How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Adelaide?

Adelaide bathroom renovation cost depends on size, fixture spec, tile choice, and whether plumbing layout changes. Briks attends, scopes the work line-by-line, and quotes in writing — no per-square-metre estimating. Quotes are itemised so you can adjust spec to budget.

Do I need council approval for a bathroom renovation?

Most like-for-like bathroom renovations in SA do not require council development consent, but waterproofing must comply with AS 3740 and certificates of compliance must be lodged for plumbing and electrical work. Major changes (new wet area, structural alteration) may require consent.

Can I keep using my bathroom during the renovation?

No — once strip-out begins, the bathroom is unusable until tiling and fit-off complete (typically days 7-13 unusable). For one-bathroom homes, plan a portable shower or temporary alternative.

What is the longest part of a bathroom renovation?

Tiling typically takes the longest single block (3-4 days) because of cure times between adhesive and grout. Waterproofing cure time (24 hours per coat, 2 coats) also adds two days that look like "waiting" but are doing work.

How long should a bathroom renovation take in Adelaide?

A standard Adelaide bathroom renovation — strip-out, plumbing rough-in, electrical, waterproofing, tiling, fit-off, and silicone — takes 12-15 working days for trades on-site. Including waterproofing membrane cure time, design lead, and fixture supply windows, the calendar timeline is typically 4-6 weeks from quote sign-off to handover.

Day-by-day breakdown

Days 1-2: Strip-out

Demo of existing fittings, tiles, walls (where required), and waterproofing. Bin hire on-site. Existing plumbing and electrical isolated and capped. Sub-floor exposed and inspected for any rot or unexpected condition.

Days 3-4: Plumbing + electrical rough-in

New water and drainage runs, including any mixer relocation. Power, lighting, and exhaust fan circuits. Underfloor heating cable laid where specified. All licensed work signed off before substrate goes back on.

Days 5-6: Substrate + waterproofing

Cement sheet or Villaboard fixed to walls and floor. Bond-breaker tape at junctions. Waterproof membrane applied in two coats with 24-hour cure between. Photo-documented for the customer's records and the regulator.

Days 7-10: Tiling

Floor tiles first, then walls. Cuts around penetrations, niches, and fixings. Adhesive cure overnight before grout. Grout, clean, then 24-hour cure before any silicone or fitting work.

Days 11-13: Fit-off + commissioning

Plumbing fit-off (toilet, basin, mixer, shower, towel rails). Electrical fit-off (lights, fan, switch, GPOs). Glass screens fitted and siliconed. Final clean and water-test commissioning.

Days 14-15: Defect rectify + handover

Walk-through inspection with the customer. Defect list logged and addressed. Photo report and Certificates of Compliance handed over.

Why bathroom renos overrun (and how to prevent it)

01Fixture supply delays — order tiles, vanities, and tapware before strip-out, not during. Custom items add 4-6 weeks lead time.
02Substrate surprises — rotted bearers, asbestos in old wall sheet, hidden plumbing layouts. Built into a Briks quote as a contingency line, not a billed extra.
03Trade sequencing handball — happens when each trade is hired separately. Briks runs everything under one coordinator so the next trade is ready when the previous one finishes.
04Council or strata sign-off lag — relevant for apartments and major renovations. Build into the calendar from day one.