Renovate a bathroom in this order: plan and obtain any required approvals, prepare the site, demolish, complete structural work, rough-in plumbing and electrical services, prepare substrates, waterproof, tile and paint, fit fixtures, install the shower screen, then test and inspect the finished room.
Bathroom renovation sequence
Finalise the plan and approvals. Confirm the layout, fixture dimensions and service locations before work starts. Structural alterations and some regulated building work may require approval or certification, depending on the project and local requirements.
Prepare the site and demolish. Protect adjoining areas and have electricity and water safely isolated where necessary. Demolition may expose live wiring, pressurised pipes, asbestos-containing materials or structural elements. Do not disturb suspected asbestos or concealed services; stop work and use appropriately licensed or qualified professionals.
Complete structural work. Inspect exposed framing and the subfloor, then undertake any necessary repairs, framing changes or floor adjustments before services, linings and finishes conceal them.
Rough-in plumbing and electrical services. While the walls and floor are open, licensed trades position pipes, wastes, wiring, lighting, power points and ventilation for the final layout. Confirm fixture specifications first: an incorrect waste height or outlet position can mean removing finished work later. Photograph concealed services before they are covered.
Prepare walls and floors. Install compatible wall linings, substrates, screeds and drainage falls. The location of the screed relative to the membrane varies between compliant systems, so the builder, waterproofer and tiler must follow the specified system rather than assume one universal sequence.
Apply and verify waterproofing. Waterproofing comes before tiling because the membrane is the water-resistant barrier; tiles and grout alone are not waterproofing. Use a compliant wet-area system, an appropriately qualified contractor and the inspections or documentation required for the project. Do not cover the membrane until the specified application, curing and verification stages are complete.
Tile and paint. Begin bathroom tiling only when the substrates and waterproofing system are ready. Wall-first or floor-first tiling can vary by installation method. Coordinate grouting, required sealing and painting to avoid damaging completed surfaces.
Fit fixtures and fittings. After the finished surfaces are ready, licensed plumbers connect the toilet, vanity, tapware and shower fittings. Licensed electricians connect lights, power points and ventilation equipment. Install accessories carefully so fixings do not damage concealed services or waterproofing.
Measure and install the shower screen. Custom screens are usually measured after tiling establishes the finished opening. Install the screen once the relevant finishes and sealants are ready, without compromising the waterproofing system.
Test and inspect. Have the relevant trades test water connections, wastes, drainage, electrical fittings and ventilation, then rectify defects before handover. Plumbing, drainage and electrical connections are not DIY work.
Before covering any stage, confirm that required inspections are complete and that membranes, adhesives, grout, sealants and coatings have reached the manufacturer-specified stage. Keep plans, product documents, waterproofing records and photographs of concealed services.
For help coordinating the plumbing rough-in and final fit-off, contact our Sydney plumbing team.