Complete Renovations
A full strip-out and rebuild, layout changes included, matched to one vetted renovation specialist who coordinates every trade.
A complete renovation means stripping the room back to the studs (or close to it) and rebuilding: new layout if you want one, new plumbing runs, new waterproofing membrane, new tiling, and new fixtures throughout. It's the option that makes sense when a bathroom is genuinely worn out rather than just dated, or when the current layout simply doesn't work for the household anymore.
The part that trips people up isn't usually the fixtures, it's the sequencing. Plumbing has to move before waterproofing goes down, waterproofing has to cure and often gets tested before tiling starts, and electrical work for heated towel rails or extractor fans needs to happen at the right point in that order. A specialist who runs full renovations regularly manages that sequence and the sub-trades involved, so you're not the one chasing four different tradespeople to show up in the right order.
If you're moving plumbing fixtures more than a short distance, changing a load-bearing element, or extending the bathroom's footprint, a building consent is often required under the Building Act 2004. Tell us what you're picturing for the space and we'll match you with one specialist who scopes it properly, including flagging consent requirements before work starts rather than after.
What's typically included
- Demolition and removal of existing fixtures, tiling, and linings
- Layout redesign, if you're moving the shower, vanity, or toilet
- Plumbing and drainage relocation where needed
- Waterproofing membrane to NZBC E3 and AS/NZS 3740
- Floor-to-ceiling tiling in the wet area, and to your chosen finish elsewhere
- Project coordination across plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and tiling trades
Frequently asked questions
How long does a complete bathroom renovation take?
Most full renovations run somewhere between two and five weeks once work actually starts, depending on the size of the room and whether the layout is changing. Waiting on a building consent, if one's needed, adds time before the on-site work even begins. Your matched specialist will give you a realistic timeline once they've seen the space.
Do I need a building consent for a full renovation?
Not always. Straightforward like-for-like replacements usually don't need one. Moving plumbing fixtures a significant distance, altering structural elements, or changing the room's footprint generally does, under the Building Act 2004. Your matched specialist will tell you early, before quoting, so it's not a surprise partway through.
Can I stay in the house during the renovation?
Usually yes, if you have a second bathroom. If this is the only bathroom, most households arrange alternative washing facilities for the more disruptive stages (demolition, plumbing, and waterproofing curing). Ask your matched specialist about the likely bathroom-free stretch before committing to a start date.
Related
Other services worth a look
Bathroom Makeovers
Cosmetic refreshes: new vanity, tiling, and fittings, without moving plumbing or walls.
Learn moreShower Replacements
Swap a tired or leaking shower for a walk-in, framed, or frameless option, done right the first time.
Learn moreWaterproofing
Membrane waterproofing to New Zealand Building Code E3 and AS/NZS 3740, whether it's a full reno or a standalone fix.
Learn moreWhere we match
Complete Renovations across New Zealand
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