How to Choose a Bathroom Renovator in Melbourne

Choosing a bathroom renovator is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the renovation process. Get it right and you'll have a beautiful, functional bathroom built to last. Get it wrong and you could be facing water damage, budget blowouts, or an unfinished project. Here's exactly what to check before signing anything.

1. Verify Their Builder's Licence

In Victoria, any bathroom renovation involving plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes must be carried out by a registered building practitioner. Before you engage anyone, check their licence on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website.

A valid licence tells you the builder has met the VBA's standards for competence and is legally permitted to carry out the work. Brownlow Building's licence number is CDB-U 100870 — you can verify it directly at vba.vic.gov.au.

2. Confirm Domestic Building Insurance (DBI)

For any bathroom renovation in Melbourne valued over $16,000, your builder is legally required to have Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) in place before work starts. This protects you if the builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent before completing the project.

DBI also covers you for up to six years after completion if structural defects are found. Always ask for a copy of the insurance certificate before signing a contract — it should name you and your property specifically.

3. Ask About Waterproofing Standards

Waterproofing is the most critical component of any bathroom renovation. Failed waterproofing is the leading cause of bathroom-related insurance claims in Australia, and rectification can cost $15,000–$50,000+ in water damage repairs.

Ask specifically: "What waterproofing system do you use, and what warranty does it carry?" A quality bathroom builder will have a clear, confident answer. At Brownlow Building, we use the Wedi waterproofing system — Europe's gold standard — backed by a 10-year warranty.

Be wary of builders who offer generic "waterproofing to Australian standards" without specifics. Australian Standard AS 3740 sets the minimum — not the best practice.

4. Review Their Portfolio of Completed Projects

Any reputable bathroom renovation contractor in Melbourne should be able to show you completed projects similar in scope and quality to what you're planning. Look for:

• Consistent quality across multiple projects — not just one showstopper photo
• Attention to detail in tiling — straight grout lines, no lippage between tiles
• Quality of waterproof sealing around showers and wet areas
• Neatness of silicon joints, tapware installation, and finished cabinetry

If possible, ask to speak to a past client or visit a recently completed project. A builder confident in their work will be happy to facilitate this.

5. Get a Detailed, Written Quote

Never accept a verbal quote or a single-line "bathroom renovation — $30,000" figure. A professional bathroom renovation contractor will provide a detailed scope of works that specifies:

• Exactly what demolition and strip-out is included
• The waterproofing system and method
• Plumbing and electrical scope
• Tiling allowances (m² included, cost per m²)
• Specific fixtures included or allowances provided
• What is not included — variations and exclusions
• Payment schedule milestones

This level of detail protects you from unexpected variations and ensures both parties have the same expectation of the finished product.

6. Understand the Contract Before Signing

For projects over $10,000 in Victoria, a Major Domestic Building Contract (HIA or Master Builders contract) is required by law. This contract sets out rights and obligations for both parties and includes mandatory statutory warranties under the Domestic Building Contracts Act.

Never proceed on a handshake deal or a "letter of intent." If a builder asks you to start work before a proper contract is in place, this is a serious warning sign.

7. Check Their Subcontracting Policy

Many Melbourne bathroom renovation companies are actually project managers who subcontract all the work. This can lead to coordination issues, inconsistent quality, and accountability problems when something goes wrong.

Ask: "Who actually does the work — your own employees, or subcontractors?" At Brownlow Building, we use our own in-house trades wherever possible, giving you consistent quality and a clear chain of responsibility throughout your project.

8. Trust Your Gut on Communication

A bathroom renovation is a significant investment and a major disruption to your home. The builder you choose will be in your house for several weeks. Pay attention to how they communicate from the very first contact:

• Do they turn up on time for consultations and quotes?
• Do they listen carefully to your brief and ask thoughtful questions?
• Do they explain things clearly without being dismissive or condescending?
• Do they respond promptly to calls and emails?
• Do they seem genuinely interested in your project, or just the sale?

The quality of communication during the sales process is a reliable indicator of how communication will go once work is underway.

Ready to Find a Bathroom Renovator You Can Trust?

If you're searching for a trusted bathroom renovation contractor in Melbourne, Brownlow Building ticks every box on this list. We're VBA-licensed (CDB-U 100870), fully insured with Domestic Building Insurance, and have a proven track record of premium bathroom renovations across Melbourne.

Contact us for a free consultation or call (03) 8351 5753. We'll walk you through everything — no pressure, no surprises.