Fixing Bathroom Renovation Traps

A bathroom renovation is currently on the agenda for two clients of mine. Both have decided their current bathrooms are dated and bland, so I’m embarking on three bathroom re-designs (yes, one has two bathrooms).

The bathroom is one of the most commonly renovated rooms, and for very good reason. Although it is small (and easy to work with) it is also an important room that can be quite complex. A bathroom renovation attracts more different trades than other single room in a house. So you have to be precise.

When adding value to your home, a kitchen or bathroom renovation will provide the best return on investment if you don’t over-capitalise. Wet areas are the rooms most home buyers DON’T want to renovate. Yet they subtly affect the feel and atmosphere of the entire home to a surprising degree.

 

If you are currently thinking about upgrading your bathroom, think carefully about some of the most important elements. In terms of the scope of works, it’s easy to get carried away with gorgeous design options. However, there are other items that must come FIRST.

Top 3 Bathroom Renovation Elements To Think About FIRST

Planning For Disruption

First of all, the bathroom is usually small but vital. Imagine was life will be like in your house if you don;t have a bathroom. Perhaps your home will be vacant, like the home of one of my clients. But perhaps it’s also the ONLY bathroom in a home in which you are living.

When setting up for a bathroom renovation you will almost certainly want to set up a temporary toilet. Even if you have a second toilet, at some point the plumbing will need to be disrupted, with water and electricity turned off.

Try to minimise the disruption to home life as much as you can, although this can be difficult. Plan for disruption, and be prepared. Ask your interior designer, or plumber and electrician, what disruptions you should expect. Develop a timeframe of disruptions. Because if water and electricity are cut off for a few hours at a time you may need to think about showering, washing dishes, and powering up important items.

Your interior designer will try to minimise disruptions as much as possible. But sometimes even the best of us are met with unexpected delays.

 

Careful With Pipes

As with any bathroom renovation, you will need to deal with pipes. Even if you are keeping the same ‘footprint’ of the bathroom and just replacing surfaces, joinery, and glass it’s possible old pipes may have corroded or may be blocked by tree roots. It is best NOT to undertake plumbing work yourself.

Even a slight knick could cause a huge problem, and before you know it you are having to call the 24-hour emergency plumber to come and fix your leak. It is much better not to cause the damage in the first place, and basically, that just means engaging a professional.

If you are moving elements then hire a reputable plumber. Shifting a toilet across the room or removing a bath will require expertise. These are the areas of bathroom renovation whereby you can NOT cut corners.

 

Vitals First, Aesthetics Last

Something you should definitely remember is the importance of doing all the vital, behind the scenes work first, and leaving the visual elements until last.

This means getting the plumbing and electricals done first. Decide where you are putting the bath, shower, vanity, toilet, and storage before you look into tiling, wallpapering or painting.

Decor must be considered at the planning stages and often tiles and other items will have to be ordered prior to work starting. However, until the ‘back end’ work is completed, leave the stylish stuff alone.

And remember, you can always add layers. So when the tiles are laid and the paint is dry, add accessories to suit – fluffy towels, scented candles, potted plants, etc. Try Bed Bath ‘n Table, Canningvale, and Circa Home for all your fabulous bathroom accessories.

Bathroom Design Help

Yes, we can design a gorgeous bathroom to suit your needs. Please see our Interior Design Services page for more info.