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Planning a bathroom renovation? Here’s what to know about unexpected costs.
Even with a fixed-price quote, surprises can sometimes emerge once demolition begins — especially in older homes. At Essential Bathrooms, we do everything we can to identify potential issues before we start, but some things simply can’t be seen until we open up the walls or floors.
These are called variations — additional work outside the original scope. This article covers the most common ones we come across, what they might cost, and how we handle them so your project stays on track.
1. What Is a Variation?
A variation is work that wasn’t originally included in your quote — usually because it involves hidden issues uncovered during the renovation. Common examples include:
- Water damage beneath floors
- Old plumbing or electrical wiring
- Structural problems or rotten timber
When we discover an issue:
- We let you know straight away
- Explain the problem and cost clearly
- Keep things moving with minimal delay
We don’t just stop and re-quote the job — we aim to resolve it efficiently while keeping you fully informed.
2. Common Variations & Estimated Costs
Here are the most frequent issues we see in New Zealand homes:
Floor Rot
Leaking showers, baths, or old sealant can lead to water-damaged flooring.
Estimated cost: Up to $1,200 to replace the affected area.
Plumbing & Electrical
In older homes, pipes and wiring may need to be upgraded to meet modern standards.
Estimated cost: From $300, depending on the fix required.
Full Floor Replacement
If water damage has affected the subfloor (joists or bearers), the entire floor may need to be replaced.
Estimated cost: Up to $2,500.
Workmanship Issues
Previous DIY jobs or quick-fix renovations can create new problems when we strip everything back.
Estimated cost: Case-by-case.
Asbestos
Found in some older linings or flooring. We test before the project starts to avoid delays. If disturbed, removal must follow strict protocols — and can significantly delay the project.
Estimated cost: Varies widely. Sometimes best to leave undisturbed and overlay new linings.
3. How We Handle Variations
We’ve built our systems to handle variations quickly and fairly.
- We assess potential issues during scoping
- If something is discovered, we explain the situation clearly
- We provide a written variation with pricing
- No additional work is done without your approval
It’s all part of our approach to keeping your renovation running smoothly — even when the unexpected happens.
4. Can You Avoid Variations Completely?
Not always — especially in older homes. That’s why we’re proactive about testing for asbestos, checking floor movement, and spotting visual signs of damage before we begin.
While not every issue can be predicted, choosing a company that knows what to look for early can make a huge difference in how those issues are handled.
Final Thoughts
Variations are sometimes unavoidable — but they don’t have to derail your project. At Essential Bathrooms, we’re experts in managing surprises fairly, efficiently, and with full transparency.
Got questions about your bathroom? Contact us today — we’re here to help.
