Money
Why won't anyone give me a price over the phone?
Because the things that change the price most can't be seen over the phone: fibro, rotten floors, old pipes, stairs and slab versus timber. A measure takes half an hour and gets you a written quote.
Is a partial update ever enough?
Yes, if the waterproofing and floor are sound. New tapware, a vanity, mirror cabinet, lighting, a regrout and a proper fan can make a nineties bathroom feel new for a lot less. See prices.
Is it cheaper to do the laundry at the same time?
Per room, usually. The same trades come once instead of twice. See laundries.
Older houses
What's the deal with fibro?
A lot of Illawarra houses from before about 1990 have fibro sheeting, and some of it contains asbestos. It's safe left alone, but it has to be tested before a renovation disturbs it, and removed by a licensed removalist if positive.
My floor feels soft near the shower. Is that bad?
It usually means water's been getting into the timber underneath for a while. It's fixable, but it needs the tiles up and the joists checked. Don't just re-tile over it.
Do galvanised pipes need replacing?
If they're original, it's a good idea while the walls are open. They rust from the inside and eventually leak or lose pressure.
Weather
Why does mould keep coming back on my ceiling?
Warm steam hits a cold ceiling and condenses. Near the escarpment, homes get less sun and more damp air, so it happens faster. A fan ducted outside, running long enough after a shower, is the real fix.
I'm near the beach. Will new tapware rust?
Cheap stuff will. Better-quality tapware, stainless hardware and wiping things down now and then make a big difference.
Does rain slow down a bathroom renovation?
It can slow the waterproofing cure and make carrying materials in harder. A realistic program allows for it.
Units and rentals
Do I need strata approval?
In most buildings, yes, where the waterproofing is being replaced. See small bathrooms.
Can a rental bathroom be done between tenants?
Usually, if selections and approvals are sorted before the lease ends. Around three to four weeks on site. See rental bathrooms.
Accessibility
What's the minimum I should do to future-proof a bathroom?
Blocking in the walls for grab rails, a step-free shower, a non-slip floor and lever taps. Cheap during a renovation, expensive later. See accessible bathrooms.
Can a step-free shower go in a brick veneer house on a slab?
Usually, by recessing part of the slab or building up the floor with a gentle ramp at the door. It's a specific item in the quote.
Design
Walk-in shower or bath?
If nobody uses the bath, give the space to the shower. Keep a bath if there are young kids or you're selling to families.
Can I get engineered stone for the vanity?
No. It's been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024. Porcelain slab, laminate, compact laminate, solid surface and natural stone are the go-to options now.
What tiles should I pick for the floor?
Matt or textured porcelain with a slip rating suited to wet bare feet. See waterproofing and tiling.
The work
Who actually does the renovation?
Renovation work is carried out in partnership with Coastal Renovation Group, a licensed NSW builder, with plumbing, electrical and waterproofing done by appropriately licensed trades. Licence and insurance details are provided on request.
How long does it take?
Around three and a half to five weeks for most main bathrooms. See how a job runs.
Call 02 4214 4073 or send the bathroom details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Wollongong?
As a 2026 guide: small bathroom $15,000–$24,000, ensuite $15,000–$26,000, main bathroom $21,000–$35,000, accessible bathroom $22,000–$38,000 and laundry $8,000–$18,000. Asbestos, floor repairs and strata costs are extra where they apply.
Do I need council approval?
For internal work in a house that isn't heritage-listed, with nothing structural changing, generally no. Window or outside wall changes, heritage items and some bushfire-prone sites may need approval. Wollongong City Council or a certifier can confirm.
How is asbestos handled?
Suspect material in homes from before about 1990 is sampled and tested before strip-out. If it's positive, a licensed asbestos removalist removes it and a clearance is done before the renovation carries on.
What deposit can be asked for?
In NSW, no more than 10 per cent for residential building work. For jobs over $20,000, home building compensation cover must be in place before a deposit is requested.
Do you have reviews?
Not yet. The site's new, and we haven't made any up. Judge the quote, the questions asked at the measure and the licence details you can check yourself.