Bathroom Renovations Gowanbrae
Gowanbrae Bathrooms,
Done Beautifully
Delivering exceptional bathroom renovations in Gowanbrae and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your Gowanbrae Bathroom, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we have been delivering exceptional bathroom renovations in Gowanbrae for over 20 years. Established in early 2002, our family-run business is proud to provide friendly, fast, fair, and efficient home renovation services throughout metropolitan Melbourne.
What Our Clients Say
5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 25 reviews
Powder room & laundry into a small bathroom
“We are delighted with our new bathroom. Tony made the entire process very easy for us, which is what you want when renovating. Nothing was too much trouble and he was very patient with all our questions and provided great advice on the design and installation. The workmanship was of high quality and the quote was highly competitive. Highly recommend Tony and his team!”
Bathroom renovations: stressless and wonderful
“Thank you, Tony and your team, for a stressless and wonderful bathroom renovation. Our 4-year-old townhouse bathroom and ensuite showers had serious leakage issues, with water leaking into the walls and between floors. The builder was happy to silicone the problem as a solution. The only options were to replace the showers, or a full renovation for both rooms. We chose the latter. Tony provided a competitive quote. Despite the inevitable out-of-square bathroom issues, the job was completed without stress, on-time and in budget, and the finish was fabulous. And square. We are now looking at a kitchen update. Tony, find some time. Highly recommend Tony and the team.”
Wow! Now that's a bathroom
“In such difficult times we were so grateful that we picked Tony and his crew to renovate our bathroom. His knowledge of the industry and his attention to detail is second to none. Tony was always easy to contact and happy to discuss any issues. The standard of workmanship was outstanding. We love our new bathroom!”
Renovating Bathrooms in Gowanbrae Homes
Gowanbrae wasn’t subdivided for housing until the late 1990s, so most homes were built with a main bathroom and an ensuite. Both are now showing their age, with original tiles, shower screens and vanities, and leaking showers and worn grout are common in bathrooms of this era. Ensuites in particular are often small for the size of the main bedroom.
Typical bathroom projects here include replacing failing showers with fully waterproofed walk-in designs, enlarging ensuites into adjoining space, fitting double vanities and better storage, and modernising main bathrooms for children and guests. Most interior bathroom work doesn’t need a planning permit from Merri-bek City Council, and our licensed trades provide compliance certificates for plumbing and electrical work.
Gowanbrae at a Glance
- Postcode
- Gowanbrae VIC 3043
- Council
- Merri-bek City Council
- From the CBD
- About 13 km north-west
- Typical Homes
- Late 1990s and 2000s brick family homes
- Double-storey houses
- Townhouses
- Homes on sloping blocks
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,000,000
- House rent$655 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Before You Renovate a Bathroom in Gowanbrae
Waterproofing
Showers From the Late 1990s
Many Gowanbrae homes date from the late 1990s and 2000s, and shower waterproofing of that age is often starting to fail. Signs include drummy tiles, swollen skirting outside the shower and staining on the ceiling below an upstairs ensuite. Regrouting won’t fix a failed membrane, so we strip the shower back and waterproof it to the Australian Standard.
Structure
Upstairs Ensuites
In Gowanbrae’s double-storey homes, the ensuite often sits above the living room or kitchen. Leaks there show up as ceiling stains downstairs, and heavy stone or large-format tiles add load to the timber floor framing. We check the joists and set out the floor falls carefully, so the new ensuite is level, watertight and properly supported.
Layout
Enlarging a Small Ensuite
Ensuites in many Gowanbrae homes were built with a narrow shower and a single vanity, sometimes right beside a generous walk-in robe. Borrowing part of the robe can fit a wider shower or a double vanity. We look at where the waste pipes run, especially in upstairs bathrooms, before suggesting how far a wall can move.
Storage
Storage for Family Bathrooms
The main bathroom in a Gowanbrae family home is often shared by several children. A longer vanity with deep drawers, a tall linen cabinet, shower niches and a mirrored cabinet keep the benches clear. Separating the toilet from the bathroom, where it isn’t already, also helps on school mornings. We plan the storage around who uses the room.
Heating
Heating and Exhaust
Bathrooms in Gowanbrae’s larger homes can be cold on winter mornings, especially ensuites with external walls. Heated towel rails, a combined heat and exhaust unit or electric underfloor heating improve comfort, while a fan ducted outside clears steam before it reaches the robe. Our licensed electricians install these and provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety.
Get a Free Bathroom Estimate in Gowanbrae
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Gowanbrae home.
- 1Tell us about your project
Two quick steps. It takes about two minutes.
- 2We call you back
Tony will be in touch within one business day to talk through your ideas.
- 3Free on-site consultation
We visit, measure up and listen to how you want the space to work.
- 4Fixed-price quote
A detailed, itemised quote. What we quote is what you pay.
No obligation, no pressure
Family-run since 2002. Your estimate is free and your details are never shared with third parties.
Your Bathroom Renovations in Gowanbrae
Waterproofing
Applied by licensed trades to the Australian Standard for wet areas, and checked before a single tile goes down.
Tiling & Feature Walls
Floor and wall tiling, niches and feature walls, set out carefully so cuts and grout lines look right.
Vanities & Storage
Wall-hung or floor-standing vanities, mirror cabinets and recessed shelving that make the most of the space.
Showers & Baths
Walk-in showers, frameless screens, freestanding or built-in baths, chosen to suit your layout and routine.
Plumbing & Tapware
Licensed plumbers handle rough-in, drainage and fit-off, with tapware and toilets installed to manufacturer specs.
Lighting & Ventilation
LED lighting, heated towel rails and an exhaust fan ducted outside to keep moisture and mould under control.
Your Gowanbrae Bathroom in 5 Steps
Meet & Greet
We get to know you and your specific needs. And you find out more about us to make sure we are a good fit.
Consult & Design
We ask lots of questions to understand your ideal outcome for your project. We discuss layout, budget, colours and more.
Quote
A comprehensive quotation outlining all the details, costs and timelines to complete your project.
Construct & Manage
Time to get to work with all our suppliers and trades to construct your project and deliver it as promised.
Deliver
We strive to deliver your project on time and on budget. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction from start to finish.
Bathroom Renovations In and Around Gowanbrae
Gowanbrae (3043) is about 13 km north-west of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate bathrooms in Gowanbrae and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Bathroom Renovations MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
Do I need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Gowanbrae?
Generally not a planning permit from Merri-bek City Council, because the work is internal. A building permit may be needed if walls are moved or the structure changes. Our licensed plumbers and electricians certify their work when it is complete. If your townhouse has an owners corporation, check its rules before work starts.
Can the upstairs ensuite be renovated without damaging the ceiling below?
Usually, yes. The work is done from above, with the floor protected and any damaged sheeting replaced. If the old shower has been leaking, the ceiling in the room below may need patching or replacing once the leak is fixed. In Gowanbrae’s double-storey homes we inspect the ceiling below before and after the work.
How long will a Gowanbrae bathroom renovation take?
Most bathrooms take 2 to 4 weeks. Many Gowanbrae homes have both an ensuite and a main bathroom, so you can usually keep using one while the other is renovated. If you are doing both, we can stage them so the household always has a working shower and toilet.
Should I redo the ensuite before selling my Gowanbrae home?
Buyers looking at Gowanbrae’s family homes usually inspect both bathrooms closely, and building inspectors often find leaking showers. If the showers are watertight, new tapware, a fresh vanity top, regrouting and a new screen can lift a dated ensuite. A leak is worth fixing properly before listing. A full redesign is a better fit for owners planning to stay.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
No matter the project, our team has the right solution. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let's get your renovation underway.