The Ultimate Dos And Don’ts Guide To Bathroom Renovation

If you want to increase the value of your property, or your old bathroom is looking a little tired and worn, you may be considering a bathroom renovation. Before taking the plunge, take a look at these dos and don’ts of a bathroom renovation to create a real wow-factor without blowing your budget.

The dos

• Budget

Always set a budget and be realistic. Though the property experts claim that adding a new modern bathroom can increase your home value by around 6%, it’s still vital to ensure you factor in every possible cost, from demolition to materials, waste disposal, licences, and general contractors port chester builder’s fees. Once you have a budget set, you can review it to determine where you can save. Always shop around to ensure you are getting the best possible price. Mainstream colours and styles are generally cheaper than trendy items. Which is great news as you want your new bathroom to remain timeless.

You should always have a contingency plan which means keeping at least 10% of your budget back as a cushion for cost overruns.

• Time it

Bathroom renovations can be costly, which is why you must set a timeline and stick to it. Maintaining a timeline will help protect your budget. On average, it takes 21 days to complete a full bathroom renovation. The process will be far easier if you take the time to plan every step in the renovation project. Poor planning won’t just cost you in terms of time and labour, it can result in major mistakes.

• Plan it

The planning process should begin with a mood board. This is your chance to explore the aesthetic aspect of the renovation. What styles are you interested in? What type of fixtures do you prefer? Are there any unique designs you want to look into or tile styles you prefer?

As you plan your design, you need to keep your plumbing lines in mind. Pay close attention to where your sinks, shower, bath, and toilets are. There should be plenty of space between plumbing fixtures and room for storage and a vanity. Consider how the space will be used and whether your layout allows for this. You have to balance function with form when you tackle a bathroom renovation.

Stay simple

Trends are tempting, but the key to a great bathroom renovation is to keep it simple. If you embark on an unusually creative design, you will only increase your costs. Not only do you end up with fixtures and fittings that are difficult to replace, but they’re also generally tougher to clean as well. There is nothing wrong with mainstream style. You can make the bathroom unique with accent pieces like artwork, lighting accessories, coloured mats and towels. You can create a stylish space without giving into trends.

Buy quality

You do not have to sacrifice quality to stay within your budget. Know when to splurge and when to cut back. Think of the long-term costs of maintenance and repair and determine how to proceed. You don’t need a high-end toilet, but a great shower is worth your time.

The don’ts

• Move pipes

It is always best to leave your plumbing works as-is. It is an expensive proposition when you get into moving those fittings to change the layout completely. The same is true of walls.

• Get trendy

Trendy décor might be beautiful, but it will date your bathroom quickly. You want to embrace colour schemes that won’t date!

• Push the limits

There are Australian Standards to adhere to, and you should not push the limits on the rules of renovation. There are waterproofing regulations for shower floors and walls. Whether you plan to DIY or hire a professional, you should make yourself familiar with all the rules and regulations that apply to your situation and circumstances.

This brings us to our final point.

DIY

You might be physically capable of managing the bathroom DIY. However, DIY jobs get complicated when there are rules and regulations to follow. The last thing you want is to do it yourself and find out it isn’t up to scratch when it is time to sell. A DIY renovation job could also impact your home insurance policy. Seek the skills of a licensed and trusted contractor to tackle the job and ensure the renovation is everything you have imagined.