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, the registration and trade requirements depend on the work being carried out. For major domestic building work, check that the builder is appropriately registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), and make sure plumbing and electrical work is completed by appropriately licensed trades.

Brownlow Building's registration number is CDB-U 100870. You should verify any builder's current registration class, conditions and status before entering into a major domestic building contract.

2. Confirm Home Warranty or Applicable Insurance

From 1 July 2026, Home Warranty generally applies to new eligible domestic building work valued at more than $20,000 under eligible contracts. Older eligible projects may still be covered by Domestic Building Insurance under the previous scheme.

Ask the builder which scheme applies to your project and when you will receive the relevant Notice of Cover or insurance documentation. The applicable cover, limits and exclusions depend on the project and scheme.

3. Ask About Waterproofing Standards

Waterproofing is a critical part of any bathroom renovation. Poor wet-area detailing can cause water damage, mould, failed finishes and expensive rectification work, so the system and installation approach deserve proper attention.

Ask specifically: "What wet-area system do you use, how is it detailed, and what manufacturer requirements apply?" Brownlow uses the Wedi wet-area system where suited to the project, with project-specific detailing and installation requirements.

Be wary of vague answers. The relevant wet-area requirements, manufacturer instructions and project details should all be considered rather than relying on a generic marketing claim.

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 most domestic building work worth more than $10,000 in Victoria, a written major domestic building contract is required. The contract should clearly set out the parties, scope, price, payment arrangements and other required terms.

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 builders use a mix of employees and specialist subcontractors. That is common in residential construction. What matters is who coordinates the work, how responsibilities are managed and who remains accountable for the contracted scope.

Ask: "Who coordinates the trades, who will be my main contact, and how is quality checked?" Brownlow coordinates specialist trades and project delivery through a defined project-management structure.

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 planning a bathroom renovation in Melbourne, Brownlow Building can help you work through layout, wet-area planning, selections, scope development and construction. Brownlow's registration number is CDB-U 100870.

Start a project conversation or call (03) 8351 5753 to discuss the right next step for your bathroom project.