
For example, having the towel rail too far from the shower or a vanity that doesn’t open fully because of a nearby wall might not seem like a big deal on paper — but these are the things that can get annoying fast once you’re using the space every day.
Good renovators will help you plan out the layout properly, so you don’t end up with a beautiful room that’s awkward to use.
Work With the Right People
A bathroom renovation involves more than just one trade. There’s plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry and waterproofing — and it all needs to be done in the right order. That’s why hiring reliable professionals matters.
If you’re in the ACT or surrounding areas, working with experienced bathroom renovators in Canberra means you’ll get local experts who know the rules, understand the climate, and can manage the project properly from start to finish.
Ask for a clear quote, a timeline, and a breakdown of what’s included. Good renovators will be upfront and won’t rush the job — especially when it comes to waterproofing and structural work, which need to be done properly to avoid issues later on.
Don’t Skip the Planning Stage
Rushing into a bathroom renovation without a clear plan is where most people go wrong. It’s worth taking the time to research, compare products, and speak to professionals before any demolition begins. A few weeks of planning can save you months of stress.
The end result should be more than just good-looking — it should last, function well, and add value to your home.