What to Look for in a Bathroom Renovator in Melbourne
Bathroom renovation is the second most-common Melbourne residential trade. Cost band $18,000-$55,000 in 2026 for a family bathroom. Vetting focus: waterproofing to AS 3740, tiler experience, PC allowance transparency, and the six-week reality.
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Standard
AS 3740
waterproofing of wet areas
Cost band
$18k-$55k
2026, family bathroom
Duration
4-6 weeks
demo to hand-over
Warranty
10 years
waterproofing failure = DBC Act structural cover
The vetting checklist that applies to every Melbourne specialist
BuildPilot does not yet match Melbourne builders. Until we do, this is the vetting method we would use ourselves. The first five checks below are specialist-specific; the rest are the core VBA + VMIA + ASIC checks that apply to every domestic builder working in Victoria.
- Ask their waterproofing method to AS 3740 - two-coat liquid membrane is the current best practice; sheet membrane on high-risk substrates
- Ask if the tiler is a licensed subcontractor or in-house - who signs the waterproofing certificate
- Ask their PC allowance schedule for tapware, tiles, vanity - PC is 40-60% of bathroom variation cost
- Ask about temporary bathroom arrangements - most 4-6 week renos leave the household without a working bathroom
- Verify current VBA registration and category on the public register at vba.vic.gov.au/practitioners/register
- Verify no active or recent disciplinary decisions on the VBA disciplinary decisions list
- Confirm Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) will be issued in the builder's name for your contract price under VMIA (all residential work over $16,000)
- Search the ABN on abr.business.gov.au - name, GST status, date of registration
- Confirm the entity is not under external administration on the ASIC register
The AS 3740 waterproofing test
AS 3740 governs waterproofing of internal wet areas in Australian buildings. Failure to comply is the number-one cause of Melbourne bathroom warranty claims and remains covered as "structural defect" under the DBC Act 6-year warranty period. Ask to see the waterproofing certificate before tiles are laid - once tiles are down, remediation costs $8,000-$25,000. A well-run renovator will video the flood test and give you a copy.
The four red flags that end the conversation
These four signals correlate strongly with builders who have failed or entered administration in Victoria in the last three years. Any of them = walk away.
- Requested deposit exceeds 10% of contract value (Victorian DBC Act caps deposits at 5%)
- Vague or evasive answer on DBI eligibility for your specific contract price
- Refusal to name the Registered Building Surveyor or to let you speak to them independently
- Aggressive time-limited discount contingent on paying deposit before you have read the contract
The Melbourne Home Show is on this weekend - and if you’re building, renovating, or just exploring ideas, it’s one event worth your time. We sit down with Exhibition Director Regan Hudson to break down what to expect, what not to miss, and how to get real value from your visit.
Watch full episodeFrequently asked
Do I need a Building Permit for a Melbourne bathroom renovation?+
Yes if the works exceed $10,000 in value. Bathroom renovations almost always exceed that threshold. Building Permit typically issued by a Registered Building Surveyor within 2-3 weeks of application.
How long does the waterproofing cure before tiling?+
72 hours minimum for two-coat liquid membrane at 20°C. Cold or humid conditions extend cure time. Rushing the cure = warranty claim within 5 years. Well-run renovators will not tile inside the 72-hour window.
Are Melbourne bathroom PC allowances honest?+
Varies. Ask for tile PC $60/m², tapware PC $1,200, vanity PC $2,000 as a baseline. Some low-price quotes ship with sub-$40/m² tile PC and $600 tapware PC that will need to be upgraded before installation.
Can I upgrade to underfloor heating during a bathroom reno?+
Yes - hydronic or electric. Electric is cheaper to install ($1,500-$3,000) and cheaper to run in short bursts. Hydronic is cheaper to run continuously if you have gas or heat-pump hot water.
Note: the stories below are Adelaide-based clients - the underlying builder-matching process is identical for Melbourne buyers.
How our process runs - real client stories
Federuzzi Development
Two double-garage homes squeezed onto an odd-shaped subdivision block in Ingle Farm, with the equity earmarked to fund the next development.
Read the case studySterai Residence
A practical, well-planned knockdown rebuild on a tricky triangular block in Ingle Farm.
Read the case studyBuilding in Adelaide instead?
Read our Adelaide equivalent