Planning a bathroom renovation? Read these tips!

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms of the house. Combining functionality with design, it’s a space that, if not properly maintained over time, can start to shows its age.

Is your bathroom in need of a bit of TLC? If you’re considering replacing outdated appliances or gutting it completely, read on to learn some immeasurable tips when it comes to planning a bathroom renovation.

Determine your must haves vs. lust haves

When you first start planning a bathroom renovation, make a full list of everything you need in your new bathroom as well as everything you would love to have. Think big here, and just note everything you’d like. It’s likely you may end up with quite a long list!

That’s why the next step is vital: split your list into two: must-haves and lust-haves.

Through planning and budgeting you will learn which items from your must-have list will fit within your budget. If you have some budget left over, you might like to see if you can add one or two items from your splurge list.

Examples of lust-haves

These accessories and features can add that “wow” factor to your bathroom… but only if your budget allows it.

Wow factors include:

• Double glazed windows
• In-floor heating
• Double shower
• Marble vanities
• Luxury bathtub (Remember Shannon and Simon’s $7500 custom wooden bathtub on The Block in 2014?)

Bathrooms and ensuites in particular are normally rather small spaces, so don’t try to cram too much into these spaces. Keep them light and fresh, and don’t forget about storage!

Do you have a vision in mind?

There are so many ways you can design, build, and decorate a bathroom that matches the ambiance you want to create and meets your personal tastes.

For example:

• Gold and bronze offer a luxurious feel
• A stand-alone tub makes it the focus of your bathroom
• Tinted glass gives a modern, sleek vibe
• Brick, concrete, and dark wood creates a typical industrial feel
• Light wood tones offer an airy, spa-like space

Don’t forget about functionality, too

Planning can be an exciting time, but don’t get carried away with the accessories, décor, and fixtures. Sure, its aesthetic is important, but don’t neglect storage space, bench space, or other useful functionalities. Think about your lifestyle needs – do you live alone, with a partner, or with a flock of kids, too? Who will be using this bathroom?

Budget

You mightn’t be on a budget, but you still need to have a budget.

Depending on the scope of your project, you may, in addition to your local plumber, need to engage with:

• Architects: they can design a new floor plan that takes into account looks as well as practicality.
• Carpenters: if you want custom cabinets, windows, or doors, a carpenter will build these.
• Electricians: let there be light. They will safely install lighting fixtures and power points.
• Tilers: if you choose tiles in your bathroom an expert tiler will get all the small details right.

Remember that any additional trades you engage will cost money.

A bathroom remodel can often be split into two sub-categories:

Bathroom makeover:

Where the cosmetic aspects of the bathroom are the main changes made. This might be tiling, paining, or new cabinets and mirrors. This is generally cheaper as you’re mainly amending the cosmetic side of the space.

Bathroom renovation:

As above, but also when plumbing fixtures are replaced and/or moved. This could be replacing a separate bath and shower with a shower-over-bath, installing a new toilet, replacing an old vanity and sink, and repairing a leaking shower. This is where you’ll need qualified trades to undertake a variety of tasks.

Do you need council consent?

Most local councils have planning policies that allow small-scale changes and refurbishments, however it is important to always check. The answers are not always linear so it’s best to get in touch with your local council to find out if what you’re planning requires a permit.

Are you potentially affecting your home’s structure?

Will removing a wall affect your home’s structural support? While it might seem a straightforward concept to remove a wall that separates a stand-alone toilet and the rest of the bathroom, it’s important that these things are checked.

Moving pipework

Avoid moving pipework if you can, however if your dream bathroom requires a layout change, ensure a licensed plumbing manages this process. Even if you don’t move pipework, keep in mind that some piping will need to be reworked anyway to accommodate new fixtures.

Don’t DIY bathroom plumbing

In fact, don’t even think about doing it yourself.

You can void your home’s insurance when you conduct unlicensed and unregistered bathroom plumbing. By not engaging a licensed plumber, you’re violating Australian standards and regulations, and you’re risking the safety of your home and family with the potential of disasters in the future. So don’t do it!

Instead, choose a plumber in Melbourne

Watermaster are plumbers in Melbourne based in Bayside but servicing the CBD and most south eastern suburbs. From repairs and installation to renovations and complete fit-outs, we can handle it all! Get in touch with Watermaster today. Fill in this form or call now.