Bathroom Renovations Kew
Kew Bathrooms,
Done Beautifully
Delivering exceptional bathroom renovations in Kew and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your Kew Bathroom, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we have been delivering exceptional bathroom renovations in Kew 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 Kew Homes
Kew’s Victorian, Federation and interwar homes were often built with one bathroom for a large household, and many have since gained a second bathroom or ensuite in a converted bedroom or rear addition. Original tiles, cast iron baths and timber floors on stumps are common, as are 1980s and 90s refits that are now showing their age.
That shapes how we approach bathrooms in Kew: creating ensuites and walk-in robes from an extra bedroom, rebuilding main bathrooms with waterproofing to the Australian Standard over timber floors, choosing tiles and fittings that suit the era of the home, and adding underfloor heating. Internal bathroom work generally doesn’t need a planning permit from the City of Boroondara, and licensed plumbers and electricians handle every change with compliance certificates.
Kew at a Glance
- Postcode
- Kew VIC 3101
- Council
- City of Boroondara
- From the CBD
- About 7 km east
- Typical Homes
- Federation and Edwardian homes
- Interwar homes
- Victorian villas
- Apartments and townhouses
- Property Market
- Median house price$2,604,000
- Median unit price$980,000
- House rent$1,200 a week
- Unit rent$650 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
What to Plan For in a Kew Bathroom
Floors
Timber Floors on Stumps
Most of Kew’s period homes have timber floors on stumps, and a bathroom that has leaked slowly for years can leave joists and bearers soft. Once the old floor is up we check the structure, repair what’s needed and lay a floor system suited to tiles. Waterproofing to the Australian Standard then goes over a sound base.
Layout
Ensuites in Large Period Homes
Big Victorian and Federation houses in Kew often have a spare bedroom or dressing room beside the main bedroom. Converting it into an ensuite and robe is usually simpler than extending. High ceilings and tall windows need thought when planning lighting, exhaust fans and shower screens, which we cover during the design.
Heritage
Heritage Precincts and Windows
Much of Kew is in a Heritage Overlay, with precincts such as Barry Street, Barrington Avenue and Walmer Street. Work inside the bathroom generally doesn’t need a planning permit, but a new or altered window, a skylight or a vent visible from the street may. We look up the precinct and grading for your property before the design is settled.
Heating
Warmth in High-Ceilinged Rooms
Bathrooms in Kew’s older homes often have very high ceilings and little insulation, so they can be cold and slow to clear steam. Underfloor heating, a heated towel rail and a properly ducted exhaust fan help. We plan the electrical work early so switching and controls are where you want them.
Apartments
Apartments Near High Street
Kew has many apartments and townhouses around Kew Junction and along the main roads. Apartment bathrooms need owners corporation approval, booked lift and loading times and careful waterproofing, because a leak affects the home below. We coordinate with your owners corporation from the start and plan deliveries around shared parking.
Get a Free Bathroom Estimate in Kew
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Kew 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 Kew
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 Kew 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 Kew
Kew (3101) is about 7 km east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate bathrooms in Kew and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Bathroom Renovations MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
My Kew home is in a heritage precinct. Do I need a permit for a new bathroom?
Usually not for internal work. Heritage Overlays in Kew mostly control the outside of the house, so a new bathroom inside generally doesn’t need a planning permit. If the work changes the exterior, such as a new window or skylight, a permit from the City of Boroondara may be needed, and we check this first.
Can you keep our original cast iron bath?
Often, yes. A cast iron bath in good condition can be kept in place or reinstalled after the floor and waterproofing are redone, and the enamel can be resurfaced if needed. Cast iron baths are very heavy, so we check that the timber floor beneath can support it before planning the layout.
We live in a Kew apartment. What’s involved?
Most owners corporations require approval before a bathroom renovation, along with details of waterproofing and the trades involved. There are usually rules about work hours, lifts and parking. We prepare the information your owners corporation needs and plan the work around building rules.
How long does a bathroom renovation take in a period home?
Most bathroom renovations take 2 to 4 weeks. In older Kew homes, extra time may be needed if we find damaged floor joists, old galvanised pipes or asbestos sheeting in a later addition. We tell you as soon as we find anything and explain what it means for the program.
What do tenants renting in Kew expect from the bathroom?
Tenants in Kew’s period homes and apartments generally expect a bathroom in good order rather than a showpiece. Common problems are rooms from earlier renovations with tired fittings, poor ventilation and cold floors, especially in large older houses. A reliable shower with good pressure, a ducted exhaust fan, storage and fresh grout or tiling usually serve a lease well. In apartments, check owners corporation requirements before any work that affects waterproofing.
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.