Reference photo: an interior at the strip-out stage, when existing conditions become visible.
Home / Renovation Services / Bathroom Renovations
CHAPTER 01 — BATHROOM RENOVATIONS
Some bathrooms just need updating. Others need a more extensive renovation. Either way, the work starts with what is already behind the tiles. You deal directly with Ivan Bodnar, an independent renovation specialist working across Caulfield and the surrounding Melbourne suburbs.
Or email [email protected]
01
SCOPE — UPDATE OR FULL RENOVATION
Most homeowners get in touch for one of two reasons. Either the bathroom no longer meets the household’s practical needs, or it is showing signs of deterioration. We take on both kinds of work. Sometimes that means updating an existing bathroom where the structure underneath is sound. Sometimes it means a more extensive renovation that goes back to the walls and floor.
The right scope depends on the condition of the room, so we assess it before suggesting either approach. If you’re still weighing it up, read Update or Full Renovation? Working Out the Right Scope.
COMMON STARTING POINTS
— Cracked tiles and grout breaking down
— A layout that no longer works for the household
— Dated fixtures and surfaces in an otherwise sound room
— Marks or damage that suggest something underneath needs checking
THE LAYERS OF A BATHROOM
A good-looking surface depends on everything underneath it. We plan each bathroom renovation layer by layer, so the preparation gets as much attention as the tiles you’ll see every day.
Layer 1 — Existing conditions
We look at what is already there, what can be assessed now and what can’t be confirmed until surfaces come off.
Layer 2 — Strip-out
Old finishes are removed so the walls and floor can be inspected properly.
Layer 3 — Preparation
Surface preparation, plasterboard and plastering. See Surface Preparation, Plasterboard and Plastering.
Layer 4 — Licensed specialist work
Plumbing, electrical and other regulated components are done by appropriately licensed specialists.
Layer 5 — Tiling
Wall and floor tiling suited to the substrate and the system chosen. See Wall and Floor Tiling.
Layer 6 — Finish
The surfaces you see and use, which depend on everything beneath them.
LAYER 1 — EXISTING CONDITIONS
Existing conditions and concealed issues can affect the scope after work begins. A tiled wall can look sound and still hide problems that only show up once it’s stripped back.
We’ll explain what can be assessed before work starts, what remains uncertain and why. That way you understand how the scope may change. Learn more in On-site Assessment and Existing Conditions and Bathroom Renovation Costs.
Reference photo: part-tiled wall beside a marked, untreated surface.
LAYER 4 — LICENSED WORK
Regulated work, done by people licensed to do it.
Many bathroom renovations include work that has to be done by licensed trades. Where those components are part of your renovation, appropriately licensed specialists do the relevant work, and Ivan may coordinate their involvement alongside the preparation and tiling. Read how this works in Licensed Specialist Coordination.
WHO YOU DEAL WITH
Ivan Bodnar works as an independent renovation specialist and sole trader, so you speak to him from the first conversation through to the finish. He has about 15 years of residential renovation experience. He first learnt the work alongside his father, then gained broader experience with tradespeople, renovation teams and as a subcontractor. He has worked in Australia since 2016 and in Melbourne since 2019.
We work in Caulfield and across the wider area listed under Service Areas. Read more about Ivan Bodnar.
If your bathroom needs updating or a more extensive renovation, send a short description of the room and what’s no longer working. We’ll talk through what an on-site assessment would look at. Please note that we don’t provide emergency repairs.
