Frequently asked questions about bathroom renovations

Will Passion Built act as the principal contractor?

Yes. 

Passion Built is engaged as the sole principal contractor for your bathroom renovation. The business is run by licensed builder Dylan Doncevski and we carry the whole job from strip-out to final fit-off using our own in-house plumber, electrician, tiler, waterproofer and painter. 

You deal with one company and one point of contact for the entire project, not a list of separate trades you have to chase and coordinate yourself. All trades are subcontractors as they need to be licensed in their specific trade. A builder cannot sign off on a plumber or electrician’s work they carry out. At Passion Built our employees are the demolition team and the carpenters. The waterproofer is also licensed and insured separately.

What are your NSW contractor licence details?

Passion Built holds a current NSW Fair Trading building licence and works under the Home Building Act. Our licence and the licences of the trades on your job are:

• Builder (Passion Built): Builder License Number #364084C 
• Australian Business Number #17 646 669 061 
• Class 2 Practitioner Builder – BUP0003089
• Plumber: 366542C 
• Electrician: 397853C 
• Waterproofer: 302502C
   

You can check any NSW licence yourself on the Service NSW licence check. We are happy to provide copies for your records.

Is the project covered by Home Building Compensation (HBC) insurance?

Yes. 

For residential building work over $20,000 we take out Home Building Compensation cover via iCare (the scheme formerly known as Home Warranty Insurance) for your project before work starts, and we give you the certificate. This cover protects you if the work cannot be completed or defects cannot be fixed because the builder becomes insolvent, dies, disappears or loses their licence. 

We also carry $20 million public liability insurance separately through HIA

A certificate is issued for each job and given to the owner before any deposit or work commences.

What is your waterproofing method, who does it, and how is it certified?

Waterproofing is built into every bathroom we do, not treated as an optional extra. 

We install a complete waterproofing system exceeding the  Australian Standard AS 3740, we have developed this system over years of trial and error to ensure it is bullet proof, it consists of a 2 layer membrane applied directly to the subfloor, we then let this cure before putting down the sand/cement bedding. 

Once the bedding is dry we then install another layer of waterproofing membrane on top to create a sandwich effect.

The work is carried out by a licensed waterproofer and we photograph the finished membrane before any tiling goes down, so there is a clear record. 

On completion you receive a waterproofing certificate of compliance for your own files and for strata and photographs of the membrane before tiling.

Could the plumbing changes affect common property, stacks, slab penetrations or structural elements?

Possibly and we are upfront about it rather than discovering it halfway through. 

In an apartment the drainage stacks, the floor slab and some walls can be common property or structural. Relocating a vanity, toilet or floor waste can mean cutting into the concrete slab or connecting to a common stack. 

Where that applies we tell you in writing before work starts, we keep any penetrations to the minimum needed, and we make sure the work is signed off by the right licensed trade. 

Where a change touches a structural element we arrange or recommend a structural engineer. 

Anything that affects common property is flagged so it can go into your strata application. If making structural changes can be avoided we will always suggest that method first, if there is access below we won’t need to cut the slab, we drill core holes instead.

What strata documentation can you provide?

We can put together a strata pack to support your application to the owners corporation or building manager. It can include:

•     A written scope of works
•     Our builder’s licence and the relevant trade licences
•     Public liability insurance certificate
•     Home Building Compensation insurance certificate
•     Waterproofing details and certificate of compliance
•     A work schedule with start and finish dates and committed working hours. Typically that is 7am – 5pm however each strata will have there own rules if its a strata run complex.
•     A waste removal plan
•     A common-property protection plan covering lifts, lobbies, hallways and floors are covered in professional floor wrap from “Protecta Group”, lifts are generally covered by the strata.

   

This is the paperwork most strata committees and building managers ask for, so having it ready usually speeds up approval. 

What are the full inclusions, exclusions and likely variation triggers?

Your quote is a fixed-price written quote with a clear scope, so you know what is and is not included before you commit, with no surprise charges along the way. 

The full inclusions for your job are set out in the scope which is very detailed.

The things that are usually excluded, or that can trigger a priced variation, are:

•     Strata or council application fees
•     Asbestos, which can be present in older buildings and is only found once the room is opened up
•     Concealed damage behind walls or under the floor that could not be seen at quoting
•     Structural surprises in an older building
•     Any change you make to the agreed scope or product selections after work has started

   

If a variation comes up, we price it and get your written approval before we do the work, so you stay in control of the cost.

If we discover asbestos in an older building we will stop work. Generally if we think there is asbestos we would get the owner to get a tester out prior to starting, we then have licensed removalists who would do the demo/removal. If its a small piece hidden below a bath or in a roof we generally take this and discard of it appropriately, cost would be provided to the client as well as photos.

Can I select my own fixtures and fittings and have you manage them?

Yes. 

You can choose your own fixtures and fittings and we can guide you on the ordering, delivery and installation. 

We can also help guide your choices using our free 3D design software so you can see the scale and layout before anything is bought and point you to suppliers that suit.

If you would rather not source items yourself, we can supply everything to a set allowance. 

Either way the choice is yours, and we coordinate the lot so it arrives on site at the right time. We offer full trade pricing discounts if you order the products.

If a client-supplied item arrives late, is faulty or is the wrong size we would try avoiding this by making sure all items are onsite before we start to eliminate delays. If there is a faulty product then the client must obtain a replacement. If the client deviates from the agreed items this can cause issues with sizing, spacing and fitment which the client would need to resolve and/or a variation put in place. 

What is the payment schedule and likely timeline?

Most bathrooms are built in around 21 days on site once we start. On top of that, allow lead time at the front for design, product ordering and strata approval, which varies by building. 

Payment follows a staged schedule set out in your contract: a deposit, then progress payments tied to completed milestones, with the final payment on completion. 

Under NSW home building rules the deposit is capped and progress payments are linked to work actually done, so you are never paying for work before it is finished.

The actual payment stages are;

• Deposit
• Demolition
• Rough-ins completed
• Tiling completed
• Fitoff done
• Handover
• A NSW deposit cap is 10% for contracts over $20,000)

   

The actual timeline can change depending on how quickly the client can select items and gets required approvals. In most cases clients already have everything organised and at other times it has to all be decided. Selections need to be done at least 4 weeks prior to work starting.

What is the defect and warranty process after completion?

Every renovation comes with our 10 year workmanship guarantee, which sits on top of the statutory warranties you have under NSW home building law (6 years for major defects, 2 years for other defects under the Home Building Act).

If something is not right after completion, you contact us and we inspect and rectify any covered defect. Workmanship covers things like, a towel rail coming loose, grout falls out in an area, showerscreen hinges become faulty things like this, it excludes wear and tear and misuse.

Waterproofing and structural work carry the longer statutory warranty period and minor items a shorter one, as set out in your contract. 

At handover we leave you with your certificates and warranties so you have a complete record for yourself and for strata. We are your sole point of contact if there are any issues.

Will there be additional costs.

We provide fixed price quotes with allowances for some of the main unknowns we have come across in the years of doing this, this ensures all our clients are well aware of the costs, unlike other companies who hide these costs and then hit clients with huge variations we are upfront and honest in our pricing. 

Can I tile over existing Tiles.

We recommend against this as an option inside a bathroom for a few reasons, one main reason being by doing this you are tiling on top of old tiles with old waterproofing below, there’s no way to guarantee that there won’t be a leak in the future or know how long this old waterproofing has to last. 

Secondly, while many companies may use a primer and tile over it, typically this will last for a few months but will eventually detach or crack causing issues and even failed waterproofing.

How can I heat my bathroom?

There are quiet a few ways we can do this, one way is with the traditional heat/fan/light in the ceiling, another way is with underfloor heating.

Can I have a floating vanity without seeing the pipe below?

This depends on your situation, there are many factors that can prevent us from moving that pipe inside the wall, some could be strata restrictions, a single skin brick wall or undersized piping, this will usually be assessed at the quote and listed on your personalised quotation. 

We will also do our best to try and hide a pipe if required.

Will you be able to make my bathroom have more water pressure?

This is also a question we get asked a lot, water pressure for your house/apartment is actually set by Sydney Water out on the main lines in the street, nothing done internally of a house/apartment will cause more or less water pressure, some of the new water saving fixtures and fittings restrict water flow which will create the affect of more pressure however this is only an affect.

Why do some companies say the turn-around time is only 2 weeks and others 3-4weeks?

This is a major question, any company who is guaranteeing a turnaround of 2 weeks may not be following proper installation procedures and could be cutting corners, at Passion Built we take pride in the work we do and want to ensure it lasts for a lifetime.

We allow drying times as per manufactures guidelines, we also ensure our tradespeople are not working on top of each other. 

Just remember you may want to get it done cheaper and faster but the poor man always pays twice!

Can I use my bathroom during the renovation?

No, the bathroom will be out of action for the full construction period.

Why does an Ensuite renovation cost the same as a main bathroom Renovation?

That’s because the biggest expenses come from labour and compliance rather than the room’s size.

Whether it’s a compact ensuite or a large family bathroom, you’ll still need licensed plumbers, electricians, waterproofers and tilers. Each trade must complete its work to the same Australian standards.

Trades also charge for their time and multiple visits to site, regardless of the bathroom’s size. While a smaller ensuite may use fewer tiles or require less material, those savings are often balanced out by the extra time and care needed to work in a confined space. Many ensuites also include premium fixtures and clever storage solutions to make the most of the available room, which can further reduce any material savings.

Do I need to move out during the works?

No, that’s completely up to you, the water and electricity will remain on the entire time. The bathroom however will not be usable.

Heated floors vs Heated towel rails.

Personally i prefer heated towel rails, not only for the comfort of a warm towel after a shower but also because it helps dry the towels 

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Sydney?

As a guide, a complete main bathroom where the drainage stays where it is runs about $20K inc GST for labour only, $22-23K inc GST with basic fixtures, or $25-28K inc GST with premium fixtures. 

If the drainage has to move, add roughly $1K to each of those. An ensuite varies with size but is generally $17-18K inc GST labour only, $20-22K with basic fixtures and $26-29K with premium fixtures.

Those figures are for a complete rebuild where the old bathroom is stripped back to bare structure and built again from the ground up. 

Three things move the number;

1. The size of the room
2. Whether the layout or plumbing changes
3. Products you choose. A tap can be $20 or $400, and across a whole room that difference adds up fast.

    

We do not do makeovers. 

If you only want the room repainted and the taps swapped, a handyman will do that for under $2,000 and we will tell you so rather than sell you something you do not need.

The only way to get a real number for your bathroom is a site inspection and a written fixed price quote, and that is free.

Is the quote free, and what actually happens when you come out?

Yes. The phone or email consultation, the site inspection and the written quotation are all free and there is no obligation.

Dylan comes to your home, looks at the actual room, talks through what you want and flags anything that could become a problem later: single skin walls, undersized pipework, drainage that cannot easily move, existing damage, or strata restrictions. You then get a written, fixed price quotation with a detailed scope so you can see exactly what is and is not included before you commit.

If you are collecting other quotes, give every builder the same floor plan, the same scope and the same product list. 

If you do not, you will end up with a pile of prices for slightly different jobs and be more confused than when you started.

What actually happens, step by step, from the first call to handover?

• Free phone or email consultation to understand what you want done.
• Free site inspection to talk through your options and what is possible in your room.
• 3D design and layout so you can see the room before anything is ordered.
• Written fixed price quotation with a detailed scope of works.
• Contract signed, HBC insurance certificate issued to you, deposit paid.
• Selections finalised and products ordered. Selections need to be locked in at least 4 weeks before we start.
• Strata or council approval where your building or your job needs it.
• On site: demolition, rough-ins, waterproofing, screed, tiling, fit-off.
• Handover with your certificates, warranties and the photographic record of the membrane.
• Most apartment bathrooms take around 21 days on site. The front end, meaning design, ordering and approvals, is the part that varies most and it is largely driven by how quickly decisions get made.

   

Do I need council approval or a DA to renovate my bathroom?

For a straightforward bathroom renovation in a house, where you are replacing what is already there and not moving walls, usually no. Most bathroom work of that kind falls under exempt development in NSW.

It changes if you are removing or altering a wall, changing the external appearance of the building, adding a window, or if the property is heritage listed or sits in a heritage conservation area. In those cases approval may be required and we will tell you at quoting stage rather than halfway through the job.

If you are in an apartment or townhouse, the approval you need is usually from your owners corporation rather than council. See the strata documentation question earlier in this document for the pack we put together to support that application. Council and strata application fees are not included in our quote.

How do you keep the dust, noise and mess out of the rest of my home?

We treat the rest of your home as a site we are responsible for, not just the bathroom.

The bathroom is sealed off from the rest of the home, the floors and walkways between the entry and the bathroom are covered in professional floor wrap from Protecta Group, and waste is removed rather than left piled up outside your door. In an apartment we extend the same protection to lifts, lobbies and hallways, and lifts are generally covered by the building.

The honest part is that demolition is loud and dusty and there is no way around that. It is the first couple of days and then it settles down. 

We work standard hours, typically 7am to 5pm, or whatever hours your strata sets. Cleaning is included in the scope.

We only have one bathroom. How do we manage while you are working?

The bathroom is out of action for the whole construction period, so this is worth planning before we start rather than on day one.

You do not have to move out. 

Water and electricity stay connected the entire time and the rest of the home stays usable. 

What you need is a plan for showering and toileting for the roughly three weeks we are on site. Most clients use a second toilet elsewhere in the house, arrange with family or neighbours, use a gym or pool shower, or hire a portable toilet. We can talk it through at the quote so it is sorted early rather than becoming a problem in week one.

Do I need to be home while you are working, and how do you get access?

No. Most of our clients are at work while we are on site.

We agree the access arrangement with you before we start, whether that is a key, a lockbox, a building fob or someone letting the team in. You have one point of contact for the whole job, so if something comes up during the day there is one person to call rather than a list of separate trades to chase.

In apartments we deal with the building manager on the building side of access, including lift bookings and loading dock times where they apply.

How far ahead do I need to book, and when could you start?

Talk to us earlier than you think you need to. 

The build itself is around 21 days, but the lead time in front of it is where projects slip.

Your selections need to be locked in at least 4 weeks before we start on site so that everything is delivered and on site before day one. 

Strata approval adds more time again and varies a lot between buildings. 

If you have a date in mind, work backwards from it: strata approval, then selections, then ordering, then start on site.

Do you charge for the design, and can I see the bathroom before you build it?

We use 3D design software to plan your bathroom and it is free as part of our process.

You get to see the layout, the scale, the colours and the products in a virtual view before anything is bought and before a single tile is ordered. That is how we avoid the most expensive mistake in renovating, which is discovering the vanity is too wide or the shower is in the wrong place once the walls are already tiled.

If you would rather work with an interior designer or an architect that is completely fine, we will build to their plan.

How do I stop mould and condensation coming back in my new bathroom?

Mould is a ventilation and heat problem far more often than it is a cleaning problem.

Two things fix it: moving the moist air out of the room properly, and keeping surfaces warm enough that moisture does not condense on them. That means a correctly sized exhaust fan that is ducted outside rather than into the ceiling cavity, plus some form of heating. You can use the traditional heat, fan and light unit in the ceiling, underfloor heating, or heating behind the wall tiles.

The build detail matters too: proper falls to the waste so water does not sit, quality silicone at the junctions, and a shower screen arrangement that lets the room dry out between uses.

My shower is leaking. Do I need a full renovation, or can it just be repaired?

It depends on what is actually leaking, and it is worth knowing that before you spend money.

If the waterproofing membrane under the tiles has failed, then regrouting or resealing the screen is a bandaid. The water is already getting through and it will keep going until the membrane is replaced, and replacing the membrane means lifting the tiles. If it is a failed silicone joint, a worn shower screen seal or a tap issue, that is a repair.

This is the same reason we recommend against tiling over existing tiles, covered earlier in this document. You end up with new tiles sitting on top of old waterproofing that nobody can vouch for.

Will a new bathroom add value to my property?

A properly built new bathroom generally does. A makeover generally does not.

Bathrooms and kitchens are the two rooms buyers and valuers look at hardest. A complete renovation done by a licensed builder, with certified waterproofing and paperwork you can hand over, is a genuine improvement to the property. Painting over the old tiles and changing the handles freshens the room, but it is not the same thing and it will not be treated the same way.

Keep your certificates, including the waterproofing certificate of compliance. When you come to sell, being able to show the work was done properly and by whom is worth having.

Can you renovate an investment property that has tenants in it?

We can take on tenanted jobs and will do so under the requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act. We liase with the property manager as required.

Can you build a bathroom for someone with limited mobility or for ageing in place?

Yes we can build step free or hobless showers, grab rail blocking built into the walls, slip resistant floor tiles, wider doorways, shower seating, and whether Passion Built works to occupational therapist plans or home modification funding.

Which parts of Sydney do you work in?

We are based in Alexandria and work across Sydney. 

That includes the Eastern Suburbs, the Inner West, the North Shore and the Sutherland Shire, in suburbs like Bondi, Coogee, Marrickville, Leichhardt, Balmain and Pagewood.

If you are not sure whether your suburb is covered, call us or send through the address and we will tell you straight away.

Can I see bathrooms you have finished, or speak to people you have built for?

Yes. Our website has before and after examples and a photo gallery of completed bathrooms across Sydney, and the reviews page has what clients have written about working with us.

If you would like to speak to a past client directly, ask and we will arrange it.

How do I know I can trust a builder? What should I actually check before I sign with anyone?

• Check it yourself rather than taking anyone’s word for it. Four things take about ten minutes:
• The builder’s licence on the Service NSW licence check. Ours is 364084C, and our plumber, electrician and waterproofer are licensed separately in their own trades because a builder cannot legally sign off on their work. Every one of those numbers is published on our website with a direct link to the NSW register.
• The ABN on the Australian Business Register. Ours is 17 646 669 061.
• Proof of Home Building Compensation cover and public liability insurance. Ask to see the certificate, not just a claim on a website.
• Reviews and finished work. Look for the same person’s name appearing across the reviews, the photos and the licence. If the person quoting you is not the person named on the licence, ask why.
• If a builder gets uncomfortable when you ask for any of this, that is your answer.

   

What happens if the builder goes broke or walks off halfway through?

This is exactly what Home Building Compensation cover exists for, and it is the single most important piece of paper in your renovation.

For residential work over $20,000 we take out HBC cover through iCare before work starts and give you the certificate. If the builder becomes insolvent, dies, disappears or loses their licence, that cover pays to have the work completed or the defects fixed. It is not optional and it is not a nice to have. 

If a builder tells you the job does not need it, or wants to keep the price under $20,000 to avoid it, walk away.

You should have that certificate in your hand before you pay a deposit.

Do I have to pay a big deposit up front? Is my money safe?

No, and the law is on your side here. 

In NSW the deposit is capped at 10 percent for contracts over $20,000.

After that you pay in stages tied to work that has actually been completed: demolition, rough-ins, tiling, fit-off, then handover. You are never paying in advance for work that has not been done. If someone asks for 30 or 50 percent up front, that is a problem regardless of how they explain it.

Can I read the contract before I commit, or is there pressure to sign on the day?

Take it away and read it. There is no pressure to sign anything at the kitchen table.

The quote is fixed price with a detailed written scope, and you should read the scope line by line so you can see exactly what is and is not included. If something you assumed was included is not there, that is the conversation to have before you sign, not after. 

Ask questions, get another quote, take a week. A builder who needs a decision tonight is telling you something.

Can I change my mind after I have signed but before you start?

Unfortunately we do not offer refunds, if a client wants to cancel after signing it will be at their loss as we have already committed to planning and paperwork for the build. Any items ordered will be refunded if the supplier allows returns, made to order vanities for example though cannot be returned.

I am not a designer. How am I supposed to choose tiles, tapware and everything else?

You do not have to work it out on your own, and this is the part that stalls most renovations.

We plan the room in 3D first, so you see the layout, the scale, the colours and the actual products in a virtual view before anything is bought. That turns an abstract decision into a picture you can react to, which is much easier than standing in a tile showroom trying to imagine it.

We will point you to suppliers that suit your budget and style, and we can tell you where spending more is worth it and where it is not. If you and your partner cannot agree, seeing both versions side by side in 3D usually settles it faster than another argument in the car park.

If you would rather hand the choices over entirely, we can supply everything to a set allowance.

Will the water and power be off for the whole house?

No. Water and electricity stay connected to the rest of the home for the entire job.

There will be short, planned isolations for specific stages, for example when the plumber connects new pipework. 

We tell you in advance when those are happening so you are not caught out. The bathroom itself is out of action for the whole build, but the rest of the house keeps running normally.

What do we need to do to get ready? Do we clear the room and move furniture?

Empty the bathroom completely, including the vanity, the shaving cabinet, the shelves and anything hanging on the back of the door. Take down anything on the walls in the hallway or rooms next to the bathroom, because demolition vibration travels.

Clear a path from the front door or lift to the bathroom, and move anything precious out of that path. We wrap the floors and walkways in professional floor wrap and seal the bathroom off, but there is no reason to leave a favourite vase in the firing line.

If you have a spot in mind for materials to be stacked for a few days, tell us at the start.

What about the kids, the pets and working from home?

Worth planning honestly rather than hoping for the best.

Demolition is the loud part and it is the first day or two. After that it is normal trade noise, drilling, cutting and people moving in and out. If you work from home and take calls, plan to be elsewhere for demolition day. If you have a baby napping, tell us and we will talk about timing.

Pets need to be secured somewhere away from the work area. Doors get propped open, tools and offcuts are on the floor, and a cat that gets out on day one becomes everybody’s problem. We would rather sort that out with you before we start.

Where will the trades park, and where does the rubbish go?

Tell us the parking situation before day one, because in the inner suburbs this is a real issue and it is better solved early than argued about on the street.

Waste removal is included in your scope. 

We remove it rather than leave it piled up outside your door or in the driveway for weeks. In an apartment we work to the building’s rules on bin rooms, loading docks and lift bookings, and we sort that with the building manager rather than leaving it to you.

We don’t use skip bins, we have our own tipper truck that does all the rubbish removal which removes the needs for permits etc

Will my neighbours be upset, and what do I tell them?

Give them a heads up before you start. A short message saying what you are doing, roughly how long it will take and the hours the trades will work removes most complaints before they happen.

We work standard hours, typically 7am to 5pm, or whatever hours your strata sets. In an apartment the strata approval process usually requires committed working hours anyway, and sticking to them is the fastest way to keep everyone comfortable. 

Common areas are protected and cleaned, which matters more to your neighbours than almost anything else.

What if the job runs over time?

Most bathrooms are around 21 days on site. The things that push that out are almost always decisions and deliveries, not the trades.

That is why selections need to be locked in at least 4 weeks before we start and why we want everything on site before day one. A client supplied item that arrives late or faulty stops the job, and so does a change of mind about the tiles once the walls are prepared.

You get one point of contact for the whole job, so if something does shift you hear it from us early rather than working it out from the silence.

We have not had a job run beyond the anticipated time frame, we allow a few days of additional time if it is a requirement for a contract and we will always communicate quickly if an issue arises. Delays are typically due to material or product supply issues from companies that we are not associated with or have control over.

What if I do not like it when it is finished?

This is the fear behind most of the hesitation, and the answer is that you should not be seeing the room for the first time at handover.

The 3D design stage exists so you approve the layout, the colours and the products before anything is bought. The scope of works spells out exactly what is being installed. You are also living in the house while it is being built, so you see it going up rather than waiting for a reveal.

If you want to change something once work has started we can price it as a variation and you approve it in writing first, but changes get more expensive the further into the build you go. Say it early. That is what the design stage is for.

Can I do some of the work myself to save money?

You can buy your own products and you will save money doing it, and we offer full trade pricing if you would rather we order them.

Doing the actual work is a different question. 

Waterproofing, plumbing and electrical have to be done by the licensed trade and certified, and there is no way around that. Beyond the law, the build is a sequence with drying times between stages, and an owner painting or demolishing at the wrong moment holds up four other people.

Some owners do take out their demolition work but typically they regret half way through it because of the work involved. Some owners will do their own painting afterwards.

We cannot warrant any work carried out by a client

Do you offer finance or payment plans?

No, and that is on purpose rather than something we have not got around to.

A bathroom renovation company is not a lender. Any finance a small operator puts in front of you is a third party product we would simply be reselling, and we cannot match what a bank, a credit union or a dedicated lender does on rate, term or fees, because they are lending at a scale we are not. 

The major retailers who advertise interest free terms are buying those deals with volume we do not have either. So anything we offered you would almost certainly be worse than what you can arrange yourself.

You are better off going to the market and comparing the whole package: repayment rates, terms, conditions, fees and what happens if you want to pay it out early. Then pick the combination that suits your circumstances rather than the one your builder happens to have signed up with.

It also keeps the money and the building work separate, which matters more than people expect. If something needs sorting out on the job you are not also negotiating with the same company about a loan, and if a better rate comes along you are free to take it. 

Flexibility beats being locked in to your renovation company.

Should we renovate now, or wait? Is it worth doing before we sell?

If the bathroom is leaking, waiting costs money rather than saves it. Water getting past a failed membrane does damage behind the walls and under the floor the whole time it is left, and that damage is not covered by anyone.

If it is a matter of taste rather than failure, the practical answer is that a complete renovation by a licensed builder with certified waterproofing and paperwork you can hand over is a genuine improvement to the property. A makeover is not. 

If you are selling, buyers and valuers look hardest at bathrooms and kitchens, and being able to show who did the work and that it was done properly is worth having.

The one thing we will say plainly: do not rush the front end to hit a date. Cheap and fast is where the horror stories come from. 

The poor man always pays twice.