From Planning to Tiling — What Every Wellington Homeowner Should Know
Renovating a bathroom can be one of the most rewarding upgrades you make to your home — improving comfort, functionality, and property value. But without the right planning and professional help, it can also become overwhelming.
Whether you’re updating a tired ensuite in Waikanae, modernising a family bathroom in Wellington, or converting an old shower unit in Paraparaumu, this guide walks you through the essentials of a successful bathroom renovation.
1. Set Your Goals (And Your Budget)
Start by asking:
- What do you want to change — layout, style, functionality?
- Do you need more storage, better lighting, or a walk-in shower?
- Are you planning to stay long-term or add value for resale?
Your answers will shape everything from design to material selection. Be realistic about budget and allow a contingency (10–15%) for any unforeseen issues — especially in older homes.
Tip: Don’t just budget for fixtures. Labour, waterproofing, tiling, and demolition often make up the bulk of the cost.
2. Know What Requires Council Consent
In New Zealand, not all bathroom work requires council approval. However, you will need consent if you’re:
- Moving or altering plumbing points
- Making structural changes
- Installing new waterproofing systems that don’t meet NZ Building Code E3 compliance
Always check with your local council — or ask your contractor. At TileChurch, we can help guide you through this if needed.
3. Plan Your Layout
Small changes in layout can dramatically improve space and function. If you’re working with a small bathroom, consider:
- Wall-hung vanities or toilets to free up floor space
- Walk-in tiled showers instead of enclosed acrylic units
- Niche shelving to avoid bulky storage
In larger spaces, you might opt for a freestanding bath, double vanity, or underfloor heating.
4. Choose the Right Trades & Specialists
A successful bathroom renovation often involves multiple trades:
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Waterproofing specialist
- Tiler
- Painter/decorator
Working with a company like TileChurch, which handles key stages such as demolition, waterproofing, floor levelling, and tiling, ensures better coordination and quality control — especially when it comes to watertight performance and correct tile installation.
5. Waterproofing Is Not Optional
Your shower and bathroom floors must be waterproofed to meet NZ standards. Certified waterproofing ensures moisture doesn’t seep into walls or subfloors, causing rot or mould.
We use premium systems from Bostik, Ardex, and Bonded, and every job is completed to New Zealand Building Code requirements. Ask your installer for a waterproofing certificate on completion.
6. Select Tiles That Suit the Space
Tiles are both functional and aesthetic — they create the style and determine how easy your bathroom is to clean. Consider:
- Matte tiles for floors (for grip)
- Gloss or glazed tiles for walls
- Slip-rated tiles for wet areas
- Mitred tile joints for clean, professional corners
- Underfloor heating compatibility if needed
We can also install soap niches, custom shower trays, and feature walls to add style and practicality.
7. Think Long-Term Maintenance
Choose materials and finishes that hold up to moisture, cleaning, and time:
- Mould-resistant grouts
- Sealed grout or epoxy grout for added durability
- Quality silicone sealing around joints
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
Ask us about grout colour sealing or regular maintenance tips to keep your bathroom fresh.
8. Timing & Process
Most full bathroom renovations take between 2–4 weeks, depending on scope. The process usually follows this order:
- Design finalisation and quote approval
- Strip-out / demolition
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in
- Floor levelling and wall prep
- Waterproofing
- Tiling
- Fit-off and finishing
- Final clean and inspection
We keep you informed every step of the way — and we never leave you guessing about cost or schedule.
Ready to Renovate?
At TileChurch, we specialise in high-quality, watertight bathroom renovations across the Kapiti Coast and Wellington region. Whether it’s a full overhaul or just a tiled shower upgrade, we offer honest quotes, expert tiling, and long-lasting results.
Contact us today for a free consultation or to request a quote.
Need inspiration?
Check out our gallery of recent projects or visit our services page for everything from underfloor heating to patio tiling.