Let’s be real — we all want a bathroom that looks like it’s straight out of Queensland Resort. But most people shy away from making this dream come to life because it feels like you may need to win a lottery to pull this one off. Remodelling a bathroom can be quite a challenge as you are dealing with a lot of designs, contractor options, and several surprises (like damaged pipes), while being under the budget. People end up thinking that the entire endeavour is a bit too overwhelming and expensive.
Well, this overwhelming situation can occur if you haven’t planned and prepared properly to upgrade your bathroom. However, a guide that covers everything from planning to execution can really help create a bathroom that looks ace, and that too without burning a hole in your pocket.
Are you looking for ways to upgrade the humble loo but aren’t sure where to begin? Well, start with baby steps like reading the top tips we have mentioned below for a perfect bathroom remodel.
Start With a Proper Plan
Before you go out and purchase tiles and fixtures or start knocking down the walls, hold up. Think about it — do you have a plan? Like, what are you planning to achieve here? Are you planning full-scale bathroom renovations, you just want to refresh a few nooks and crannies?
Think about the things that you absolutely expect from this bathroom remodelling plan. These are the non-negotiables, i.e. the things without which your bathroom remodelling venture is a total bust. For some people, it can be better fixtures, and for others, it can be changing the flooring or tiling. All you have to do is list down the things that you want completely changed in this renovation.
Then you need to list all the add-ons: things that are nice to have, but not really necessary. Once you have thought about the change you are planning to make, make a list of all the essentials and add-ons. A basic list will further help you define the overall look. Once you have a solid bathroom remodelling plan, it is time to move on to the next step.
Set a Realistic Budget
Australia isn’t the cheapest country out there, especially when you intend to make a home improvement. Your little venture of upgrading the loo can quickly become a high-budget transformation that was not expected at all.
Before buying anything, conduct a market survey. See what the average price is in the market along with the vendors who are willing to negotiate on it. During your search, you may find some people offering discounts that seem a bit too realistic to be true. Our opinion is to stay away from such deals as the material quality is usually subpar. Otherwise why would it be so cheap?
The next thing is to hunt down the contractors within your area. What kind of services are they providing and how one is different from the other. Similar to discount deals, the tradies who have an offer to work at a very low price can be a bit dubious, and it is best to avoid such options.
You may also refer to your friends, family, and acquaintances regarding trusted contractors. Once you have a list of people, discuss what you want to do, and inquire about the service fees. From there, you can pick the best guy for the job.
After finding out the material and labour costs, you can set a budget that fits your pocket. It is wise to keep some money in the pool other than your budget to deal with any unexpected emergencies. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 15% buffer to your budget for the just in case moments. Your contractor will find out something that’s wrong with the pipes or electricity.
Define the Timeline
You are already in for an expensive bathroom remodelling venture and the last thing you want is to have messed up timelines. Even if you are renovating a small space of your house, it can mess up your routine and disturb the residents. During the upgrade, your bathroom can be non-functional for a couple of days, which can disturb the routine of residents.
Therefore, an ideal practice is to find an alternate place, like a motel or stay with someone from the family until the Reno dust settles. If you live alone, consider crashing at a mate’s place while the tradies do their thing and bring new life to your outdated loo.
Discuss this with your contractor and see the timeline he suggests. Get that in writing. Also, get an estimate of the quantity of material needed for the desired transformation. Having material in the house, and sorted before the contractor can save time and help you achieve your goal much quicker.
Go for Quality and Not Trends
You may see things on the internet that look insanely gorgeous, but are they worth your while? You gotta ask yourself about the durability, comfort, and ease of use when buying bathroom fixtures. Like that tap set you see some influencer promoting, might look like the perfect thing to match the aesthetics. But is it really better than the OGs and the classics? Well, in most cases, no!
When it comes to a bathroom, the classics and neutrals never disappoint. You can find modern versions of the same fixtures, offering better designs, aesthetics, and sustainability. A neutral theme also makes the bathroom look spacious, which it already is with better lighting. Plus, it allows you to have several variations with the add-ons and minor fixtures.
For instance, neutral coloured tiles give you a lot of edge on the type of decor you want. You can even change your decor after some time without ripping off the entire thing. So, go with evergreen designs and main fixtures, as it gives you a lot of room to experiment in the future.
Conclusion
A bathroom remodelling trip can be super fun if you play the right cards. For most Aussies, a well-kept, modern, and functional bathroom is everything, so you really don’t have to go overboard with things and overcomplicate them.
Just do your research and ensure you have good quality material and craftsmen to bring your vision to life. You are not investing in “Just a Bathroom”; this place is your haven where you perform your most private rituals — therefore, take your time and avoid any impulsive decisions.
Through proper planning and execution, it is possible to upgrade your bathroom to make it look modern, functional, and ready to withstand the weather conditions in mighty Australia.
FAQs
Start by identifying your goals and priorities—decide whether you want a full renovation or just small upgrades, then create a plan and budget before hiring contractors.
On average, bathroom renovations can range from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the size, materials, and complexity of the project.
Stick to your plan, compare multiple contractor quotes, avoid unnecessary extras, and include a 15% contingency fund for unexpected costs.
A standard bathroom renovation typically takes 2–4 weeks, but timelines can extend depending on materials, approvals, or hidden plumbing issues.
While minor updates can be DIY, it’s best to hire licensed professionals for plumbing, tiling, and electrical work to ensure safety and compliance.
Ask for referrals, check online reviews, verify licenses and insurance, and compare detailed written quotes before signing a contract.
Avoid overly trendy designs that may date quickly—stick with neutral tones, classic fixtures, and quality materials for timeless appeal.
Use light colors, large mirrors, glass shower doors, and good lighting to create a more open and spacious feel.
Skipping planning, underestimating costs, ignoring ventilation, and choosing cheap materials are common (and costly) renovation mistakes.
Opt for durable tiles, grout sealant, wall-mounted vanities, and easy-clean finishes to reduce upkeep and keep your bathroom looking fresh longer.
