Types of Bathroom Renovations
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Types of Bathroom Renovations we offer
Not every bathroom needs the same level of work. Some need to be stripped back to the frame and rebuilt, while others only need a few key upgrades to look and feel like new. Knowing the difference between a full and a partial bathroom renovation helps you plan your budget, your timeline and how much disruption to expect at home.
At Firm Built Bathrooms, we offer both. Our locally owned team brings over 15 years of industry experience, and as a licensed builder and plumber, we manage every trade in-house, from demolition and plumbing through to waterproofing, tiling and the final clean. We complete bathroom renovations in Wollongong and across the Illawarra, including Thirroul, Shellharbour and Kiama.
Below, we explain what each type of bathroom renovation involves, when each one makes sense and how we help you decide which is right for your home.
Full vs Partial Bathroom Renovations: The Key Differences
The main difference comes down to how much of your bathroom is replaced. A full renovation strips the room back to the frame and rebuilds it, with new plumbing, new waterproofing and the option to change the layout. A partial renovation keeps the existing layout and waterproofing, and focuses on upgrading selected elements like the vanity, tapware or lighting.
A full renovation suits bathrooms that are damaged, ageing or poorly laid out, and usually takes around four weeks. A partial renovation suits bathrooms that are in good condition but looking dated, and is usually quicker and sits at the lower end of the price range.
Both types of renovation are handled by the same licensed team, so whichever option suits your bathroom, you get the same standard of workmanship.
What Is a Full Bathroom Renovation?
A full bathroom renovation takes the room back to its frame and rebuilds it from the ground up. Everything comes out, including the tiles, vanity, toilet, shower and bath, so the space can be rebuilt with new plumbing, new waterproofing and a completely fresh finish.
Because the room is stripped right back, a full renovation gives you the freedom to change the layout. You can swap a bath for a walk-in shower, move the vanity to a more practical wall, add a second basin or build in more storage. Our interior designer, Samantha, has an architectural background and can prepare floor plans so you can see how your new layout works before any work begins. Learn more about our bathroom design service.
A full renovation also lets us fix the problems you can't see. Leaks, ageing pipework and water-damaged framing are often hidden behind old tiles, and stripping the room back is the only way to find and repair them properly. Your new bathroom is then waterproofed by our licensed waterproofer, and you'll receive a certificate of compliance once the job is done.
What's Included in a Full Bathroom Renovation
Most of our full bathroom renovations take around four weeks from demolition to final clean. Here's how the schedule usually runs:
- Week 1: Demolition, drainage, plumbing and electrical rough-in, carpentry, and wall and ceiling lining
- Week 2: Waterproofing and tile screed
- Week 3: Waterproofing and tiling
- Week 4: Plumbing, electrical and carpentry fit-off, painting and a final clean
Shower screens, mirrors and cabinetry are installed during fit-off, followed by a final inspection before we hand your new bathroom over.
As a licensed builder and plumber, we coordinate every stage in-house, so you deal with one team instead of chasing separate trades. We'll walk you through the timeline before work starts, so you know what's happening each week. For renovations over $20,000, we also provide home warranty insurance, as required in NSW.
When a Full Bathroom Renovation Is the Right Choice
A full renovation is usually the better long-term option if your bathroom has any of the following:
- Leaks, mould or signs of water damage around the shower, bath or floor
- Cracked or drummy tiles and failing grout throughout the room
- Ageing plumbing in a bathroom that hasn't been updated in decades
- A layout that doesn't suit how your household uses the space
- A shower-over-bath you'd like to replace with a separate walk-in shower
- Plans to stay in your home for years and wanting a bathroom built to last
In these situations, a partial upgrade may only cover up a bigger issue. A full renovation fixes the cause, not just the look, and adds lasting value to your home. If you live in an older home, it's also the most reliable way to bring the bathroom up to a modern standard.
What Is a Partial Bathroom Renovation?
A partial bathroom renovation focuses on the parts of your bathroom that need attention, while keeping everything that is still in good condition. The layout stays the same, the existing waterproofing usually stays in place and the work is targeted to the elements that will make the biggest difference.
It's a practical option when your bathroom works well but looks dated, or when a few fixtures are worn out. Because there's no full strip-out, a partial renovation usually costs less, takes less time and causes less disruption at home. It's also a popular choice for homeowners preparing to sell, or anyone wanting a fresh look on a set budget.
The key is making sure the bathroom underneath is sound. A new vanity or new tapware won't fix failed waterproofing or a leaking pipe behind the wall. That's why we always check the condition of your existing bathroom before recommending a partial upgrade, so your money goes into improvements that will last.
Popular Partial Bathroom Upgrades
A partial renovation can be as small or as involved as your bathroom needs. Some of the most common upgrades we complete include:
- A new vanity, basin and mirror or shaving cabinet
- New tapware, showerheads and accessories
- A new toilet suite
- A replacement shower screen
- New lighting, an exhaust fan or a heated towel rail
- Fresh paint and updated finishes
- Custom storage, such as recessed shaving cabinets or tailored cabinetry
We regularly recommend Meir tapware, which is backed by a lifetime warranty, and Linsol, made locally in Wollongong with a 15-year warranty. Our fixture packages also come with a lifetime warranty on finishes, so even a smaller upgrade is built to last. With custom cabinet makers on hand, we can also build storage that fits your bathroom exactly.
Full or Partial? How We Help You Decide
Not sure which type of bathroom renovation you need? That's exactly what our quoting process is for. When you call, we'll ask a few quick questions about your bathroom and give you an approximate price over the phone. If that suits your budget, we'll visit your home to inspect the space and prepare a detailed quote, including a fixture list and tile quantities.
During the visit, we look closely at the condition of your existing bathroom, including the tiles, grout, plumbing and any signs of moisture. If a partial upgrade will give you the result you want, we'll tell you. If we spot signs of a hidden problem, we'll explain why a full renovation is the better investment, so there are no surprises once work begins.
Whichever option you choose, we pass on trade discounts of up to 25% on fixtures and tiles through suppliers including Reece, Highgrove Bathrooms, Harvey Norman and Beaumont Tiles, helping your budget go further.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a full and a partial bathroom renovation?
A full bathroom renovation strips the room back to the frame and rebuilds it, with new plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, fixtures and finishes. A partial bathroom renovation keeps the existing layout and waterproofing, and replaces selected elements such as the vanity, tapware, lighting or shower screen. A full renovation suits bathrooms with damage, ageing plumbing or a layout that no longer works, while a partial renovation suits bathrooms that are in good condition but looking dated.
How much does a full bathroom renovation cost compared to a partial renovation?
At Firm Built Bathrooms, our bathroom renovations typically cost between $15,000 and $35,000+. Partial renovations sit at the lower end of that range, while full renovations with layout changes, custom cabinetry and premium finishes sit higher. When you call, we'll ask a few quick questions and give you a ballpark figure over the phone. If that suits your budget, we'll visit your home and prepare a detailed quote, right down to the fixture list and tile quantities.
How long does a full bathroom renovation take?
A full bathroom renovation with Firm Built Bathrooms usually takes around four weeks from demolition to final clean. Week one covers demolition and rough-in, weeks two and three cover waterproofing and tiling, and week four covers fit-off, painting and the final clean. A partial renovation is usually quicker, depending on how much is being replaced, and we'll confirm the timeframe in your quote.
Can a partial renovation fix a leaking shower?
A partial renovation usually isn't the right fix for a leaking shower. Leaks often point to failed waterproofing, which sits underneath the tiles and can only be replaced properly once they're removed. If we see signs of a leak during your quote, we'll explain your options honestly. Any new waterproofing is completed by our licensed waterproofer, and you'll receive a certificate of compliance at the end of the job.
Find the Right Bathroom Renovation for Your Home
Whether your bathroom needs a complete rebuild or a few well-chosen upgrades, Firm Built Bathrooms can help. Our licensed team will give you an honest recommendation, a detailed quote and a smooth renovation from start to finish.
We're based in Bellambi and work with homeowners throughout Wollongong, the Illawarra, Thirroul, Shellharbour and Kiama. Call our team on 0447 339 921 or contact us online to book your free, no-obligation quote today.
