Decide what stays before choosing what changes
Record whether the room keeps its present layout, which fittings you hope to reuse and what is already causing trouble. These decisions make your brief clearer than room size alone. Keep essential work in one list and optional upgrades in another, so the discussion can consider alternatives without losing the basic purpose of the renovation.
Bathroom budget inclusion worksheet
| Budget line | Check the scope | Write beside each quote |
|---|---|---|
| Strip-out and preparation | Removal, disposal and the condition of floors and walls. | Included work, assumptions and any unknown repair allowance. |
| Wet-area work | The proposed shower and lining or waterproofing approach. | Who specifies and installs the system, and what finishing is included. |
| Plumbing and electrical | Fixture locations, ventilation, lighting and heating choices. | Supply, installation and any required professional checks. |
| Fixtures and finishes | Vanity, shower, tapware, flooring, paint and accessories. | Exact selections or allowances, plus who buys each item. |
| Living arrangements | Loss of the only bathroom, storage and access. | Temporary arrangements that belong in your household budget. |
Prepare a budget conversation
- Photograph the room and mark the existing fixtures on a simple plan.
- List the must-have outcome, such as easier cleaning or better storage.
- Record known leaks or earlier repairs before choosing finishes.
- Ask whether each total includes GST and all described work.
- Keep a separate record of items you will buy directly.
Compare the same bathroom
One quote may include a vanity allowance while another expects you to supply it. Mark the difference before comparing the totals. Also check whether installation, plumbing connections and making good are included in both, rather than adding only the retail price of the vanity.
Does moving plumbing always need consent?
Not always. MBIE describes qualifying plumbing alterations that can be exempt when carried out by an authorised person. Additional fixtures or other work can change the position. Confirm the actual scope with the relevant professionals and council rather than budgeting from a blanket rule.
Further reading
- Consumer Protection: quotes and estimates
- MBIE Building Performance · 4 7 alteration sanitary plumbing excluding water heaters
Guidance checked 30 September 2026. Confirm the requirements and product information for your own project.