Choosing who renovates your kitchen or bathroom is the biggest decision in the whole project. The right team makes the process clear and calm. The wrong one can turn it into months of stress.
Here's what to look for, the questions to ask and the NSW rules that protect you, whether you're talking to us or anyone else.
Know the basic NSW rules
The Home Building Act and NSW Fair Trading set out important protections for homeowners. In summary:
- Licence: residential building work valued over $5,000 (including labour and materials) must be done by a licensed contractor. Specialist trades such as plumbing, gas fitting and electrical work need their own licences.
- Written contract: work over $5,000 needs a written contract. Work over $20,000 needs a more detailed contract with specific information.
- Insurance: work over $20,000 needs Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) insurance, and you should receive a certificate before paying a deposit or work starts.
- Deposit: deposits are capped at 10 percent of the contract price.
- Cooling off: contracts over $20,000 include a cooling off period.
Rules can change, so always check current details with NSW Fair Trading.
12 questions to ask a kitchen or bathroom renovator
1. Are you licensed, and can I see the licence number?
Check it online. Make sure it's current and in the name of the business you're contracting with.
2. Are you insured?
Ask about public liability and, for work over $20,000, HBCF insurance.
3. Who will actually do the work?
Will the company's own team do it, subcontractors, or a mix? Who is your point of contact day to day?
4. Can I see similar projects?
Ask for photos of kitchens or bathrooms similar to yours, and ideally references from past clients. Have a look at our own project gallery.
5. Is the quote fixed and itemised?
A fixed price, itemised quote protects you from cost blowouts and makes it easy to compare. Be cautious of vague quotes with large provisional sums.
6. What's included and what isn't?
Check design, demolition, rubbish removal, trades, appliances, fixtures, painting and making good. Exclusions are where surprises hide.
7. Who designs the space?
Will you see detailed drawings or a 3D design before work starts? Good design avoids expensive changes later.
8. How will you handle waterproofing?
For any wet area, ask who does the waterproofing, which standard it meets and whether you'll receive a certificate. Our guide to bathroom waterproofing in NSW explains what to listen for.
9. What's the timeline?
Ask for a written schedule and what could delay it. Our kitchen and bathroom timeline guides show what's realistic.
10. How do variations work?
If something changes, how is it priced and approved? Variations should always be agreed in writing before the work is done.
11. What warranty do you provide?
NSW law includes statutory warranties for residential building work. Many renovators, including us, also offer their own workmanship warranty. Ask what's covered and for how long.
12. How will you communicate with me?
Regular updates, a single point of contact and quick answers make a huge difference to your experience.
Red flags to watch for
- Pressure to sign on the spot
- Requests for large deposits or cash payments
- No written contract or a very vague one
- No licence number on quotes or the website
- Unwillingness to show past work or provide references
- Quotes that are dramatically cheaper than everyone else's
Comparing quotes
When comparing quotes for kitchen renovations or bathroom renovations in Sydney, line them up item by item. The cheapest quote often leaves things out. Our kitchen cost guide and bathroom cost guide show what a complete quote should include.
How we work
At Topline Kitchens & Bathrooms we offer a free in-home consultation, 3D design, a detailed fixed price quote, licensed trades, clear communication and a 10 year workmanship warranty. Learn more about us, see our kitchen renovations and bathroom renovations, or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a builder is licensed in NSW?
You can check a contractor's licence online through NSW Fair Trading or Service NSW. Make sure the licence is current, covers the type of work and is in the name of the business you're signing with.
How much deposit should I pay a renovator in NSW?
For residential building work in NSW, the deposit is capped at 10 percent of the contract price. Be wary of anyone asking for more.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three detailed quotes is usually enough to understand the market. Make sure each one covers the same scope so you're comparing like with like.
