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
Renovated bathroom with a freestanding bath, timber-look feature wall, white vanity and frameless shower
Inspiration image
A completed Gaffneys bathroom with a floating timber-look vanity and twin round basins
Gaffneys projectFloating twin vanity

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 02

    Waterproofing

    A waterproof membrane applied to the shower and other wet areas before any tiles go down.

  3. 03

    Tiling

    Floor and wall tiling, niches and feature tiles, set out carefully with straight lines and even grout joints.

  4. 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: marble-look tiles on walls and floor before fixtures are installed
Tiled, ready for fit-off
Gaffneys work in progress: tiled floor and part-tiled walls before fixtures
Floor tiled, walls in progress
Gaffneys work in progress: grey floor tiles meeting a white tiled bath hob
Bath hob and floor tiling

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.

More about waterproofing

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.”

JohnBathroom renovation

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 request

Bathroom renovation FAQs

Common questions, plain answers.

Something else on your mind? Paul is happy to talk it through.

Call 0432 685 338
How 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.

Prefer to talk?Call Paul 0432 685 338

About you

What do you need?

Your projectOptional, and it helps Paul quote accurately

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