Coastal Bathroom Upgrades - Northern Beaches
Martin self-performs tiling, waterproofing and construction — multiple customers switched to him after quotes that relied on subcontractors.
What those 10 reviews do show, consistently, is that Martin personally manages and performs most of the trade work himself, which directly addresses one of the most common frustrations homeowners cite when getting bathroom quotes: being handed off to a roster of subcontractors they've never vetted. Multiple customers mention specifically choosing him after comparing quotes that relied on multi-tradesperson models. The practical question to ask upfront is scope and lead time — because Martin operates solo, his calendar will be the constraint, and reviews suggest demand is real.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (10 total)
“dealing with one person which is fantastic”
“He was on time every day and was an absolute pleasure”
“built us a new pergola and extended and renovated our bedroom”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Coastal Bathroom Upgrades - Northern Beaches
Martin Downie runs Coastal Bathroom Upgrades as a one-person operation with a deliberately different model: rather than subcontracting out tiling, waterproofing, and carpentry to separate tradespeople, he holds the skills for all of those trades himself, meaning a single person manages your project from demolition to final fix. Customers who'd shopped around specifically called this out as the reason they chose him — fewer strangers in the house, cleaner project management, and no waiting for an unavailable tiler to hold up the schedule. Beyond bathrooms, reviews show Martin has also tackled decks, pergolas, barn-style concertina glass doors, flooring, and bedroom extensions, so homeowners with a broader renovation list have used him as a single point of contact across multiple jobs. He works with clients' own plumbers and electricians where preferred — one review specifically noted that Martin was happy for them to bring in their own plumber, which mattered to that household. His pricing approach stands out in reviews too: multiple customers mention written quotes, transparent costs, and final pricing they described as competitive or reasonable compared to alternatives. He's best suited to homeowners planning a full bathroom transformation or a multi-room residential renovation who want tight, personalised project control rather than a revolving crew of subcontractors.
Best for: full bathroom transformations where you want a single tradesperson managing and performing the work, homeowners who've had frustrating experiences with multi-subcontractor renovation firms, and residential projects that extend beyond the bathroom to decks, pergolas, or room extensions.
Location
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Coastal Bathroom Upgrades - Northern Beaches
Does Coastal Bathroom Upgrades use subcontractors, or does Martin do the work himself?+
Martin performs most of the trade work himself, including tiling, waterproofing, and the bulk of the construction. He has proactively trained in those additional trades to avoid the multi-subcontractor model that frustrates many homeowners. For specific licensed work like plumbing and electrical, he coordinates with a trusted electrician and is open to clients bringing their own plumber if they prefer. One reviewer specifically highlighted that Martin was happy for them to use their existing plumber, which was a deciding factor in hiring him.
What kinds of projects does Coastal Bathroom Upgrades take on beyond bathrooms?+
Reviews show Martin has completed decks, pergolas, flooring, and full bedroom extensions for existing clients — so if you have a list of home renovation jobs, he may be worth discussing the full scope with upfront. Several customers mention returning with additional projects after a bathroom renovation, suggesting he's positioned himself as a broader residential renovation contractor rather than a bathroom-only specialist. That said, bathroom renovation and ensuite transformations appear to be his primary focus based on the business name and the majority of reviews. Confirm availability and willingness for your specific project type when you make contact.
How does Martin's pricing compare to other bathroom renovation quotes?+
Multiple reviews describe his pricing as competitive or reasonable, particularly when compared against quotes from firms that rely on multiple subcontractors. One customer noted they had almost given up on getting a bathroom reno done after receiving quotes that were either expensive or came with conditions like no written quote — Martin stood out for providing a clear written quote within a couple of days. Reviews don't give specific dollar figures, so you'll need to contact him for a tailored quote, but the pattern across reviews suggests value relative to the market rather than a budget or premium price point.
What areas does Coastal Bathroom Upgrades cover?+
The business is based in Belrose on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Reviews mention a project at a country NSW property, suggesting Martin is willing to travel for the right job. The platform data doesn't specify a formal service radius, so if you're outside the Northern Beaches area, it's worth asking directly whether he services your location before going through the quoting process.
How does Martin handle unexpected problems that come up mid-renovation?+
Several reviews directly address this — customers describe Martin quietly resolving issues without fuss or drama, rather than escalating costs or delays when something unexpected comes up. One reviewer noted that 'if there were any issues he just quietly got on and sorted them out,' and another described him as skilled at problem-solving tricky design situations. He also provides regular progress updates, which customers with perfectionist tendencies specifically appreciated. Starting and finishing on the originally planned schedule is mentioned in more than one review as a notable outcome.