Small bathroom renovation with new layout in Sydney by Passion Built
- September 21, 2022
- Bathrooms
Our bathroom renovation went incredibly smoothly, despite a somewhat challenging location.
Dylan was very helpful and accommodating with us choosing our own fittings, we were kept well-informed, and everyone involved was professional and friendly.
We are delighted with the result. We wholeheartedly recommend Passion Built.
Bathroom renovation with layout change in Bardwell park in Sydney
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.
If you’re considering an affordable bathroom renovation in Sydney, one of the first and most important factors to assess is how to create a more functional, user-friendly space within the footprint of your existing room. In suburbs like Bardwell Park, the average cost of a bathroom renovation typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the condition of the existing bathroom, the quality of fixtures and finishes chosen, and whether any structural or layout changes are required.
To begin estimating your renovation cost, the first step is to decide whether you will keep your current layout. This includes determining if the toilet, vanity, shower, bath, lighting, windows, and doors will remain in their existing positions. Retaining the existing layout can reduce renovation costs significantly because it avoids the need to relocate plumbing and electrical services, which typically adds labour time and requires compliance with plumbing codes such as AS/NZS 3500 and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA). Keeping the layout the same also minimises the risk of uncovering hidden issues in wall cavities or under floors, which can sometimes lead to unforeseen variations.
However, in many older bathrooms, the original layout is inefficient or restrictive. I
n such cases, homeowners may choose to move key items such as the toilet, bath, or shower to improve usability or make the space feel larger. This is particularly common in small or awkwardly designed bathrooms in apartments or single-storey homes where functionality has been compromised over time. Altering the layout will generally increase the cost, but it can also drastically improve how the space functions day to day, adding long-term value to the property.
In more extensive renovations, it may be worth considering structural changes such as removing a non-load bearing wall to merge a laundry and bathroom into one larger, more practical wet area. This is a common approach in older Sydney homes where laundries are underutilised or oversized. With careful design and planning, these kinds of projects can transform the entire flow of a home, especially in smaller dwellings like units, terraces or villas.
In the case of one recent renovation in Bardwell Park, the client’s key objective was to install a larger freestanding bath and reposition the toilet to free up space. By relocating the toilet to a less prominent position and reconfiguring the bath layout, they were able to create a more open feel, improve circulation space in front of the vanity, and enhance overall usability. While this did involve moving plumbing lines and updating drainage, the result was a modernised layout that better suited the homeowner’s lifestyle needs without the need to enlarge the physical space.
When planning a renovation, creating a detailed bathroom renovation checklist can help you identify and prioritise goals, set realistic expectations, and make informed decisions. Key items to include on your checklist might be:
- Will the layout stay the same or change?
- Are you updating all fixtures or reusing any?
- Do you want to include upgrades like underfloor heating, custom joinery, or niche shelving?
- What is your timeline and budget?
- Are there any compliance or strata approval requirements?
Engaging a licensed builder or bathroom renovation specialist is essential to ensure all works are carried out to Australian Standards, and that any changes to plumbing, electrical, or waterproofing are completed correctly and legally. A properly managed renovation will not only improve the comfort and aesthetics of your bathroom but also ensure long-term durability and compliance with local building regulations.
Renovating a bathroom on a concrete slab and with brick walls
In the before photos you will see in an instant how much space is being wasted around the toilet cistern. Not only has it been installed away from the walls, it isn’t in the corner and there is lots of empty space either side.
Maybe if this was a bathroom for an elderly person that needed mobility aids or the space to move a walking frame it may make sense, but in this example, it is space that can’t really be used for very much.
So the benefit of moving the location of the toilet, vanity and shower is to create a bathroom layout that uses the shape of the room better.
This is where clever bathroom design for small spaces is so crucial when it comes to home improvements in Sydney.
For this home the owner wanted to update their old daggy bathroom because the existing layout was cramped with lots of wasted space in the room (even though it was small). So by changing the drainage and plumbing it made it really easy to move things around and use the space better.
The owners even got a little creative with their design by choosing to have a subway style feature wall in a beautiful green / teale colour with lovely pattern. In fact we had to lay each tile very carefully to make sure the patterns didn’t repeat themselves on the wall. It creates instant impact as soon as you open the door, frames the window nicely and draws you in.
It took us about 21 days to complete this renovation and the products used included;
- Vanity – custom made vanity from ADP
- Toilet – Caroma back to wall toilet suite
- Bath – Steel drop in bath tub
- Ceiling fan – Inline exhaust fan with flush mounted ceiling grill
Passion Built‘s renovation scope of work was to strip the old bathroom so that we could get access to the plumbing under the house and make the required adjustments so that the toilet, shower and vanity could be moved to a different orientation.
This home was built on a concrete slab, so what we had to do was wet saw cut into the slab to get access to the existing pipes, then make the required adjustments to the plumbing. This does add to the labour cost of a bathroom renovation but it means you get a much better layout, so it is worth the investment.
This is what we enjoy doing and is why our company is chosen for so many renovation projects in Sydney. Our team of renovation specialists can give you a quote to make it easy to estimate your renovating costs for a house, unit or townhouse.
Renovating this way is much better than buying a bathroom renovation package because you can choose every single item, detail and design without being restricted to what is in a brochure or service list.
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 an small bathroom
Feature wall tiling
Feature walls are used in living areas generally, but there is nothing stopping you doing one in your bathroom. Forget boring old white tiling, you can add some colour, texture and patterns into a bathroom by being very selective. Placing them on one wall can create a feature that wows people as soon as they walk in.
Wall niche above the bath tub
Another clever bathroom design feature for this small room was to have a deep wall niche created above the bath tub. This serves dual purposes as products for the shower can be placed here, but you can also have soap, candles or other items here for when the bath is being used.
Combination shower and bath tub
For small bathrooms the smartest decision you can make is to combine your shower and bath into the one unit. Great for the kids and great for adults. Anyone can use it and you get the best of both worlds. This is just another bathroom renovation tip and trick that people use to make best use of space.
For those with the budget a sunken bath could be installed that can create even more drama and impact.
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 in Alexandria 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.
