Tiling & Waterproofing with southern highlands renovations

Waterproofing is the single most critical step in any bathroom renovation. Without it, water penetrates the substrate behind your tiles and into the structural elements of your home, causing damage that can take years to surface and cost far more to fix than the original renovation. We complete all waterproofing to Australian standards before a single tile goes down, on every job, without exception.

Under Australian building standards, the shower recess, floor, and any wet areas must be waterproofed. This includes the shower walls to a minimum height, the floor waste perimeter, and any junctions between walls and floors where water is likely to collect. We waterproof to the full extent required by the standard and don't cut corners to save time or materials.

The right tile depends on where it's going, how the space is used, and the look you're after. Floor tiles need to meet a minimum slip resistance rating for wet areas. Large-format tiles can make a small bathroom feel bigger but require a flatter substrate and more precise installation. Textured or natural stone tiles add character but need sealing and more maintenance. We walk you through the options at the consultation stage so every choice is both practical and on brief.

In some cases, yes, but it's not always the right call. Tiling over existing tiles adds height to the floor and wall surfaces, which can create issues with door clearances, fixture heights, and waterproofing integrity. We assess the existing substrate first and give you an honest recommendation on whether it's suitable or whether a full strip-out will produce a better and more durable result.

Waterproofing requires curing time before tiling can begin, typically 24 to 48 hours depending on the product used and conditions on site. Tiling itself depends on the size of the space, the complexity of the layout, and the format of the tiles. As a general guide, allow three to five days for waterproofing and tiling combined in a standard bathroom. We build this into the overall project timeline so there's no pressure to rush the cure time.

We handle both in-house. As licensed plumbers and builders with over 15 years of experience in bathroom, kitchen, and laundry renovations, waterproofing and tiling are core parts of every project we take on. Having the same team responsible for both means the waterproofing is done correctly before the tiles go on, and there's no risk of one trade undoing the work of another.