Did you know that renovating your bathroom requires more individual tradespeople than any other room in your home? Surprising, but true. So there are some important things you need to know before you start.
Renovations are often a daunting and stressful process, no matter which room you’re renovating. A number of things can go wrong, which sometimes derail the project or increase costs further than your budget allows. There are plenty of remodeling nightmare stories to go around. However, if you’re planning on renovating your bathroom soon, you don’t have to be one of them.
Your bathroom is an important room in your home and should make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Because of this, the bathroom remodel always seems like it’s higher stakes and that more can go wrong.
Here are some pieces of advice that nobody tells you about renovating your bathroom. Knowing these, you may be able to avoid a dramatic or unpleasant situation when it comes time to start the job.
Hire Professionals for Renovating Your Bathroom
If you aren’t incredibly handy and don’t have the right skills to safely do the renovations yourself, it’s obviously best to hire professionals to get it done for you. They will have the experience and know-how to get the project done safely and up to code while taking your designs into account.
When selecting a company to hire, be sure to check their reviews and previous work, so you know what to expect from them. During the renovations, make sure you and your contractor are on the same page about the design.
Never assume that they understand your design or are up to speed because then (costly) mistakes can be made. Instead, always discuss every part of the plan and spell it out plainly, so there are no doubts about the work being done.
Bathroom Remodels Cost More Than You Think
The average bathroom renovation in Australia costs anywhere from $18,000 to $25,000, so if you thought your bathroom would be a quick and cheap reno, think again. If you’re committed to taking on this project, make sure you have the budget for it. It’s also smart to add a bit extra to your original budget just in case there are any surprise costs.
Keep in mind that there is a limit on how much you’ll want to spend on your bathroom renovation in relation to your home’s value. Your bathroom makeover shouldn’t cost any more than 5 to 10 percent of the value of your home; otherwise, you’re losing money on your investment.
Good Bathroom Lighting Requires Planning
Want that flattering bathroom lighting you’ve always imagined? It takes more than simply installing a few fixtures. Bathrooms are often small and dark rooms full of mirrors, making it tricky to properly light them.
The easiest way is to put a single diffuse light in the centre of your bathroom ceiling, but other wall sconces may be needed to light up any dark corners.
Don’t Forget About Power Outlets
If you’ve ever had a bathroom that doesn’t have easily accessible electrical outlets, you know how frustrating it is when you need to plug in a hairdryer or shaver. When designing your new bathroom, don’t forget to include outlets in accessible and safe places.
