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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