Bathroom Renovations South Melbourne
South Melbourne Bathrooms,
Done Beautifully
Delivering exceptional bathroom renovations in South Melbourne and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your South Melbourne Bathroom, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we have been delivering exceptional bathroom renovations in South Melbourne 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 South Melbourne Homes
In South Melbourne’s terraces and cottages, the bathroom is often a later addition at the back, sometimes combined with the laundry and sitting on an old timber floor. Two-storey terraces may have a bathroom squeezed upstairs, and many apartments and warehouse conversions in the area have compact bathrooms with dated finishes and weak ventilation.
Bathroom work here tends to mean rebuilding rear bathrooms with proper waterproofing over timber subfloors, adding an upstairs bathroom or ensuite in two-storey homes, separating a shared bathroom and laundry, and improving exhaust. Interior bathroom work rarely needs a planning permit from the City of Port Phillip, though we coordinate with owners corporations in apartments and plan around heritage areas.
South Melbourne at a Glance
- Postcode
- South Melbourne VIC 3205
- Council
- City of Port Phillip
- From the CBD
- About 2 km south
- Typical Homes
- Victorian terraces
- Workers’ cottages
- Apartments
- Warehouse conversions
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,556,500
- Median unit price$597,500
- House rent$825 a week
- Unit rent$680 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning a Bathroom Renovation in South Melbourne
Waterproofing
Upstairs Bathrooms in Two-Storey Terraces
Around the Emerald Hill area, many South Melbourne terraces are two storeys, with a bathroom on a timber floor directly above the living room or kitchen. A leak there shows up quickly in an ornate ceiling below. We waterproof to the Australian Standard, stiffen the floor framing where needed and plan a hob-free shower only where the floor build-up allows.
Layout
Splitting the Bathroom and Laundry
South Melbourne cottages often have a single rear room doing duty as bathroom and laundry. Separating them may mean moving the laundry into a cupboard or using a rear lean-to more cleverly. We map the existing drains, which usually run out to the rear lane, before deciding where each room can go.
Apartments
Bathrooms in Warehouse Conversions
Converted warehouses and factories around South Melbourne often have bathrooms on raised platforms, with pipes running across concrete floors to a shared stack. Moving a shower or toilet may be limited by those routes. We check the services and the owners corporation rules, then design around what can and can’t move.
Plumbing
Old Pipes and Rear Lane Drains
Many South Melbourne homes still have old galvanised supply pipes and earthenware drains running under the yard to a rear lane connection. Tree roots and age can crack these. Replacing pipework while the bathroom is open avoids digging up new tiles later. Our licensed plumbers provide a compliance certificate for the new work.
Asbestos
Ceilings Below and Asbestos
Bathrooms added to South Melbourne terraces between the 1950s and 1980s may have fibre cement wall sheets or ceiling linings that contain asbestos. These need testing before demolition, and larger amounts must be removed by a licensed removalist. We arrange testing early so the program and quote allow for it.
Get a Free Bathroom Estimate in South Melbourne
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your South Melbourne 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 South Melbourne
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 South Melbourne 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 South Melbourne
South Melbourne (3205) is about 2 km south of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate bathrooms in South Melbourne 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 for a bathroom renovation in South Melbourne?
Internal bathroom work in South Melbourne generally doesn’t need a planning permit, even in heritage precincts such as the Emerald Hill residential area. A new window, roof vent or skylight visible from the street could. Homes on the Victorian Heritage Register, including parts of the Emerald Hill Estate, may need Heritage Victoria approval for internal changes too.
Can a bathroom be added upstairs in a South Melbourne terrace?
Often, yes. In two-storey terraces, a small bedroom or the end of a hallway can sometimes become a bathroom. The waste pipe has to come down through the house or along the rear wall, and the floor must be strong enough for tiles. We check the structure and drainage route before quoting.
How do apartment bathroom renovations work in South Melbourne?
Apartment buildings in South Melbourne usually have owners corporation rules on work hours, lift use, noise and waterproofing. Approval is often needed before any change to plumbing or floors. We prepare the scope and drawings, book access with building management and protect common areas while work is under way.
How long does a South Melbourne bathroom renovation take?
Once materials are on site, most bathrooms take 2 to 4 weeks. Older homes can need extra time if subfloors or drains need replacing, and apartments can depend on owners corporation approval and booked work hours. We give you a written program before starting and keep you updated as each stage is finished.
Is a bathroom refresh worth doing before leasing a South Melbourne apartment?
South Melbourne apartments are often leased to people working in the city or nearby offices, and a tired bathroom with failed silicone or a leaking shower is a common complaint. Regrouting, resealing, new tapware and a better exhaust fan can fix the basics. Leaks into the unit below need a proper waterproofing repair rather than a patch.
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.