How to Save on Cost to Renovate Kitchen and Bathroom
Have you had enough of your old bathroom? We show you 10 steps to renovating a bathroom which you can implement whatever your budget, so you’ll come away happy.
1. Get Some Ideas.
One of the first steps to renovating a bathroom successfully is working out what you want. You need to ask yourself what you like/don’t like in your current bathroom. Is there not enough space, is there a broken toilet or do you have cracked tiles?
To help get an idea of what you want in your new bathroom browse through magazines, visit Bunnings, bathroom stores or even Ikea to get some idea of what you may want to include in your bathroom.
2. Talk to a Professional.
They can Identify Hidden Issues.
Firstly, they can help you to identify old copper pipes, incorrectly vented plumbing, poor waterproofing or any structural deficiencies (you will start your budget here!).
Give you advice on Design.
An experienced plumber will be able to tell you if your plan is viable for the space you have. Think of how many bathrooms they have renovated, installed and repaired fixtures. This means they are experienced at helping you figure out what works, what doesn’t and how much effort is involved.
3. Budget.
The budget will be dependent on the scale of work, the size of the bathroom and how expensive your chosen floor and fixtures are (where applicable).
It is always practical to add a 10% buffer on your budget; no matter how scrupulous you are down to the cent there is always a hidden cost somewhere no matter how small. Giving yourself leeway is probably one of the most crucial, yet overlooked steps to renovating a bathroom, but will ensure that surprise expenses won’t halt your project. No matter how small or large your bathroom renovation a budget will make sure the renovation is finished completely (no half finishes!).
4. Take Measurements.
You need to know what space/dimensions you’re working within.
Start from the outside inwards. If you draw the outside wall shape on a piece of paper, it gives you the foundation on what space you’re working with. Tape measure wall to wall and label on the diagram. From this, you can calculate your floor space and it will be really helpful for your plumber or builder to work off.
5. Timelines and Living Arrangements.
Depending on the schedule agreed upon with your licenced plumber or builder (for large scale work) you may have to make living arrangements as the bathroom may be off limits. Having an extra bathroom will partially help the situation but be prepared to have water switched off at times during renovations (dependant on project obviously).
Licenced Plumbers can give you a relative estimation depending on what you require. However, as with the budget, allow a buffer for any unexpected hurdles that may arise.
6. Remove Everything.
Anything that is going to get replaced will need to go. When it comes to bathroom fixtures it’s easier, neater (think toilet water everywhere) to get a professional plumber to remove and replace.
7. Hire a Professional to Install Showers and Fixtures.
There are things you can do yourself…but when it comes to installing appliances in wet areas these steps to renovating a bathroom should be done by a professional. We always recommend you hire a plumber. This ensures your waterproofing is done correctly, and so you are not left with faulty pipes or dangerously placed electrical sockets.
Make sure you are hiring a licenced plumber (us!), electrician or builder, that is qualified, insured and will do the job correctly (don’t be scared to shop around either!). We are always happy to make recommendations for associated reliable tradespeople.
Remember if you are not confident in renovating it is much safer, easier and quicker to hire a professional.
8. Flooring.
Note: Skip this step if you are partially renovating.
You can choose tiles, concrete, vinyl or wood for your flooring. Unfortunately along with the installation of showers and fixtures without question will need to be completed by a professional.
Installing flooring (no matter which) includes meticulous planning and usually a technical multi-step process.
Our tip is to leave it to the professionals.
9. Styling Steps to Renovating a Bathroom
Finishing touches.
It can be as simple as adding a candle on the bench or adding a wooden shelf for towels. No matter how small your budget you can still make it work. Those final styling touches, like a lick of paint, replacing your soap dispenser, adding a fluffy bathroom mat, or some new hooks, needn’t cost a lot of money. But they can totally transform your bathroom into something exciting.
Final clean
A sparkling bathroom looks and feels a million bucks! Any good builder, plumber or electrician will clean up after himself or herself to an extent, but giving tiling, fixtures and fittings the once over can make it all sparkle. Just remember renovations are messy. You will probably need to do more than a sweep to get your bathroom into shape.
10. Are You Happy?
Last but not least are you happy? Hopefully, the answer is yes!! If not, you may not necessarily need to start again. As I mentioned above, there are simple finishes and accessories (paint too) which can transform what you may think is a lacklustre bathroom into your favourite room of the house.
Feel free to give Plumb Perfection a call or email us for any advice, quotes or ideas you may have before renovating your bathroom! We are very happy to help.
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