07 Apr The Dos And Don’ts Of Bathroom Renovations
Renovating your bathroom can be a costly and complicated affair.
And for a successful transformation, you need to involve many different trades for a cohesive end result, and this can make it one of the most complicated renovations of all.
Kyle Turner, from Luximo Design, shares a few tips and tricks you can apply during your next bathroom remodel.
Do hire a bathroom specialist
Plumbers are only qualified to run the pipework and install the fixtures, but a bathroom professional understands the project from a holistic perspective, and can organise the correct sequence of trades.
Although many people are tempted to project-manage the job themselves, if they haven’t had any experience, the renovation can be stressful and costly should mistakes be made.
A specialist has knowledge of the best and most cost-effective ways to overcome any issues that may surface during the course of the project, and how to avoid them altogether.
Don’t go the DIY route
It is important to select qualified individuals with the correct certifications to complete the various jobs.
So many people will see waterproofing materials at their local hardware, and be tempted to do it themselves.
However, they don’t think of the fact that fixing a leak further down the line could be an astronomical setback financially.
Rather bring in a professional to do it properly the first time.
Choosing the right people for the job will ensure that all the necessary building regulations are met, and it will also give you peace of mind that you will get the best possible outcome.
Do splurge on a few high-end features
Bathrooms are usually smaller than other rooms in the home, so splurging on a few high-end products or finishes can be a good investment.
A newly renovated bathroom should offer years of use, so it’s advisable to invest in the best product you can afford.
For example, well-chosen premium tiles can really transform a space visually, as can a luxurious bath, vanity or tap.
Don’t ignore old pipework
Although you probably never planned to replace all the pipework in your bathroom, if your plumber points out that they are very old, it’s worth your while to replace all of them.
Leaving the old piping in could lead to disastrous consequences down the line, such as burst pipes, leaks and low water pressure due to sediment forming in the pipes.
Do avoid overcapitalising
When planning a bathroom renovation, you should always be able to answer an affirmative “Yes!” to the question of whether you’ll be able to make your money back if you sell your house.
When it comes to bathroom renovations, it’s easy to overspend, but you need to set a realistic budget and stick to it.
Also, when making your choices, it’s always better to err on the side of selecting more mainstream styles and colours, so you can recoup the money you’re investing.
You need to understand that you’re not just creating a bathroom for yourself, but for future potential buyers as well.
Lastly, remember to budget for the ‘what-ifs’. Put aside an extra 15% to 20% of your total budget to cover unforeseen costs. You might not need it at all, but you’ll be relieved that you have it if you do.
Don’t move the pipework
You can save quite a lot of money by sticking to the same general layout in your bathroom, as your plumber won’t have to lay new pipes and reformat the room’s plumbing.
You don’t have to put things exactly where they were, but by keeping them in a similar location you can save thousands in plumbing fees.
Instead of relaying a whole new plumbing network, all you’ll need to do is to rework the water pipes to suit your new fixtures.
Do consider installing a wall-mounted toilet
Wall mounted toilets with recessed cisterns offer sleek, contemporary good looks, and other advantages.
One of their biggest advantages is that they take up minimal space, offer a cleaner look because water outlets and connections are concealed in the wall behind, and they’re easier to clean as they are raised off the floor.
Don’t neglect to nominate heights
If you’re taller or shorter than most, then it’s highly advisable to notify the plumber of the installation heights that you would prefer for the various items being installed.
Rectifying the issue of items being installed at incorrect heights can be a costly affair
Do consider the environment
Unfortunately, often the water and electricity consumption in the bathroom far outweighs its modest size. However, this is a great room in which to go green.
Wherever possible, choose energy- and water-efficient fittings. They might cost a little more at the onset, but the money they’ll save you on your utility bills over time will more than make up for this added expense.
It’s also good to know that you’re doing your bit for the environment