The Melbourne bathroom renovation checklist.
A good renovation is decided before contracts are signed. Work through the checklist below before you accept any Melbourne bathroom quote.
Compliance certificates required
Waterproofing certificate (AS3740), plumbing Certificate of Compliance, and Electrical Safety Certificate. All three must be listed as included in the contract — not 'available on request'.
Inclusions listed line by line
Every tile, tap, vanity, mirror and shower screen should be specified by product code. Vague terms like 'quality tapware' or 'designer tile allowance' invite variations.
Payment schedule
A fair payment schedule for Melbourne is 10% deposit, 25% on demolition, 25% on waterproofing sign-off, 25% on tiling complete, 15% on handover. Avoid front-loaded schedules.
Insurance and licensing to verify
Ask the builder for: VBA registration number (verify at vba.vic.gov.au), $20M public liability certificate of currency, plumber's licence number (verify at consumer.vic.gov.au), and A-Grade electrical licence. A legitimate builder will send these within an hour of you asking.
Contract clauses that protect you
Insist on: a fixed start date and finish date written into the contract, a variations clause requiring your written approval before any additional work, a defects liability period (minimum six months), and a warranty period (minimum six years on workmanship). If any of these are missing, do not sign.
Pre-demolition sign-off checklist
Before demolition day: material selections finalised in writing, tile stock confirmed in the warehouse, plumbing rough-in drawings signed, electrical positions marked on-site with the electrician present, waste and access routes agreed, and a written notice to any strata or body corporate delivered. Skipping any of these creates day-one delays.