Full Bathroom Renovation in Adelaide: What a Complete Job Really Involves

A full bathroom renovation goes beyond replacing tiles and fixtures. It generally involves removing the existing finishes and fittings, inspecting what's underneath, and rebuilding the bathroom with new waterproofing, tiling and fixtures. Plumbing, electrical and structural changes depend on the agreed scope.

If you're ready to talk about your own bathroom, you can get in touch or call 0405 004 957. For our bathroom service and recent projects, see Bathroom Renovations Adelaide.

Cosmetic update vs full renovation: what's the difference?

A cosmetic update keeps the existing layout, plumbing and waterproofing, and changes the surfaces you can see. A full renovation generally involves removing the existing finishes and fittings, inspecting what's underneath, and rebuilding with new waterproofing, tiling and fixtures. Plumbing, electrical and structural changes depend on the agreed scope.

A full renovation is usually the right choice when:

• the layout no longer works for how you live
• you want to move the shower, vanity, bath or toilet
• there are signs of water damage, leaks or failed grout and sealant
• the bathroom is original to an older home and you want it to last for decades

What a complete bathroom renovation includes

The stages below are what a full renovation generally involves. Which ones apply to your bathroom depends on the agreed scope.

1. Planning and layout

Every full renovation starts with the plan: where the shower, vanity, bath and toilet will go, and whether walls, doorways or plumbing need to move. Getting this right first means each trade can follow the last cleanly. If you're still at this stage, our guide to why most bathroom renovation problems start before demolition is worth a read.

2. Demolition and removal of existing finishes

The existing finishes and fittings are removed, and the condition of what's underneath is inspected. This is often when hidden issues show up, such as old water damage, which is why it pays to look properly before rebuilding.

3. Plumbing and electrical, where the scope requires

Where the agreed scope requires it, services change with the layout. That can include relocating drainage and water points or changing underfloor plumbing, as we did at Dunsford St. Electrical items depend on your selections, for example LED mirrors (as at Angas St) or underfloor heating and heated towel rails (as at Dunsford St).

4. Floor preparation, falls and waterproofing

Floor preparation, falls and waterproofing are completed in the sequence required for the selected system and site conditions, in line with the National Construction Code (including AS 3740:2021 where that is the chosen pathway) and the manufacturer's specification for the system used. Read more in our guide to bathroom waterproofing in Adelaide and AS 3740.

5. Tiling

Floor and wall tiles are laid over the sealed base, with care taken over set-out, cuts and finishing details such as niches and ledges.

6. Fixtures and fit-off

The fixtures and fittings in your scope, such as the vanity, tapware, toilet, bath, shower screen, mirrors and accessories, are installed and finished properly, followed by a final clean.

7. Project management from start to finish

With a full renovation, several trades work in sequence. You have one point of contact, and we manage design ideas, selections, scheduling, our trade network and final clean-up, so you're kept informed throughout.

Real examples of full bathroom renovations in Adelaide

Angas St, Adelaide – The main bathroom was completely reimagined with a redesigned layout, featuring a double-bowl vanity, a freestanding bath and an in-wall toilet system, with two LED mirrors and warm, earthy tones. Downstairs, the former laundry was transformed into a second bathroom, with the washing machine integrated under the staircase.

Carrington St, Adelaide – This renovation started with removing a bathroom that wasn't being used anymore. We created an open shower with a curved shower screen and fitted a larger floating vanity with a ledge built in for storage, finished in Italian marble-look tiles.

Dunsford St, Craigburn Farm – The original layout was reworked into one large main bathroom. Walls were removed, a new doorway formed and the underfloor plumbing changed to suit the new design. Engineering and new beams, plus a large Velux skylight above the open shower, bring in natural light and give the space its sense of scale.

How long does a full bathroom renovation take?

It depends on the scope. A full renovation with layout changes involves more steps than a like-for-like replacement. We give you a timeline with your quote, so you know what to expect before work begins. For a realistic breakdown, see how long a bathroom renovation takes in Adelaide.

Why homeowners choose us for complete bathroom renovations

• Our team brings over 17 years of hands-on renovation experience, with one point of contact throughout your project.
• Homes across Adelaide and surrounding suburbs, including Grange and West Lakes, Craigburn Farm and Belair and Norwood

Planning a full bathroom renovation?

Tell us what you're planning, where the property is and your approximate budget. Get in touch or call 0405 004 957. To see what affects the price, read our bathroom renovation cost guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in a full bathroom renovation?

A full bathroom renovation generally involves removing the existing finishes and fittings, inspecting what's underneath, and rebuilding the bathroom with new waterproofing, tiling and fixtures. Depending on the agreed scope, that can include planning and layout, plumbing and electrical work where the scope requires it, floor preparation, falls and waterproofing, tiling, and fit-off of the vanity, tapware, toilet, screens and mirrors, managed from start to finish.

Is a "full" renovation the same as a "complete" renovation?

Yes. Both describe a renovation that goes beyond updating the visible finishes: the existing finishes and fittings are generally removed and the bathroom is rebuilt with new waterproofing, tiling and fixtures. Plumbing, electrical and structural changes depend on the agreed scope.

How much does a full bathroom renovation cost in Adelaide?

It depends on the size of the room, the layout and the finishes you choose. Most of our complete bathroom renovations start from around $30,000, and you'll receive a quote once we understand your plans.

Can you move the shower, toilet or vanity?

It depends on the existing layout and the agreed scope. At Dunsford St in Craigburn Farm, the layout was reworked with walls removed, a new doorway formed, the underfloor plumbing changed, and engineering and new beams added to suit the new design.

Do you manage the whole project?

Yes. You have one point of contact, and we manage design ideas, selections, scheduling, our trade network and final clean-up.

How do I get started?

Get in touch through our contact page or call 0405 004 957.