Top Questions to Ask a Tradie Before Renovating Your Bathroom in Melbourne

Renovating a bathroom sounds exciting until you are living with one toilet for weeks, your budget keeps climbing, and your tradie stops answering calls. Many Melbourne homeowners discover too late that bathroom renovations are complex projects involving strict rules, multiple trades, and plenty of hidden costs.

The good news? Asking the right questions before you hire a tradie can save you thousands of dollars, prevent delays, and protect your home from future problems. This guide walks you through the essential questions that every homeowner in Melbourne should ask before starting a bathroom renovation.

Why Asking Questions Matters

A bathroom is one of the most important spaces in your home. Unlike a living room makeover, a bathroom renovation involves plumbing, waterproofing, electrical work, and compliance with strict building codes. Mistakes here are not just cosmetic. A poorly waterproofed shower can leak into walls and floors, leading to mould, rot, and costly repairs.

The average bathroom renovation in Melbourne now costs around \$26,000. Many projects end up 20 to 30 percent higher because of poor planning or unexpected problems. Asking the right questions helps you protect your budget, your timeline, and your peace of mind.

The Cost Question Nobody Asks Upfront

Most people begin by asking, “How much will this cost?” but few dig into what the number actually covers. That is where problems start.

Questions to ask:

  • What does your quote include? Does it cover demolition, waste removal, waterproofing, and permits?
  • Are fixtures and fittings part of the quote or do I buy them separately?
  • What could make this cost increase once work begins?

In Melbourne, a cosmetic update might cost between \$8,000 and \$15,000. A full renovation with new plumbing and electrical work usually ranges from \$15,000 to \$35,000. If you are chasing a luxury spa-style bathroom, expect \$40,000 or more. Many homeowners get caught off guard when quotes exclude essentials like rubbish removal or waterproofing certificates. A couple in Brunswick recently shared that their \$15,000 quote grew to \$28,000 once demolition revealed water damage and their tradie added extra fees.

Timeline Truths: How Long Will I Be Without a Bathroom?

Tradies often tell homeowners a job will take “two weeks.” In reality, bathroom renovations often take a month or longer. The more complex the project, the more time it requires.

Questions to ask:

  • What is the estimated timeline for my job?
  • What are common causes of delays in Melbourne?

Delays happen for many reasons. Materials may arrive late, inspections may take longer, or multiple tradies may not be available on the same days. If your job requires moving plumbing lines or changing the layout, it will almost always extend the timeline. Families should plan for disruption and consider how they will manage without a working bathroom.

Do You Have the Right Licence and Insurance?

In Victoria, all bathroom renovation work worth more than \$5,000 must be carried out by a registered building practitioner. Plumbing must be completed by a licensed plumber. Electrical work requires a licensed electrician. Waterproofing must comply with the national standard AS 3740.

Questions to ask:

  • Can I see your licence and registration details?
  • Do you provide compliance certificates for plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing?
  • What insurance coverage do you carry?

A compliance certificate is more than just a piece of paper. It proves that work was done to Australian standards and protects you if problems appear later. Hiring unlicensed tradies may save money upfront, but it often leads to insurance refusals, fines, and costly repairs.

Waterproofing Woes: The Silent Dealbreaker

Waterproofing is one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of a bathroom renovation. Research shows that up to 80 percent of bathroom failures in Australia are linked to waterproofing problems.

Questions to ask:

  • How do you waterproof bathrooms according to AS 3740?
  • Do you provide a waterproofing certificate?

Proper waterproofing requires a membrane applied in specific areas. For example, shower walls must be sealed up to 1800 millimetres, and all bathroom floors must be waterproofed with the membrane turned up behind walls. If your tradie does not follow these rules, you may face leaks, mould, and even structural damage. Always ask for proof.

Comparing Quotes and Contracts the Smart Way

Not all quotes are equal. A cheaper quote might exclude essential work, which leaves you paying more later.

Questions to ask:

  • What is included and excluded in this quote?
  • How do you handle variations once work starts?
  • What deposit and payment schedule do you require?

Most Melbourne homeowners get two or three quotes before deciding. Itemised quotes are easier to compare because you can see how each tradie prices demolition, plumbing, tiling, and waterproofing. Contracts should also outline payment schedules. Avoid paying more than 10 percent upfront. Make sure variations are discussed and agreed upon in writing to avoid disputes.

Materials, Design, and Sustainability

Your material choices will affect both the look and the durability of your bathroom. Some homeowners save money by choosing cheap tiles or fixtures, only to regret it later when cracks appear or fittings wear out quickly.

Questions to ask:

  • Which materials do you recommend for Melbourne’s climate and conditions?
  • Do you offer eco-friendly or water-saving options?

In Melbourne, durable porcelain tiles, water-efficient taps, and LED lighting are popular choices. Eco-friendly fittings not only lower bills but also increase the value of your home. One homeowner in St Kilda admitted they regretted choosing bargain tiles that cracked within 18 months. Spending a little more upfront often saves money in the long run.

How Will This Affect My Daily Life?

Bathroom renovations are messy, noisy, and disruptive. If you only have one bathroom, this can become a serious problem.

Questions to ask:

  • Will I need to move out, or can I stay during the renovation?
  • How do you manage dust, noise, and clean-up?

Some tradies set up temporary solutions, such as portable showers, but not all do. Knowing what to expect allows you to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

A bathroom renovation in Melbourne can transform your home, but it can also bring stress and unexpected expenses if you go in unprepared. Asking the right tradie the right questions before you sign a contract is the single best way to protect yourself.

From costs and permits to waterproofing and timelines, the answers you get will reveal whether your tradie is professional, reliable, and compliant with Victorian rules.

The couple in Brunswick who blew their budget could have avoided disaster with just a few questions. Learn from their mistake: protect your investment, your family’s comfort, and your peace of mind by choosing wisely.

If you are planning your own bathroom renovation, start with these questions and speak with trusted local experts like Skilled Tradies Melbourne, who understand the unique challenges of renovating in Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in Melbourne? Most standard renovations cost between \$15,000 and \$35,000. Luxury bathrooms may exceed \$40,000.

Do I need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Victoria? Yes, if the work is worth more than \$5,000 or involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes.

How long does a bathroom renovation take in Melbourne? Simple updates may take two weeks, but most full renovations last three to four weeks or more.

What licences should a tradie have for bathroom renovation? Registered building practitioner for work over \$5,000, licensed plumber for plumbing, and licensed electrician for electrical work.

What is AS 3740 and why is it important? AS 3740 is the Australian standard for waterproofing in wet areas. It ensures your bathroom is protected from leaks and water damage.