The Do’s and Don’ts of a Bathroom Renovation (Australian Homeowner’s Guide)

Renovating a bathroom is one of the most popular upgrades homeowners make, and for good reason. A well-designed bathroom increases comfort, boosts property value, and makes everyday living far more enjoyable.

But renovating a bathroom isn’t as simple as choosing tiles and a new vanity. Behind the walls lies complex plumbing, waterproofing, drainage requirements, compliance considerations, and strict Australian Standards that must be met.

At BG Plumbing & Gas, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the very expensive mistakes that happen when a renovation isn’t properly planned. To help you avoid the pitfalls, here is a complete guide to the do’s and don’ts of a bathroom renovation specific to Australian homes, Australian climates, and Australian building laws.

The DO’s of a Bathroom Renovation

DO: Plan Thoroughly Before Any Work Begins

A successful renovation starts long before any tools come out. In Australia, plumbing changes, drainage layout adjustments, and waterproofing all require planning, especially because they must comply with:

• NCC (National Construction Code)
• AS 3740 – Waterproofing of domestic wet areas
• AS/NZS 3500 – Plumbing and drainage standards

Before starting, make sure you have:

A detailed layout

This includes the placement of the toilet, shower, bath, vanity, tapware, lighting and electrical points. Changing a toilet or shower location can significantly affect plumbing costs.

A realistic budget

Bathroom renovations in Australia typically range from $15,000 to $40,000+, depending on size, materials, and complexity. Always allow 10-20% extra for unexpected issues, especially in older homes where drainage, waterproofing, or pipes may need updating.

A timeline

Factor in demolition, plumbing rough-ins, waterproofing dry time, and inspections. Rushing leads to failures, especially in waterproofing.

DO: Hire Licensed Trades – Especially for Plumbing

In Australia, ANY plumbing, drainage, or waterproofing work must be completed by a licensed professional.
DIY plumbing is illegal and can result in:

• Fines
• Voided insurance
• Failed council approvals
• Long-term damage to your home

Licensed plumbers ensure compliance with Australian Standards, install fittings correctly, and provide compliance certificates.

Working with a professional team like BG Plumbing & Gas ensures peace of mind from start to finish.

DO: Choose Materials Built for Australian Conditions

Australia’s climate, from coastal humidity to dry heat to cooler winter areas, puts bathrooms under constant temperature and moisture stress.

Choose materials designed to withstand:

• Humidity
• Heat expansion
• Constant water exposure
• Australian cleaning products

Recommended options:

• Porcelain tiles (denser and more durable)
• Stone-look tiles for easier maintenance than natural stone
• Moisture-resistant MDF vanities
• Semi-frameless or frameless shower screens
• Quality waterproof membranes rated for Australian conditions

Cheap imports often do not meet Australian Standards and may fail prematurely.

DO: Ensure Proper Waterproofing and Drainage

Waterproofing is one of the most critical stages of an Australian bathroom renovation. It must be done correctly and signed off by a licensed waterproofer.

A compliant Australian bathroom must include:

• Waterproofed shower walls to a minimum height (per AS 3740)
• Waterproofing behind the bath and vanity
• Correct fall (slope) to drains
• Properly positioned floor wastes

A mistake in waterproofing can cost tens of thousands to fix later.
At BG Plumbing & Gas, we ensure every bathroom meets strict Australian compliance and drainage requirements.

DO: Maximise Ventilation & Meet Australian Requirements

Ventilation is not just recommended in Australia, it’s essential.

High humidity, coastal salt air, and warm weather often lead to mould growth if ventilation is poor.

Always include:

• A quality exhaust fan
• Where possible, a window or natural ventilation
• Proper ducting to external areas (not the roof space!)

Many older Australian homes have insufficient ventilation, upgrading during renovation is highly recommended.

DO: Think Long-Term Functionality

Your new bathroom should be functional for everyday use and still feel modern 10+ years later.

Consider:

• Soft-close drawers and cabinets
• Easy-clean shower screens
• Niches and built-in storage
• Durable tapware with long warranties
• Water-efficient fixtures (WELS rated)

These features make your bathroom more practical while reducing water bills.

The DON’Ts of a Bathroom Renovation

DON’T DIY Plumbing, Waterproofing, or Electrical Work

In Australia, most bathroom work is licensed work only.

DIY attempts often result in:

• Incorrect pipe installation
• Leaks inside walls
• Improper drainage fall
• Failed waterproofing
• Voided home insurance

Always hire licensed trades, it’s the law, and it protects your home.

DON’T Ignore Australian Building Codes

Even if you’re doing a cosmetic update, many changes require compliance with:

• NCC (National Construction Code)
• AS/NZS 3500 plumbing standards
• AS 3740 waterproofing code
• Local council regulations

Non-compliant work can lead to:

• Failed inspections
• Costly rework
• Issues when selling the property

If in doubt, ask your plumber or contractor, that’s what they’re there for.

DON’T Choose Style Over Function

Many Australian homeowners get carried away with design trends, but a bathroom must be functional first.

Avoid:

• Tiles that are slippery when wet
• Vanities that look great but offer no storage
• Fixtures that rust in coastal climates
• Trendy colours that feel dated in a year

Choose timeless designs with modern touches; your future self will thank you.

DON’T Forget to Consider Water Pressure & Existing Plumbing

Older Australian homes often have:

• Galvanised pipes
• Poor water pressure
• Old drainage systems
• Pipes not suitable for modern fixtures

Upgrading behind the walls during the renovation saves a fortune compared to doing it later.

DON’T Buy Cheap Non-Compliant Fixtures

Australia has strict product standards, especially for:

• Tapware
• Mixers
• Toilets
• Drainage components
• Waterproofing products

Cheap, non-certified imports may:

• Corrode quickly
• Fail under Australian water pressure
• Not be covered by warranty
• Cause leaks or unsafe installations

Always purchase WELS-rated, WaterMark-certified fixtures.

DON’T Underestimate the Importance of Layout

Here are common mistakes Australian renovators make:

• Placing the shower too close to doorways
• Installing oversized baths in small spaces
• Not allowing room for drainage fall
• Forgetting towel storage or power points
• Having the toilet as the first thing you see

A poor layout reduces comfort and resale value.

At BG Plumbing & Gas we help homeowners refine their layout before any works begin.

Bonus Tips for Australian Bathroom Renovations

1. Choose LED lighting with warm colour temperatures: Australian homes often benefit from bright yet warm lighting that reduces glare.
2. Consider underfloor heating: Popular in cooler states like VIC, NSW and TAS; adds instant comfort.
3. Add a skylight for natural light: Ideal for small or internal bathrooms.
4. Install a tile-over drain: A sleek, modern look common in new Australian builds.
5. Pick fixtures with long manufacturer warranties: Australian conditions can be harsh, warranties matter.

Why Working With BG Plumbing & Gas Makes All the Difference

At BG Plumbing & Gas, we specialise in Australian bathroom renovations that prioritise:

• Compliance with all Australian Standards
• High-quality workmanship
• Professional waterproofing
• Plumbing and drainage expertise
• Aesthetically beautiful and long-lasting designs
• Project coordination that keeps everything on track

We ensure your renovation is completed safely, legally, and built to last in Australian conditions.

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation for your home, we’re here to help, from initial design advice to full project completion.

Final Thoughts: A Bathroom Renovation Is an Investment

Renovating a bathroom in Australia is exciting, but it requires planning, skilled trades, and adherence to strict standards.

If you follow the do’s (plan properly, hire licensed trades, choose quality materials, prioritise waterproofing, maximise ventilation) and avoid the don’ts (DIY plumbing, ignoring codes, choosing trend over function), you’ll achieve a bathroom that looks incredible and performs perfectly for years.

When you’re ready to start your renovation journey, BG Plumbing & Gas can guide you every step of the way, ensuring your new bathroom is safe, compliant, stylish, and built to last.