How to choose a bathroom renovation contractor

Before you sign

Ten checks that prevent expensive mistakes

A bathroom renovation is a high-value, high-consequence purchase. Most failures are not caused by bad tiles; they are caused by an unclear scope, an unlicensed trade, a missing waterproofing certificate or a builder who disappears when a problem appears. These checks help you separate a professional operator from a convincing salesperson.

1. Verify the licence and the legal entity

Ask for the QBCC licence number and the legal business name, then search the QBCC register. Check that the licence is current, that the categories cover kitchen, bathroom and laundry work, and that the name matches the entity on the contract. A trading name alone is not enough. Also check whether the licence has conditions or a disciplinary history.

2. Ask for insurance evidence

Request a certificate of currency for public liability insurance and confirm the policy is current. If the project requires QBCC home warranty insurance, ask who arranges it and confirm it is in place before work starts. Do not accept a verbal assurance.

3. Insist on a written contract

The contract should set out the scope, price, payment stages, programme, variation process, completion definition, warranty and dispute resolution. It should identify the licensed entity, not just a first name and a mobile number. Read it before you sign and ask for anything unclear to be explained in writing.

4. Compare scope, not just price

Put the quotes side by side and check for demolition, disposal, substrate repair, waterproofing, screeding, tiling, plumbing, electrical, joinery, fixtures, painting, make-good and project management. A quote that excludes waterproofing is not comparable to one that includes it. Ask what is provisional and how it will be priced.

5. Ask who does the work

Some companies sell the job and subcontract everything. That is not automatically bad, but you should know who is accountable. Ask who will be on site, who manages the trades, who checks the waterproofing and who you call if something goes wrong. A single project lead with direct responsibility is a good sign.

6. Check the waterproofing approach

Ask how the wet area is prepared, what membrane system is used, whether it is applied to AS 3740, whether it is flood tested and what certificate you receive. A builder who cannot explain the waterproofing process is a risk. This is the most important hidden part of the job.

7. Ask about ventilation

Brisbane's humidity makes exhaust ventilation critical. Ask whether the fan is ducted outside, how it is sized, where the duct runs and whether the system includes a backdraft shutter. A recirculating fan or a duct that terminates in the roof space is a red flag.

8. Speak to a referee

Ask for a referee from a comparable project, not just a logo wall. Ask about communication, site cleanliness, variations, delays and whether the builder returned after handover. A genuine referee will give you a balanced account, including what could have gone better.

9. Check the programme and payment schedule

A realistic programme allows for waterproofing cure, screeding, tiling and product lead times. A payment schedule should be linked to progress, not to arbitrary dates. Be cautious of a large upfront cash deposit or a request to pay outside the contract.

10. Confirm the handover documentation

At handover you should receive the waterproofing certificate, plumbing and electrical compliance documentation, product information, warranty details and care instructions. Ask what you will receive before you sign, not after the last tile is laid.

Red flags

• No licence number, or a number that does not match the contract
• No written contract or a quote with no scope
• A large cash deposit or pressure to pay before work
• No waterproofing line item or no certificate
• A price that is far below every other quote
• No referee, or referees who cannot describe the project
• Pressure to sign on the day
• A builder who will not put promises in writing

Questions to ask every builder

What is your licence number and legal entity? Who manages the site? Which trades are subcontractors? How is the waterproofing tested and documented? What is included in the quote? What is provisional? How are variations priced? What is the programme? What happens if we find asbestos? What warranty do you provide? Can I speak to a recent client?

A professional builder will answer these questions directly. If the answers are vague, defensive or rushed, take that as information.

How we compare

We are not the cheapest quote in every situation, and we do not try to be. We price the room we have inspected, document the scope, coordinate licensed trades and hand over the certificates. If that is the standard you want, call us. If you choose another builder, use this guide to check their work.