Coogee homes have this kind of rugged charm — older brick builds, unpredictable plumbing, and yes, bathrooms that feel like a time capsule from decades ago. It’s no wonder so many homeowners are itching to update theirs. But diving headfirst into a bathroom renovation without understanding the unique quirks of homes in this area can land you in deeper waters than expected.
I remember assuming that I could just hire a few tradespeople, sketch out a plan, and things would roll along smoothly. Instead, I found myself juggling problems I hadn’t planned for. Looking back, involving professionals in bathroom remodelling services from the outset would’ve saved me some headaches. Their experience working in similar older properties gave them the foresight to spot problems early, which I — in all my optimism — had completely overlooked.
So if you’re planning a renovation in Coogee, here are some traps worth dodging.
Skipping the basics: waterproofing, ventilation, and layout planning
You’d be surprised how many people focus on finishes before function. When it comes to bathrooms, especially near the coast, it’s the “invisible” stuff that causes the biggest issues. Moisture and poor air circulation are the usual suspects behind most post-reno regrets.
More often than not, the mistakes start with:
- Under-specced ventilation systems
- Flat shower floors that don’t drain properly
- Plumbing crammed into tight walls without access
- Grout choices that crack too easily over time
Even a beautiful bathroom won't stay beautiful long if mould starts appearing or the floor tiles pop from trapped steam. I’ve seen it happen in friends’ homes — sometimes just a few months after a full fit-out. That’s why the planning stage deserves your full attention, not just the glossy Pinterest boards.
Materials that don’t hold up in coastal homes
There’s no way around it: Coogee’s salty air is relentless. Fixtures and finishes that look great on day one can degrade quickly if they weren’t made for coastal conditions.
Here’s where people often go wrong:
- Using chrome-plated metals that corrode
- Choosing soft timbers for cabinetry
- Ignoring the sealing needs of natural stone tiles
- Relying on standard-grade silicon in wet zones
What makes matters worse is that a lot of budget options don’t advertise their limits. They’ll look fine — maybe even high-end — until the weather starts creeping in. Choosing coastal-grade fittings and moisture-resistant materials is one of those behind-the-scenes decisions that keeps your bathroom looking fresh years down the track.
Thinking small can be smart — and stylish
There’s something oddly freeing about designing for a tight space. You can’t overdo it — and that’s what makes clever layout choices so effective. A common pitfall? Trying to wedge in full-size features where they simply don’t belong.
Design decisions that tend to work well:
- Floating vanities that create breathing room
- Frameless shower screens that don’t segment the room
- Wall taps to free up basin space
- Large tiles that reduce grout lines and make the area feel bigger
That last one — the tile choice — completely changed how our space felt. Without adding square metres, we created the illusion of more. And while some people focus on mirrors or light fittings for that effect, what worked for us was a shift in the layout based on small space bathroom ideas that actually made sense for our floor plan.
Overlooking compliance in energy and building planning
In older suburbs, it’s easy to get carried away with upgrades and forget that the rules still apply. And not just the big, obvious ones like plumbing certificates — we’re talking about smaller things, too, like how water is vented or where lighting sits in relation to steam zones.
In hindsight, I started to rethink the renovation through the lens of energy-efficient home renovations. Once I did that, it changed which materials I chose, how airflow was designed, and even where we positioned the window. The difference in how the room felt — day or night — was hard to ignore. More than anything, it reminded me that smart design isn’t just about visuals, but how a space operates over time.
Aesthetics over function: a common trap
It’s easy to be swept up in how something looks. Everyone wants a ‘wow’ bathroom — the one guests compliment or the one that photographs beautifully for real estate listings. But in the push for visual impact, you risk creating a space that’s hard to live with.
Common examples I’ve seen include:
- Lighting is placed where your shadow blocks it
- Vanities with no drawers, just empty cupboards
- Taps so modern they’re hard to use with wet hands
- Freestanding tubs with no ledge for soap or shampoo
I had to laugh the first time I used a friend’s brand-new bathroom and had to leave the shampoo on the floor. Design isn’t just about appearance — it’s about how the space fits into your routine without friction.
Missed opportunities for eco-friendly bathroom upgrades
Some of the best improvements are the ones you barely notice — the fittings, materials and layouts that feel “easy” to use, because they were chosen with intention. That’s what I learned halfway through my renovation. Up until then, I hadn’t even considered the environmental impact of my choices.
Once I shifted my focus, eco-friendly bathroom upgrades became an easy inclusion: dual-flush systems, recycled cabinetry finishes, and natural materials that aged well. I didn’t do it for moral reasons — I just realised they tended to work better over time. They handled moisture, traffic and usage patterns more naturally than their synthetic counterparts.
These decisions didn’t scream “eco” — they just made the space easier to live in.
Final thoughts: Take the time to plan it properly
The best advice I can offer after going through it myself? Don't rush. Seriously. The excitement to start breaking tiles is real — but if you pause and ask a few more questions before you begin, your future self will thank you.
Coogee homes come with their own quirks, and while some of that gives them their charm, it also means they don’t always play by the rules of newer builds. What you can’t see behind the walls matters as much as what you can. So give yourself the space to make careful, well-timed decisions — not just bold, fast ones.