Strata
Do I need approval?
If the work involves waterproofing — which any real bathroom renovation does — it is generally a major renovation under NSW strata law, needing a special resolution at a general meeting. The process page sets out the steps.
What does the owners corporation need?
A scope of works, the waterproofing specification, the builder's licence and insurance, the program and working hours, and how common property will be protected. We prepare the technical documents.
What about by-laws?
They set working hours, lift and loading dock use, any bond, and sometimes acoustic requirements for hard floors. Read them before selecting a floor tile.
Who owns the membrane?
It depends on your strata plan and by-laws. In many schemes, the slab and often the membrane are common property. The strata manager can confirm.
The building
Can the layout change?
Rarely in an apartment. Wastes go through the slab, and post-tensioned slabs in newer towers cannot be drilled without scanning and engineering sign-off. See bathroom renovations.
Why will there be a small step at the door?
Apartment slabs are usually not set down, so the shower falls are built up in screed. A linear drain keeps it minimal. See tiling.
My windowless ensuite grows mould. Why?
Almost always ventilation — an undersized, blocked or short-running fan. See ensuites.
Is there asbestos?
Possible in walk-ups and older houses from before about 1990. Tested before pricing.
Leaks and defects
Water is coming through my ceiling.
Report it to the strata or building manager in writing with photographs. They coordinate investigation.
My building is new and the shower leaks.
Report it to the strata manager before renovating. Statutory warranties may apply. See waterproofing.
Landlords
Can I renovate between tenants?
Yes, if approval is already in place when the lease ends. Apply early. See Westmead.
What suits a rental?
Walk-in shower, mid-tone porcelain with dark floor grout, wall-hung vanity with integrated basin, robust tapware and an exhaust fan on a timer.
Houses
Do houses need approval?
A like-for-like renovation inside an existing house is generally exempt development. Heritage listings, structural changes and extensions can change that. See Granville and North Parramatta.
Cost and timing
What does it cost?
Apartment main bathroom $18,000–$30,000, ensuite $15,000–$25,000, house main bathroom $24,000–$36,000. See the cost page.
How long?
Approval, then three to four weeks on site.
Who does the work
We arrange the job; a licensed NSW builder carries it out. Licence and insurance details are provided on the discovery call, or whenever you ask.
Call 02 4601 3371 or send the room details through.
Read these before you commit
| Bathroom Renovation Cost Parramatta | Dated 2026 Parramatta price bands by room size and scope, in AUD. |
| How a Bathroom Renovation Runs | Stage-by-stage sequence, with strata approval shown ahead of the build. |
Questions people ask before they commit
Do I need strata approval to renovate my bathroom?
Almost always, if the work involves waterproofing. Under NSW strata law that is generally a major renovation needing a special resolution at a general meeting of the owners corporation.
How long does approval take?
It depends on when a general meeting can be held — from several weeks to a few months. Start the application before choosing tiles.
Can I move the shower or toilet in my apartment?
Rarely. Wastes pass through the slab into the unit below, and many newer towers have post-tensioned slabs that cannot be drilled without scanning and an engineer. Design around the existing positions.
Who is responsible for the membrane?
It depends on the strata plan and by-laws. In many NSW schemes the slab and often the membrane are common property. Some owners corporations have by-laws making owners responsible. Ask the strata manager.
My new apartment's shower leaks. Should I renovate?
Report it to the strata manager first. NSW statutory warranties cover defective residential building work — six years for major defects and two years for others — and it may be a claim against the builder.
Is there asbestos in walk-up bathrooms?
Possible in buildings or bathrooms from before about 1990. It is tested before pricing and removed by a licensed removalist.
What does an apartment bathroom cost?
As a 2026 guide, $18,000 to $30,000 for a main bathroom and $15,000 to $25,000 for an ensuite, including strata logistics. A house main bathroom is $24,000 to $36,000.
How long does the work take?
Three to four weeks on site for an apartment main bathroom, after approval.
What is the deposit?
For a NSW residential building contract over $20,000, the deposit is capped at five per cent.
Who does the work?
A licensed NSW builder. Licence and insurance details are provided on the discovery call or whenever you ask, and can be checked on the Fair Trading register.