If you’re thinking about a bathroom renovation, there are a few key areas to consider before you take a sledgehammer to your current space. Have you given each some thought?
Your future bathroom
When renovating a bathroom, it’s worth spending some time thinking about your plans, and those of your family, now and into the future. Will your bathroom needs be the same when your small kids are older? Are your kids in their late teens and perhaps the bathroom will be used less, or in a different way, in the not too distant future? Is this your forever home or will you be selling in a few years? And what will the design and layout of your bathroom mean for resale value?
As you begin the renovation process, you will likely have many questions. Will a bath be necessary in the new bathroom or would a double shower be more practical? Would you prefer the toilet in a separate space? If you have a single sink at the moment but are contemplating a double vanity, do you have the room or will the space look cramped?
It’s worth discussing these questions with your builder as they may have some solutions you haven’t considered. Bathroom renovators with many years of experience are likely to have come across the dilemmas you are having many times before, and can advise, based on experience as well as technical knowledge.
If you’re considering a bathroom renovation, you’ve probably already started envisaging what your new bathroom might actually look like. It’s definitely worth taking some time to look at pictures, either online or in magazines, to narrow down your preferences with regard to style, colour, tiling and fixtures. These factors can then be considered when arranging a quote for your renovation.
Bathroom budget
The cost of a bathroom renovation can vary greatly depending on many factors. From a budget friendly ‘refresh’ to a full bathroom renovation with layout changes, luxury features and finishes. It really is like the old adage, ‘how long is a piece of string?’ You can read more about the different types of renovations at different price points, from $5,000 through to $20,000 and above.
While it’s a good start to have a number in mind, a detailed, itemised quote for your bathroom renovation will assist with determining a realistic budget. Doing your research beforehand allows your builder to provide a quote that’s as accurate as possible. Be sure to ask questions about trades and ensure you’re clear on what’s covered and what isn’t.
Who’s doing the job?
There are a myriad of tradespeople and companies that will offer to renovate your bathroom, but one word of warning on – be sure you employ the services of licenced builders and plumbers. Also look at how many years of experience the tradespeople have. And don’t be caught out signing up to a big brand company for your renovation, only to find out the work for your bathroom renovation has been sub-contracted out to the lowest dodgy bidder! You’re spending your hard-earned money, so you want to be sure the work is of a high standard and carried out by people who know what they’re doing and take pride in their work and their reputation! Sounds simple right? But many people don’t do their research here and it may cause you problems in the long (or short!) run. Ask your builder for their licence number and who they use for each trade, such as tilers and plumbers. And if your bathroom renovator doesn’t have a contract for you to sign, you may want to reconsider your options.
Online reviews and first hand testimonials offer great insight into the company you’re thinking of engaging. Positive reviews are a good sign and can provide peace of mind that previous clients have had a great experience.
Getting through the build
Another important part of a bathroom renovation, and something to definitely discuss with your builder, are the logistics and timing of the build. For example, how long will your shower and toilet be out of action? Where will you shower/bathe if it’s a number of days? Will you need to stay elsewhere for a night or two if you don’t have a second loo? Will the tradespeople coming into your home be polite and respectful? Will the job site be left clean on a daily basis? This is your home after all!
As you can see, there’s a LOT to consider before renovating your bathroom! A good bathroom renovation company will spend time answering all your questions and will guide you through the entire process. Of course, the end result will be worth it!
