DIY Bathroom Renovation in Australia: A Perth Designer’s Guide to Doing It Right

Planning a diy bathroom renovation in WA? This expert, Australia-specific guide from Joyce Kitchens covers the process end‑to‑end: what you can tackle yourself, what must be left to licensed trades, the smartest materials and layouts for our climate, and current Perth cost ranges. We also show how a bathroom refresh can tie in with your kitchen, laundry renovation and wardrobe design for a cohesive home.

Core DIY insights (and legal must‑knows in WA)

• What you can DIY: non‑structural demolition, painting, basic carpentry, prep work, feature wall panelling, assembling flat‑pack or custom cabinetry, some tiling if you’re competent.
• Licensed trades required in WA: all plumbing and drainage (AS/NZS 3500), electrical work and GPOs, and typically waterproofing to AS 3740 by an accredited installer. Structural changes may need approvals and engineering.
• Sequence is everything: demolition → rough‑in services → waterproofing → tiling → cabinetry/benchtop → fittings → silicone and paint → final compliance checks.
• Think whole‑home flow: a new vanity style can echo your shaker kitchen doors, splashback tiles, or stone benchtops Perth homeowners love, creating design continuity from bathroom to kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation and wardrobe fit‑outs.

Turning a bedroom nook into a luxe ensuite? Our ensuite bathroom renovations guide covers layouts and trade sequencing.

Helpful authorities:
WA Building and Energy,
HIA,
Master Builders WA.

Step‑by‑step renovation process

1) Plan and measure

• Measure the room (length, width, ceiling height). Typical WA ensuites are 3–5 m²; family bathrooms 6–8 m².
• Decide what’s moving. Keeping plumbing in place saves time and cost.
• Lock in the aesthetic: coastal, contemporary, industrial or Hamptons (shaker profile cabinetry).

2) Order and schedule

• Lead times: porcelain vanity tops and custom cabinetry WA made items often 2–6 weeks.
• Book licensed plumber and electrician early for rough‑in and fit‑off.

3) Safe demolition

• Isolate water and power. Use dust control and PPE.
• Protect adjacent rooms—especially if you’ve just completed a shaker kitchen or new wardrobe design nearby.

4) Rough‑in (licensed)

• Plumber sets pipework and wastes; electrician sets GPOs, lighting, exhaust. Consider LED strip lighting under the vanity and a demister mirror.

5) Substrate, waterproofing, screed

• Repair sheeting, create correct fall to waste, then install the waterproofing membrane to AS 3740. Allow cure times per product data sheet.

6) Tiling

• Large‑format porcelain tiles reduce grout lines. Consider non‑slip ratings for floors. Align grout colours with any splashback tiles used elsewhere in the home.

7) Cabinetry and benchtops

• Install moisture‑resistant custom cabinetry with soft‑close drawers, integrated handles or finger‑pull cabinetry, then the vanity benchtop and undermount basin.

8) Fixtures and glazing

• Fit tapware, shower rail, frameless shower screen, accessories, and mirror. Matte black tapware remains popular; brushed nickel is a durable alternative.

9) Paint, silicone and clean

• Use mould‑resistant paints and neutral cure silicone. Final clean and commissioning.

For realistic program lengths by scope, see how long does a bathroom renovation take in Perth and WA.

Materials and finishes for Australian bathrooms

WA bathrooms cop humidity, coastal air and high UV. Choose durable materials that resist moisture and thermal shock.

Vanity tops: Post‑2024 options

Engineered stone benchtop products were common in bathrooms and kitchens; however, due to national changes introduced in 2024, many projects now pivot to porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface or high‑pressure laminate on moisture‑resistant substrate. If you’re dealing with existing engineered stone, consult current WA guidance before modifying.

Comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate (for vanity tops)

Feature	Porcelain / Sintered Stone	High‑Pressure Laminate (on MR substrate)
Water & stain resistance	Excellent; very low porosity	Good; protect edges and penetrations
Heat & UV resistance	Outstanding; ideal for bright WA bathrooms	Moderate; avoid placing hot tools directly
Look/feel	Stone‑like, premium; thin edge profiles possible	Vast decors incl. timber‑look and concrete
Typical cost (supply‑only)	$$$	$
DIY‑friendliness	Needs pro fabrication and install	DIY possible for simple runs; pro finish recommended

Cabinetry

• Moisture‑resistant board carcasses and high‑quality hardware for longevity—in line with what we specify for kitchen renovations Perth.
• Shaker doors for a Hamptons feel, or flat panels with integrated handles for contemporary spaces.

Tiles and grout

• Porcelain floor tiles (P3–P4 slip rating) and rectified wall tiles for crisp lines.
• Epoxy or stain‑resistant grout in showers to minimise maintenance.

Basins, tapware and screens

• Undermount basins improve cleaning; above‑counter bowls create a design focal point.
• Frameless shower screens maximise light; ensure toughened safety glass.

Lighting and ventilation

• Layer task and ambient lighting (downlights plus LED strip lighting under cabinetry). Comply with wet‑area IP ratings.
• Upgrade extraction fans to suit room size and shower run‑time.

Layouts and styles that work in WA homes

Clearances and practical dimensions

• Toilet clearance: aim for 700–760 mm in front; 150–200 mm each side from walls or vanities.
• Vanity depth: 460–520 mm for tight ensuites; 600 mm for generous storage.
• Shower: 900 × 900 mm minimum feels comfortable; linear drains help with fall to waste.

Popular styles

• Coastal contemporary: timber‑look laminates, white porcelain benchtop, matte black or brushed nickel fittings.
• Hamptons: shaker profile doors, soft whites, subway splashback tiles, warm nickel hardware—mirrors your shaker kitchen.
• Scandi minimal: finger‑pull cabinetry, pale timbers, soft greys, integrated lighting.
• Industrial: concrete‑look porcelain, gunmetal fixtures, open shelving.

For whole‑home cohesion—bathroom, kitchen, laundry and even a walk‑in robe—our designers carry finishes across spaces, supporting open‑plan living and a calm palette.

Real WA examples

• Nedlands ensuite refresh: We retained plumbing points, added a porcelain vanity top with an undermount basin, soft‑close drawers and LED strip lighting. The look ties into the client’s stone‑look kitchen and wardrobe design.
• Baldivis family bathroom: Busy household needed durable, budget‑friendly finishes. We used moisture‑resistant custom cabinetry WA made, laminate top, non‑slip porcelain floor tiles and a frameless shower screen—future‑proof and easy to clean.

Perth cost guide: DIY vs bringing in the pros

Budgets vary by size, scope and selections. As of 2025, typical ranges we see in Perth:

• DIY cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, minor tiling): $2,000–$6,000
• Part‑DIY, new vanity, re‑tile shower, keep layout: $8,000–$20,000
• Full renovation with new layout, custom cabinetry, porcelain top: $18,000–$40,000+

Line items to factor:

• Tiling: $60–$120 per m² (labour only, varies with tile size/pattern)
• Waterproofing: $35–$55 per m²
• Plumber (licensed): ~$100–$160 per hour
• Electrician (licensed): ~$90–$140 per hour
• Custom cabinetry and vanity: $2,500–$8,000+ depending on size and finish
• Porcelain/sintered vanity top: from $1,800+ for small runs (fabricated)
• Skip bin/waste: $250–$500 per load

Tip: Keep wet services in place to save. Splurge where it counts—quality waterproofing, ventilation and benchtops. If you’re unsure, bring in Joyce Kitchens for design, custom cabinetry, and coordination with trusted trades.

Practical DIY bathroom renovation checklist (WA)

• [ ] Confirm scope, budget and timeline; decide DIY vs pro tasks
• [ ] Measure room; plan layout and clearances
• [ ] Select finishes: tiles, vanity top, cabinetry, grout, fixtures
• [ ] Order long‑lead items (custom cabinetry, porcelain top, screens)
• [ ] Book licensed plumber/electrician; schedule rough‑in and fit‑off
• [ ] Prepare site: protect floors, isolate services, set up ventilation
• [ ] Demolish safely; dispose via skip bin
• [ ] Substrate repairs; screed and set fall to waste
• [ ] Waterproof to AS 3740 (accredited installer recommended)
• [ ] Tile floors/walls; allow cure time; grout and clean
• [ ] Install cabinetry, benchtop, basin; silicone all junctions
• [ ] Fit tapware, shower screen, mirror, accessories
• [ ] Paint with mould‑resistant paint; final clean
• [ ] Compliance checks; enjoy your new space

Why Joyce Kitchens

We’ve delivered thousands of custom spaces across WA—kitchens, bathroom vanities Perth homeowners love, laundries and wardrobe fit‑outs. From shaker kitchen detailing to contemporary finger‑pull cabinetry, our designers bring cohesive style, accurate documentation and cabinetry built for Australian conditions. Prefer to keep some tasks DIY? We can design, supply and install the complex bits, then hand back to you. Book a design consult to get started.

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