10 Easy Steps To Renovating A Bathroom You’ll Love
When it comes to renovating a home or business, there are plenty of opportunities to save money, but there are also areas where you shouldn’t skimp. We show you how to reduce the cost to renovate kitchen and bathroom plumbing, appliances and cabinetry without compromising your style or quality in the process. As experienced bathroom and kitchen plumbing renovators, we know that a little forethought can make a big difference to the end result if you are light on cash.
When buying new hardware and appliances, don’t forget to shop around for the best value for money, always considering “how long does it need to last?” and “how easily can this be replaced?” This will help you make the best decisions on quality vs price.
Below is a comprehensive guide to each major component involved in your renovation. We tell you where you can skimp ($) and where you should splurge ($$$) without compromising on the overall end result.
Hardware – $
Skimping on hardware can also be about being smart and resourceful with what you can recycle and refresh without having to replace completely. Here’s a few tips on ways you can lighten the cost:
Kitchen
- Skimp on new cabinets. If your cabinets are simply outdated, consider replacing the doors only. Leaving the shell intact will save you a lot of time and money.
- Skimp on kitchen benchtops. There are plenty of good quality imitations of stone and glass out there, especially in laminates. This is a great way to go if you are worried about over-capitalising on your property.
- Skimp on flooring and splash backs. Shop around for cheaper alternatives to traditional ceramic or glass splashbacks. There are plenty of ways to get a great finish without breaking the bank here! When it comes to floors – can you save money on tiles by using vinyl flooring? Or click-together wooden flooring?
- If you have to purchase new, do some homework first to ensure you’re not paying too much. You can also look at good quality second-hand options if you’re really strapped for cash.
Bathroom
- Skimp on finishes. There are lots of good quality imitation taps and finishes which function the same as the high-end examples without the price tag. For example, why not look at brushed taps instead of bronze finishes? Just make sure the quality is still there on any tapware you choose.
- Skimp on floors and walls. Choose larger tiles over smaller mosaic tiles. There is less labour involved in laying them, and it’s much easier to grout and waterproof.
- Skimp on bathroom sinks, toilets, and baths. Most manufacturers have good quality imitations of the latest styles and trends with excellent water efficiency. Choose these over the ones in the homes of the rich and famous.
Appliances – $$$
Unfortunately, the more expensive appliances are usually those backed by research and include premium and long-lasting parts. However, don’t throw your money at the most expensive appliance without reading reviews. Also don’t be hesitant to ask family and friends, professionals at stores, and those who have industry-backed knowledge such as plumbers or electricians.
A great reason to splurge on an appliance is to save money in the long run on energy and water efficiency, and warranty. You can compare an appliance’s efficiency by checking the sticker on the front.
Red stars = Energy (Worst 0 – Best 5)
Blue stars = Water (Worst 0 – Best 5)
- Kitchen Appliances
More expensive appliances like fridges and dishwashers will have innovative features which can make daily chores much easier. From double door long-lasting stainless-steel fridges to dishwashers with draws for half or full cycle settings. - Bathroom Appliances
Exhaust fans are a must! As they direct steam and dew away from the walls and roofs reducing the likelihood of mould building up.
A way to save money here would be to shop around for the best price. Check all stores which often your chosen model online. You can also buy at sale time if you’re organised.
Professionals – $$$
If you have experience tilling or painting there may be no need to get a professional in. However, if you have no experience – then remember – there’s a reason people go to College to learn how to do it. It would be a shame to invest in great tiles only to ruin it with a dodgy tiling job.
There are also jobs that need to be performed by a certified plumber, electrician or builder, and cutting corners here could be disastrous, or downright dangerous.
When choosing any tradespeople, make sure you weigh up quality against price. Just like the rest of your bathroom or kitchen, choosing a tradie based only on price may leave you with a cheap and nasty renovation. Look for value for money, and choose a tradesperson who will provide it.
What You CAN DIY:
- Strip out kitchens and bathrooms, but be careful of electrical wires and plumbing pipes or you will have a bigger clean-up job than you intended.
- Small changes such as replacing door knobs and light covers.
What you should NOT DIY
- Waterproofing
- Relocating plumbing and electrical fixtures
- Fitting shower screens, baths, toilets, and
- Installing hot water systems
- Installing light fixtures
This is really just the tip of the iceberg, there are many ways to save on the cost to renovate kitchen and bathroom plumbing. Don’t forget to shop around, and do what you can yourself within reason. The last thing we want to mention is to make sure your kitchen or bathroom design is practical for now and the future.
If you are looking to renovate your kitchen or bathroom on the Gold Coast, why not contact us for some advice?
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