Bathroom renovation: what you can DIY vs what needs a pro in Melbourne

By the WTD team · Updated June 2026

You can shave $2,000–$4,500 off a Melbourne bathroom by doing the right jobs yourself — but waterproofing, plumbing and electrical are not on that list. In Victoria, getting those wrong can void your insurance and complicate your home sale.

Quick answer — what to DIY vs what needs a licensed pro

The jobs that legally need a licensed trade in Victoria

Three parts of a bathroom are not DIY jobs in Victoria, no matter how confident you are. Plumbing — moving or connecting any water or waste line — must be done by a licensed plumber, who issues a compliance certificate. Electrical — the exhaust fan, downlights, a heated towel rail, a new power point — must be done by a licensed electrician. And waterproofing must comply with Australian Standard AS 3740; a failed membrane is the costliest mistake in the room and is exactly what your insurer and the next buyer's conveyancer will ask about. These aren't areas to learn on the job.

Asbestos: the older-Melbourne warning

If your home was built before the late 1980s, the wall sheeting, floor backing or the bedding under old tiles can contain asbestos. Disturbing it during a DIY demolition is a genuine health risk and is tightly regulated. Have suspect materials tested, and use a licensed removalist for anything bonded or friable — this is not a corner to cut.

What you can safely take on

The money-savers that don't carry legal or structural risk are the cosmetic and logistical jobs. Stripping out the old room (asbestos permitting), painting, sourcing your own vanity, tapware and tiles, and project-managing the trades yourself instead of paying a builder's margin can realistically take $2,000–$4,500 off a $22,000 bathroom. Tiling sits on the line: a confident DIYer can tile a dry, non-structural feature wall, but floors and shower walls sit over the waterproof membrane, where one lifting tile can let water through — most owners leave the wet areas to a tiler.

What DIY really saves — and what it risks

Frequently asked questions

Can I waterproof my own bathroom in Victoria?

In practice, no. Waterproofing must comply with AS 3740, and a failed membrane is the most expensive bathroom mistake there is. Most insurers and the next buyer's conveyancer will want evidence it was done properly, so it's a job for a licensed waterproofer.

Can I tile the bathroom myself?

You can tile a dry, non-structural wall to save on labour, but floors and shower walls sit over the waterproof membrane and must be laid without compromising it — a single cracked or lifting tile in the shower can let water through. Most owners hand the wet areas to a tiler.

Do I need a building permit for a bathroom renovation in Melbourne?

A like-for-like refit usually doesn't, but anything structural can trigger a permit, and plumbing, electrical and waterproofing must be done and certified by licensed trades regardless. Check with your council or a building surveyor before you start.

Will DIY work void my home insurance?

Unlicensed plumbing, electrical or waterproofing can. If a DIY membrane fails and damages the room or unit below, an insurer can decline the claim because the work wasn't done by a licensed or competent person. The saving rarely justifies the exposure.

Is DIY actually worth it on a bathroom?

On the unregulated parts — demolition, painting, sourcing fixtures, project management — yes, you can save $2,000–$4,500. On the wet and regulated work the "saving" usually turns into a bigger repair bill, which is where a licensed pro pays for itself.