Bathroom Renovation Checklist: What to Prepare Before Work Starts

Wesley Scott • 17 September 2026

A thorough preparation checklist can make the difference between a smooth bathroom renovation and a stressful, drawn-out project. Whether you are upgrading an older home in the eastern suburbs or refreshing a unit closer to the CBD, knowing what to organise before work starts saves time, money, and headaches. This guide covers every key step Melbourne homeowners should work through before the first tile comes off the wall.

Step 1: Get Your Budget Sorted First

Your budget sets the limits for every other decision. Before you browse tiles or pull up inspiration boards, write down a realistic upper limit and add a contingency buffer of around ten to fifteen per cent for surprises. Older homes in suburbs like Nunawading, Burwood, and Glen Waverley often reveal hidden issues once walls are opened, including ageing pipes, old waterproofing membranes, or out-of-date electrical wiring that must be brought up to current standards.

Think about what your renovation needs to achieve. A cosmetic refresh has a very different scope to a full layout change, and knowing which camp you are in keeps conversations with contractors productive. Request a free quote before committing so you have a clear picture of what the work will involve.

Step 2: Choose Fixtures and Tiles Before Work Begins

Selecting fixtures and tiles in advance is one of the most important steps. Lead times on some products, particularly imported tiles, custom vanities, or specialty tapware, can stretch to several weeks. If materials are not on-site when the tradie needs them, your project stalls and costs can rise.

When choosing tiles, consider Melbourne's cool, damp winters and warm summers. Non-slip floor tiles are worth prioritising, especially in family bathrooms or ensuites used by older residents. Larger-format tiles can make a smaller bathroom feel more open, which suits the compact layouts common in Melbourne's inner-ring suburbs. Bring your tile and fixture choices together before signing a contract, not after.

Step 3: Understand Melbourne's Permit Requirements

Most Melbourne bathroom renovations require at least one permit. In Victoria, renovations are regulated under both building and plumbing frameworks. Minor cosmetic work like replacing taps or regrouting generally does not need a permit. However, structural changes, plumbing relocations, or waterproofing work may trigger formal approval requirements.

A building permit is typically needed for structural changes, a plumbing permit if pipes are moved or drainage is altered, and an electrical permit for circuit modifications. Waterproofing must comply with Australian Standard AS 3740, and a licensed professional should provide a compliance certificate on completion. Apartment or strata-titled properties may also require written approval from the owners corporation. Heritage homes in areas like Carlton or Fitzroy may have additional council requirements. A good contractor will help you navigate these, but it pays to ask upfront.

Step 4: Set a Realistic Timeline

A typical bathroom renovation in Melbourne takes three to four weeks from demolition through to completion, depending on scope. Preparation, ordering materials, and securing permits can add weeks before a single tool is lifted.

Build your timeline around these phases: consultation and design finalisation; permit applications and material ordering (two to four weeks, or longer for custom items); demolition and rough-in work; waterproofing and tiling; and fixture installation and finishing.

If you only have one bathroom, discuss temporary arrangements with your contractor before work starts.

Step 5: Prepare Your Home and Your Household

Clear out the bathroom completely before tradespeople arrive, removing all personal items, toiletries, mirrors, and cabinetry contents. Cover nearby flooring and protect adjacent rooms from dust, as demolition can spread further than expected.

Confirm your contractor's schedule in writing and arrange access during working hours. If you have pets or young children, plan for noise and dust throughout the build. Let your neighbours know work is starting, particularly if you live in a semi-detached home or apartment block.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Signing

A good contractor welcomes questions. Before you commit, make sure you cover: whether they are registered with the Victorian Building Authority; whether they will manage all permit applications and inspections; what their waterproofing process involves and whether they provide a compliance certificate; how they communicate progress and handle unexpected scope or cost changes; what warranties they offer on workmanship; and whether they can provide references from recent Melbourne projects.

Get clear answers in writing before work starts. A detailed written contract covering scope, timeline, payment milestones, and variation procedures is essential.

Do I Need a Permit for a Bathroom Renovation in Melbourne?

You may need a building permit, a plumbing permit, or both, depending on the scope. Cosmetic changes like retiling in the same configuration generally do not require a permit. Structural changes, plumbing relocations, electrical upgrades, and waterproofing work typically do. Always check with a registered building surveyor or your contractor before starting.

How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation in Melbourne Take?

Most bathroom renovations take between two and four weeks once work is underway. Preparation, permits, and material ordering can add further time before construction begins. The more complex the project, the longer the overall timeline is likely to be.