Planning a bathroom makeover in Perth or across WA? This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens covers every stage—from concept and compliance to waterproofing, tiling and final fit‑off—so you know exactly what to expect, how long it takes, and what it should cost. As a Perth specialist in custom cabinetry, bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations, we’ve bundled decades of local know‑how into one clear roadmap.
Bathroom renovation stages at a glance
Every successful bathroom project follows a predictable sequence. Here are the key bathroom renovation stages (the essential bathroom renovation steps):
- Brief and site consult
- Concept design, layout and budget
- Selections: tiles, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting
- Detailed measure, scope and fixed quote
- Approvals and compliance (as needed)
- Demolition and strip‑out
- Services rough‑in (plumbing and electrical)
- Substrate prep, screed and waterproofing
- Tiling and grouting
- Custom vanity and joinery install
- Painting and finishing
- Fixtures fit‑off (taps, toilet, shower, mirrors)
- Shower screen, silicone and final clean
- Handover, warranties and maintenance
A clear, ordered sequence of steps in bathroom projects—from planning and design to waterproofing, tiling, joinery and final fit‑off—so work happens safely, efficiently and to Australian Standards.
The renovation process in detail (step-by-step)
1) Brief and site consult
We start by understanding your goals, household needs, and the existing room: measurements, plumbing locations, ventilation, and access for demolition. Discuss style references (from Hamptons and shaker profiles to sleek contemporary) and how the bathroom ties into your kitchen, laundry or wardrobe plans.
2) Concept design, layout and budget
We map the layout (toilet position, shower size, door swing) and confirm compliance with practical clearances. Early budgets are developed to guide selections and avoid surprises.
3) Selections: tiles, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting
Choose tiles, vanity benchtops, basins, tapware, shower head, WC, lighting and ventilation. We’ll steer you on durable, moisture‑resistant cabinetry, soft‑close drawers, and smart storage like mirrored shaving cabinets and niches.
PC (Prime Cost) items are products yet to be selected (e.g., tapware). PS (Provisional Sum) covers work that can’t be accurately priced until on site (e.g., hidden substrate repairs).
4) Detailed measure, scope and fixed quote
Once selections are in, we finalise a detailed scope and fixed price. You’ll see clear inclusions (and reasonable exclusions) to minimise variations.
5) Approvals and compliance
Many bathroom renovations won’t require council approval if there are no structural changes, but strata or apartment works often need consent. All plumbing/electrical must be done by licensed trades with certificates of compliance. Waterproofing must comply with AS/NZS 3740.
6) Demolition and strip‑out
Remove existing fixtures, old tiles and wall linings as needed. We protect adjacent rooms and manage waste responsibly. Hidden issues (like rotten framing or outdated wiring) are addressed before proceeding.
7) Services rough‑in (plumbing and electrical)
Plumbers and electricians reposition and prepare pipes, wastes and wiring for the new layout—think in‑wall mixers, heated towel rails, GPOs for vanities, and LED task lighting above mirrors.
8) Substrate prep, screed and waterproofing
Floors are screeded to falls, wall/floor junctions reinforced, and a waterproofing membrane applied to wet areas as per AS/NZS 3740. Proper curing time is critical.
A specialised liquid or sheet product that creates a continuous moisture barrier in showers and wet zones to protect your structure from leaks and rot.
9) Tiling and grouting
We lay porcelain tiles (a Perth favourite for durability) with rectified edges where specified. Epoxy grout can improve stain resistance in heavy‑use areas. Niches and falls are double‑checked.
10) Custom vanity and joinery install
Your custom cabinetry (moisture‑resistant board with two‑pack polyurethane, melamine, or veneer fronts) is installed with soft‑close hardware. Options include wall‑hung vanities, stone‑look porcelain benchtops, and undermount basins.
11) Painting and finishing
Ceilings, trims and non‑tiled walls are painted with suitable bathroom paints. We confirm ventilation performance to reduce condensation.
12) Fixtures fit‑off
Tapware, shower heads, WC, accessories, mirrors and lighting are installed and tested. We ensure all WELS ratings and AS/NZS requirements are met.
13) Shower screen, silicone and final clean
Frameless shower screens (10 mm toughened glass) are measured after tiling for a precise fit. Silicone is applied to critical joints. We leave the space clean and ready.
14) Handover, warranties and maintenance
You receive care instructions, warranty details and compliance certificates. We’ll walk you through maintenance to keep tiles, grout and joinery looking their best.
Related reading: For regional perspectives outside WA, explore bathrooms geelong victoria and compare supplier options.
Materials and finishes for WA bathrooms
Vanity benchtops: what to consider
With Australia’s 2024 national ban on traditional engineered stone benchtops, WA homeowners are choosing alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite/marble, solid surface (acrylic), and modern laminates. While many still search for “engineered stone benchtop” or brands like Caesarstone, our designers will point you to compliant, great‑looking substitutes that perform brilliantly in wet areas.
| Feature | Porcelain/Sintered Stone | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | Excellent; ideal for wet areas | Very good; use moisture‑resistant substrate and sealing |
| Heat and UV stability (WA climate) | High heat/UV resistance; great near sunny windows | Good heat resistance; avoid direct high heat |
| Look and edge profiles | Premium stone looks; slim edges possible | Wide design range; square edges common |
| Cost | $$$ (premium) | $$ (budget to mid) |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous, easy clean | Low; gentle cleaners recommended |
Cabinetry and fronts
- Moisture‑resistant board carcasses with edge sealing
- Fronts in two‑pack polyurethane, melamine, thermofoil, or veneer
- Hardware: soft‑close drawers and doors, finger‑pull rails, internal organisers
- Styles from classic Hamptons with shaker profiles to ultra‑minimal slab fronts
Tiles, splashbacks and shower screens
- Porcelain tiles for floors and walls; consider slip resistance for floors
- Larger formats (600×600 or 600×1200) reduce grout lines; rectified edges need skilled laying
- Feature splashback tiles above vanities add texture and light
- Frameless shower screen for a clean, premium finish
Tapware, fixtures and lighting
- WELS‑rated tapware and showers to suit WA water conditions
- Wall‑hung toilets with in‑wall cisterns save space and ease cleaning
- Undermount sink/basin or semi‑recessed options for compact vanities
- LED task lighting at mirrors, dimmable ambient lighting, and extraction sized to AS/NZS guidance
Strong sun and coastal air call for UV‑stable finishes and corrosion‑resistant hardware. Local appliance and fixture sizes vary—our team ensures correct rough‑ins and clearances for Perth suppliers.
Layouts and styles that work in Perth homes
Popular layouts
- Single wall vanity with adjacent shower for narrow rooms
- Walk‑in shower with linear drain to maximise accessibility
- Back‑to‑wall freestanding bath for family bathrooms
- Powder room with compact wall‑hung vanity to enhance space
On‑trend styles (that won’t date quickly)
- Coastal Hamptons: shaker doors, brushed nickel tapware, soft neutrals
- Modern coastal: oak‑look melamine, stone‑look porcelain, matte black accents
- Contemporary minimal: slab fronts, concealed storage, linear drains
Short Australian case examples
Subiaco ensuite upgrade: We reworked a 1930s bungalow ensuite to shift the toilet behind a nib wall, added a 1200 mm wall‑hung vanity in two‑pack, stone‑look porcelain benchtop, and a frameless shower screen. The LED task lighting and new exhaust radically improved day‑to‑day use.
Joondalup family bathroom: A tight room gained a sense of space with 600×1200 porcelain tiles, semi‑recessed undermount basin, and mirrored cabinet storage. A built‑in niche keeps bottles off the floor, and soft‑close drawers tame the morning rush.
Planning a whole‑home refresh? We can align your bathroom with your kitchen renovations Perth style (from a shaker kitchen to sleek contemporary), plus coordinate your laundry renovation, scullery and wardrobe fit‑outs for a cohesive look.
Costs and timelines in WA
Typical budgets (guide only)
- Cosmetic refresh: $12,000–$22,000
- Mid‑range full renovation: $25,000–$45,000
- Premium custom: $45,000–$80,000+
Tile supply can range from $35–$120+ per m² (porcelain feature tiles higher), with tiling labour commonly $70–$140 per m² depending on tile size and complexity. Quality tapware and shower systems vary widely—budget $800–$2,500+ per set for reputable brands.
How long does it take?
- Design and selections: 2–4 weeks
- Lead times (joinery, screens, tiles): 3–6 weeks
- On‑site works: typically 3–6 weeks depending on scope
Allow contingency for curing times (waterproofing, screed), custom glass lead times, and any rectification discovered during demolition.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Define your brief: who uses the bathroom, storage needs, must‑haves and nice‑to‑haves
- Set a realistic budget range with a 10% contingency
- Collect style references (tiles, vanities, tapware, lighting)
- Confirm compliance requirements (strata approvals, certificates)
- Select durable finishes suited to WA conditions (UV, ventilation)
- Lock in PC items early to avoid lead‑time delays
- Plan temporary facilities during the renovation
- Agree on a clear scope, timeline and variation process
Australian standards, permits and approvals
- Waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 (Wet areas in buildings)
- Plumbing to AS/NZS 3500 and licensed plumber compliance certificates
- Electrical to AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and RCD/safety compliance
- NCC (National Construction Code) for building elements
- Strata permissions where applicable
Useful Australian resources:
Why choose Joyce Kitchens
- Perth specialists in custom cabinetry WA for bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes
- End‑to‑end design, selections, project coordination and quality installation
- Locally made joinery, proven waterproofing detail, and licensed trades
- Showroom advice on compliant alternatives to engineered stone benchtops
Ready to map your bathroom renovation steps and get a clear, fixed quote? Speak with Joyce Kitchens—your local team for bathroom, kitchen renovations Perth and whole‑home joinery.
Sourcing products in Queensland? Our bathroom supplies toowoomba guide highlights practical options and tips.
FAQ
What are the bathroom renovation stages in WA?
The bathroom renovation stages in WA are: brief and site consult; concept design and budget; selections; detailed measure and fixed quote; approvals and compliance; demolition; plumbing and electrical rough‑in; screed and waterproofing; tiling; vanity and joinery install; painting; fixtures fit‑off; shower screen and silicone; and final clean, handover and warranties.
How long does a bathroom renovation take in Perth?
A typical Perth bathroom renovation takes 3–6 weeks on site once materials are ready. Including design, selections and lead times for custom joinery and shower screens, allow 6–10 weeks end‑to‑end.
Do I need waterproofing certificates and permits in Western Australia?
Yes. Waterproofing must comply with AS/NZS 3740 and should be completed by a qualified applicator with documentation. Licensed plumbing and electrical work also require certificates of compliance. Council approval is rarely needed unless structural changes or strata requirements apply.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Perth in 2025?
As a guide, Perth bathroom renovations in 2025 range from $25,000–$45,000 for mid‑range full renos, with premium projects at $45,000–$80,000+. Smaller cosmetic updates can be $12,000–$22,000 depending on selections and scope.
Can I use engineered stone for my vanity benchtop in Australia?
Australia introduced a national ban on traditional engineered stone from 2024. For vanities, consider compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone, solid surface (acrylic) or high‑pressure laminate. Our team will guide you on suitable options.
