Bathroom Renovations in Miami, QLD
A Complete Guide to Coastal Bathroom Transformations
What Makes Miami Bathrooms Unique?
If you’ve lived in Miami for any length of time, you know the challenges. The salt air from Miami Beach drifts through those louvred windows. The humidity settles into every corner. And those original 1980s bathrooms? They’re showing their age with cracked grout, peeling silicone, and that persistent musty smell that no amount of cleaning can shift.
We recently finished a complete bathroom transformation on Macaw Avenue, just a short walk from Miami State High School. The homeowner faced the same issues many Miami residents deal with – an outdated bathroom that wasn’t just ugly, it was becoming a health hazard with suspected mould behind the walls.
The Hidden Dangers in Older Miami Homes
Here’s something most people don’t realise: if your home was built before 1991 (and many in Miami were), there’s a good chance you have asbestos lurking in your bathroom. That’s why we always test before starting any demolition.
In this Macaw Avenue project, we sent samples to Octief in Yatala for testing. At $55, it’s a small price for peace of mind. Fortunately, this bathroom was clear, but we’ve found asbestos in about 30% of Miami’s older homes, particularly those classic beach houses near the Marketta.
Why Proper Waterproofing Matters More Than You Think
Living this close to the coast means moisture is your bathroom’s worst enemy. We stripped this bathroom back to the frame and discovered what we often find in Miami homes – water damage that had been slowly spreading for years.
The fix? We applied waterproofing membrane to Australian Standards (AS 3740), but here’s the crucial bit: we didn’t just waterproof the shower area. In a bathroom this close to the beach, we waterproofed the entire floor and ran it up the walls. Why? Because in Miami’s humidity, moisture doesn’t just come from your shower – it comes from the air itself.
The Technical Details That Make a Difference
Creating a Walk-In Shower (And Why It's Worth the Extra Work)
The homeowners wanted a walk-in shower with no step – increasingly popular in Miami as residents think about ageing in place. But here’s the challenge: creating proper drainage without a hob (that little step) requires rebuilding the entire floor.
We laid new sand and cement bedding across the whole bathroom floor, creating a subtle fall towards the shower drain. It’s precision work – too steep and water pools at the edges, too shallow and you get standing water. After 15 years doing this, we’ve perfected the gradient for Miami’s typical unit layouts.
Creating a Walk-In Shower (And Why It's Worth the Extra Work)
We used 600x600mm porcelain tiles throughout – both walls and floors. You might wonder why we didn’t go with those trendy subway tiles or large format 900mm tiles you see on The Block.
Here’s the truth: in a standard Miami bathroom (usually around 2.4m x 2m), 600x600mm tiles hit the sweet spot. They:
- Reduce grout lines (less maintenance in our humid climate)
- Create visual space without overwhelming small bathrooms
- Are easier to cut around those typical Miami bathroom windows
- Cost less in labour than intricate patterns or massive tiles
Understanding Electrical Zones (It Could Save Your Life)
One detail from this renovation that surprises many homeowners: we couldn’t put a powerpoint where they initially wanted it. Australian standards divide bathrooms into electrical zones, and in a compact Miami bathroom, your options are limited.
We installed a double powerpoint next to the vanity (outside Zone 2) and ran power to a shaving cabinet. The exhaust fan? Mandatory in Miami bathrooms without windows facing the ocean – that salt air needs somewhere to go.
Real Costs for Real Renovations
Let’s talk honestly about money. This Macaw Avenue bathroom came in at $22,748 including GST. Here’s where that money went:
The Biggest Costs:
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🧨 Demolition and removal of 40-year-old everything – $2,200
Out with the old to make space for the new -
💧 Waterproofing (done properly) – $1,800
Essential protection to prevent future damage -
🧱 Tiling labour (it’s skilled work) – $3,500
Precision work for a premium finish -
🚰 Plumbing rough-in and fit-off – $2,800
Getting water where it needs to be—properly
The Surprises: We found timber framing that needed reinforcement (common in Miami’s older units). Adding a recessed shaving cabinet meant reframing part of the wall – an extra $330, but worth it for the storage in a small space.
Why These Renovations Take
2-3 Weeks
Homeowners often ask why it can’t be done faster. Here’s the reality of a proper renovation timeline:
| Week | Day(s) | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Days 1–2 | Demolition and skip bin fills |
| Day 3 | Plumbing rough-in | |
| Days 4–5 | Framing repairs and electrical rough-in | |
| Week 2 | Days 6–7 | Sheeting and waterproofing application |
| Days 8–9 | Waterproofing drying time (you can't rush this) | |
| Days 10–12 | Tiling walls and floors | |
| Week 3 | Days 13–14 | Grouting and shower screen installation |
| Day 15 | Plumbing fit-off and electrical finish | |
| Days 16–17 | Silicone, touch-ups, deep clean |
Each stage needs proper drying time. Rush it, and you’ll have problems within months.
Lessons from Miami's Coastal Environment
After completing dozens of bathrooms between Miami Beach and the Marketta, we’ve learned what works:
The QBCC Warranty: Why It Matters
Is Your Miami Bathroom Ready for a Renovation?
If you're seeing these signs, it might be time:
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🧽 Grout that stays discoloured no matter how much you clean
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🧵 Silicone pulling away from edges
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👃 Persistent musty smells
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🧱 Tiles that sound hollow when tapped
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💧 Water marks on ceilings below
Living in Miami means dealing with unique challenges, but it also means being part of a community that values quality and craftsmanship. Whether you’re in one of those original units near Alex Surf Club or in the newer developments towards Burleigh, understanding these technical details helps you make informed decisions about your renovation.
Have questions about bathroom renovations in Miami? Rheyen Moore from Only Bathrooms has been transforming Gold Coast bathrooms for over 15 years. Based in Palm Beach, servicing all Gold Coast suburbs. Call 0412 720 336 for expert advice.