Bathroom renovations in Sydney, done properly
A bathroom renovation is one of the best investments you can make in a Sydney home. It's also one of the easiest to get wrong. Behind the tiles there's waterproofing, drainage falls, plumbing and ventilation, and if any of those are rushed you can end up with leaks, mould and a very expensive redo a few years later.
At Topline Kitchens & Bathrooms we look after the parts you can see and the parts you can't. Every bathroom renovation we do in Sydney starts with a proper plan, uses licensed trades for plumbing, electrical and waterproofing, and is finished with the kind of tiling that makes you want to run your hand along the wall.
We renovate main bathrooms, ensuites, powder rooms and apartment bathrooms across Sydney. Whether you want a calm, spa style retreat or simply a bright, easy to clean family bathroom, we'll design it around you and deliver it for a fixed price.
Waterproofing comes first
If there's one thing to understand before renovating a bathroom, it's this: tiles are not waterproof. Grout lets moisture through, and over time water will find any weak point. The protection comes from the waterproofing membrane underneath.
In NSW, waterproofing should be carried out by an appropriately licensed tradesperson and follow the Australian Standard for domestic wet areas, AS 3740. On our bathroom renovations that means:
- Correct falls to the floor waste so water drains away rather than pooling.
- Bond breakers and flexible sealant at internal corners and junctions so the membrane can move without cracking.
- Membrane applied to the shower area, floors and walls to the required heights, including around penetrations like taps and the shower rose.
- Proper curing time before tiling starts, plus a flood test where appropriate.
- A waterproofing certificate handed over at the end of the job.
It's not the glamorous part, but it's what lets you enjoy the glamorous part for decades. Our detailed guide to bathroom waterproofing in NSW explains what good waterproofing looks like and what to ask any bathroom renovator.
What's included in a Topline bathroom renovation
Design. We measure up, talk through how you use the room and plan a layout that makes sense. You'll see a 3D design and choose tiles, tapware, vanity and fixtures with our help.
Demolition and preparation. We protect the rest of your home, remove the old bathroom and check the subfloor, walls and plumbing before anything new goes in.
Plumbing and electrical. Licensed plumbers and electricians handle rough in and fit off, including any new positions for the shower, toilet or vanity, plus lighting, exhaust fans, heated towel rails and power points.
Waterproofing and tiling. Membrane, curing, inspection, then tiling with crisp lines and consistent grout joints. We're comfortable with large format tiles, feature walls, mosaics and natural stone.
Fit off and finishing. Vanity, mirror, screens, toilet, tapware and accessories installed, silicone finished neatly and the room cleaned and ready to use.
Bathroom designs we love building
The best Sydney bathrooms we see have one thing in common: restraint. A small number of materials, used well. Some directions clients often choose:
- Warm minimalism. Rendered or microcement look walls, soft stone, brushed brass or nickel tapware and a skylight if you can manage one.
- Dark and moody. Charcoal tiles, a freestanding bath and warm lighting, like the bathroom pictured at the top of this page.
- Coastal and natural. Terrazzo, timber vanities and plenty of light. A natural fit for homes on the Northern Beaches and in the Eastern Suburbs.
- Classic and timeless. White gloss or handmade style tiles, polished chrome and a framed mirror. Perfect in Federation and Victorian homes.
For tight spaces, our small bathroom renovation ideas are full of practical tricks, from wall hung vanities to recessed niches and frameless screens.
Ensuites, main bathrooms and apartment bathrooms
Ensuites. Often smaller and squarer than people expect. Smart layouts, a generous walk in shower and a double vanity where space allows can transform them.
Main and family bathrooms. These need to handle kids, guests and busy mornings. We think about storage, durable finishes, a bath if you need one and good ventilation.
Apartment bathrooms. Apartment work needs extra planning. Most strata schemes in NSW require approval for bathroom renovations because they involve waterproofing, and building managers often set work hours and lift bookings. We're used to this and plan the job around it. Our guide to renovation approvals in NSW covers strata approval in more detail.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Sydney?
As a rough guide, these are typical ranges for complete bathroom renovations in Sydney:
| Bathroom type | Typical investment | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Powder room or small ensuite | $18,000 to $28,000 | Same layout, quality tiles, vanity, toilet and tapware |
| Standard main bathroom | $28,000 to $40,000 | Full strip out, waterproofing, floor to ceiling tiles, shower and bath |
| Premium or larger bathroom | $40,000 to $60,000+ | Layout changes, freestanding bath, stone, underfloor heating, custom joinery |
These are indicative figures only and your fixed price quote is based on your actual room. For a full breakdown, read our bathroom renovation cost guide for Sydney.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most bathrooms take 3 to 5 weeks on site. The stages are demolition, rough in plumbing and electrical, waterproofing and curing, tiling, then fit off. Time for design and ordering comes before that. Our bathroom renovation timeline shows what happens week by week.
Bathroom renovations across Sydney
We renovate bathrooms throughout Sydney, including the Eastern Suburbs, the Inner West, the Lower North Shore, the Upper North Shore, the Northern Beaches, the Sydney CBD and inner city, the Hills District, the Sutherland Shire and Western Sydney.
Planning more than one room? Clients often combine a bathroom with a laundry renovation because the plumbing and waterproofing trades are already on site. And if the kitchen is next, our kitchen renovations in Sydney are managed the same way.
Why choose Topline for your bathroom renovation
- Waterproofing you can trust. Licensed trades, the right standard and a certificate at the end.
- One team for everything. Design, demolition, plumbing, electrical, tiling and fit off under one fixed price.
- Honest, practical advice. We'll tell you where spending more makes a real difference and where it doesn't.
- Clean, careful work. Your home protected, the site tidy and you kept in the loop.
- Peace of mind. Fully licensed and insured, with a 10 year workmanship warranty.
Thinking about a new bathroom? Request a free quote and we'll arrange a time to visit, measure up and talk through your bathroom renovation in Sydney.
