DIY vs Professional Bathroom Renovations in Melbourne: What’s Best for You?

Renovating a bathroom is one of the most exciting projects a homeowner can take on. A fresh bathroom doesn’t just improve your day-to-day living — it adds real value to your home. But when it comes to tackling the job, there’s always the big question: should you try to DIY, or bring in the professionals?

As someone who’s been renovating bathrooms across Melbourne for over 15 years (Licence No: CCB-L 100299), I’ve seen both sides of the story — the DIY wins and the DIY disasters. So let’s dive deep and look at what makes sense for you.

Why Melbourne Bathrooms Can Be Tricky

Before we talk DIY vs pro, it’s worth noting something unique about bathrooms in Melbourne:

• Older homes in suburbs like Brunswick, Coburg, Surrey Hills, and Box Hill often have ageing plumbing, hidden leaks, or asbestos.
• Many post-war homes weren’t designed for modern bathrooms — meaning poor ventilation and small layouts.
• Apartments and townhouses come with body corporate rules and strict waterproofing standards.

That’s why bathroom projects here aren’t always straightforward. Even “small jobs” can snowball into something more complex.

The Appeal of DIY Bathroom Renovations

I get it — renovations are expensive, and the idea of rolling up your sleeves is tempting. A lot of homeowners think:

• “It’ll save me money.”
• “How hard can tiling or painting be?”
• “I’ll take my time and do it right.”

And yes, there are parts of a bathroom renovation you can DIY without too much risk.

DIY-Friendly Tasks

• Painting walls & ceilings: Just make sure you use mould-resistant paint. I once revisited a bathroom where a client used standard interior paint — within a year, it was peeling.
• Demolition (with care): Pulling out old fittings or tiles can save on labour costs. But don’t touch anything that looks like asbestos — it’s still common in older Melbourne homes.
• Installing simple fixtures: Things like towel rails, mirrors, or shelving are safe DIY jobs.
• Flat-pack vanities: If you’re handy, you can assemble and fit vanities that don’t require moving plumbing.

These tasks give you that “I did it myself” satisfaction and cut down some costs.

Where DIY Goes Wrong

Here’s the reality: I’ve been called in countless times to fix failed DIY bathrooms — and it always costs the homeowner more in the end. The main culprits?

• Waterproofing mistakes: This is the number one issue. Without proper waterproofing (and a compliance certificate), leaks destroy subfloors, walls, and even neighbour’s ceilings in apartments.
• Plumbing mishaps: In Victoria, any plumbing work must be done by a licensed plumber. I’ve seen people try — the burst pipes usually prove why it’s not worth it.
• Tiling problems: Lippage (uneven tiles), poor grout work, or tiles not aligned properly can make a bathroom look cheap.
• Electrical work: DIY electrical is not only illegal here, it’s deadly. Always use a licensed electrician.

So while DIY can work for cosmetic touches, once you get into the “bones” of a bathroom, you’re playing with fire.

Related Post Suggest for You: Small Bathroom Renovations in Melbourne: 7 Space-Saving Ideas

When You Hire a Professional Bathroom Renovations

Bringing in licensed trades and an experienced renovation builder makes the process smoother, faster, and most importantly — compliant.

Here’s why clients usually decide to go pro after weighing it up:

1. Peace of Mind
   Bathrooms must meet the Building Code of Australia. Waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical all need certification. Professionals handle this — no risk, no shortcuts.
2. Time Savings
   A full bathroom renovation can take a DIYer months. A professional team can often complete it in 2–3 weeks.
   
3. Quality Finish
   Straight tiles, perfect silicone lines, seamless layouts — these details matter. That “wow” factor is hard to DIY.
4. Warranty & Insurance
   At HRE OZ, we provide a minimum 7-year guarantee on waterproofing and structural work. If something goes wrong, you’re covered. DIY gives you no safety net.
5. Value Add
   Buyers in Melbourne are savvy. They can spot a DIY bathroom a mile away. A professional bathroom adds genuine resale value, not question marks.
   

DIY vs Professional: Cost Comparison

I’ll be upfront — cost is the biggest driver for most homeowners deciding between DIY and pro.

• DIY bathroom costs in Melbourne (basic finish): $5,000 – $12,000
  (materials only, assuming you do most of the work yourself)
• Professional bathroom costs (standard finish): $20,000 – $30,000
  (licensed trades, full compliance, quality fittings)
• High-end professional bathrooms: $35,000 – $50,000+
  

Related Post: Bathroom Renovation Costs in Melbourne: What You Need to Know

At first glance, DIY looks cheaper — but factor in:

• The cost of tools you’ll need to buy or hire.
• Mistakes that require redoing work (common in tiling and waterproofing).
• Longer timelines (sometimes you’ll be without a bathroom for weeks).

Often, when you add it all up, the “savings” are far smaller than expected.

Real Story

A client in Glen Iris once tried to DIY their ensuite. They managed to install the vanity and paint the walls fine — but waterproofing and tiling went wrong. Within months, water seeped under the tiles, causing mould and damage to the adjoining bedroom wall.

By the time I was called in, they had spent around $10k DIY and then another $18k for us to redo it properly. That’s $28k total, when a full professional job from the start would have cost them $22k.

That’s why I always tell homeowners: DIY can work if you stick to surface-level updates, but leave the core construction to pros.

When DIY Makes Sense

I’m not against DIY — in fact, I often encourage it when clients want to:

• Update on a shoestring budget (e.g. painting, new taps, styling).
• Refresh a rental property between tenants.
• Do a temporary “makeover” before a bigger renovation later.

But for bathrooms you actually use daily, and for homes you plan to live in long-term, professional is the smart choice.

Tips If You’re Deciding Between DIY & Pro

• Get at least 2–3 quotes from licensed bathroom renovators in Melbourne.
• Be realistic about your skills — tiling a splashback is one thing, tiling a bathroom is another.
• Factor in hidden issues (old plumbing, asbestos, rotten floors).
• Remember compliance — waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical must be certified.
  

FAQs

1. Can I waterproof my own bathroom in Melbourne?
Technically yes, but it’s risky. Waterproofing needs to be done correctly and you won’t get a compliance certificate without a licensed waterproofer — which you’ll need if you ever sell the property.

2. Is DIY bathroom renovation cheaper?
Only in the short term. For small cosmetic updates, yes. For full bathrooms, mistakes often end up costing more than hiring professionals from the start.

3. How long does a professional bathroom renovation take in Melbourne?
Usually 2–3 weeks, depending on size and complexity. DIY can stretch into months.

4. Do professionals provide guarantees?
Yes — at HRE OZ, all structural work and waterproofing comes with a 7-year guarantee, giving homeowners peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the choice comes down to your goals, skills, and budget. If you’re confident, handy, and only after a cosmetic refresh, DIY might suit you. But if you want a bathroom that adds long-term value, meets Melbourne building codes, and comes with peace of mind — professional renovation is the safer bet.