Bathroom Renovation Checklist: What to Plan Before You Start (Melbourne)

Bruce Zhu
1 day ago
3 min read

Planning a bathroom renovation can feel exciting — but it can also become stressful if key decisions are left too late. For many Melbourne homeowners, the biggest delays happen when waterproofing details, fittings, tile choices, or layout changes aren’t confirmed early.

This simple checklist will help you plan your bathroom renovation properly, avoid common mistakes, and achieve a result that looks great and works beautifully every day.

1) Set Your Bathroom Renovation Goals

Before choosing tiles or tapware, be clear about why you’re renovating.

Ask yourself:

Do we need more storage?
Is the layout awkward or outdated?
Do we want a larger shower?
Is ventilation poor (mould/steam issues)?
Is this a forever home upgrade or for resale?

Tip: A bathroom that “looks nice” but doesn’t function well will never feel right. Start with layout and usability first.

2) Decide What Stays and What Changes

A big budget difference comes down to whether you’re keeping plumbing points where they are.

Common decisions:

Keep toilet location vs relocate
Keep shower location vs enlarge it
Keep vanity position vs add double vanity
Keep window vs modify for privacy

Tip: Moving plumbing is possible, but it must be planned correctly. It can also add time and cost — so it’s best to confirm early.

3) Choose the Right Layout (Function First)

Bathroom layout impacts comfort more than any single finish.

Consider:

Clear walking space (no “tight corners”)
Door swing direction (avoid clashing)
Shower size and screen layout
Toilet privacy and spacing
Vanity width and bench space
Towel rail placement near shower

Tip: Even a small bathroom can feel larger with the right layout and a clean visual line.

4) Plan Waterproofing the Right Way

Waterproofing is one of the most important parts of any bathroom renovation.

A quality build includes:

Correct waterproof membrane system
Proper floor falls to the waste
Shower hob detail or walk-in shower grading
Sealing around penetrations and junctions
Waterproofing inspection readiness

Tip: Waterproofing issues can lead to long-term damage and expensive repairs. It’s not the area to cut corners.

5) Confirm Your Tile Selections Early

Tiles affect both the look and the build program.

Before work begins, confirm:

Tile size (300x600, 600x600, 600x1200 etc.)
Floor tile slip rating
Feature wall placement
Grout colour (light vs dark)
Tile trims (black / chrome / brushed gold)
Tile layout direction (stacked vs brick pattern)

Tip: Larger tiles look modern but require a flatter substrate and careful installation to avoid lippage.

6) Select Tapware & Fixtures (Consistency Matters)

To keep a bathroom looking premium, your fixtures should match in finish and style.

Choose early:

Basin mixer and spout type
Shower head + rail combo or mixer set
Toilet suite (back-to-wall or concealed cistern)
Bath (freestanding or inset)
Floor wastes and grate finish
Accessories (towel rails, robe hooks, paper holder)

Tip: Decide your finish theme once and stay consistent: Chrome / Matte Black / Brushed Nickel / Brushed Gold / Gunmetal

7) Vanity, Storage & Mirror Planning

Storage is one of the biggest things homeowners regret if overlooked.

Plan:

Vanity size (900–1500mm+)
Drawers vs cupboards (drawers are more functional)
Shaving cabinet vs standard mirror
Power point inside cabinet (optional)
Under-vanity lighting (nice upgrade)

Tip: A mirror cabinet instantly makes a bathroom feel cleaner and more practical day-to-day.

8) Lighting & Ventilation (Often Forgotten)

A bathroom can look beautiful and still feel uncomfortable without good lighting and airflow.

Consider:

Warm/neutral LED lighting tone
Vanity lighting (downlights aren’t enough alone)
Exhaust fan power and placement
Window privacy solutions if needed

Tip: Poor ventilation is one of the biggest causes of mould — plan airflow properly from day one.

9) Know the Timeline (and How to Avoid Delays)

Bathroom renovations usually run smoothly when selections are confirmed early.

Common causes of delay:

Out-of-stock tiles or tapware
Late design/layout changes
Waterproofing curing time ignored
Hidden issues found after demolition

Tip: The best way to stay on schedule is to finalize key selections before demolition starts.

10) Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

Choosing looks over layout
Not enough storage
Poor lighting around mirror
Not planning towel rails properly
Tile grout colour that stains easily
Rushing waterproofing and falls
Overspending on items that don’t improve daily use

Tip: A great bathroom is one that feels effortless every single day.

Ready to Renovate? We Can Help

At Smarter Renovations, we help Melbourne homeowners create bathrooms that are practical, modern, and built to last — with clear communication and a smooth renovation process from start to finish.