It’s an exciting time planning the renovation of your bathroom. A refurbished bathroom can have a marked increase on the value of a property not to mention give a touch of luxury and creating a relaxing haven in your home. However, there’s a little more to it than just picking out some new tiles and ordering those fancy taps you’ve wanted since seeing them in that 5-star hotel. Outlined below we have chosen 5 areas to consider before you embark on your bathroom renovation project!

DIY Vs Professional

It may seem like a great idea to tackle your own bathroom renovation after watching one too many episodes of ‘The Block’ however there are many things to consider before heading down to Bunnings. Firstly, hiring a professional typically shaves weeks or even months off the timeframe of project completion which can seem like an eternity, especially if your home has only one bathroom. Remodelling a bathroom is a much more complex job than most people anticipate as it combines electrics and plumbing while often working with limited space. Throw in things like waterproofing and underfloor heating, and you have a big challenge on your hands. If you decide to do as much as you can with your own hands focus on things like painting and flooring and leave dry-walling, plumbing, electrics, sink, cabinet and shower/tub installations to the professionals.

Layout is key

Many people use a bathroom renovation as an opportunity to add or remove certain features from the existing space. Will you be altering the floor or ceiling height as part of the project? Removing a bathtub or replacing the existing tub with one of different dimensions (a spa-bath perhaps)? Are you going to add laundry facilities as part of the remodel? The answers to these questions will have a big impact on the cost and complexity of your renovation project as you may need more labour or different types of tradespeople with different skillsets etc. Finally, ensure that all cabinet doors can open fully and that the toilet is not the focal point of the room.

Do the pipes need replacing?

Another thing that needs careful consideration is whether the pipes need replacing during the bathroom renovation. It may be quite some time before the bathroom is remodelled again so if it’s almost time to put the pipes out to pasture then this is the time to do it. Depending on the material pipes will need replacing from as little as 30 years old due to rust, corrosion or sedimentary build-up. If possible, consider using 50mm piping instead of the 40mm which is used as standard. This will barely affect the project price but may save you on plumber’s fees for blocked drains down the track. In short, make sure the bathroom pipes are inspected before the project gets underway!

Lighting

With so many other factors to consider during the bathroom renovation, lighting can often be tacked on at the end. This shouldn’t be the case! The type of lighting you choose can have a massive effect on the overall warmth and ambience of the completed bathroom. Consider task lighting above the sink around the vanity for perfect lighting while shaving, applying makeup etc. Consider a dimmer switch for the ceiling lights to create the perfect ambience for those long, relaxing soaks in the bath with a glass of wine. Also, if budget allows, lights in niches within the room can really make your bathroom stand out from the crowd.

Finishing Touches

Some ideas for finishing touches that will be the envy of your guests without breaking the bank include:

• A fog-free mirror
• A nook close to the toilet to store books and magazines
• Shelving in the shower for toiletries, razors etc and why not a fog-free mirror in the shower too
• Heated towel rails for the chilly winter months
• Multi shower head system
• Steam Shower (Ok, so this is a splurge!)

These are some items to consider before you embark on your bathroom renovation journey. Here at Elev8 Design, we’re at the forefront of bathroom trends and would be happy to discuss your needs and ideas. Call us today for a no-obligation consultation!

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How many times have you sat at home and had a conversation about kitchen renovation but never do anything about it? You’re not alone. Across Australia, the same conversation is had at dinner tables each night. However, many people think it’s too daunting or expensive a project to be done immediately so it gets put on the back burner. There are indications that the time to update the kitchen can’t be pushed back any longer. Below are 5 signs that you need to renovate your kitchen right now:

Layout Drama

Perhaps the layout wasn’t ideal when you bought the house but you looked past it as it ticked most other boxes. Or maybe your needs have changed over time such as moving from being a single person or couple to a family today. Whatever the reason, a kitchen which is laid out impractically can be beyond frustrating! Therefore, it’s important to have an experienced kitchen designer assess your individual needs, space and requirements and design a kitchen renovation that’s perfect for you.

Past its sell by date?

Remember how excited you were when your kitchen had that new kitchen smell and was the envy of your friends and neighbours? Was that in the 80s, 90s or early 00’s? Think of the clothes that were in fashion back then too, would you wear them today? If you’re honest, your answer is likely a resounding no. Many things in life reach their sell by date at some stage and kitchens are no different, there comes a time when they need to be put out to pasture! The benefit of using a talented kitchen designer is that we keep our eye on trends within the industry to ensure your new kitchen stays as timeless as possible for the foreseeable future.

Time to sell

There are many things to consider when putting your home on the market in Sydney. One of the most important things to prospective buyers is the kitchen and no amount of freshly baked bread or bouquets of flowers can mask a dated or damaged kitchen. It’s a strong market here in Sydney and a well-thought out kitchen redesign can be recouped several times over in the final sale price of your property.

Broken or Damaged

It’s difficult to argue that it’s not time to overhaul the kitchen if the existing space is showing signs of actual damage. Examples could include broken or chipped cabinet doors, water damage or excessive wear and tear on splashbacks or benchtops. Kitchen renovation is needed here and it doesn’t get more black and white than that!

Storage Woes

There is some crossover between layout and storage in the kitchen. More people in the house, especially children, can mean many new types of food, cutlery, utensils and even appliances needed. What was previously adequate storage space is now bursting at the seams resulting in clutter and general untidiness in the kitchen space. A new well-designed kitchen can eradicate these issues while also keeping in mind future storage requirements.

Think of all the time you spend in your kitchen from cooking to dining with your loved ones. It’s important that you truly enjoy the time you spend in arguably the most-used room in the entire house. To speak to an expert in kitchen designs and renovations here in Sydney, give Elev8 Design a call or send us an email today!

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