Full bathroom renovations
Bathroom renovation in Wollongong, planned from the ground up.
A complete bathroom renovation, from strip-out to the finishing details, with careful waterproofing and tiling at the heart of the work. Paul brings 25 years' experience to bathrooms across Wollongong and the Illawarra.
- 25 yearshands-on experience
- 72413SNSW licence number
- Licensed& insured
What's included
From the first tile removed to the finishing details.
A bathroom renovation replaces the finishes you see and the layers you don't. Waterproofing and tiling are at the heart of what Gaffneys does, so the parts a bathroom depends on most get specialist attention.
Every bathroom is different, so the exact scope, and who handles each part of the work, is confirmed with you and set out in your quote.
- 01
Strip-out & preparation
Removing old tiles and fixtures, then preparing the walls and floor to suit the new finishes, including setting floor falls towards the drain where required.
- 02
Waterproofing
A waterproof membrane applied to the shower and other wet areas before any tiles go down.
- 03
Tiling
Floor and wall tiling, niches and feature tiles, set out carefully with straight lines and even grout joints.
- 04
Finishing
Grouting, sealing and silicone, then the finishing details that make a bathroom feel complete.
Typical renovation stages
What usually happens, and in what order.
This is an overview of how a typical renovation is staged. Every bathroom is different, so the scope, order and timing for your job are discussed with you before work begins.
Stage 01
Talk it through and get a quote
Tell Paul what you'd like to change. Photos help. He'll talk the job through with you, let you know if he needs to see the bathroom, and prepare a quote with the proposed scope.
- Send the form or call 0432 685 338
- Share photos of your current bathroom
- Review the scope and quote in your own time
Stage 02
Strip-out
Once the work is agreed, the old tiles, fixtures and anything else in the scope are removed, taking the room back to the surfaces underneath.
- Old tiles and fixtures removed
- Room stripped back to the surfaces underneath
- Ready for preparation
Stage 03
Preparation
Walls and floors are prepared for the waterproofing and new tiles. Where required, the floor is set to fall so water drains towards the waste.
- Surfaces prepared to suit the new finishes
- Floor falls set towards the drain where required
- Ready for the waterproof membrane
Stage 04
Waterproofing
A waterproof membrane goes into the shower and other wet areas. It sits under the tiles, so it's the layer you never see but rely on every day.
- Membrane applied to the wet areas
- Corners and junctions detailed carefully
- Given time to cure before tiling
Stage 05
Tiling
Floor and wall tiles are laid out so lines are straight, cuts are neat and grout joints are even, including niches, hobs and feature areas.
- Careful set-out before the first tile
- Niches and features finished cleanly
- Grouted once the tiles have set
Stage 06
Finishing the bathroom
Sealing, silicone and the finishing details that make the new bathroom feel complete.
- Grout and silicone completed
- Finishing details in place
- Your new bathroom, ready to enjoy



Gaffneys work in progress
Waterproofing & tiling
The trade is in our name.
Waterproofing and tiling are at the heart of what Gaffneys does. They're the layers every bathroom depends on.
Why waterproofing matters
Tiles and grout aren't waterproof on their own. The membrane underneath is what keeps water out of your walls, floors and the rooms around the bathroom, so it's done carefully and given time to cure.
Tiling that looks right for years
Good tiling starts before the first tile goes down: planning the layout, getting the falls right and keeping lines straight through niches, hobs and corners.
Our work
Finished bathrooms by Gaffneys.
Every photo here was taken on a Gaffneys job. Select one to view it larger.
“My bathroom turned out exactly as I wanted. Paul is great to deal with. Would use him again.”
Planning your renovation
Questions worth thinking about before you call.
You don't need everything decided. These are the things that usually shape a renovation, and Paul can talk them through with you.
ALayout
- Keep the current layout, or move the shower, vanity or toilet?
- Bath, shower, or both?
- A walk-in shower or a screen and door?
BEveryday use
- Who uses the bathroom, and when is it busiest?
- Where will towels, toiletries and cleaning products go?
- Would a shower niche or extra storage help?
CFinishes
- Floor and wall tiles: size, colour and finish
- Tapware and fittings, such as black, chrome or brushed brass
- A feature wall or tiled niche?
Tip: photos of your current bathroom, and a few you like the look of, make the first conversation quicker and more useful.
Send your photos with a quote requestBathroom renovation FAQs
Common questions, plain answers.
Something else on your mind? Paul is happy to talk it through.
Call 0432 685 338How long does a bathroom renovation take?
It depends on the size of the room, how much is changing and the finishes you choose. Waterproofing and tiling also need time to cure and set between stages. Paul will discuss expected timing with you when he prepares your quote.
What affects the cost of a renovation?
Mainly the size of the bathroom, whether the layout changes, the condition of what's under the old tiles, and the tiles and fittings you choose. That's why every quote is prepared for the specific job.
Is waterproofing part of a renovation?
Waterproofing the shower and other wet areas is a standard part of rebuilding a bathroom, and it's one of the core trades at Gaffneys. What's included for your bathroom is set out in your quote.
Do I need to choose tiles before getting a quote?
No. A rough idea of what you like is enough to start. Paul can talk you through the options, and the details can be confirmed as the plan comes together.
Can I keep my existing layout?
Yes, many renovations keep the existing layout and replace the finishes. If you're thinking of moving the shower, vanity or toilet, mention it in your enquiry so Paul can talk through what's involved.
Do you work in my suburb?
Gaffneys is based in Wollongong and works across the Illawarra. Include your suburb in your enquiry and we'll let you know.
Tell us about your project
A quote request, not a booking. Paul will contact you to arrange next steps.
Request received
Thanks, we've got it.
Paul will review your details and contact you to talk about your project. This is not a confirmed appointment. If it's urgent, call 0432 685 338.


