Renovating your bathroom can be one of the most exciting projects in the home, but it’s also a task where costs can quickly add up. The good news is that with smart planning, you can create your dream bathroom while keeping the bathroom renovation cost under control. Knowing when to tackle jobs yourself and when to call a licensed tradie for plumbing and electricity makes all the difference.

DIY Bathroom Renovation in Australia

Before you pick up a hammer, it’s important to plan a bathroom renovation carefully. Think about your style, layout, and must-have features such as walk in showers, a bath shower combination, or practical storage options. Floor tiles and bathroom tiles set the tone of the space, while light fixtures, tapware, and accessories bring everything together.

As a rule, start by deciding whether you want a budget friendly update, a mid range transformation, or a full-scale luxury redesign. This will give you clarity on how much you can DIY and where you should allocate more funds to professional works.

Choosing Your Bathroom Fixtures Wisely

Selecting the right bathroom fixtures is the foundation of your renovation. Homeowners can save money by shopping around for affordable yet stylish options. At Blue Leaf Bath, you’ll find a wide selection of products, from bathroom accessories like towel rails and robe hooks to essential fittings such as back-to-wall toilets and vanities. Choosing high-quality fittings upfront prevents the need for early replacements and ensures your bathroom will last for years.

Where You Can Save Money with DIY

Some areas of a bathroom renovation are straightforward enough to manage on your own if you’re confident with tools and planning.

• Demolition and preparation – Removing old shower screens, tiles, or vanities can save you hundreds. Just be careful not to damage walls or plumbing works.

• Painting and styling – Repainting walls or updating light fixtures is a simple and cost-effective way to refresh the space.

• Accessories and fittings – Adding towel rails, robe hooks, and shelves is a budget friendly way to modernise without major work. For example, our heated towel rails not only add luxury but also practicality.

• Tiles and flooring – Laying floor tiles can be attempted by experienced DIYers. Just ensure surfaces are level and waterproofed correctly.

Taking on these areas yourself helps reduce overall bathroom renovation cost without compromising on style.

When You Need to Call a Licensed Tradie

Plumbing, waterproofing, and electrical work are areas where professional help is essential. In Australia, waterproofing must be done by a licensed waterproofer to meet building codes. Similarly, electrical installations, such as installing heated towel rails or exhaust fans, require a licensed electrician. Hiring a plumber for your toilet installation or bath connection ensures compliance with regulations and helps you avoid costly mistakes. 

To summarise, you should absolutely hire a tradie for:

• Plumbing: Installing toilets, basins, or moving shower fittings must be done by a licensed plumber

• Waterproofing: Any work in wet areas, including showers and baths, must meet strict standards

• Electrical: Fitting lighting, power points, or heated towel rails should only be done by a licensed electrician

While calling a tradie may feel like an extra expense, it often saves money in the long run by preventing water damage or safety hazards.

The Legal Requirements in Australia

Bathroom renovations in Australia are subject to strict building codes and legal requirements. Waterproofing is a regulated trade, meaning it can only be completed by a licensed professional. Electrical work also requires a qualified tradesperson, and plumbing jobs, including relocating fixtures, fall under the same rule. Even something as simple as moving a floor waste or changing tap locations must be performed by a licensed plumber. Skipping these steps or attempting them yourself can not only result in fines but also invalidate your home insurance if something goes wrong.

Mid Range vs Budget Friendly Renovations

If you’re not going all out, a mid range renovation can strike the perfect balance between cost and impact. This may include upgrading your bath shower setup, adding a sleek shower screen, or updating bathroom tiles while reusing some existing fixtures. Budget friendly renovations, on the other hand, focus on cosmetic updates like paint, accessories, and replacing old towel rails or mirrors.

Understanding Bathroom Size and Layout Rules

Before starting your renovation, it’s important to check the minimum bathroom size requirements in Australia. Generally, a full bathroom should have enough clearance for fixtures, including space for a toilet, vanity, and shower. Small bathrooms can still be functional if designed correctly with space-saving fittings like wall-hung basins or slimline vanities. Proper planning ensures your bathroom meets Australian Standards for usability and comfort, while also making the most of your available space.

The Advantages of DIY

DIY tasks offer several benefits:

• Reduces labour costs significantly

• Provides flexibility to work at your own pace

• Allows for personal touches and creative updates

• Money saved on labour can be invested in higher-quality fixtures like bathroom vanities or bathroom shelves

The Disadvantages of DIY

DIY renovations also come with risks:

• Time-consuming, particularly if you lack experience

• Mistakes in tiling, plumbing, or waterproofing can be costly

• Non-compliance with regulations may result in fines or insurance issues

• Professional tradies often have access to trade pricing and specialised expertise

Planning Ahead for a Successful Renovation

A well-planned renovation reduces stress and ensures everything runs smoothly. Start by setting a realistic budget and timeline. Consider the order of work, such as demolition before plumbing, then tiling, and finally accessories. Think carefully about the type of heating and ventilation you’ll need, especially if your bathroom doesn’t get natural airflow. Investing in features like heated towel rails or bathroom exhaust fans improves comfort and keeps your space mould-free.

Final Thoughts

A DIY bathroom renovation can save you money if you focus on the right tasks, like painting, demolition, and installing simple accessories. But when it comes to plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing, calling a licensed tradie is essential. Balancing the two approaches ensures you get a stylish, functional bathroom without unnecessary risks. With the wide range of quality products at Blue Leaf Bath, from vanities and basins to bathroom accessories, you’ll have everything you need to create a bathroom that’s both practical and beautiful.

DIY Bathroom Renovation FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What are some cost-effective DIY tasks for a bathroom renovation?

Homeowners can save money by tackling tasks such as painting, installing new tapware, updating accessories, and replacing light fixtures. These projects are manageable for most DIYers and can significantly enhance the bathroom's appearance without the need for professional assistance.

When should I hire a licensed tradie for my bathroom renovation?

Certain tasks require professional expertise due to safety, compliance, and quality considerations. It's essential to hire a licensed tradie for:

• Electrical work (e.g., installing new power points or lighting fixtures)
• Plumbing tasks (e.g., relocating or installing toilets, showers, or sinks)
• Waterproofing
• Structural changes (e.g., removing walls or altering load-bearing structures)

Attempting these tasks without proper qualifications can lead to safety hazards and costly mistakes.

How can I avoid common DIY renovation mistakes?

To minimise errors and ensure a successful renovation:

• Thoroughly research each task before starting
• Invest in quality tools and materials
• Follow all safety guidelines and local regulations
• Consult professionals for tasks outside your skill set

Remember, cutting corners on critical aspects like waterproofing or electrical work can lead to significant issues down the track.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional for certain tasks?

Engaging a licensed tradie ensures that the work complies with Australian standards, is completed safely, and is covered by appropriate warranties. Professionals bring expertise and experience that can prevent costly mistakes and delays, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

Where can I find reliable tradies for my bathroom renovation?

Utilise reputable platforms like hipages or seek recommendations from friends and family. Always check credentials, read reviews, and obtain multiple quotes before hiring a tradie to ensure you're getting quality service at a fair price.