Cost and quotes
Why can't I get a price over the phone?
Because the things that move the price most in an older house cannot be seen over the phone: the floor construction, whether there is asbestos, the condition of the pipes and framing, and how hard the site is to access. A measure takes about half an hour and results in a written quote.
Why do older-home quotes include allowances?
Some things cannot be known until the tiles come off, such as rot under an old shower. A stated allowance, with a clear method for pricing anything beyond it, is more honest than a low fixed price that relies on variations later. See the cost guide.
Is doing the laundry at the same time worthwhile?
Usually. The same plumber, electrician, waterproofer and tiler attend, and the skip is shared. See laundry renovations.
Older houses
What is a mortar-bed floor, and why does it matter?
Many bathrooms built before the eighties have tiles laid on a thick bed of sand and cement, often with no membrane. Water that passes through the grout soaks the bed and reaches the structure below. It has to come out in a proper renovation, which adds weight and time to the strip-out.
Should I keep the separate toilet?
In a house with one bathroom and several people, usually yes. Combining the rooms gives a bigger bathroom but means only one person can use either at a time.
Are galvanised pipes a problem?
They corrode from the inside and eventually restrict flow or leak. Replacing them while the walls are open is far cheaper than cutting into new tiles later.
Climate and setting
Why does mould keep coming back on my bathroom ceiling?
Shaded rooms under tree canopy stay cool, and steam condenses on cold surfaces. The fix is an exhaust fan ducted outside, sized properly and on a run-on timer, plus wet-area ceiling paint. Bleach only treats the symptom.
My house is on bushfire-prone land. Does that change anything?
For internal work, usually not. If a window is being replaced or enlarged as part of work that needs approval, bushfire construction requirements may apply. See the Berowra page for more.
Is a steep block a problem?
It is a cost, not a barrier. Carrying materials and rubbish up or down stairs takes time, and a skip may need a road permit. A fair quote allows for it.
Units and strata
Do I need strata approval?
In most buildings, yes, where the waterproofing is being replaced. It is generally treated as a major renovation needing a special resolution. See small bathroom renovations.
Can I move the shower in my unit?
Rarely. It usually means drilling through the common-property slab, which owners corporations are cautious about.
Design
Walk-in shower or keep the bath?
In most main bathrooms, a walk-in shower is more useful day to day. Keep a bath if young children or someone in the household uses it, or if it is the only bath in a family home you plan to sell.
What about engineered stone vanity tops?
Engineered stone has been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024. Porcelain slab, natural stone, solid surface and compact laminate are the common alternatives. See vanities and storage.
How do I plan a bathroom we can stay with as we age?
Step-free shower, slip-resistant tiles, blocking in the walls for future grab rails, lever taps and good lighting. See the Normanhurst page for more.
The work and who does it
Who does the work?
Renovation work is carried out in partnership with Coastal Renovation Group, a licensed NSW builder. Plumbing, electrical and waterproofing are carried out by appropriately licensed trades. Licence and insurance details are provided on request.
How long will it take?
About four to six weeks on site for a main bathroom in an older house. The process page sets out each stage.
Call 02 5926 2135 or send the room details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Hornsby Shire?
As a 2026 guide: powder room $9,000–$16,000, unit bathroom $17,000–$28,000, ensuite $18,000–$30,000, and main bathroom in an older house $26,000–$42,000. Asbestos removal, floor repairs and difficult access are additional where they apply.
Do I need council approval?
Internal bathroom work in a house that is not a heritage item, with no structural change, is generally exempt development in NSW. Changes to windows or external walls, heritage items, and some bushfire-prone sites may need approval. Hornsby Shire Council or a certifier can confirm.
How is asbestos handled?
Any sheeting in a house or bathroom built before about 1990 is tested before it is disturbed. If positive, a licensed asbestos removalist removes it and a clearance is provided before the renovation continues.
Can a leaking shower be fixed without renovating?
If the leak is from failed grout or silicone, resealing may buy time. If the membrane has failed or was never there, as in many older bathrooms, the lasting fix is removing the tiles and waterproofing properly.
What is the deposit?
The maximum deposit for residential building work in NSW is 10 per cent. For work over $20,000, home building compensation cover must be in place before a deposit is requested.
Do you have reviews?
Not yet. This is a new website, and we have not invented ratings or testimonials. Judge the written quote, the questions asked at the measure and the licence details you can verify yourself.