The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Successful Bathroom Renovation
Believe it or not, home renovations such as bathrooms can be quite pricey. This is because they tend to have more labour costs and materials than other types of renovations such as painting a room or building a new deck.
Why is this you may ask? The answer to that question is straightforward. Bathrooms are made up of smaller parts that all have to be installed separately. Essentially, all bathrooms are about combining the following items: the vanity sink and mirror, shower, bath and toilet. Yet there are so many scenarios of how this can be achieved, it can seem like an epic task!
If you’re pondering how to do a bathroom renovation, the following advice will help you make some informed decisions around budgeting and planning.
A simple bathroom build might follow the following process:
Demolition or stripping out the space
Repairing any structural work or water damage to the timber – this can also include dropping the floor joists to allow for level tiles, or raised floors for inbuilt showers
Plumber rough-in – installation of pipes and services
Electrical rough-in – installation of wires to power points and lights (we like the electrician to work after the plumber as it is easier for them to run wires around pipes instead of the other way around)
Floor fit-out
Plastering and sanding of the walls and ceiling
Painting of walls and ceilings (we like to do this before tiling, but it can also be done afterwards)
Waterproofing
Plumbing of built-in bath, if you’re having one. A free-standing bath will be installed after tiling
Tiling and grouting
Installation of vanity and cabinets
Depending on whether there’s an underslung sink or not, vanity tops can usually be measured now.
Final fitting of electrics and plumbing including lights, powerpoints, taps, bath and sinks
Installation of shower screen and mirrors
Final cleaning and styling.
So if you're thinking about renovating your own bathroom here are some key tips to consider:
TOP TIP 1
A walk-in shower with a hose is a brilliant addition as it has so many uses: washing children and pets, watering plants, cleaning the shower and keeping your hair dry. Consider this type of fixture for maximum flexibility.
TOP TIP 2
Place plug sockets in one of your drawers for easy access to a hairdryer and straightener without the trouble. If you use an electric toothbrush think about power in your mirrored vanity, too.
TOP TIP 3
If you plan to include a skylight in your bathroom, think about its location early on in the renovation process. We like to place them over the shower where possible, but it’s more important to have a natural relationship with the room as a whole, providing light where needed.
So where to from here?
Renovating a bathroom can be a complex and costly process, but with careful planning and consideration of the right materials and fixtures, it can be a worthwhile investment in both the value of your home and your daily comfort. By taking into account the practicalities of the space and incorporating energy-efficient features, you can create a functional and stylish bathroom that will be a joy to use for years to come. With the right approach, a bathroom renovation can be a successful and transformative project that will improve your daily routine and add value to your home.
If you’d like help on your renovation, we love taking care of every detail, and acting as an advocate on your behalf with builders and suppliers. Get in touch here to see how we can help you.
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