Bathroom Renovation in San Tung Chung Hang

Make every quote in San Tung Chung Hang state: strip-out and disposal, first-fix plumbing and electrical, waterproofing (product named), tiling with a per-square-metre rate and tile allowance, fittings supply (brands listed or marked as owner-supplied), and second-fix. The cheapest quote is usually the one missing a line — often waterproofing or disposal.

Around 10-20% is normal, sometimes more where custom vanities or imported fittings must be ordered up front — in that case pay the supplier invoice share, not a round 50%. Hold 5-10% back until the room has been used for a week or two and the snag list (grout gaps, silicone, door alignment) is closed.

Strip-out, then first-fix plumbing and electrics (pipes and cables in walls), then substrate preparation and waterproofing, then tiling, then second-fix (toilet, vanity, taps, shower screen, lights), then silicone and snagging. If a quote or schedule doesn't follow this order, question it — out-of-sequence work is how leaks and redone tiles happen.

Not the one being renovated — water is disconnected and the floor is out of service for most of the project. If it is your only bathroom, ask the contractor to sequence works so the toilet is usable overnight where possible, and plan for gym showers or neighbours for the tiling and waterproofing week.

Walk-in showers cost less to build than bath-plus-screen setups, use less space, and suit ageing-in-place. Keep at least one bathtub in the home if you may sell to families — in most markets a home with no bath at all narrows the buyer pool. If you have two bathrooms, the common answer is one of each.

A standard full bathroom renovation typically runs HK$60,000-HK$130,000, with basic refreshes from about HK$30,000-HK$50,000 and high-spec projects HK$150,000-HK$350,000. Small bathroom footprints don't make it cheap — demolition, waterproofing, and licensed trades dominate the cost.

You are, as the flat owner — water seepage cases between flats are among Hong Kong's most common building disputes, handled via the Joint Office (FEHD/BD) and civil claims. Insist on a named waterproofing system, proper curing time, and a written warranty from your contractor; it's your main protection.