All advice / Planning and cost
Design happens before pricing
A bathroom renovation quote means nothing without a design behind it. Two quotes for "a new bathroom" are not comparable if one includes a layout change, heated towel rail and full-height tiling while the other does not. The design defines the scope, and the scope defines the price.
At ETR, the design process starts at the on-site measure and finishes when you sign off on the layout, materials and inclusions. The written quote comes from that — not the other way around.
Step 1: the on-site measure
Omar Dawood visits the site, measures the room, checks the existing plumbing and electrical positions, notes the wall construction (timber frame or masonry) and photographs the current bathroom.
This visit is free and takes about 45 minutes. The goal is to understand what is there, what you want to change, and what the room can realistically accommodate. If there are structural constraints — load-bearing walls, plumbing that cannot easily move, low ceiling height — they are identified here.
Step 2: layout options
Farah Dawood, our architectural designer, works through layout options based on the measurements and your brief. The layout sets the position of the shower, bath (if included), vanity, toilet and door.
Even in a small bathroom, there are usually two or three workable layouts. The differences matter — a toilet that faces the door feels different from one beside the door. A shower at the far end of the room opens the entry. A vanity under the window gets natural light.
The layout is where the biggest design decisions happen. Once the fixture positions are set, the tile plan, lighting and storage follow from them.
Step 3: material selections
Selections cover tiles (floor and wall), grout colour, tapware (taps, showerhead, mixer), vanity and basin, toilet, shower screen, mirror, towel rails, and any extras — heated towel rail, niche, underfloor heating.
You can visit a tile showroom, browse online or work from a mood board. Farah helps narrow the options based on the layout, the room size and your budget. A mood board — a collection of images, colours and materials — helps align everyone before the final choices are locked in.
Our guides on colour schemes, tapware finishes and vanity selection cover the main decisions in detail.
Step 4: the written quote
The quote is built from the design — the layout, the materials and the scope of work. It lists every inclusion: demolition, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, tiling, fixtures, painting and clean-up. It also states what is excluded.
ETR uses a HIA fixed-price renovation contract. The price is fixed to the agreed scope. If something unexpected is found during the strip-out — rot, old plumbing, asbestos — it is discussed and priced before any extra work goes ahead.
Our guide to comparing quotes covers what to look for and what questions to ask.
Step 5: sign-off and scheduling
Once you approve the design and sign the contract, the job is scheduled. Materials are ordered, the skip bin is booked, and the program is set — demolition, rough-in, waterproofing, tiling, fit-off, handover.
The program is shared with you before work starts, so you know what is happening each week. Omar provides updates throughout. A standard full renovation runs three to four weeks on site.
Why the design phase matters
Skipping or rushing the design phase is how renovations go wrong. A layout that does not work, materials ordered in the wrong finish, a missing power point for the mirror — these problems are cheap to fix on paper and expensive to fix on site.
The design phase is free at ETR. The on-site measure, the layout options and the selections support are part of the quoting process. A free on-site measure anywhere in Sydney is the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the design process take?
Typically one to two weeks from the on-site measure to a signed-off design and quote. The timeline depends on how quickly material selections are made — some clients decide in a day, others take a few weeks to visit showrooms.
Do I need to choose my tiles before getting a quote?
Not necessarily. The quote can be prepared with an allowance for tiles within a price range. Final tile selection can happen after the quote is accepted, as long as it is confirmed before the tiling phase starts.
Can I change the design after the quote is signed?
Minor changes — a different tap finish, a different grout colour — are usually straightforward. Changes that affect the layout, the scope of work or the materials may require a revised quote. The earlier a change is made, the less it costs.
Do I need an architect or interior designer?
For a standard bathroom renovation, no. Farah Dawood, our architectural designer, handles the layout and material selections as part of the ETR process. If you are working with your own designer or architect, we collaborate with them.
Is the on-site measure really free?
Yes. The on-site measure, layout options and quote are free and without obligation. You receive a written quote with a detailed scope of work. If you do not proceed, there is no charge.