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Here is how to plan a bathroom renovation: start with the problems you want fixed, settle the layout, choose fixtures and finishes, confirm waterproofing and any approvals, then get a detailed written quote from a QBCC licensed builder before demolition starts. This guide walks Brisbane homeowners through each step, plus the design ideas, materials and mistakes that matter most.
At HEW Projects we help homeowners across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, the Redlands and the Gold Coast plan and build bathrooms that are modern, practical and built to last. A well-planned renovation improves property value, but more importantly it improves everyday life: a better layout, better storage, better lighting and better mornings.
Many Queensland homes still have ageing bathrooms with poor layouts, worn waterproofing or finishes that no longer suit modern living. A planned renovation fixes all of it at once. It can:
Planning up front also prevents the three things that blow out a renovation: changing your mind mid-job, late material selections, and surprises behind the walls that nobody allowed for.
Work through these decisions before construction begins:
| Decision | What to work out | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Your realistic total, plus a contingency for hidden issues | Sets the scope: refresh, complete or premium |
| Layout | Whether the toilet, shower and vanity stay put | Moving plumbing is the biggest single cost and time driver |
| Storage | What needs to live in the room and for how many people | Drives vanity size, niches and cabinets |
| Lighting | Task light at the mirror, general light, night light | Poor lighting makes even a new bathroom feel flat |
| Tiles | Size, finish, slip rating and how high you tile | Affects the look, the labour and safety |
| Waterproofing | Who applies it and what certificate you receive | The one stage you cannot fix later without starting again |
| Ventilation | Exhaust fan size and where it ducts to | Brisbane humidity turns weak ventilation into mould |
| Approvals | Body corporate consent, structural or plumbing changes | Some work needs approval before it starts |
| Timeline | How long you can manage without the bathroom | Determines whether you need a second bathroom or a staged plan |
Here is our average bathroom renovation pricing in Brisbane:
| Renovation type | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Small bathroom renovation | $23,500 to $30,000 |
| Mid-range bathroom remodel | $30,000 to $45,000 |
| Luxury bathroom renovation | $45,000+ |
Every bathroom is different, so your exact price comes from measuring and inspecting the room. The factors that move the number most are:
Choosing a builder purely on the lowest price often creates expensive problems later, because the savings usually come out of waterproofing and plumbing. For practical ways to keep the budget in check, read how to renovate a bathroom on a budget. We provide a free on-site quote for every job.
Most homeowners feel far more confident once they understand how the job runs:
| Stage | What happens | What you decide or check |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consultation and design | The builder inspects the room and discusses goals, layout and budget | Your must-haves and what can wait |
| 2. Selections | Tiles, vanity, tapware, screen and lighting are chosen | Lock selections in before work starts to avoid delays |
| 3. Demolition | Tiles, fixtures, old cabinetry and sheeting are stripped out | Any hidden damage is shown to you before it is fixed |
| 4. Plumbing and electrical rough-in | Pipes, wastes and wiring are set behind the walls | Final positions for taps, niches and lights |
| 5. Waterproofing | A licensed applicator installs the membrane to AS 3740 | Ask for the waterproofing certificate |
| 6. Tiling and installation | Tiling, then vanity, tapware, mirrors and screen | Grout colour and tile set-out |
| 7. Fit-off and handover | Silicone, final checks, clean and inspection | Walk through and test everything before sign-off |
Waterproofing deserves special attention. Poor waterproofing leads to water damage, mould, structural rot and expensive repairs, and it is invisible once the tiles go on. Experienced builders always prioritise it.
The best bathroom designs balance function with timeless style. These are the looks Brisbane homeowners are choosing most. For a closer look at what is new, see our Brisbane bathroom design trends for 2026.
Modern, clean and functional: neutral palettes, floating vanities, matte finishes, minimal clutter and walk-in showers. It stays stylish for years.
Queensland homes naturally suit coastal-inspired bathrooms: soft whites, timber textures, warm lighting, natural finishes and open layouts that feel bright and relaxed.
Hidden storage, clean lines, soft lighting and simple layouts. Simple spaces feel larger and calmer, so this style works especially well in apartments and compact homes.
A smaller bathroom does not need to feel cramped. These features make the biggest difference:
| Feature | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Floating vanity | Shows more floor, so the room reads as bigger |
| Large mirror or mirrored cabinet | Reflects light and adds hidden storage |
| Frameless shower screen | Opens the room with no visual barrier |
| Recessed niches | Storage without taking floor space |
| Light-coloured, large-format tiles | Fewer grout lines and a brighter room |
For more, see our guide to small bathroom renovations in Brisbane apartments, small bathroom ideas for Logan and Brisbane homes and small ensuite ideas. Even a compact ensuite can feel luxurious with a walk-in shower, LED mirror, floor-to-ceiling tiles and floating cabinetry.
Queensland humidity is tough on low-quality materials. These choices improve durability and reduce maintenance:
| Area | Recommended material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Porcelain tiles with a suitable slip rating | Dense, low-porosity and safe underfoot |
| Benchtops | Engineered stone or porcelain | Hard-wearing and easy to clean |
| Cabinetry | Moisture-resistant board | Resists swelling in a humid room |
| Tapware | Solid brass fittings | Lasts longer than cheaper alloys |
| Walls | Wet-area rated sheeting | The correct base for the waterproofing membrane |
Some renovations need approval depending on the scope, such as structural changes, major plumbing modifications or electrical upgrades. Apartment owners also need body corporate consent before work starts. A licensed builder will tell you what applies to your job and handle compliance from the start.
Not all renovation companies deliver the same workmanship. Look for:
HEW Projects is a Master Builders Queensland member based in Slacks Creek. See our bathroom renovations in Brisbane or browse completed work in our projects gallery.
We renovate bathrooms across:
Bathroom renovation costs in Brisbane vary with the size of the bathroom, the materials selected and the complexity of the renovation. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $23,500 and $30,000 for a small bathroom renovation, $30,000 to $45,000 for a mid-range renovation, and $45,000+ for a luxury bathroom renovation with premium finishes and custom features.
Most take a few weeks once construction begins. Plumbing relocation, custom cabinetry, structural changes or material availability can extend that. Our guide to how long a bathroom renovation takes breaks it down by stage.
Quality waterproofing, a functional layout, a good vanity, a walk-in shower, durable tiles and better storage. Timeless finishes generally perform better long term than heavily trend-driven designs.
Floating vanities, frameless shower screens, large mirrors, recessed shelving and light-coloured large-format tiles. They create the feeling of more space while improving storage.
Write down what bothers you most about the current room, take a few photos and rough measurements, and book an on-site visit. That is enough for a builder to scope the job properly.
If you are ready to plan your renovation, talk to us about your ideas, budget and goals. Call 0420 266 652 or request a free on-site quote.
© HEW Projects 2026
