New bathrooms
Adding an ensuite, a second bathroom, or a bathroom in a new build or extension? Waterproofing and tiling are at the heart of what Gaffneys does, and Paul brings 25 years' experience to new bathroom spaces across Wollongong and the Illawarra.
Which one is yours?
They often overlap, but they usually start in different places. Here's how to tell which is closer to your project.
Bathroom renovation
You're hereNew bathroom
New bathroom projects
Every project is different. Tell Paul what you're planning and he'll let you know how Gaffneys' waterproofing and tiling can help.
A private bathroom off the main bedroom. Space is often tight, so the shower layout, tile size and storage need careful thought from the start.
Takes pressure off the main bathroom in a busy household. Hard-wearing, easy-clean finishes and a practical layout usually matter most.
A bathroom in a new home or extension, where waterproofing and tiling fit into a wider building project. Let Paul know where the project is up to and who else is involved.
Plan the room
In a new bathroom, these choices are easiest to make on paper. Select a point on the plan to see why it matters.
Illustration only. Not a Gaffneys plan.
A walk-in shower or a screen and door? Its size and position set the wet zone, and shape how the rest of the room works.
Decide early: where the shower goes and how you'll step into it.
Water needs to drain towards the floor waste, so the floor is set to fall towards it. The waste's position affects the falls and how the floor tiles are laid out.
Decide early: the waste position and type, before the floor is finished.
In a new bathroom, the membrane is typically applied to the shower and wet areas once the room is built and before any tiles go on. Getting it right here protects the new walls and floors from the start.
Ask about: which areas will be waterproofed for your layout.
A recessed niche keeps bottles off the floor. Its size and height are best set around the tile layout, so the cuts line up neatly.
Decide early: whether you want one, and roughly where.
Large tiles mean fewer grout lines; smaller tiles follow floor falls more easily. Planning the set-out keeps lines straight and cuts even across the room.
Bring: your tile ideas, even if they're not final.
Wall-hung or floor-standing, single or double basin. Where the vanity sits affects tiling behind and around it, and how much storage you'll have.
Think about: who uses the room and what needs a home.
Gaffneys work, up close
Photos from real Gaffneys jobs, showing the waterproofing and tiling details that matter in any new bathroom. Select a detail to see it.
Starting the conversation
You don't need everything decided. Any of these will help Paul understand your new bathroom and where Gaffneys fits in.
New bathroom FAQs
Planning something not covered here? Paul is happy to talk it through.
Call 0432 685 338They overlap, but the starting point differs. A renovation updates a bathroom you already have. A new bathroom adds one, such as an ensuite, a second bathroom, or a bathroom in an extension or new build. Adding one to an existing home can still involve altering or removing existing finishes. If you're updating a bathroom you already have, see bathroom renovation.
Yes. Tell Paul who's involved and where the project is up to, and he'll let you know how Gaffneys can help with the waterproofing and tiling.
As early as practical. The layout, floor waste position, niches and tile sizes all affect each other, so they're easier to settle before the room is finished.
No, but they help. Plans, a sketch or photos of the space, plus any tile ideas, give Paul a clearer picture of the job from the outset.
Often, depending on the room's layout and how the floor can fall to the waste. It's one of the best questions to raise early, while the plan can still change.
Gaffneys is based in Wollongong and works across the Illawarra. Include your suburb when you get in touch and we'll let you know.
A quote request, not a booking. Paul will contact you to arrange next steps.
Request received
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.