The Steps of a Penrith Bathroom Renovation

Step 1: the measure

A free visit of about 40 minutes. We look at the room size, the floor construction, the plumbing positions, the ventilation, when the home was built, access to the room and where a skip can go. We talk through budget and which tier suits the brief — budget, mid-range or upper.

Step 2: asbestos testing if needed

For homes built or renovated before 1990, samples of wall sheeting and flooring are tested before demolition. Results usually return within a few days. If asbestos is found, a licensed asbestos removalist is booked as the first stage of the job.

Step 3: the written quote

An itemised fixed price that names fittings, states the tile allowance per square metre, includes rubbish removal and waterproofing, and sets out how any variation would be priced. If the job is over $20,000, home building compensation cover must be in place before a deposit is requested, and the deposit cannot exceed 10 per cent.

Step 4: selections and ordering

Tiles, vanity, tapware, toilet, bath, screen, mirror, lighting and accessories are chosen and ordered. A start date is booked once long-lead items are confirmed. This step feels slow, but it is what keeps the on-site program short.

Step 5: preparation (day 1)

Floor protection from the entry to the bathroom, a skip on the driveway, and dust protection at the bathroom door. If asbestos removal is required, it happens now, before general demolition.

Step 6: demolition (days 1–2)

Tiles, bath, vanity, toilet, screen and old sheeting come out. The room is taken back to the frame and slab. Any hidden damage — a rotten wall plate, damaged sheeting, a cracked waste — is photographed and discussed before any extra work proceeds.

Step 7: rough-in (days 3–5)

Plumbing. New pipework for the mixer, shower, basin and toilet, and adjustment of wastes where needed.

Electrical. Wiring for lights, the exhaust fan and its ducting to outside, a heated towel rail or underfloor heating, and a power point for a mirror cabinet.

This is the last cheap moment to change a fixture position.

Step 8: sheeting and screed (days 5–7)

Wet-area board goes on the walls. Timber floors are stiffened and sheeted where necessary. The floor is screeded to form falls to the waste, particularly for a walk-in shower without a hob.

Step 9: waterproofing (days 7–10)

Primer, bond breakers at junctions, puddle flanges at wastes, and membrane coats with curing time between. The whole floor and shower walls are waterproofed. A certificate is issued. In very hot or cold weather, curing times are allowed for rather than rushed. See waterproofing.

Step 10: tiling (days 10–16)

Set-out is confirmed, then floor tiles, wall tiles, grout, and flexible sealant in internal corners and at the floor junction. Larger straight-laid tiles move quickly; feature patterns take longer. See bathroom tiling.

Step 11: fit-off (days 16–19)

The plumber fits the toilet, vanity, basin, tapware, shower and bath. The electrician fits lights, fan and heating. The shower screen is measured after tiling and installed last, sometimes a few days later.

Step 12: clean and handover (day 20)

A final clean, a walk-through together, any small items listed and fixed, and the waterproofing certificate and product warranties handed over.

Paying as you go

Progress payments should be tied to completed stages — for example after rough-in, after waterproofing and tiling, and at completion. The deposit on residential building work in NSW is capped at 10 per cent.

Renovation work is carried out in partnership with Coastal Renovation Group, a licensed NSW builder; licence and insurance details are provided on request.

Living through it

• Keep children and pets away from the work area and the skip
• Expect noise mainly during demolition days
• Plan where everyone will shower
• Park away from the driveway on skip and delivery days

The cost page has the 2026 bands. Call 02 4703 9332 or send the room details through.