Renovating a bathroom to make it larger in Sydney by Passion Built
- March 16, 2023
- Bathrooms
I saw it a lot in the reviews before we decided to work with Dylan and Passion Built but professional really does sum up their service so well. Dylan was easy to speak to and great to work with. I was really impressed with the end result and hope to work with the business again.
Bathroom renovation in Sydney to make the room bigger
Passion Built is a licensed builder in Sydney that can renovate houses, apartments, townhouses, granny flats or commercial sites. For this home in Sydney the scope of work our renovation team was given was to completely renovate the bathroom to make it larger by adjusting the existing walls and floor layout to make more space.
In this Wahroonga home, the lower level originally featured a large rumpus room with a small adjoining bathroom—a common layout in many multi-level properties across Sydney. While functional, the limited bathroom space didn’t align with the homeowners’ vision for a more practical and versatile use of the downstairs area. They wanted to reconfigure the floor plan to include a larger, more comfortable bathroom and a dedicated home gym space.
To achieve this, a key part of the renovation involved strategically relocating an internal wall. By shifting the wall, we were able to expand the bathroom’s footprint without compromising the overall flow of the rumpus room. This structural modification made it possible to incorporate a more generous shower area, custom vanity, and ample storage—features that significantly enhance the usability and comfort of the space.
At Passion Built, this is exactly the type of tailored renovation we specialise in. Our approach goes beyond simple upgrades. We help clients explore creative layout solutions that can completely transform how a space functions. Moving internal walls is a practical and often underused method of unlocking a home’s full potential. When done correctly by licensed renovation builders, these changes can deliver a far more efficient floor plan and add measurable value to the property.
By customising the bathroom layout to suit both current and future lifestyle needs, homeowners not only enjoy better day-to-day functionality but also improve the home’s appeal for resale. It’s a smart, long-term investment—and one of the key benefits of working with a renovation company experienced in structural reconfiguration and bespoke design.
Our scope of work for this renovation project was extensive and it included;
- Engaging a structural engineer to create plans for a new steel beam so a brick wall could be removed.
- A steel detailer to design the steel beam to the required specs so that a metal fabricator could manufacture it.
- Installing the new steal beam.
- New wall framing.
- Installing the required ceiling structural supports.
- Gyprocking the new walls.
- Adjusting the plumbing drainage to suit the new floor layout.
- Building the new custom designed bathroom.
- Building the new laundry.
- Painting,
- Installing all the new lighting.
- Installing new fixtures, toilet, taps and vanity.
Another unique aspect for this home renovation in Wahroonga was the soundproofing of the walls to the gym area using special acoustic gyprock sheeting. Gyprock Soundchek provides sound control with high density gypsum plasterboard that has improved sound transmission properties when used in residential and commercial walls or ceilings.
Gyprock Soundchek is available in two thicknesses and typically the 10mm product is used in residential walls and ceilings to create quiet zones and reduce disturbance from other activities within the home. It is ideal for use around studies, nurseries, bedrooms, laundries, ensuites, home theatres and for ceilings between storeys.
f you’re looking to custom build a new bathroom, here are some general steps that you may need to take:
- Plan the layout: Before you start any construction, you need to plan the layout of your bathroom. This includes deciding on the size and placement of fixtures such as the bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet. You’ll also need to decide on the type of tiles, flooring, and other finishes that you want, including the colours or textures.
- Obtain permits: You might need to obtain permits from your local council before you can begin any construction work. This will involve submitting your plans and paying any necessary fees but is normally only if you are extending the exterior or renovating a heritage property.
- Demolition: If you’re replacing an existing bathroom, you’ll need to demolish the old fixtures and remove any waste materials. This should be done by professionals to make sure the walls, electrical wiring or plumbing isn’t damaged.
- Plumbing and electrical work: You’ll need to hire a licensed plumber and electrician to install new pipes, wiring, and fixtures. This may involve cutting into walls and floors, so it’s important to ensure that any changes comply with building codes as well as done to Australian Standards.
- Installation of fixtures: Once the plumbing and electrical work is complete, the next step is tiling, then waterproofing before you can install your new fixtures such as the bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet.
- Finishing touches: This includes installing any cabinets, shelving, mirrors, and other decorative features. You’ll also need to paint the walls and apply any finishing touches to the flooring and tiles.
- Final inspection: Once your bathroom is complete, you’ll need to have a final inspection to ensure that everything is up to code and meets building regulations. Then it should get a professional deep clean so that it is ready for use.
Making a bathroom larger that is built on a concrete slab with brick walls
Passion Built‘s renovation scope of work included the full demolition of the old bathroom before we began any renovating. We stripped everything to get back to the bare brick walls so that could get access to the plumbing to make adjustments and change the floor plan.
Before any of this could happen we had to remove the existing brick wall so that the bathroom could be re-framed and make it larger. This demolition work is quite risky and we had to ensure that all the relevant spots were braced to ensure the ceiling didn’t collapse on us.
Once the new structural steel was designed and fabricated it could be installed to provide the necessary strength for the floors above now that the brick wall had been removed.
Our bathroom renovation company can completely renovate a bathroom to make it larger. In this example we removed an existing brick wall. For other situations it might be an easier task and it is just a gyprock wall that has to be taken down or a laundry combined with a bathroom.
We create the ability to custom build any type of bathroom design because we have licensed plumbers, builders, carpenters & tilers who work together to renovate any type of bathroom no matter what size or layout it is. We can even remove or adjust a wall if need be to create enough space so you can fit a bath tub, shower, toilet, washing machine and dryer – whatever you need really.
The products we installed in this bathroom included;
- Mizu drift heated towel rails
- Custom adp vanity
- LED backlit mirror
- Mizu drift shower head and rail
- 45 degree mitre cut tiles corners
- Pink marble feature tiles
- Custom laundry joinery
- 20mm Ceasarstone “snow” benchtop
- Frameless glass showerscreen
- Linear grate tile insert floor waste – wall to wall
adding new walls into a home to build a new bathroom
With the new structural framework in place we were able to begin the timber framing for the new custom bathroom to be constructed. The home was built on a concrete slab so we could quickly get to work with the new frames and the larger bathroom began to take shape very quickly for the home owners.
Changing the layout of a bathroom by moving the plumbing in the concrete slab
One of the most significant advantages of completely demolishing an old bathroom during a renovation is the full access it provides to the underlying structure—particularly the plumbing, electrical wiring, and waterproofing systems concealed within the walls and floor. In older homes, these systems are often outdated, incorrectly installed, or have suffered damage over time. By stripping the bathroom back to its bare framework, licensed renovators and tradespeople can carry out a thorough inspection to identify any hidden issues that may not be visible from the surface.
In the project shown above, clear signs of water damage were evident, including paint bubbling and peeling on the internal walls. This is often a tell-tale indicator of moisture intrusion, typically caused by a failed waterproofing membrane or leaking pipework behind the surface. If left unresolved, this type of water ingress can lead to serious consequences, such as rot in timber framing, mould growth, and long-term structural damage—especially in timber floor homes or apartments with shared substructures.
By undertaking a full demolition, we were able to remove all affected materials, expose the condition of the subfloor and wall cavities, and rectify the source of the leak in accordance with AS 3740 – Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas and AS/NZS 3500 for plumbing compliance. Once the defective components were addressed, we applied a new, compliant waterproofing system and installed updated plumbing and wiring to suit the new bathroom layout.
This process not only ensures the renovation is built on a sound foundation, but it also gives homeowners peace of mind knowing that hidden damage has been properly addressed—not simply covered up. Ultimately, while full demolition may add time and cost in the short term, it significantly reduces the risk of future maintenance issues and contributes to the long-term integrity and value of the property.
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.
Custom bathroom renovating ideas
Shallow vanity sink
Most people will choose a sink for their vanity that is quite deep, although when you think about it, why do you need a deep sink? By choosing to install a shallow sink in your bathroom you can save space under the countertop for extra storage while retaining the ability to catch water.
Vanity mirror with storage and lighting
For ensuite bathrooms it can be hard to find enough space to store all of your medicine, hair care products and other toiletries. Instead of choosing a simple mirror to hang on the wall, getting a vanity mirror with storage can help solve that problem. It also creates easy eye-level access to everything you need.
Some units can also have strip lighting installed to then cleverly light up the room without having lots of downlights in the roof.
Textured tiling
Most people choose smooth tiles for their walls or floors, but you can use textured tiles even as feature highlights that can give a room some impact and make it feel luxurious. For this bathroom renovation they opted for a herringbone style feature wall which complimented the large format floor tiling. It gives the mainly white bathroom a touch of character.
Linear drain grate that is wall to wall
Most of the custom made floor wastes that we install will be done to fit within one of the areas of a tile. For this design it runs the full length of the shower from wall to wall. At first glance it feels like it is part of the glass shower screen and is ‘disguised’ which is a nice design feature.
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
Free 3D design included
FREE Fixed price quotes
AMAZING 10 year guarantee
Homeowners insurance
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.
