Comparing bathroom renovation quotes in Sydney can feel like comparing three different restaurant menus from three different cuisines… when all you want is a good meal at a fair price. One quote is too cheap (suspiciously cheap), one is too expensive (did they include a gold toilet?), and one looks fine but you have no idea what half the items even mean.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Homeowners across Sydney face the same challenge every single day. The trick is learning how to read a renovation quote like a pro so you don’t get overcharged, misled, or trapped in a never-ending renovation drama.
Let’s break it down clearly, calmly and in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
1. First rule of comparing quotes: Make sure you’re comparing the same thing
In Sydney, renovation companies love using different formats, different words and different pricing structures. So a $20,000 quote might actually be worse value than a $30,000 quote — depending on what’s included.
Before you compare anything, make sure each quote includes:
• Full demolition
• Waterproofing
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Tiling
• Fixtures and fittings
• Shower screen
• Waste removal
• Project management
• Compliance certificates (VERY important in NSW)
If a company skips items or keeps things vague like “allowance included,” that usually means you’re paying extra later.
If the quotes don’t list the same scope of work — you’re not comparing apples with apples.
You’re comparing apples with durians. And nobody wants a durian surprise in a bathroom renovation.
2. Look for itemised pricing — vague quotes are a red flag
If a company only gives you a one-line quote like:
“Bathroom renovation: $18,000”
Run.
Run faster than you run to the beach on a 40-degree Sydney day.
A proper, trustworthy company will give you a breakdown such as:
• Demolition: $1,800
• Plumbing rough-in: $2,400
• Waterproofing: $1,200
• Tiling: $3,800
• Electrical: $1,200
• Carpentry: $900
• Materials: itemised
• Labour: itemised
• Finishes: listed clearly
• Waste disposal: $600
• Final fit-off: $2,200
A detailed quote = transparency.
A vague quote = room for “unexpected costs.”
3. Check the allowance items — this is where budgets blow up
In Sydney renovation quotes, you’ll often see words like:
• PC items (Prime Cost items)
• Provisional Sums
• Allowances
These mean that the contractor hasn’t locked in the cost and can charge you more later.
For example:
Toilet allowance: $300
Sounds okay… until you realise most homeowners pick toilets that cost $500–$1,200.
Multiply this across taps, vanities, tiles, showerheads, accessories and suddenly your “great value quote” becomes a “how did we spend $8,000 more?” moment.
When comparing quotes, look for:
• Realistic allowances
• Clear product ranges
• Fixed-price options where possible
4. Review what brands and materials are included
A cheap quote often hides cheap items.
A premium quote often hides premium margins.
So you need to check:
• Tile brands
• Tapware brands
• Waterproofing system used
• Vanity material (PVC, plywood, MDF?)
• Shower screen thickness
• Grout and adhesive quality
• Drain type (yes, it matters)
Sydney’s humidity, water hardness and lifestyle mean you want reliable brands that come with warranties. Choosing between low-cost and high-quality materials becomes much easier once you know what is actually being supplied.
If one company is offering:
• Premium waterproofing + 15-year warranty
• Reputable Australian tapware
• Plywood vanities
And the other is offering:
• Basic waterproofing + 5-year warranty
• No-name tapware
• MDF vanities
The prices shouldn’t be compared directly — the products aren’t the same.
5. Labour quality matters more than material price
Many homeowners get excited comparing tile prices or vanity prices… but forget that labour is the biggest cost in Sydney.
A highly skilled tiler doesn’t work for $250/day.
A licensed plumber doesn’t do rough-ins for $300.
Cheap quotes often include:
• Unlicensed labour
• Rushed workmanship
• No warranty
• No compliance certificates
• No supervision
In Sydney, tradespeople must be licensed, insured and provide documentation such as:
• Waterproofing certificate
• Electrical certificate of compliance
• Plumbing certificate
• Home Building Compensation Fund (where applicable)
If a quote is cheap because they’re skipping these — massive red flag.
6. Compare warranties — not just prices
Bathroom renovations in NSW legally require certain warranties.
But not all builders honour them equally.
When comparing quotes, check:
• Waterproofing warranty duration
• Structural warranty
• Workmanship warranty
• Tapware or fixture warranty terms
• Whether they include follow-up repairs
A company offering a 10-year workmanship warranty and professional waterproofing has more value than a company offering a 12-month “good luck, hope it works out” promise.
7. Ask how long the renovation will take
Time is money — literally.
A quote that is $3,000 cheaper but takes 2 extra weeks may mean:
• More rent paid
• More Airbnb nights
• More inconvenience for the family
• More take-away food (good for the soul, bad for the wallet)
Sydney bathrooms typically take 3–5 weeks depending on complexity.
A quote promising “1–1.5 weeks” is either magic or misleading.
8. Check if project management is included
Some companies include full project management — others leave you to deal with plumbers, tilers, electricians and deliveries.
If a company includes:
• Scheduling
• Trade coordination
• Progress inspections
• Supplier management
• Defect checking
Then you’re getting value even if the quote is higher.
If they don’t include it?
You’re the project manager — whether you like it or not.
9. Look for hidden costs commonly missing in Sydney quotes
These are the “surprise bonuses” no one wants:
• Asbestos testing and removal
• Structural framing adjustments
• Relocating drains
• Premium waterproofing upgrades
• Rubbish bin fees
• Parking fees in tight Sydney suburbs
• Tile levelling systems
• Large format tile installation costs
• Unexpected plumbing repairs
The more detailed the quote, the fewer the surprises later.
10. Evaluate communication and professionalism
This part isn’t in the quote but matters more than most people realise.
Compare how each company:
• Responds to messages
• Explains processes
• Provides documents
• Handles questions
• Communicates timelines
• Shows up for inspections
A company that communicates poorly before signing will communicate even worse during construction.
11. Summary: How to compare bathroom renovation quotes the smart way
Use this checklist:
Are the quotes based on identical scope?
→ If no, request updates.
Are the allowances realistic?
→ If no, adjust and recalculate.
Are material brands clearly listed?
→ If no, ask for specifics.
Are warranties clear and strong?
→ If weak, reconsider.
Is the labour licensed and insured?
→ Mandatory in Sydney.
Is project management included?
→ Saves stress.
Any hidden costs?
→ Clarify everything.
Do you feel confident with the company?
→ Trust your gut.
The best quote is never the cheapest and not necessarily the most expensive.
It’s the one that gives you the highest value, the least risk, and the clearest, most transparent breakdown.
For more bathroom, kitchen and whole-home renovation guidance in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to learn more about professional renovation services and get expert insights tailored to NSW homeowners.
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