5 Things to Know Before a QLD Bathroom Reno

5 Things to Know Before Your QLD Bathroom Renovation

5 Things to Know Before Starting a Bathroom Renovation in Queensland

A bathroom renovation is one of the best investments you can make in your home — but in Queensland, there are a few things you need to know before you start swinging the sledgehammer. As a QBCC licensed builder who renovates bathrooms across Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast, here are the five most important things every homeowner should understand before starting.

1. You Need a QBCC Licensed Builder

In Queensland, any building work valued at $3,300 or more (including labour and materials) must be carried out by a QBCC licensed contractor. This is not optional — it is the law under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act.

A QBCC licence means the builder has demonstrated competency, holds appropriate insurance, and is accountable to the commission if something goes wrong. Always ask for the licence number and verify it on the QBCC website before signing anything.

Axena Projects holds QBCC Licence No. 15558211.

2. Waterproofing Is Mandatory — and You Need a Certificate

Under Australian Standard AS 3740, all wet areas in a bathroom must be waterproofed by a licensed waterproofer before tiling can begin. This includes the shower floor and walls, around the bath, and any other areas that get wet.

You must receive a waterproofing certificate upon completion. This certificate is a compliance document — without it, you may have issues with insurance claims, future sales, or building inspections. Never let a builder skip or rush this step.

At Axena Projects, certified waterproofing with a certificate is included in every bathroom renovation quote. No exceptions.

3. Expect 3 to 6 Weeks for a Standard Renovation

A realistic timeline for a standard bathroom renovation in Brisbane is 3 to 6 weeks from demolition to handover. This accounts for:

Week 1: Demolition, plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in
Week 2: Waterproofing (requires 24-48 hour cure time), sheeting and plastering
Week 3-4: Tiling (walls and floor, including adhesive set time and grouting)
Week 4-5: Final plumbing fit-off, electrical fit-off, vanity and fixture installation
Week 5-6: Painting, silicone, shower screen, final clean, handover

Delays can occur if client selections are not finalised before the build starts, if hidden damage is discovered during demolition (rotting timber, old asbestos sheeting), or if custom items have extended lead times.

4. Make Your Selections Early

One of the biggest causes of renovation delays is late selections. Your tiles, tapware, vanity, toilet, shower screen and accessories all need to be chosen and ordered before the build reaches the point where they are needed.

For example, the plumber needs to know the exact mixer tap model before rough-in so the pipework is in the right position. The tiler needs tiles on site before they can start. The cabinetmaker needs vanity dimensions weeks in advance.

We recommend finalising all selections at least 2 weeks before the build starts. Your builder should provide a clear selections list with deadlines — if they do not, ask for one.

5. Understand PC Allowances

Most reputable builders use Prime Cost (PC) allowances in their quotes for items the client selects — tiles, tapware, vanity, toilet, shower screen and accessories. A PC allowance is a budget figure. If the items you select cost less than the allowance, you receive a credit. If they cost more, you pay the difference.

This system gives you control over the final look and spend on your bathroom while keeping the build cost transparent. Always ask your builder to explain the PC allowances in your quote so there are no surprises.

Ready to Renovate?

If you are thinking about a bathroom renovation in Brisbane, Logan or the Gold Coast, the first step is a free site visit. We will measure your space, discuss your ideas, and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote.

Contact Axena Projects or call Josh on 0451 954 144.

Axena Projects Pty Ltd — QBCC Licence No. 15558211. Bathroom renovations across Brisbane South, Logan and the Gold Coast.