Cost and scope
Do I need a full renovation?
If there are signs of leaking — drummy or cracked tiles, swollen skirting, stains below, mould at the base of walls — yes, because the membrane has failed or never existed. If the room is sound but tired, a partial upgrade may do. See the cost page.
Is it cheaper to do the laundry at the same time?
Generally yes, because trades, waterproofing and waste removal are already organised. See laundry renovations.
Can I supply my own tiles or fittings?
Usually, provided they are on site before they are needed and suit the waterproofing and set-out. The quote should state what is supplied by whom.
Coastal conditions
Why does my bathroom smell musty even when it looks clean?
Moisture trapped in grout, bedding, the ceiling or behind a vanity. It often points to poor ventilation or a slow leak.
Does my exhaust fan vent into the roof?
Many older ones do. Look for a duct leading to an outside wall or roof outlet; if there is none, the moist air is probably going into the ceiling space.
What floor tile is safest for sandy wet feet?
Slip-resistant porcelain rated for wet barefoot areas, in a matt or lightly textured finish. See tiling.
Houses and hazards
My house is on bushfire-prone land. Does that matter?
Only if the work reaches the outside — a new or larger window, a skylight or an extension. See Frenchs Forest.
My house is near Narrabeen Lagoon or the beachfront.
Flood and coastal hazard controls mainly affect extensions and structural work, not internal renovations. See Narrabeen and Collaroy.
Can I move the toilet?
On a timber floor, usually. On a slab or in an apartment, often only a short distance, if at all.
Apartments
What does strata need from me?
Typically notice with drawings and scope, the builder's licence and insurance details, a program, and after completion, waterproofing documentation. See small and apartment bathrooms.
My neighbour below has a stain on their ceiling. What now?
Stop using the shower if you can, notify the strata manager, and have the bathroom assessed. A leak through a slab rarely fixes itself.
Program
How long will it take?
About three to four weeks on site for a main bathroom, with waterproofing cure time built in. See how a renovation runs.
What should I decide before demolition?
Bath or shower, screen, vanity and toilet style, tiles, tapware finish, tiling height and fan location.
Licensing
Renovation work is carried out in partnership with Coastal Renovation Group, a licensed NSW builder. Licence and insurance details are provided on request — check them on the NSW Fair Trading register.
Call 02 4705 5289 or send the bathroom details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
How much does a bathroom renovation cost on the Northern Beaches?
As a 2026 guide: powder room $10,000–$17,000, ensuite $18,000–$32,000, main bathroom $27,000–$45,000, small apartment bathroom $22,000–$36,000 and laundry $10,000–$25,000. A measure turns that into a fixed written price.
How do I stop mould coming back?
Ventilation first: an exhaust fan sized for the room, ducted to outside, on a run-on timer, with a gap under the door for replacement air. Then wet-area ceiling board, mould-resistant paint, tiling to the ceiling in the shower and epoxy or sealed grout.
Which fittings survive salt air?
Tapware and accessories with durable finishes that carry coastal warranties, marine-grade stainless for exposed metal, corrosion-resistant screen hardware, stainless tile trims and mirrors with sealed edges. Basic chrome plating tends to pit near the ocean.
Is there asbestos in my bathroom?
If the building was built or renovated before about 1990, possibly — especially in fibro cottages. Suspect wall, ceiling and floor materials are tested before demolition, and any asbestos is removed by a licensed removalist.
Do I need council approval?
An internal bathroom renovation in a house, without structural change, is generally exempt development. External changes, extensions, heritage items and some hazard-mapped land can change that. Northern Beaches Council is the consent authority for the whole area.
Do I need strata approval?
For apartments, almost always. Bathroom work commonly affects waterproofing and other common property, so a special resolution and by-law are often required, plus documentation and insurance certificates.
What is the maximum deposit?
10 per cent of the contract price for residential building work in NSW. For work over $20,000, home building compensation cover must be in place before a deposit is requested.
Who carries out the work?
Renovation work is carried out in partnership with Coastal Renovation Group, a licensed NSW builder. Licence and insurance details are provided on request.
Do you have reviews?
Not yet. This is a new site, and no ratings, testimonials or job counts have been invented. Check the builder's licence yourself and judge the quote on its detail.