Planning a bathroom demo is the first big step towards a beautiful, practical renovation. Whether you’re refreshing an ensuite or undertaking a full home upgrade alongside kitchen renovations, the quickest way to save time and money is to start with a safe, compliant demolition that sets the right foundations.
At Joyce Kitchens, we design and deliver bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes across WA. Below, we break down exactly how to remove a bathroom, what it costs in Perth, the right materials to consider next, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Why Bathroom Demolition Matters
A well-planned bathroom demolition does more than “rip out tiles.” It uncovers hidden issues before they become expensive: failed waterproofing, corroded pipes, unsafe wiring or mould behind walls. Done right, it streamlines the renovation and delivers a better end result—especially if you’re coordinating a broader design program like kitchen renovations Perth, a laundry makeover, or custom cabinetry WA for wardrobes and storage.
- Reduce rework by finding structural or plumbing issues early.
- Protect the rest of your home with dust and impact controls.
- Keep your project compliant with WA building, electrical and plumbing standards.
How to Remove a Bathroom: Step-by-Step
If you’re wondering “how to remove a bathroom” safely, follow this staged approach. Always use a licensed plumber and electrician in WA, and an accredited asbestos professional if needed.
1) Plan, document and confirm services
- Measure and photograph the existing space, including set-downs and drains.
- Decide what’s relocating (toilet, vanity, shower) to inform plumbing and electrical rough-ins.
- Book trades and skip bins; confirm site access, strata rules and parking.
2) Isolate utilities
- Turn off and cap water at the mains; isolate and test circuits at the switchboard (RCDs are mandatory in WA).
- Disconnect fixtures by a licensed plumber/electrician (tapware, cisterns, hot water, GPOs, lights, exhaust fan).
3) Protect the home
- Floor protection and dust barriers to adjacent rooms and hallways.
- Ventilation and negative air where possible; HEPA vacuums for dust control.
4) Strip-out in sequence
- Remove vanity, mirror cabinets, shower screens and bath.
- Pull off accessories and wall linings; score silicone and adhesives first.
- Lift tiles and bedding/screed carefully to avoid slab damage.
- Remove the old waterproofing membrane fully so the substrate can be inspected.
5) Tiles, screeds and substrates
- On concrete slabs, chase carefully to avoid services; on timber floors, assess for structural integrity and rot.
- Prepare for new falls to waste; plan rectified porcelain tiles or large-format stone accordingly.
6) Walls, nibs and niches
- Identify load-bearing walls before removal; if altering structure, you’ll likely need engineering and a building permit.
- Frame shower niches now for a cleaner tiling stage later.
7) Waste removal and site clean
- Sort waste by type; some Perth skip bin providers offer tile/concrete bags to reduce tipping fees.
- Leave the room clean and ready for rough-in—your next trades will thank you.
8) Rough-in and remediation
- Plumbing rough-in to AS/NZS 3500; electrical to AS/NZS 3000 (e.g., IP-rated lighting in wet zones).
- Re-sheet, waterproof to AS 3740, screed, then tile.
Asbestos caution
Homes built before circa 1990 in WA may contain asbestos in wall linings, ceilings or old vinyl underlays. If suspected, stop work and engage a licensed asbestos assessor and removalist. Never DIY asbestos.
Quick Definitions
What is a waterproofing membrane?
A liquid-applied or sheet barrier installed under tiles to stop water penetrating into walls and floors. Bathrooms in Australia must be waterproofed to AS 3740.
What is a screed?
A sloped mortar layer applied to floors to create correct falls to the drain and provide a flat surface for tiling.
What is an IP rating?
Ingress Protection rating for electrical fittings. Bathrooms commonly require IP44 or higher in specific zones for lights and exhaust fans.
Materials & Finishes After Demo
Once the bathroom demo is complete, lock in materials that perform in WA conditions—think heat resistance, moisture resilience and easy cleaning. For vanities, two popular choices are engineered stone and laminate benchtops.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate for Vanity Tops
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Premium look, consistent patterns; suits contemporary and shaker-style vanities | Wide decor range; can mimic stone or timber at a lower price |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent; non-porous | Good; sealed surfaces, protect joins from standing water |
| Heat Resistance | Good, but avoid direct heat appliances | Moderate; avoid hot hair tools directly on surface |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; no sealing required | Very low maintenance; gentle cleaners recommended |
| Typical WA Supply/Install Cost | $$–$$$ (mid to higher) | $–$$ (budget to mid) |
| Best For | Timeless bathrooms, premium rentals, family homes | Cost-effective refreshes, rentals, secondary bathrooms |
Other finish ideas that pair well with Perth homes include matte black tapware, brushed nickel, rectified porcelain tiles for crisp joints, feature terrazzo, and floating vanities for easier cleaning. Our custom cabinetry WA team can colour-match your bathroom to nearby spaces such as a shaker kitchen, laundry cabinetry or wardrobe fitouts for a cohesive home.
Layouts & Styles That Work in WA
- Small bathrooms: opt for wall-hung vanities, in-wall cisterns and frameless shower screens to increase visual space.
- Family bathrooms: choose durable surfaces, soft-close hardware, and storage solutions like mirrored cabinets and tall linen towers.
- Coastal Perth look: light engineered stone benchtops, white shaker-style doors, brushed chrome accents and textured feature tiles.
Local tip: Standard Australian vanity heights are commonly around 900 mm including benchtop; ensure tapware spout reach matches basin size to minimise splashing. Exhaust fans should be sized to room volume and ducted to the exterior for WA’s climate.
Costs in Perth & WA
Bathroom demolition costs vary with room size, tile thickness, substrate, access and waste. Ballpark:
- Standard bathroom demolition (no asbestos): approximately $1,500–$4,500 in Perth.
- Asbestos testing/removal (if present): from $500 for testing; $1,000–$5,000+ for removal depending on scope.
- Skip bin and tipping fees: $300–$800 depending on volume and tile/concrete weight.
- Full bathroom renovation (post-demo), design to completion: often $20,000–$40,000+ depending on materials and layout changes.
Related reading: Map your total spend with bathroom renovation cost—demolition, waterproofing, cabinetry, tiling and fit-off.
These are guides only; get an on-site assessment for an accurate figure.
Practical Pre-Demolition Checklist
- Confirm scope: like-for-like or layout change?
- Book licensed plumber/electrician and (if needed) asbestos assessor.
- Order skip bin; plan waste separation.
- Protect floors and set up dust control routes.
- Remove personal items; clear cupboards and adjacent rooms.
- Check strata/council requirements for noise, hours and approvals.
- Lock in your new fixtures and lead times (tiles, vanity, shower screen, tapware).
- Schedule rough-in and waterproofing straight after demo to keep momentum.
WA Compliance & Approvals
Most bathroom demolitions don’t need a building permit if you’re not altering structure. You will need approvals if removing load-bearing walls, moving windows/doors, or significantly altering plumbing points in some jurisdictions. In apartments and townhouses, obtain strata approval before works begin.
- Waterproofing: AS 3740 (domestic wet areas).
- Plumbing/drainage: AS/NZS 3500 with licensed WA plumbers.
- Electrical: AS/NZS 3000 with licensed WA electricians; IP-rated fittings in wet zones.
Useful Australian references:
Two Short WA Case Examples
Mount Lawley Ensuite Refresh
Scope: bathroom demo, layout retained. We removed heavy wall tiles and dated screed, upgraded to a new waterproof membrane and installed a floating vanity with an engineered stone benchtop. Result: brighter room, more storage, zero mould returns.
Fremantle Family Bathroom Replan
Scope: full strip-out and reconfigure. The bathroom demo revealed rusted floor wastes. After remediation, we shifted the shower to improve circulation, added a tall shaker-style linen cabinet and a frameless screen. The space now feels double the size.
Why Choose Joyce Kitchens
- End-to-end design and project coordination across bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes.
- Custom cabinetry WA, locally made for precise fit and long-term durability.
- Expert selection of finishes: engineered stone benchtops, laminate options, hardware and accessories that suit Perth conditions.
- Experienced trade network for safe, compliant bathroom demo and rebuild.
From initial concept to final clean, we plan every step so your bathroom demolition and renovation run smoothly—and tie in beautifully with the rest of your home.
Related reading: After strip-out, get inspired with bathroom renovation ideas that balance storage, light and easy cleaning.
FAQ
How much does bathroom demolition cost in Perth?
Most standard bathroom demolitions in Perth fall between $1,500 and $4,500 excluding asbestos. Access, tile thickness, waste volumes and substrate condition can push costs up or down.
Can I DIY a bathroom demo?
Minor removal like cabinets or accessories may be DIY, but plumbing and electrical disconnections must be done by licensed trades in WA. If asbestos is suspected, stop work and engage licensed professionals—never DIY asbestos.
Do I need council approval to remove a bathroom?
Like-for-like bathroom demolition typically doesn’t require a permit. If you alter structure, windows, or major plumbing, you may need approvals. Strata properties also require strata consent before works.
How long does a bathroom demo take?
A straightforward bathroom demo takes 1–3 days. Heavily tiled rooms, thick screeds, complex access or asbestos removal can extend the timeline.
What should I do before demolition starts?
Clear the room, protect adjacent floors, book licensed trades, confirm waste removal, and lock in new fixtures and delivery dates so rough-in and waterproofing can follow straight after demo.
