Where small bathrooms are
Post-war homes in Caringbah, Gymea, Kirrawee and Sutherland — small bathrooms, often with a separate toilet next door.
Second bathrooms in 1980s and 90s homes — compact family or guest bathrooms.
Units in Miranda, Sutherland and Cronulla — strata approval needed for waterproofing work.
What makes the difference
| Change | Effect |
|---|---|
| Walk-in shower, fixed panel | Removes the visual box |
| Wall-hung vanity | Floor runs underneath |
| Large-format tiles | Fewer lines, calmer look |
| Tiles to ceiling | Taller feel, easier cleaning |
| Mirror cabinet | Storage without bulk |
| Good lighting | Removes shadows and gloom |
Combining the toilet
Where a separate toilet sits beside the bathroom, removing the wall and second door frequently produces one good room from two poor ones. Whether the wall is structural is checked first.
Units
In strata buildings, work involving waterproofing generally needs owners corporation approval before it starts. Allow time for that.
Asbestos
Pre-1990 homes may have asbestos cement linings in wet areas. Tested first, removed by a licensed removalist.
Costs
Typically $15,000–$24,000. See the 2026 cost bands.
Call 02 4307 5309 or send the room details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
What makes a small bathroom feel bigger?
A walk-in shower with a single fixed glass panel instead of a framed screen, a wall-hung vanity so the floor is visible, larger tiles with fewer grout lines, tiling to the ceiling in wet zones, a large mirror or mirror cabinet, and good lighting.
Should I remove the bath from a small bathroom?
If there is another bath in the house or no one needs one, replacing a bath-over-shower with a full-width walk-in shower is usually the single biggest improvement. If it is the only bath and you have young children, keep it.
Can the separate toilet be combined with the bathroom?
In many 1950s–70s Shire homes, yes. Removing the wall between a small bathroom and a separate toilet often creates one properly usable room. Keep the separate toilet if the household is large and it is the only one.
How much does a small bathroom renovation cost?
As a 2026 guide, typically $15,000 to $24,000 in the Shire. Small rooms are not proportionally cheaper because plumbing, waterproofing and fit-off costs do not shrink with floor area.