27 Essential Questions to Ask Bathroom Renovators in Melbourne (Before You Start Tearing Out Tiles)

A bathroom renovation in Melbourne looks simple from the outside – new tiles, fresh fixtures, nicer vanity. In reality, it’s one of the most technical renovations in your home. Waterproofing, plumbing, drainage falls, ventilation and compliance all have to be right. If they’re not, you can end up with leaks, mould, and expensive repairs a few years down the track.

That’s why choosing the right bathroom renovator in Melbourne matters. And the best way to choose well is to ask the right questions before you sign anything.

Use this guide as a checklist when you speak with APD Design or any other renovation company.

 

Questions About Experience, Licensing & Local Expertise

1. How many bathrooms have you renovated in Melbourne?

You want a team that isn’t “trying bathrooms for the first time”. Ask:

• How long have you been renovating bathrooms in Melbourne?
  
• How many projects do you complete each year?
  
• Do you have photos of recent bathrooms in suburbs similar to mine (for example, inner-city apartments vs suburban family homes)?
  

Experienced renovators will be able to talk you through past projects that look and feel similar to what you’re planning.

2. Are you licensed and insured for bathroom renovations in Victoria?

Bathrooms are heavy on plumbing and waterproofing, so compliance is critical. Ask:

• Are you a registered builder where required?
  
• Are your waterproofers licensed and qualified to work in Victoria?
  
• Do you hold current public liability insurance?
  

A professional renovator will happily confirm this and provide details if you ask.

3. Do you specialise in bathroom renovations, or is it just part of your work?

Some companies do a bit of everything. For a bathroom, you want someone who understands:

• Wet-area design
  
• Drainage falls and shower set-outs
  
• Ventilation and mould prevention
  
• Tile selection, grout types and slip ratings
  

Ask whether bathrooms are a core part of their business, not just an add-on.

Questions About Bathroom Design & Layout

4. Will you help design the layout, or do I have to come with a plan?

A good renovator won’t expect you to know exactly where every tap, tile and light should go. Ask:

• Do you provide a full design service, or just build what I tell you?
  
• Will you propose layout options for the shower, vanity, toilet and bath?
  
• Can you suggest improvements to the current layout to improve space and storage?
  

Ideally, they’ll walk you through different layout ideas based on how you use the bathroom.

5. Do you provide 2D and 3D drawings before we start?

Bathrooms are small spaces where every centimetre counts. Ask:

• Will you show detailed floor plans and elevations?
  
• Can you provide 3D views so I can understand how everything will look together?
  
• Can we make a couple of rounds of changes before sign-off?
  

Clear drawings reduce misunderstandings and help you feel confident before demolition begins.

6. How will you design for my household’s daily routine?

Bathrooms are used differently in every home. Ask:

• How do you find out about our routine – who uses which bathroom, and when?
  
• Do you design differently for an ensuite, a main family bathroom, and a powder room?
  
• Can you allow for accessible features (for example, walk-in shower, grab rails, wider openings) if I need them?
  

You’re looking for a design process that starts with understanding your lifestyle, not just tile choices.

7. Can you help with style decisions that suit my home?

From sleek, hotel-style spaces to warm, classic bathrooms – style decisions matter. Ask:

• Do you help choose a style that works with our existing home (for example, period home vs modern townhouse)?
  
• Can you show me real projects in the style I’m considering?
  
• How do you make sure the bathroom feels connected to the rest of the house, not like a random room?
  

A thoughtful bathroom renovator will talk about light, ceiling height, existing flooring and colour palette – not just push one trend.

Questions About Waterproofing, Plumbing & Compliance

8. Who does the waterproofing, and do they provide a certificate?

Waterproofing is one of the most important parts of a bathroom renovation. Ask:

• Is the waterproofing done by a licensed waterproofer?
  
• Do you provide a waterproofing certificate on completion?
  
• What system or products do you use, and are they suitable for Melbourne conditions?
  

You want to hear that waterproofing is treated as a serious, documented step – not just another coat of paint.

9. How do you handle plumbing changes and drainage?

Relocating fixtures or improving drainage can add complexity. Ask:

• Do you use licensed Melbourne plumbers?
  
• Will you check existing pipework and advise if upgrades are needed?
  
• How will you achieve correct drainage falls in the shower and wet areas?
  

Good renovators will explain how they plan for plumbing before tiles go down, not after.

10. Will my bathroom renovation comply with Victorian building regulations?

Compliance protects you and your home. Ask:

• Do you stay up to date with relevant codes and standards for wet areas?
  
• Will you let me know if I need any approvals or permits?
  
• Do you coordinate any required inspections?
  

A professional bathroom renovator should be comfortable explaining their compliance process in simple terms.

11. How will you manage ventilation and moisture?

Melbourne’s climate, with its cool winters and steamy showers, can create moisture problems. Ask:

• Will you install or upgrade an exhaust fan?
  
• Where will it vent – into the roof cavity or outside?
  
• Do you consider window placement, natural light and airflow in the design?
  

Good ventilation helps prevent mould, peeling paint and long-term damage.

Questions About Tiles, Fixtures & Materials

12. Can you help me choose tiles, grout and bathroom finishes?

Choosing tiles can be overwhelming. Ask:

• Will you guide me through floor and wall tile choices, including slip resistance for floors?
  
• Do you help select grout colours and explain maintenance differences?
  
• Can you show tile sizes that will work well with our bathroom dimensions and ceiling height?
  

You’re looking for practical guidance, not just “pick something you like”.

13. What types of fixtures and fittings do you recommend?

From tapware to shower heads and vanities, quality varies. Ask:

• Do you work with certain tapware or fixture brands you trust?
  
• Can you help me balance budget and durability?
  
• Do you assist with choosing toilets, basins, baths and shower screens that fit the space properly?
  

Your renovator should be able to explain the pros and cons of different options in plain language.

14. Are the materials you recommend suitable for busy family use?

If you’ve got kids, teenagers, or multiple people sharing a bathroom, you’ll want finishes that can cope. Ask:

• Are these tiles easy to clean and maintain?
  
• Are matte or gloss finishes better in our situation?
  
• Will this vanity surface stain or scratch easily?
  

A good renovator will be honest if something looks great but may be high-maintenance in a real family home.

15. Can you integrate storage smartly into the design?

Cluttered benches make even a new bathroom feel messy. Ask:

• How will you incorporate practical storage (drawers, shaving cabinets, recessed niches)?
  
• Can we add storage without making the room feel cramped?
  
• Do you plan storage around what we actually use day-to-day (hairdryers, skincare, kids’ products, etc.)?
  

Thoughtful storage planning is one of the biggest upgrades you can give your bathroom.

Questions About Budget, Quotes & Scope of Work

16. Can you provide a detailed, itemised quote?

Avoid vague one-line quotes like “Bathroom renovation – $25,000”. Ask for a breakdown that covers:

• Demolition and removal
  
• Plumbing and waterproofing
  
• Electrical work and lighting
  
• Tiling (labour and tiles if supplied)
  
• Fixtures and fittings (or note if supplied by you)
  
• Joinery and benchtops
  
• Painting and finishing touches
  

Itemised quotes make it easier to compare contractors and understand where your money is going.

17. What exactly is included – and excluded – from your quote?

This is where budget surprises often appear. Ask:

• Does your quote include all trades, or will I need to organise anyone separately?
  
• Are waterproofing, shower screens and accessories included?
  
• Do you allow a contingency for small surprises, or are variations billed separately?
  

It’s better to have frank discussions now than mid-project when walls are open.

18. Can you work within my budget and suggest smart compromises?

Most people have a limit. Ask:

• What can realistically be achieved in Melbourne with my budget?
  
• If we need to save money, where can we reduce cost without risking waterproofing or long-term performance?
  
• Are there areas where it’s worth spending more (for example, waterproofing, plumbing, tiles) and others where we can scale back?
  

A quality renovator will focus on protecting the structure and waterproofing first, then help you adjust finishes if needed.

19. Are there common “extra costs” in bathroom renovations I should be prepared for?

Especially in older homes, hidden issues can appear. Ask:

• What kinds of problems do you often find once demolition starts (for example, rotten framing, old pipes, previous leaks)?
  
• How do you communicate variations, and do I approve them before you proceed?
  

You want a clear, written process for handling any changes.

Questions About Timeline, Trades & Disruption

20. How long will my bathroom be out of action?

Bathrooms get used multiple times a day. Ask:

• From demolition to handover, how many weeks do you expect the renovation to take?
  
• What might extend the timeline (for example, custom shower screens, stone tops, extra repairs)?
  
• Can you give a rough schedule so we know what’s happening each week?
  

Be wary of promises that sound too fast; good work in a wet area takes time.

21. How do you manage and coordinate all the trades?

Bathroom renovations usually involve:

• Demolition
  
• Plumbing
  
• Electrical
  
• Carpentry
  
• Waterproofing
  
• Tiling
  
• Glazing (shower screens)
  
• Painting
  

Ask:

• Do you fully project-manage all trades?
  
• Who is my main contact if I have questions?
  
• How do you ensure trades turn up in the right order and quality is checked along the way?
  

Smooth coordination is often what separates a stress-free renovation from a chaotic one.

22. How disruptive will the renovation be for my household?

You’ll want to know:

• What access will your team need, and during which hours?
  
• How will you protect surrounding floors and rooms from dust and damage?
  
• If this is our only bathroom, do you have suggestions or timelines to help us cope during the renovation?
  

Clear communication around disruption helps you plan ahead.

Questions About Quality, Warranty & After-Care

23. What warranties do you offer on workmanship, waterproofing and fixtures?

Warranties are a sign of confidence. Ask:

• How long is the warranty on your workmanship?
  
• What warranty is provided for the waterproofing system?
  
• Are tapware, toilets and other fixtures covered by manufacturer warranties?
  
• How do I make a warranty claim if something goes wrong?
  

Make sure you receive warranty details in writing, not just verbally.

24. How do you check quality before handing the bathroom over?

Quality isn’t just about what you can see. Ask:

• Do you have a checklist for waterproofing, tiling and fixtures before you call the job complete?
  
• Will we do a final walkthrough together to note any touch-ups?
  
• How quickly will you return to fix small issues after handover?
  

You’re looking for a structured approach to quality, not just “we’ll sort it if you see something”.

25. What happens if we notice a leak, crack or issue months later?

Sometimes problems show up after a few months of use. Ask:

• Who do I contact if we notice a leak, cracked grout or movement?
  
• How quickly do you typically respond to after-care requests?
  
• Are minor adjustments covered, or will there be a service fee?
  

This gives you a sense of their long-term commitment, not just their sales pitch.

Questions Specific to Older Melbourne Homes

26. Have you renovated bathrooms in older or character homes like mine?

If you live in a Victorian, Edwardian, mid-century or older brick home, there are extra considerations. Ask:

• Have you worked in similar homes with timber floors, high ceilings, or solid brick walls?
  
• How do you handle potential issues like uneven floors, old plumbing or previous DIY renovations?
  
• Can you keep or replicate period details (for example, trims, cornices) where needed?
  

Older homes often need more care – experienced renovators will talk about this upfront.

27. Are there likely to be extra steps or costs in an older bathroom?

Common issues include:

• Asbestos in very old linings (which requires licensed removal)
  
• Rotten floor joists due to past leaks
  
• Outdated wiring or plumbing that needs replacing
  

Ask how your renovator allows for these possibilities and how they’ll communicate if something unexpected is discovered.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Call a Bathroom Renovator

Alongside the questions above, it helps to be clear on a few things yourself:

• What is the main goal? More storage, better layout, improved accessibility, or simply a fresh look?
  
• What is your true budget? Including a small buffer for surprises.
  
• How many people use this bathroom? That will influence storage, fixtures and durability choices.
  
• How long can you live with the bathroom out of action? Especially if it’s your only one.
  

The clearer you are, the easier it is for a renovator to design a bathroom that fits your life, not just your floor plan.

Turning Questions into a Better Bathroom

The best bathroom renovators in Melbourne won’t be scared of these questions – they’ll welcome them. It shows you care about quality, compliance and long-term performance, not just the cheapest quote.

Use this list when you:

• Make an enquiry
  
• Visit a showroom
  
• Book an in-home consultation
  

If you’re speaking with APD Design, you can use these questions as a starting point. They’ll be able to walk you through their bathroom renovation process step by step, explain how they handle design, waterproofing and project management, and show you how they create bathrooms that work beautifully for Melbourne homes long after the tiles have dried.