Complete bathroom renovations with new bath in Sydney
- January 29, 2025
- Bathrooms
We had a great experience with Dylan, Ben, Giselle and the rest of the team, and we couldn’t be happier with how the bathroom turned out. Nothing was ever a big deal, and the team promptly answered all questions.
A bathroom renovation in Sydney to repair failed waterproofing
Passion Built does bathroom renovations in Sydney for houses, apartments, townhouses, granny flats or commercial properties. Most property owners will ask us to renovate an old bathroom to make it look and feel more modern. Although for this home the family was dealing with major waterproofing failure in their upstairs bathroom. So the only way to stop the water leaking and repair the waterproofing was to completely renovate the bathroom.
The failed waterproofing was so bad that water was actually leaking through the ceiling and dripping into the room below it on the ground level. What happens is water finds its way through the tiling past the waterproofing and into the roof cavity where the timber bearers are, if there is enough water it will then soak into the cement sheeting in the roof until that gets too weak to hold water and it begins to drip.
So our renovation scope of work focussed on completely demolishing the old bathroom then repairing the walls, floor and ceiling of the home so the new bathroom could be built. Failed waterproofing in a bathroom may not be detected for many months or years as water might be leaking into wall or ceiling cavity areas without you knowing about it and where you can’t see it. Eventually you may spot it because you might see light coloured stains appearing on the roof, paint bubbling on adjacent brick walls or even mould spots developing.
The home owner chose Passion Built as their bathroom renovations contractor in Sydney because we have lots of experience working in second storey houses to renovate bathrooms. As mentioned the scope of work for this renovation project was aimed at repairing the water damage while also doing a complete renovation of the main bathroom to give it a fresh, modern look using stone look floor and wall tiling.
The bathroom renovating challenges
- Repair the water damaged floor and ceiling
- Re-instate the room so it could be renovated with a new bathroom
- Complete the build of the new bathroom including new floor & wall sheeting, waterproofing, tiling and fixture installation.
What bathroom renovation work did we complete?
- Demolished the old bathroom and removed all materials.
- Removed all damaged wall and floor timber framework
- Remove and replace all necessary floor or wall sheeting
- New waterproofing
- New wall and floor tiling
- New free standing bath installation
- New vanity unit installation
- Custom made walk in shower with glass screen construction
- Fitting of lights, switches, taps and bathroom fixtures
Doing a renovation to change the layout of the bathroom
For this main bathroom the property owner wanted to retain the use of a toilet, shower, vanity & bath in the room. They wanted floor to ceiling tiling but also wanted to change the floor plan layout by swapping the placement of the shower and vanity. We created some bathroom layout ideas for them to consider to help them finalise their design which we do for every renovation project.
This meant we could place each item in the room with the exact dimensions to ensure there would be appropriate space between the toilet, vanity, bath and shower. Once the owners were happy with the design we could then use this to mark out the locations for each item and prepare the plumbing and drainage to suit.
We used products from;
- Beaumont Tiles including Napoli Grey Terrazzo floor tiles
- Ales Dark Grey large format 1200 x 600 wall tiles
- The beautiful Caroma Blanc Free Standing 1700 bath in white as the feature piece
- Tapware from ABI Interiors
Replacing a cavity bath with a free standing bath
As you can see in the before and after photos we removed the old cavity bathroom and replaced it with a free standing bath tub. With the limited space in the room we had to figure out a way to create enough space for the walk in shower and new, larger, bath tub. So the solution was to move the bath to the far wall and then create a huge open walk in shower area that is almost invisible due to the use of a frameless glass shower screen.
Replacing a built-in cavity bathtub installed in a corner with a freestanding bath is a feasible upgrade that can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a bathroom. The process typically begins with the removal of the existing cavity bath, which involves disconnecting the plumbing, dismantling surrounding wall tiles or panels, and ensuring the floor beneath is adequately prepared for the new installation.
Once the space is cleared, adjustments to the plumbing may be required, as freestanding baths often have a different waste and water supply configuration compared to built-in models. This may involve repositioning the drainage and tapware to suit the new bath placement. Additionally, floor reinforcement may be necessary, particularly if the new freestanding bath is significantly heavier than the previous unit, such as those made from stone or cast iron.
After plumbing modifications are completed, the freestanding bath is carefully positioned and secured in place, ensuring proper levelling and stability. Final connections are made, followed by sealing around the base to prevent water ingress. Any necessary tiling or flooring repairs are then carried out to seamlessly integrate the new bath into the existing bathroom design. This transformation not only modernises the space but also creates a more open and luxurious feel, enhancing both usability and visual appeal.
Demolition and construction of a bathroom in Sydney
- Evaluate the space available: First step is to measure the existing spaces to determine if it can accommodate the different elements you are considering renovating or changing. You might discover that a wall needs to be changed or a layout altered.
- Budget: Establish a budget that covers all aspects of the renovation, including materials, labour, fixtures, and any unforeseen expenses. Some people will say they don’t know how much a bathroom renovation costs for example, but there is plenty of information available online to give you an idea, most bathrooms will cost at least $20,000 for a complete renovation. Get more information here.
- Design and layout: You can choose to work with an interior designer or architect to create a layout that optimises the available space, ensuring adequate room for movement and accessibility. They will typically create detailed floor plans and 3D renderings to make decision making easier.
- Local building codes: Research and understand local building regulations and codes that pertain to bathroom renovations. Ensure your plans comply with these requirements as each Council has different requirements. Most of the time internal renovations don’t need approvals.
- Obtain permits: While most bathroom renovations in Sydney won’t require a permit it is always wise to check with your local council as their requirements change all the time. Apply for the necessary permits from local authorities before commencing work if they are required which could be the case if the property is part of a strata block of townhouses.
- Demolition: A bathroom renovator like Passion Built can help you demolish the existing toilet to get ready to build the new bathroom.
- Plumbing: New plumbing lines might be needed to accommodate the new shower, vanity, and toilet. This may involve significant changes, including installing new pipes, drains, and venting systems depending on the house and existing layout.
- Electrical: Update electrical wiring to ensure it can handle new lighting, exhaust fans, and outlets, following safety codes and standards as required. Different room types or locations will need different elements which will be included in the interior design plan.
- Floor reinforcement: If necessary, reinforce the flooring to support the weight of the new fixtures, especially if a bath tub is going to be installed in a bathroom that is being built on the second storey of a home.
- Wall and floor construction: Construct or modify walls to create the desired layout that include moisture-resistant drywall in areas that will be exposed to water and of course waterproofing.
- Tiling, painting & fixture fitting: Once the room is prepared and ready to be used for renovation the work begins once the waterproofing has been completed to start doing the tiling, fitting fixtures, lighting, and then painting.
For every bathroom renovation project in Sydney we provide a 2D site plan and 3D virtual view of the room so that everything can be planned perfectly. This room was just under 3m x 3m in size which is pretty common for most houses in Sydney. This provided enough space for a toilet, shower, vanity & freestanding bath. With clever bathroom design you can create so much useful space and it is why we decided to have a single piece glass shower screen so that it was an open space and easy to clean. We also designed a clever wall niche that can store bath products with soft lighting to create a nice moody effect at night time.
Some other little highlights included;
- New ceiling exhaust fan that was 3X more powerful than the old one to get any excess steam or moisture out of the room.
- Frameless shower screen and full length floor drain
- Wall hung vanity to create the feeling of more space in the room
- Caroma Urbane Cleanflush Wall Faced slimline toilet
- All the tile corners are mitred so there are no metal angles
- The Napoli Grey Terrazzo floor tiles has a rectified edge to give a clean, streamlined look with minimal grout lines. There is a resurgence of using terrazzo as it makes its return as a style trend.
- A polyuetherane vanity unit with marble stone top & soft close drawers
- Milani progressive shower mixer taps in brushed nickel
- URI oval shower rail in brushed nickel
- KOBI curved hand shower in brushed nickel
- DANA round shower head 250mm in brushed nickel
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.
Bathroom renovation interior design ideas
Free standing bath tub
We installed a Caroma Blanc 1700 freestanding bath tub into this bathroom which gives the property owner a chance to enjoy a long luxurious soak in this deep bath. The Caroma Blanc has a tapered design to maximise the depth and add some elegance into the room. In classic white it becomes a statement piece for any room to give it wow factor as soon as you walk in.
We combined that with a Caroma Urbane Cleanflush wall faced slimline toilet to create the feeling of more space in the room.
Bathroom interior mood lighting
Lighting is one of the things that is often forgotten about when it comes to bathroom design. We loved worked with this property owner to install led lighting inside the shower screen channel, the wall niche areas and below the wall hung vanity.
The soft lighting creates a beautiful ambiance in the room when the main lights are not switched on and it feels like a luxury day spa.
wall hung vanity cupboard
We always make sure every bathroom we renovate is turned into a practical living space. It would be easy to make something look visually appealing for a magazine but it is just as important to be able to live with it every day.
For this main bathroom it was important there was ample storage, power points & even ventilation in the room to make it practical and usable everyday.
That is also the benefit of having our 3D Virtual Design provided with every renovation as you can move items around as you need to & visualise how the space will work.
walk in shower with glass screen
Old showers have bulky frames, walls and either a crappy sliding door or plastic curtains. For this renovation we installed a single piece frameless shower screen with full length floor drain. This design feature reduces the clutter in the room and creates more usable space as well. With less joins or brackets to worry about it is also easier to clean.
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 bathrooms we have built in Sydney. You can view lots of photos and our explanations behind each bathroom designto get inspiration for your bathroom.
As you will see, each bathroom is renovated differently, proof that our renovation company can renovate any style or type of bathroom in that you can dream of. Our company can custom design practically any style or shape you can imagine.
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
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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.
