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Project Planning

Where Do I Start? 5 Simple Steps to Plan a Bathroom Reno

Feeling stuck before you've begun? Five simple, ordered steps to plan a bathroom renovation — from budget to brief — plus the safety checks beginners always miss.

TL;DR The hardest part of a bathroom renovation is knowing where to begin. Keep it simple: set a budget, decide your scope, gather inspiration, plan the layout, then choose a licensed professional. Do these five in order and the rest of the project flows. The one thing beginners skip is verifying licences and insisting on compliant waterproofing — the steps that protect you from the most expensive mistakes. We've built those in. Step 1: Set your budget honestly Before anything else, decide what you can spend — and add a 10–15% contingency for surprises behind the walls. In Sydney (2026), budget renovations run $12,000–$18,000, standard $18,000–$30,000, and premium $40,000+. A realistic budget shapes every later decision and lets professionals quote accurately. Step 2: Decide your scope Are…