Wale Makinde here from HEW Projects. As someone who’s been in the bathroom renovation business for years across Gold Coast and Brisbane, I’ve seen plenty of DIY bathroom projects go wrong. Today, I want to chat about why hiring professionals like our team at HEW Projects might save you more than just headaches when renovating your bathroom.
When you first think about fixing up your bathroom yourself, it might seem like you’ll save loads of money. But let me tell you what I’ve seen time and again with DIY renovations:
Did you know that fixing DIY mistakes often costs more than getting it done right the first time? Just last month, we helped a family in Burleigh Heads who tried to tile their bathroom floor themselves. The tiles weren’t level, water pooled in corners, and they ended up having to rip everything out and start again. That’s paying twice for one job!
Unless you’re already a tradie, you probably don’t have all the special tools needed for a bathroom renovation. Tile cutters, electric mixers for grout, pipe cutters, and waterproofing gear aren’t cheap. Plus, you’ll only use them once, which makes them pretty expensive for a single project.
Most DIY bathroom renovations take 2-3 times longer than professional jobs. That means weeks or sometimes months of having no proper bathroom. For many Brisbane families I’ve worked with, this meant expensive trips to the local pool for showers or staying with relatives longer than planned.
Here in Queensland, we know all about water damage. Our humid climate means any waterproofing mistakes in your bathroom can lead to big problems down the track.
I’ve been called to too many homes in Southport and Robina where DIY waterproofing failed within months. Mould grew behind tiles, in walls, and even spread to other rooms. This isn’t just about fixing a bathroom anymore—it’s about protecting your whole home.
One family in Springwood had to replace not just their bathroom but part of their kitchen wall too, all because water leaked through a poorly sealed shower base. The cost was more than triple what a professional renovation would have been.
Did you know that in Queensland, waterproofing in wet areas legally needs to be done by a licensed professional? This isn’t just red tape—it’s to keep your home safe and sound. If you sell your home with DIY waterproofing, you might face legal troubles if problems show up later.
When you choose our team at HEW Projects for your bathroom renovation in Gold Coast, you’re not just paying for the end result. You’re paying for:
We start with detailed plans that think about how you’ll use the space. Where should the towel rails go? How high should the shower head be? Which way should the door swing? These small details make a huge difference in how your bathroom works.
A client in Broadbeach wanted to put their vanity against a particular wall, but our planning showed it would make the bathroom feel cramped. By moving it just 50cm, we made the whole room feel bigger without changing the size.
Our team follows Australian Standards for waterproofing to the letter. We use premium membrane systems and test everything before tiling. This means your bathroom will stay dry where it needs to be dry.
Many DIY renovations forget about ventilation. Without good airflow, even the best bathroom will get mouldy. We make sure your exhaust fans are the right size for your bathroom and installed correctly.
Water and electricity don’t mix! All our electrical work is done by licensed electricians who understand the special needs of bathroom wiring. This keeps your family safe and your insurance valid.
If you’re handy and want to save some money, there are ways to work with professionals without breaking the bank:
Many of my clients in Brisbane save money by doing the demolition themselves. Removing old tiles, tearing out old vanities, and clearing the space is something many homeowners can handle. Just be careful with plumbing and electrical components!
Once the professionals have done the waterproofing, tiling, and fitting, you might want to do the painting yourself. This can save you a bit and still give you that DIY satisfaction.
Choosing and installing towel rails, toilet roll holders, and other accessories can be a fun DIY project after the main renovation is done.
Last summer, we helped a young couple who tried to DIY their bathroom renovation in Burleigh. They’d watched lots of YouTube videos and felt confident, but three weekends in, they realised they were in over their heads.
When we arrived, the waterproofing was patchy, the drainage slope was wrong, and the tiles they’d bought weren’t suitable for bathroom floors (too slippery when wet). We had to start over, but we kept some of their design ideas that worked well.
They told me later that while it cost more than they planned, having a bathroom that worked properly and looked great was worth every cent. Plus, they got to enjoy their beach weekends again instead of spending them covered in tile adhesive!
A family in Brisbane Southside wanted to update their 80s bathroom on a budget. Instead of going full DIY, they hired us for the technical parts—waterproofing, plumbing, and tiling—but did the demolition and painting themselves.
They saved about 20% on the total cost and still got a professionally waterproofed, properly installed bathroom. Two years later, everything still works perfectly, and they’ve told many friends about this middle-ground approach.
When you’re thinking about cost, remember that a bathroom renovation isn’t just about today—it’s about the next 10-15 years of your home life.
A professionally renovated bathroom can add up to 10% to your home’s value. That’s huge! But a poorly done DIY job might actually decrease your home’s value.
One client in Hope Island sold their home for $45,000 more than expected, and the real estate agent said the beautiful bathroom was a major selling point.
Think about how often you use your bathroom. It’s where you start and end each day. Having a space that works well, looks great, and doesn’t have annoying problems makes everyday life better.
Knowing your bathroom won’t leak, the tiles won’t crack, and everything will keep working properly for years gives you peace of mind that’s worth more than money.
Whether you’re in Gold Coast or Brisbane, our team at HEW Projects is ready to help you create the bathroom of your dreams without the stress of DIY disasters.
We understand that every home is different, and every family has different needs. That’s why we offer personalised service from start to finish.
Want to chat about your bathroom renovation ideas? Contact us today for a free quote and consultation. We’ll help you figure out the best approach for your home, your style, and your budget.
Remember, a great bathroom renovation isn’t just about having a beautiful space—it’s about having a functional, safe, and long-lasting room that adds value to your home and joy to your daily life.
© HEW Projects 2025