Frequently Asked Questions

Here we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions to help you on your renovation journey and to understand our services, in a digestible format. 

The topics we cover include handy (and critical) information you should know before starting ANY renovation. We hope that it may assist you with making informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes that could affect the success and longevity of your renovation project, or cause long-term damage to your home.

As your local Registered Builder and Licenced Plumber, we’re here to help. If there’s anything we’ve missed or you would like to know more, please call anytime for some genuine, obligation free advice. 

How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

The average bathroom renovation may cost anywhere between $14,000 to $35,000, depending on the quality and scope. A luxury bathroom renovation may cost between $35,000 to $60,000+. This question is much like comparing apples with onions. No two bathrooms are the same and each renovation is unique.

Bathroom renovations can be categorised into different types, depending on your goal and reason for renovating. You might be renovating your forever home, fixing a leaking or defective bathroom, updating an investment property or even house flipping. To get what you envision, the finance should match the purpose.

Types of bathroom renovations with estimated price range

• Facelift (small bathroom, budget materials and fittings) $10,000-$20,000
• Freshen up (average sized bathroom, mid-range materials and fittings) $20,000-$35,000
• Full renovation (average sized bathroom, stripout, full demolition, updated layout) $35,000+
• Luxury bathroom renovation (full renovation with high-end materials and fittings) $40,000 to $60,000+

The type of bathroom renovation (and estimated cost range) is based on the degree of change involved, the grade of materials and fixtures (e.g. benchtops, tiles, faucets) and the trade quality/workmanship. 

Are ensuite bathrooms cheaper?

Generally, no. The same work processes are still involved in renovating a smaller bathroom and they present the same challenges as a large, or average sized bathroom. Design is important and a smaller space must still comply with regulations and suit the shape/flow of the attached bedroom. Tiling placement requires detailed planning due to being a smaller more confined space and often smaller vanities and shower screens are installed in ensuites due to the reduced space available and these can be expensive, non-stock items.  

Protect your home – don’t cut corners to reduce cost

We’re qualified licensed plumbers and registered builders and we’re experienced and passionate about what we do. Your renovation will be fully compliant with quality plumbing, adequate ventilation and waterproofing to Australian Standards. With our extensive industry and project experience, the best suppliers and product knowledge, your renovation will be a premium build that is well-designed and built to last.

We give detailed quotes

Yes, we can ‘appear’ more expensive. Our aim is to provide the best value for money for the most premium product and with us, there’s no surprises. We don’t “price gauge”. If you receive a quotation that’s on the cheaper side, beware. There are contractors out there that will omit items from your quotation so it appears cheaper (intentionally or unintentionally due to lack of job knowledge), to get you across the line. They are relying on you not fully reading or comparing your quotations and the extras often pop up later… meaning that the final result is just as expensive (or worse, they vanish or are unable to finish the job).

Send us your quote. We will tell you what’s missing and help you understand what’s needed for your unique renovation project to be complete (and compliant).

Renovate now and pay later with HandyPay

Renovate now and pay when you sell. HandyPay offers unsecured Renovation Loans of up to $75,000 so you can pay off your renovation with a weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plan over a period of 12 to 84 months. Premium BLK is a member of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) meaning that you can access a discount finance rate from 6.99% p.a. with HandyPay (their standard finance rate typically starts at 7.37% p.a.). Renovate your bathroom, your laundry and the kitchen too! See our HandyPay page for more information.

Do you supply all the trades?

Yes. For the select components that we outsource we have a hand-picked network of specialist trades who we know and trust to work with us, with high quality workmanship, methods and conduct that align with our high standards. We consider them part of our team (we use them on a consistent basis) and ensure close monitoring, job oversight and good communication to ensure all projects are completed to the set requirements and to building codes and standards. Our specialist trades are all qualified and site-ready with regulatory awareness and the required certifications for their trade.

Can I use my own trades?

No, we do not allow outside trades (non-negotiable) as this creates a liability for us. When you choose PremiumBLK we take full responsibility and accountability for your renovation project to ensure it is compliant, delivered to scope and to your satisfaction. Our trades are familiar with and understand the way we work, our high standards and our work practices which benefits consistency, time saving, effective communication and reliability. This means we can effectively project manage and ensure quality control while executing your project to timeline and budget. 

If you install (or have a friend install) components of your renovation yourself, your warranty for those installations is void as your trade/builder will not take liability for it under their builders insurance. An incorrect installation can have catastrophic long-term consequences, especially when there is water involved.

Do I need a building permit? 

Most bathroom renovations do not require a building permit, however there are some circumstances that do and these should not be confused with a local Council “Planning Permit”. 

If we are altering anything related to the structural integrity of your building, a building permit is required. This can include alterations to the roof structural members, removing or altering load-bearing walls or replacing underfloor structural members (e.g. where there is damage from termites or moisture). Even some bathtub installations require additional structural work to support the weight of the bath itself (plus the added weight of water and a human in it when full!). Works like this are not always needed, but may be required for compliance with building codes, safety regulations and standards, depending on your renovation. 

At Premium BLK we do everything by the book ensuring that all building standards, codes and safety regulations are met and the necessary permits (where applicable) are covered.

Should I use a Registered Builder to renovate my bathroom, laundry or kitchen?

Using a Registered Builder is your reassurance that all aspects of your renovation will be done correctly to Australian Standards and that there are insurances and warranties in place to protect you, if something goes wrong. Your home is your biggest asset – it’s critical to protect it from long-term damage and the cost to renovate can be significant. It’s just not worth the risk.

Registered Builders are responsible for the management of Major Construction Works in Victoria. Major Construction Works are defined by any works above the amount of $10,000 that involve two or more trades. Bathrooms, laundries and kitchen renovations fall under Major Construction Works.

Only builders that are registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) are permitted to carry out Major Construction Works and must purchase the required insurances, to safeguard the consumer against any issues that arise from construction works. Your local tiler, carpenter or handyman is not a Registered Builder and therefore unable to purchase the insurances required to carry out these works.

Without the oversight of a licensed and fully-qualified Registered Builder things can go wrong. In the event that something does, there is no builders insurance warranty to claim on, leaving you in an unfortunate situation and potentially an expensive legal dispute, which is the only way to recover funds for faulty works. You can only hope that they come back and do the right thing but more often than not, they don’t. We see this all the time.

As Registered Builders and licensed plumbers, PremiumBLK has all the mandatory insurances in place (these are checked annually by the VBA) and you are protected by all the applicable mandatory warranties, which we offer for all our work (more on these below).

Do you supply a warranty?

As a Registered Builder, PremiumBLK offers:

• Structural Warranty of 10 years
• Non-Structural Warranty of 2 years
• Plumbing Warranty of 6 years
• Electrical Warranty of 6 years
• Waterproofing Warranty of 6 years

Builder Warranty Insurance is supplied and claimable for 6 years after the Building Contract for your bathroom, laundry or kitchens is completed (works are complete).

What is Builders Warranty Insurance?

It is a mandatory legal requirement that Builders Warranty Insurance be supplied to the consumer when domestic construction works carried out for them amount to $16,000 and over. This insurance ensures that the Builders Warranty is still claimable in the event that the builder goes bankrupt, missing or passes away. Only a Registered Builder can obtain this insurance.

Legally, all bathroom, kitchen and laundry works $16,000 and over are required to include this insurance. PremiumBLK is a Registered Builder and your bathroom, laundry or kitchen renovation project will always include Builders Warranty Insurance.