Apartment bathroom renovation in McMahons Point Sydney by Passion Built
- July 1, 2022
- Bathrooms
Absolutely delighted with the result of our bathroom renovation completed by Passion Built. Dylan was very professional and friendly from the very first call and built our confidence. We are very detailed and particular but nothing was too much trouble.
All tradesmen were on-time, professional, friendly and accommodating. And the quality of the work is exceptional.
Bathroom renovation in an apartment to make more living space
Passion Built is a licensed builder in Sydney that can renovate houses, apartments, townhouses, granny flats or commercial sites. For this home in Bardwell Park in Sydney, the scope of work our renovation team was given was to completely renovate this room and changing the layout of the plumbing to make more space.
We talk to lots of people who contact us asking about whether it is possible to renovate an apartment in a big unit block. Lots of people think that because the unit has shared walls, floors and ceiling that it isn’t possible to renovate it because it may disturb the neighbours, although, the opposite is true – you can renovate a unit if you follow the right steps.
One very lucky daughter had this unit renovated in McMahons Point by her parents who had owned it for many years. It had been used as a rental property and was a little tired, but it was time for their daughter to use it as her own so they decided to give it a modern refresh.
The layout and styling was quite old, we are guessing, but maybe a 70’s style apartment block that had lots of small separate rooms for kitchen, living, dining that made it feel smaller. The owners wanted to know if we could make it feel bigger by removing a wall to open up the space.
As part of Passion Built‘s renovation contract, we engaged a structural engineer to check if any of the existing walls could be removed to create an open plan kitchen area that had an island bench and breakfast bar.
Making this change would bring the existing living area together with the kitchen to make it feel like a single, larger space. It would make it more practical, let more light into the unit & take advantage of the fourth floor views out over the balcony as well.
Our engineer certified that it could be done, even though there were units above and below this one. This immediately created lots of renovation options for the owners in terms of layout and positioning of the new kitchen they wanted.
We were engaged to renovate the whole unit including the small bathroom and kitchen so that everything would match nicely and have the same interior design style from the flooring, custom joinery throughout, painting and lighting.
Renovating a bathroom in an apartment
The unit owners wanted to take advantage of Passion Built’s carpentry skills and engaged us to provide custom bathroom joinery throughout the unit. A sense of warmth was created with the spotted gum engineered flooring that was nicely complimented with LED under bench lighting to give things a luxury feel.
Once the existing wall was knocked out you could enjoy the water views from the kitchen as well as entertain guests in the living area very easily, there was so much space. Another clever design features was the kitchen island bench was dressed in stone on all sides which created the illusion that a solid block of stone had been used. The actual build too about six weeks to complete because we had to wait for the new kitchen appliances to arrive. There was also a delay on the Caesarstone which required a new choice to be made of the product being used so the job could be completed.
All the bathroom and kitchen tap ware came from ABI and their premium look and feel matched perfectly with all the other details in the unit. While a white colour palette will ensure there is this sense of space & ‘lightness’ to every room, the brushed tap ware and appliances add a touch of contrast to break things up.
Renovating a bathroom or living space in an apartment can often be more complex—and slightly more costly—than similar work in a freestanding house. While the renovation tasks themselves are largely the same, the key difference lies in the logistics and access. Apartment renovations typically involve additional time to transport materials, tools, and debris in and out of the building. Limited access via stairwells or lifts can slow down progress, and in some cases, larger items may require crane lifts if they cannot fit within the building’s internal access points.
Another important consideration is compliance with strata regulations. Unlike houses, apartment owners do not have full autonomy over structural changes. Any renovation that involves altering flooring types, plumbing, walls, or balconies must be approved by the Owners Corporation (formerly Body Corporate), in accordance with the building’s specific Strata Plan. This is particularly relevant for wet area upgrades or waterproofing changes, which must comply with standards such as AS 3740 and AS/NZS 3500.
The most technically challenging aspect of apartment renovations is the removal or modification of internal walls. Many walls in apartment blocks are load-bearing, playing a critical role in supporting the floors above or below. Any plan to remove or alter such walls must be reviewed by a structural engineer, and formal approval must be obtained from both strata management and local council. Failing to follow this process can result in serious safety risks and legal consequences.
Despite these additional steps, a well-planned apartment renovation can significantly improve functionality, comfort, and value. Working with experienced, licensed builders familiar with apartment construction and strata requirements is essential to ensuring the project is delivered safely, compliantly, and with minimal disruption to other residents.
Would you like a free in home assessment and written quotation?
Dylan from Passion Built will be happy to answer any questions you might have & also inspect the space you’d like to renovate to then provide a written, fixed price, quotation.
Renovating ideas for apartments in Sydney
Hide the washing machine in the kitchen
A lot of unit blocks in Sydney have a shared laundry area and nobody really likes using them. When you renovate a unit you have the opportunity to change the plumbing so that a washing machine can be added to the kitchen. Modern appliances are available that are a combination washer and dryer from places like Appliances Online to give you complete flexibility to wash and dry clothes.
For units that have a separate space for the laundry this can be re-purposed to be more storage, a linen cupboard or for some other purpose.
In wall toilet cistern
When you have a small bathroom in a unit you need to be clever with the products you choose like the vanity, toilet or even shower. One way to create more space is to install an in-wall toilet cistern because it conceals a lot of bulk and creates a minimalist look. The soft touch buttons add a touch of luxury as well.
Custom joinery and vanity
Instead of trying to fit off the shelf products into a bathroom its possible to maximise the use of space by having custom made joinery done. It means you can create a vanity unit that is totally bespoke to the room, using every available centimetre of space. This design also incorporated a sink so that everything was done to maximise the available space in this small bathroom.
Glass shelving in the shower
Sometimes it isn’t possible to install a wall niche in the shower which is a very modern trend. So the alternative idea is to have custom made shelving that ‘floats’ on the wall. These glass shelves are easy to clean, practical and visually don’t take up any clutter in the room. Light can also bounce around the room compared to ugly plastic storage units.
Frameless glass shower screens
You can buy cheap shower screens at places like Bunnings, but look how great a custom made frameless shower screen looks. Instead of trying to fit a standard size screen into the room, you can have whatever you like made to size.
So for this bathroom they could have placed the screen on the other side of the window to create a double person shower if they wanted to.
The frameless design is easier to keep clean because there are less surfaces, edges or joins for soap scum, shampoo or other debris to collect.
Free site inspection, consultation & quote
It’s really easy to find out the cost to renovate. We offer an obligation free site inspection, consultation & written price quote so that you can work out all the costs before you commit to renovating.
Bathroom renovation examples
If you would like to see more bathroom renovation examples, below are some more of the builds we have completed in Sydney. You can look through lots of photos and our design idea explanations to get inspiration for your bathroom. As you will see, each design is very different, proof that our renovation company can renovate any style or type of bathroom that you can dream of.
We are a bathroom renovator in Sydney that can custom design a bathroom in any size or shape, demolish your old rooms, then build a completely new one.
Apartment bathroom renovation to replace a bath with shower
A beautiful bathroom renovation in an apartment in Coogee, Sydney where we removed the old bath and replaced it with a walk in shower and Terrazzo-look tiles
Townhouse renovation in Padstow
A complete renovation on a townhouse in Padstow including the bathroom, kitchen and living areas
Making a bathroom larger & adding a toilet in Sydney
The owner of this home in Kogarah Bay wanted a bigger bathroom & to add a toilet. Our renovation included removing a wall and using the linen cupboard space, see how we did it
Get a new bathroom designed in Sydney
Designing a bathroom has never been easier with inspiration available from photos, interior design websites or videos. You can have a new custom designed and built bathroom for your house or apartment in Sydney using inspiration from magazines, Pinterest or your interior designer.
New bathroom designs
Building a new bathroom or renovating an old one in Sydney can definitely add value to your home, as long as the renovations are done properly and with the right materials. When considering a bathroom renovation, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary elements to make the space functional, including a shower, toilet, vanity and bathtub.
- A shower is a must-have for most people, as it provides a convenient and efficient way to get clean. Make sure to choose a shower that is large enough for two people and has enough headroom, if needed.
- Toilets are also important (no kidding right) and you should consider a model that is efficient, easy to clean and has a low profile to make the most of the space if there isn’t much room. Sometimes a concealed cistern system is a wise choice.
- Vanity units are essential for storing bathroom essentials and can be used to add extra counter space, too. Choose a vanity that matches the style of the bathroom and has enough storage space.
- Bathtubs can also add value to your home, especially if you have a larger family or enjoy relaxing in a warm bath. While they can take up a lot of space they are especially suited if the home needs to be used by a family with small children or it is placed in an ensuite to the main bedroom.
Choose your own materials
When renovating your bathroom, it is important to choose high-quality materials that are durable and attractive. This includes tiles, taps, shower heads and other fixtures. We always recommend a fresh coat of paint to give the space a new look and feel. Additionally, consider incorporating energy-efficient and eco-friendly features into your bathroom renovation, such as low-flow toilets, shower heads and taps which can help reduce water and energy usage. These features not only help the environment, but can also lower your monthly bills.
Fixed price quotations
Regarding cost, bathroom renovations can range from a few thousand dollars for a basic renovation to tens of thousands for a complete overhaul. It is important to have a budget in mind and stick to it, so you don’t overspend. Renovating a bathroom in Sydney to include a shower, toilet, vanity and bathtub can add value to your home, as long as the renovations are done properly and with the right materials.
Adding a bathroom with a combined laundry to a home in Sydney can potentially add value to your home.
However, the actual value added will depend on various factors such as the quality of the construction, the market demand in your area, and the overall appeal and functionality of the addition. Here are some considerations:
- Increased Functionality: Adding a bathroom and a combined laundry to a garage can enhance the functionality of your home. This addition provides convenience and versatility, especially if there are no existing bathrooms or laundry facilities in the garage or nearby. It can be particularly attractive to potential buyers or renters who prioritise having these amenities readily available.
- Additional Living Space: Converting a garage into a usable space with a bathroom and laundry can effectively increase the liveable square footage of your home. This can be advantageous when it comes to property valuation and appeal. However, it’s important to note that converting a garage may impact the availability of covered parking, which could be a factor for some buyers.
- Market Demand: The demand for properties with additional bathrooms and laundry facilities can vary depending on the specific market conditions in your area. Research the local real estate market and consult with real estate professionals to understand the preferences and expectations of potential buyers or renters. Consider whether the addition aligns with the needs and desires of the target market.
- Quality and Design: The quality of the construction, finishes, and overall design of the added bathroom and laundry will significantly impact its value. Ensure that the space is well-designed, functional, and visually appealing. Using high-quality materials and fixtures will also contribute to the perceived value of the addition.
- Cost vs. Value: Consider the cost of the addition relative to the potential increase in property value. Evaluate whether the expenses involved in construction, permits, and any necessary modifications are justified by the potential return on investment. It’s advisable to get estimates from reputable contractors and compare them with the estimated increase in home value to make an informed decision.
Remember that adding value to a home is not solely dependent on a single renovation project. It’s essential to consider the overall condition of the property, its location, and other factors that influence market value. Conduct thorough research, consult with professionals, and weigh the costs and potential benefits to make an informed decision about renovating your bathroom in Sydney.
Bathroom renovation contractor in Sydney
Renovations done in 21 days
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Renovate houses or units
Craftsmanship
We are known for our exceptional craftsmanship in creating modern, stylish, and trend-setting bathrooms. With an extensive background in bathroom construction, Passion Built specialises in catering to the unique preferences and needs of each client, ensuring the delivery of bespoke bathroom solutions for homes and units alike.
A spectrum of styles
Our expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of bathroom styles, allowing us to adeptly handle projects of any scale and complexity. Whether you envision a compact, efficient space or a luxurious, expansive bathroom, our team is equipped to bring your vision to life using a variety of high-quality materials. We take pride in our flexibility and creativity, ensuring that each project reflects the individuality and lifestyle of our clients.
Modern features
One of the hallmarks of Passion Built is our proficiency in incorporating modern features into our designs. This includes the construction of elegant walk-in showers and the installation of sophisticated free-standing baths, among other contemporary elements. These features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom but also contribute to its functionality and comfort.
Design & construction
Understanding that a bathroom renovation is not just about aesthetics, we offer comprehensive services that encompass design, structural alterations, and full-scale construction. Our team works closely with you from the initial design phase, helping to conceptualise a layout that maximises space and efficiency. We are skilled in modifying floor plans, relocating walls, and even combining rooms to create a more spacious and inviting bathroom environment.
High standards
The demolition and construction phases are handled with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. Our commitment to quality ensures that every aspect of the renovation, from the foundational work to the finishing touches, is executed to the highest standards. We coordinate all aspects of the project, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for our clients.
Exceeding expectations
At Passion Built, we recognise that a bathroom is more than just a functional space; it is a personal retreat that should reflect your style and enhance your daily routine. Our dedication to excellence, coupled with our experience and versatility, makes us the ideal choice for transforming your bathroom into a space that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Let us help you create a bathroom that is not just built, but passionately built to perfection.
