Renovating your bathroom can be one of the most rewarding home improvement jobs you'll tackle. Whether you're dealing with outdated tiles, a leaky shower causing hidden damage, or simply want a more functional space, a bathroom strip out is often an important first step in your renovation journey.

What is a bathroom strip out?

A bathroom strip out is the complete removal of all fixtures, fittings, tiles, and finishes from your existing bathroom space. Think of it as the demolition phase where everything gets stripped back to the bare structure, typically down to wall studs and floor joists. This process requires careful planning because bathrooms have complex systems including water lines, drainage pipes, electrical circuits, and potentially gas lines.

What’s included in a bathroom strip out?

Professional bathroom strip out contractors can do anything around the safe dismantling of your old bathroom. They’ll:

• Removing or relocating fixtures
• Handle tile removal
• Disconnect plumbing
• Removing light fittings, exhaust fans, power points and towel rails
• Waterproofing removal
• Waste disposal (normally included, but check with your contractor)

How to prepare for a bathroom strip out

The process of a bathroom strip out requires thoughtful planning, especially since you'll be without your bathroom for several days or weeks. The best option is to keep a second bathroom free if you have one, but if you don’t – you might need to stay with family, friends, or arrange temporary outdoor facilities.

Before the work starts, remove personal items and valuables from the bathroom and surrounding areas. Demolition creates dust and vibrations that might affect nearby rooms, so think about taking down artwork and covering furniture with dust sheets.

Make sure there are clear access pathways so your contractors can move around without obstruction. This might mean temporarily moving cars from the driveway or clearing hallways.

How to choose the right pro for your bathroom strip out

Selecting the right tradie for your unique job can make or break your reno experience. Here are some things to look out for:

• Proper licensing and insurance
• Local knowledge of council regulations and disposal requirements
• Check references or reviews from previous clients

The importance of hiring a tradie cannot be stressed enough. While DIY might seem cost-friendly, bathrooms are complex, and any mistake can be very costly.  Qualified tradies have the tools, knowledge, and experience to complete strip outs safely and smartly, potentially saving thousands in repairs.

Questions to ask your bathroom contractor

Before committing to any tradie for your bathroom strip out, you should be asking them questions to get an understanding of their experience, plan for the job and quality of work. Some examples include:

• How often do you complete bathroom strip outs?
• Where can I find reviews from your work (if they have a profile on hipages, you can find reviews there!)
• Are you licensed to complete this work?
• Do you carry liability insurance?
• How long will the strip out take?
• Can you give me an itemised quote?

When you're ready to find the perfect bathroom strip out pro, think about posting your job on hipages. We can connect you with qualified professionals who can provide detailed quotes and help bring your bathroom renovation vision to life.