Planning
Should I renovate the lean-to or knock it down and extend? It depends on its condition and your plans. A sound lean-to can be renovated for much less than an extension. A rotten one on inadequate footings may be better replaced, but an extension in a conservation area generally needs consent and an architect or designer. The measure gives an honest view of which way the numbers point.
Can I keep a bath? In a family house with young children, most people do. In a narrow terrace bathroom, a bath across the room costs a lot of floor, and a walk-in shower is often the better use of space. A shower over a bath with a fixed glass panel is a sensible middle ground.
What makes a small room feel bigger? Removing the shower hob, one fixed glass panel instead of a framed screen, a wall-hung and shallower vanity, tiles to the ceiling, and good lighting at the mirror. See small bathrooms.
Old-house issues
Why is my bathroom floor soft? Usually because water has been getting past the tiles for years and has damaged the sheeting or joists underneath. It needs opening up to assess. It is rarely a surface problem.
Why is there mould on the ceiling every winter? Poor ventilation. Many rear bathrooms rely on a small window or a fan that vents into the roof. A ducted exhaust fan discharging outside, run on a timer, is the fix.
Is rising damp the same as a leak? No. Rising damp comes up through old brick from the ground; a leak comes from the shower. They look similar on a wall and need different fixes, which is why a proper diagnosis comes first.
Money
Why do Inner West quotes vary so much? Mostly because of what is included: asbestos testing, floor repairs, access costs, waterproofing extent and exhaust ducting. The cost page lists what to compare line by line.
When is the price final? When the quote is signed. After that, it changes only through a written variation you approve — for example, if rot is found under the floor during demolition.
Can I supply my own tiles or fittings? Often, provided they are on site before work starts and suitable for their use. Warranty on owner-supplied items sits with the supplier, not the builder.
During the job
Can we live in the house? Usually, if there is another bathroom or you can arrange an alternative. Many Inner West houses have one bathroom, so plan the month before it starts.
What hours will trades work? Within council rules for building noise and any strata by-laws. Noisy work is kept to standard weekday and Saturday morning hours.
Will there be dust? Some, mostly during demolition. Floor protection, dust screens and daily clean-ups keep it contained. The process page shows when to expect it.
Call 02 5950 5195 or send the room details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the Inner West?
As a 2026 guide: a walk-up unit bathroom $20,000 to $32,000, a main bathroom in a cottage or semi $28,000 to $45,000, and a lean-to needing structural work $45,000 to $75,000. A new ensuite is commonly $35,000 to $55,000.
How long does it take?
Four to five weeks on site for a straightforward room, six to eight weeks with structural repairs, asbestos removal or an upstairs conversion. Strata or council approvals are sorted before the start date and add time at the front.
My house is in a heritage conservation area. Can I renovate the bathroom?
Generally yes. Internal bathroom work that stays inside the existing room is usually exempt development. External changes such as a new window, skylight or roof alteration usually need consent, and listed heritage items may need approval for some internal work too.
Which council do I deal with?
Inner West Council covers Marrickville, Leichhardt, Balmain, Rozelle, Ashfield, Dulwich Hill, Enmore and most of the suburbs around them. Newtown east of King Street is broadly City of Sydney. Five Dock and Drummoyne are City of Canada Bay.
Is asbestos likely in my bathroom?
In a house or unit built or altered before 1990, it is possible. Fibro lean-to linings, older wet-area sheeting, vinyl floor tiles and some adhesives are the usual suspects. Testing happens before demolition and any removal is carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist.
What about the wall I share with my neighbour?
Pipes are kept out of the party wall where possible, usually by building a stud lining. Waterproofing is detailed so water cannot track into shared brickwork. Letting the neighbour know demolition dates in advance is recommended.
Can I renovate a bathroom in a strata unit?
Yes, with owners corporation approval for work that affects waterproofing, plumbing or common property. Read the by-laws, apply in writing and wait for approval before booking a start date.
What deposit can be asked for?
The deposit on residential building work in NSW is capped at 10 per cent of the contract price. For work over $20,000, home building compensation cover must be in place before a deposit is requested.
Who carries out the work?
Renovation work is carried out in partnership with Coastal Renovation Group, a licensed NSW builder. Licence and insurance details are provided on request.
Do you have reviews?
Not yet. This is a new website and we have not invented any reviews or ratings. Judge the measure, the quote and the licence details you can check yourself.