The bathroom renovation process on the Sunshine Coast

If you’ve never renovated before – or even if you have – it can become overwhelming trying to figure out the process. We’ve put together a brief overview of what a typical bathroom renovation process on the Sunshine Coast looks like. 

Planning your bathroom renovation

Most people love finding design inspirations and details, and we don’t blame them! That’s the fun part. But there’s more to the planning process than just deep-diving into trends. Every successful bathroom renovation is the result of thorough research, meticulous scheduling, and exhaustive planning. At Refresh, our planning stages include concept designs, working drawing development, contractor scheduling, material sourcing, permitting, and whatever other nuanced tasks your unique bathroom renovation needs.

Bathroom renovation costs: budgeting for your project

Renovating a bathroom on the Sunshine Coast typically costs anywhere from $15,000 to $75,000*. While every project is different, the main budget drivers are the cost of labour and materials, which vary dramatically depending on your project scope. Of course, there are other factors to consider like what kind of remedial work needs to be done, structural changes, and the cost of permits for example. 

The best way to budget for your project is to talk to a professional. Most contractors offer consultations that will help you get an idea of whether your ideas are achievable within your desired budget. 

Organising professionals

With the planning and budgeting out of the way, it’s time to find the people that will bring your vision to life. There are a few structures to choose from when it comes to bathroom renovation. If you plan to self-manage, finding tradies and specialists is your responsibility. Much of the work during a bathroom renovation is considered “notifiable work” and must be completed by a QBCC qualified professional. You’ll want to conduct thorough interviews with a few different teams, verify their qualifications, and get quotes so you make the best decision for your project depending on your priorities. Typically homeowners focus on design or budget. 

Alternatively, if you prefer to be more hands-off while renovating your bathroom, opt for professionals that offer project management services, like Refresh. Our Renovation Consultants act as project managers who will work on your behalf to not only oversee the active construction process, but also source materials, schedule contractors, arrange for permits, and ensure your project is delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard of craftsmanship. 

Permits to complete bathroom renovations 

Bathroom renovations that don’t affect a home’s exterior usually fly under the radar of building permits. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to adhere to any regulations. 

Altering the exterior

Making exterior changes, like adding a new bathroom window, require a building permit. Same goes for building an extension. 

Plumbing

While plumbing work within an existing residential site doesn’t call for permits or inspections, a QBCC qualified builder must perform the installation or replacement of toilets, water heaters, pipes, sinks, showers, and any other notifiable work. 

Building codes and licensure

Homeowners without any prior knowledge or experience with bathroom renovations could find themselves in quite a pickle when it comes to red tape. Renovation professionals are the ones to turn to for help making sure all your ducks are in a row when it comes to documentation. 

Final inspection

Before settling up any final invoices with your contractors, don’t forget to get a final inspection certificate first (Form 21 is appropriate for bathroom renovations). A signed FIC states that the work completed by your builders complies with the approved plans, assuming your renovation required permits. 

The FIC includes the following information:

• Homeowner details
• Property description
• Building description
• Details of the building development approval
• Performance standards
• Certification
• Building certifier
• Your builder’s signature

Once you have this sorted, your bathroom renovation is complete! For more helpful tips, check out our Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Renovations. 

Want a new look for your bathroom?

Get in touch with a Sunshine Coast Renovation Consultant to arrange your free consultation and start on your way towards a beautiful new bathroom!