Comparing bathroom renovation quotes in Sydney is one of those tasks that sounds easy — like comparing two bags of rice at the supermarket. But in reality? It’s more like comparing different mobile phone plans from different providers, all with tiny fine print and mysterious “extra charges.” One quote looks cheap, one looks expensive, and one looks too good to be true… and usually is.
If you’ve ever looked at three renovation quotes and felt your brain leaking out of your ears, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Sydney homeowners ask this question every day. The challenge isn’t getting quotes. It’s understanding what’s actually inside them so you’re comparing apples with apples… not apples with durians.
Here’s a full breakdown of how to compare bathroom renovation quotes properly, what to look for, what traps to avoid, and how to make sure you’re choosing a reliable, compliant and fair renovation team — without paying more than you need to.
1. Don’t Compare Just the Final Total – Compare the Breakdown
If you only compare the total cost, you’re basically comparing two birthday cakes from the outside. One might be full of layers and fresh cream… the other might be empty in the middle like a piñata.
A proper quote should break down:
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Labour costs
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Materials
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Tiles and fixtures
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Demolition
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Waterproofing
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Plumbing and electrical work
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Rubbish removal
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Project management
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Compliance certificates
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Any allowances or provisional sums
If one quote is $4,000 cheaper but doesn’t include important things like waterproofing or electrical upgrades, guess what? You’ll be paying for those later — and probably paying more.
2. Check the Scope of Work Line by Line
This is the heart of every renovation quote.
A good scope of work reads like a well-organised recipe.
A bad scope reads like “cook something, we’ll figure it out.”
When comparing quotes, look for:
a. What’s included
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Are tiles included?
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Are fixtures included?
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Are they supplying all materials or only labour?
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Are plumbing relocation costs specified?
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Does it include waterproofing?
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Does it include painting?
b. What’s NOT included
Exclusions are where budget blowouts are born.
If the quote says things like:
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“Electrical works not included”
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“PC items not included”
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“Tiling materials excluded”
Then expect extra costs later.
A detailed quote = transparent pricing.
A vague quote = expensive surprises.
3. Look Closely at Provisional Sums and Allowances
Provisional sums and allowances are like mystery boxes in renovation quotes. They usually mean:
“We don’t know the exact cost yet, but here’s a guess.”
Examples include:
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Tile allowance: $30/m² (spoiler: most Sydney tiles homeowners choose are $50–$80/m²)
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Vanity allowance: $400 (good luck finding a durable vanity at that price)
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Tapware allowance: $150 per set (also unlikely)
Cheap allowances make quotes look artificially lower.
When comparing quotes:
⚠️ Beware of unrealistically low allowances.
They’re the renovation version of a trapdoor — you fall through later.
4. Compare the Materials and Brands Being Used
Some quotes look expensive simply because they include higher-quality items.
Check:
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Tile quality and brand
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Tapware brand (for example, Phoenix vs no-brand imports)
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Waterproofing system (e.g., Ardex, Mapei vs unknown brands)
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Grout type (epoxy vs cement)
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Vanity material (solid plywood vs MDF)
A quote using premium materials will cost more upfront but save money long-term.
If one renovator uses:
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Ardex waterproofing
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PVD-coated tapware
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Moisture-resistant cabinetry
and another uses:
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“Generic waterproof membrane”
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Powder-coated tapware
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MDF vanity
…then you’re comparing different quality levels entirely.
5. Compare the Labour and Workmanship Standards
The most expensive part of a Sydney bathroom renovation isn’t materials — it’s labour. And the quality of labour changes the final result dramatically.
Things to compare:
a. Tiler skill and experience
A good tiler makes cheap tiles look high-end.
A poor tiler makes expensive tiles look crooked.
b. Waterproofing qualifications
In NSW, waterproofers must be licensed.
If waterproofing is too cheap, that’s a huge warning sign.
c. Plumber and electrician licences
Ask for licence numbers.
Unlicensed trades = no warranty = big problems later.
d. Timeline
Is one renovator promising a 2-week bathroom while the industry standard is 3–4 weeks?
Be cautious — rushed work usually means corners are cut.
e. Warranty
Compare warranties for:
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Waterproofing
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Workmanship
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Fixtures
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Structural repairs
A business confident in their work will offer better warranties.
6. Check Whether the Quote Includes Compliance and Certification
Sydney bathroom renovations must follow NSW building codes and waterproofing standards. Make sure your quotes include:
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Waterproofing certificate
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Plumbing certificate of compliance
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Electrical certificate
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Completion documentation
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Any required approvals (CCA, CDC, or strata approvals)
If a quote doesn’t mention these, you’ll be paying extra later — or worse, you’ll end up with an illegal or non-compliant bathroom.
7. Compare the Level of Project Management
Some renovators manage everything.
Others hand you a to-do list and say, “Good luck.”
Ask whether the quote includes:
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Coordinating trades
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Scheduling inspections
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Ordering materials
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Handling deliveries
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Managing defects
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Cleaning and rubbish removal
A fully managed renovation often costs a bit more but saves you weeks of stress and mistakes.
8. Look for Red Flags
Here are the biggest red flags in bathroom renovation quotes:
🚩 A very low total price
If it’s too good to be true in Sydney — it usually is.
🚩 Vague descriptions
Phrases like “standard tiles,” “standard fixtures,” or “tiling included” without details.
🚩 No brand names listed
This usually means the cheapest possible materials.
🚩 No licence numbers
Huge risk. Never proceed without checking licences on the NSW Fair Trading website.
🚩 No mention of waterproofing system
Waterproofing is one of the most important parts of your bathroom. Lack of detail is a major warning sign.
🚩 Cash-only jobs
Not legal for renovation projects requiring certification.
9. Compare the Renovation Process, Not Just the Price
A bathroom renovation is not just materials and labour — it’s the entire experience.
Ask each renovator:
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How will they protect your home?
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Do they cover floors and keep the site clean?
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Do they provide daily updates?
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Do they have an aftercare service?
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Do they offer design support?
A slightly more expensive quote from a team with strong communication, professionalism and organisation often ends up cheaper in the long run because you avoid errors, delays and hidden costs.
10. Ask Questions — Lots of Them
When you're comparing quotes, don’t be shy.
Ask questions like you’re interviewing someone for a reality show.
Great questions include:
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“What exactly is included in this quote?”
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“Can you explain these allowances?”
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“What materials are you planning to use?”
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“What waterproofing system will you apply?”
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“Can you provide recent references or past projects?”
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“Are there any possible variations I should expect?”
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“What happens if you discover unexpected issues during demolition?”
If they can’t answer clearly, they shouldn’t be renovating your bathroom.
11. Compare Value, Not Just Price
Sometimes the “expensive quote” is actually the best value.
Here’s a simple rule:
Cheap work becomes expensive.
Quality work becomes affordable over time.
A bathroom that lasts 20 years is better value than a bathroom that fails in 3.
12. Don’t Rush the Decision
Sydney homeowners often rush because they want the bathroom done ASAP. But comparing quotes properly can save you thousands.
Take your time.
Read carefully.
Ask questions.
Choose wisely.
Your bathroom is a long-term investment — not a fast-food order.
Final Thoughts
Comparing bathroom renovation quotes in Sydney isn’t about finding the cheapest number — it’s about finding the best value, the clearest scope, the highest quality workmanship and the most transparent process.
Look at the breakdown, materials, allowances, labour quality, inclusions and warranties.
Identify red flags, ask lots of questions, and focus on long-term value, not short-term savings.
And when you’re ready to work with experienced professionals who understand Sydney homes, follow NSW regulations and deliver top quality workmanship, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.
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