Bathroom Renovation Questions and Answers
Answers to questions Ipswich householders raise before a bathroom renovation. Each answer points to a published source where one exists. None of it is legal, building or plumbing advice.
What does a bathroom renovation cost in Ipswich?
We cannot give an Ipswich price. A labour-marketplace guide gives about $15,000 to $45,000 for a standard bathroom of 5 to 8 square metres, and a Brisbane budget main bathroom of $15,000 to $24,000. Treat those as rough checks and ask each business to itemise.
Is a small ensuite cheaper than a family bathroom?
In total, usually. The guide gives $14,000 to $25,000 for a small ensuite and says its rate per square metre is higher, because plumbing, electrical work and waterproofing are spread over a smaller floor.
How much is a cosmetic refresh?
The guide gives $5,000 to $12,000 for a new vanity, toilet, tapware and paint with existing tiles kept or resurfaced. It adds that resurfacing does nothing for a leaking shower.
Do I need a licensed contractor?
The QBCC says a licence is needed for building work over $3,300 and for plumbing and drainage at any value. Ask for each licence details and search the QBCC register.
How do I check an electrician?
Electricians are licensed separately. Search the licence details on the Electrical Safety Office search.
How long will the room be out of use?
The guide says three to five weeks on site for a standard bathroom, two to three for a small ensuite, and that a made-to-measure frameless screen often arrives a week or more after the tiles go on.
Why is waterproofing listed as its own line?
Because the membrane under the tiles cannot be seen afterwards. The guide lists $1,000 to $2,000 for a licensed or certified applicator who supplies a certificate.
What makes a quote jump?
The guide names moving the toilet or waste, thick mortar floors, rot, large tiles, wall-hung fixtures, difficult access and hot water upgrades.
Does a builder add a margin?
The guide says a builder or bathroom company adds 15 to 25 percent for supervision, insurance, warranty and profit. Ask what the margin covers.
Is it cheaper to hire each trade myself?
It can be, but the guide says you take on the scheduling risk, and one late trade turned a three-week job into five in its example.
Do I need an approval?
It depends on the work. The QBCC says the owner is responsible for approvals, so ask your renovator and a certifier in writing.
What if the house is old?
Tell each business the age before it quotes. The Queensland Government has a page on asbestos at home, and a renovator should explain how suspected material would be handled.
How many quotes should I get?
The guide suggests at least three on the same scope. Line any very low quote up against the others and find what is missing.
Should I move the toilet or shower?
Only if the new layout really needs it. The guide says moving the toilet or floor waste on a slab adds $1,500 to $4,000 for the plumbing alone, so ask each business for that as a separate line.
Are large tiles more expensive?
The guide says large-format tiles need a flatter surface, more handling and often two tilers, so the labour rate per square metre is higher than for smaller tiles. Ask which size your quote assumes.
Is the quote service free?
Yes. You owe us nothing whether or not you go ahead.
Who do I contact if something fails later?
Start with the business that did the work, and use your written warranty. The QBCC publishes information for owners with building concerns.