If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Sydney, you’ve probably heard plenty of horror stories — quotes that magically “grow legs,” mysterious cost blowouts, and contractors who seem to charge like they’re installing gold-plated toilets imported from the moon. But don’t worry. Avoiding being overcharged isn’t about becoming a construction detective or memorising the whole NSW Home Building Act. It’s simply about knowing what to look for, asking the right questions, and staying one step ahead in the renovation game.
Think of it like buying seafood at the Sydney Fish Market — if you don’t know what a fresh prawn looks like, someone will definitely try to sell you yesterday’s leftovers. But once you know the basics? Suddenly you’re in control.
Here’s how to protect your budget, your sanity, and your beautifully planned bathroom renovation.
1. Get Multiple Quotes (Not Just One “Nice Guy” Quote)
There’s an old Sydney saying: “One quote is no quote.” If you only get one price, you have no benchmark, no comparison, and no idea whether what you’re being told is within the normal range for your area.
Bathrooms in Sydney vary widely depending on suburb, age of the home, structural needs and access conditions. Eastern Suburbs? Labour can cost more. Inner West terraces? Tight access means extra work. Northern Beaches? Waterproofing is king.
Here’s the trick:
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Get at least three detailed written quotes.
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Make sure they all include the same scope so you’re comparing apples with apples and not apples with durians.
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If a price is too cheap, treat it like a suspiciously cheap sushi train — exciting at first but guaranteed to cause problems later.
2. Ask for an Itemised Scope of Work
Vague quotes are the enemy. If your contractor gives you a quote that simply says “bathroom renovation – $25,000,” that’s not a quote — that’s a riddle.
A proper bathroom renovation quote in Sydney should include:
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Demolition
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Plumbing
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Electrical
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Waterproofing
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Tiling
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Carpentry
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Fixtures and fittings
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Rubbish removal
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Any allowances and exclusions
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Any provisional sums (“estimates” that can change later)
If it’s detailed, transparent, and clear, you’re much less likely to be stung.
3. Understand “Prime Costs” and “Provisional Sums”
These two phrases are the ninjas hiding inside renovation quotes.
Prime Cost (PC) Items
These are allowances for fixtures — taps, toilets, vanities, lights.
Example: “PC allowance: vanity $800.”
But if you pick a $2,000 vanity? Boom — cost blowout.
Provisional Sums (PS)
These cover estimated labour or unknowns, like plumbing adjustments or wall repairs.
A PS gives the contractor permission to charge more later, often with no cap.
Too many PS items means your quote can balloon faster than a Bondi parking fine.
What to do?
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Ask contractors to minimise PS items.
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Request realistic allowances for PC items based on your taste.
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Clarify what happens if costs exceed the allowance.
4. Verify Contractor Licences
This is Sydney. Everyone “has a mate who does bathrooms.”
But a proper bathroom renovation requires licensed trades — especially for waterproofing, plumbing and electrical work.
Before you sign anything:
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Check the licence on Fair Trading NSW’s online portal.
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Confirm they’re licensed for bathroom renovations, not just carpentry or maintenance.
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Ask if they will use subcontractors and check their licences too.
If someone avoids licence questions, it’s a red flag big enough to wrap a whole scaffolding tower.
5. Make Sure Everything Is in Writing
Verbal agreements are great for ordering dumplings, not so great for renovations.
A proper bathroom renovation contract should include:
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Final fixed price (or clearly stated variations)
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Payment schedule
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Detailed timeline
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Full list of services
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Warranties
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Insurances
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Variations process
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Cooling-off period
Clarity protects everyone — especially your wallet.
6. Avoid Paying Too Much Upfront
A huge upfront payment is like giving someone your credit card and hoping they remember to come back.
Standard practice in NSW:
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~10% deposit
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Progress payments linked to milestone completion
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No paying for labour or materials in advance of delivery
If a contractor wants a 40% or 50% upfront payment? That’s your cue to politely moonwalk away.
7. Research Local Price Ranges in Your Suburb
Bathroom prices shift across Sydney:
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Eastern Suburbs – Higher labour costs and stricter strata rules
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Inner West – Older houses that may hide surprises behind walls
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North Shore – Big houses, high expectations, premium fittings
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Western Sydney – Competitive pricing but still skilled trades
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North Beaches – Extra care with moisture and salt air issues
Knowing your suburb’s benchmark helps you spot quotes that are way off track.
8. Check Reviews and Ask for References
A contractor can talk like they build bathrooms for The Block, but what do their previous customers say?
Check:
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Google reviews
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Hipages reviews
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Photos of previous work
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References who can confirm workmanship and timeliness
If you see repeated comments like “good at first, then disappeared,” you know exactly what to avoid.
9. Ask About Insurance and Warranties
In Sydney, proper work should include:
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Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) insurance for projects over $20,000
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Public liability insurance
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Waterproofing warranty
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Statutory warranty under NSW law
No insurance? Walk away quicker than when you see a parking ranger near your car.
10. Avoid Unrealistic Promises
If someone says:
“This will only take a week!”
“We can do it for half the price!”
“You won’t need waterproofing!”
Run. These promises are usually bait.
Quality bathroom renovations in Sydney take time, skill, and compliance. Lowball offers often end up costing more due to mistakes, rework, or failures.
11. Keep Communication Open Throughout the Project
The best way to avoid being overcharged is to stay involved.
Ask questions, visit the site, and check progress.
Even simple questions like:
“Hey, what’s happening today?”
“What’s the next step?”
“Why do we need this variation?”
show your contractor you’re engaged and informed.
Variations should be:
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Written
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Approved
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Costed before work starts
12. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it usually is.
If a contractor pressures you, avoids paperwork, or laughs off your questions — that’s not confidence, that’s avoidance.
Pick someone who is transparent, communicative and professional. Those qualities save you more money than any discount ever could.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Wallet and Your Bathroom
Avoiding being overcharged isn’t about being suspicious or difficult. It’s about being informed. When you know the basics — quotes, scopes, licences, allowances, insurance, suburb pricing — you become the type of customer contractors respect. And respectful contractors don’t overcharge; they deliver great work at fair prices.
Bathroom renovations in Sydney are an investment. With the right preparation, you get a beautiful, compliant bathroom without those budget-blowing surprises.
For more information about kitchen, bathroom and full home renovation services in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au.
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