For a straightforward swap — removing the old vanity and installing a new one — most jobs take a day. If there’s waterproofing work involved, you’ll need to allow drying time before the vanity goes in, which can push it to two days. Older homes in suburbs like Hamilton or Adamstown sometimes have surprises behind the walls that add a bit of time. I always give you a realistic timeline upfront so there are no unexpected disruptions to your household.

In most cases, no — a straight vanity replacement doesn’t require a DA in Newcastle. Where it can get more involved is if you’re moving the plumbing rough-in to a different position, which technically falls under licensed plumbing work that needs to comply with NSW regulations. I handle all the licensed plumbing as part of the installation, so compliance is covered. If anything flags as needing approval, I’ll tell you before we start, not halfway through the job.

This is something I think about with every vanity I install in Newcastle. The salt air and moisture levels here are genuinely harder on bathroom fittings than most people realise, especially in suburbs within a few kilometres of the ocean like Merewether or Bar Beach. I use waterproofing products and sealants rated for coastal environments and make sure every junction is properly sealed so moisture doesn’t work its way in over time. Choosing the right benchtop material and basin finish for humidity also makes a real difference to how long everything lasts.

Absolutely — a vanity upgrade on its own is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a Newcastle bathroom without pulling everything apart. A lot of homeowners in places like Kotara or New Lambton come to me just wanting the vanity updated while keeping the existing tiles and fitout. As long as the plumbing rough-in is in a workable position and the wall and floor surfaces are in reasonable condition, a standalone vanity installation is completely straightforward. It’s a great option if you’re not ready for a full renovation but want the bathroom looking noticeably better.

Don’t ignore it and don’t cover it up — that’s the honest answer. Water damage behind a vanity is more common than you’d think in older Newcastle homes, especially where the original installation was done without proper waterproofing. When I remove the old vanity I always check the wall cavity and floor structure before anything new goes in. If there’s damage, I’ll show you what I’ve found and we’ll sort it out properly before the new vanity installation begins, so you’re not just putting a fresh cabinet over an existing problem.

It varies depending on the size of the vanity, whether plumbing relocation is involved, and what the existing bathroom condition is like when we pull the old one out. A standard single vanity installation in Newcastle typically sits in the $800–$1,500 range for labour, with supply costs on top depending on the style and brand you choose. I give you a clear, itemised quote before any work starts — no ballpark figures that blow out once we’re on site. The best way to get an accurate number is to have me come out and look at the space, which is free and comes with no obligation.