Bathroom trends are changing by the year; keeping up with the latest designs and technology is challenging.
But there are a few ways to remodel a bathroom that will stand the test of time. All you have to do is invest in the right resources while keeping your budget in mind.
Start by considering whether or not you wish to renovate your bathroom. If you find more reasons than one to go ahead with it, look for ideas and inspiration to plan. That’s just the beginning; many more factors must be considered.
And that’s where we come into the picture. This guide will take you through the crucial points to consider while planning a bathroom renovation. We’ll cover all aspects to help you, from choosing the right fixtures to maximising space.
So, without further delay, let’s begin.
Guide to Bathroom Renovations
Here are the factors you need to consider while renovating your bathroom.
1. Time Frame
Renovating a bathroom involves more than just the construction phase; it requires thorough planning and preparation. Typically, the actual renovation can take anywhere from three to eight weeks. However, the preliminary phase—gathering ideas, finalising designs, and selecting fixtures and materials—can extend the timeline by one to two months. Therefore, you should be prepared to allocate sufficient time to transform your bathroom space effectively.
Consider incorporating features that enhance functionality and luxury when planning your dream bathroom. A freestanding bath can be a striking focal point, offering elegance and a spa-like feel. Additionally, installing a heated towel rail adds comfort and a modern touch to the bathroom. When thoughtfully chosen, these features contribute significantly to your bathroom’s overall ambience and utility, making the extended planning and renovation process worthwhile.
2. Budget
Allocating a budget for your bathroom renovation is a crucial first step that helps define the project’s scope. Your expenses might align closely with your average budget for basic updates, such as replacing existing fixtures. However, expect to invest more in mid-range renovations, which include substantial changes to plumbing and electrical systems and the installation of new baths, toilets, showers, and tiles.
For those pursuing bathroom renovation dreams without financial constraints, high-end renovations offer the possibility to explore an array of luxury fittings. These sophisticated upgrades can transform a new bathroom into a sanctuary of comfort and style. High-end renovations might also include integrating smart-home technology, allowing you to control temperature, lighting, and even entertainment systems seamlessly.
When planning your renovation, consider how much space is available and how it can best meet your needs. This will ensure the new bathroom looks stunning and highly functional, enhancing your home’s value and quality of life.
3. Apply For Council Approval
Understanding when council approval is required during a home renovation, particularly when it involves significant changes to your bathroom, is crucial. You will need to seek this approval in two specific scenarios: first if you plan to structurally alter the bathroom by removing walls or creating a separate toilet space from the existing bathroom, and second if significant modifications are to be made to the plumbing system.
However, not all changes require council consent. For instance, if your renovation involves only replacing or repositioning existing sanitary fittings like showers, toilets, or baths, you generally won’t need to apply for council approval, provided you are not adding any new fittings. But, if your plans include installing a new shower in a tiled wall, this change typically requires consent from the plumbing council in Australia.
4. Professional Or DIY Renovations
Next, consider hiring experienced professionals to manage the remodelling project. You could also choose to go the DIY route, provided you have prior experience, to save costs. However, it’s a ton of work, and there’s no guarantee of achieving the desired results.
Hiring a specialist for home or bathroom renovations is always better. They’ll be able to complete the project most professionally within no time. You’ll only have to pick out the tiles, paints, appliances, and fixtures they recommended and tell the project manager how you’d want the bathroom to look.
5. Bathroom Styles
When remodelling a bathroom, there are many styles to choose from. You can take inspiration from various bathroom renovation projects to incorporate ideas into the bathroom design. Just make sure that the colour scheme of your house and practical implications are considered before you make any decision.
Some of the most popular and inspiring bathroom styles and designs are as follows:
- Luxurious open-plan ensuite and bedroom
- Retro bathroom with ensuite renovation
- Compact yet luxurious ensuite
- Farmhouse style bathroom
6. Bathroom Size or Space
Divide your bathroom’s dry and wet areas according to size and available space. After all, nobody likes getting their feet wet while brushing their teeth, right? Also, remember that the plumbing setup might restrict fittings’ positioning. Only a professional will help you design the bathroom accordingly.
7. Layout
Consider the floor layout of your bathroom before deciding on a suitable style and design. Start by choosing the essentials you must have in your bathroom, including a toilet and a vanity with a shower and sink. After installing these fixtures, check the space remaining and add more elements, such as heated towel racks and free-standing baths, to have a complete and fully functional bathroom.
8. Toilet Type
Next, decide if you want a floor-mounted or wall-mounted toilet. In other words, do you wish to have a cistern mounted on the floor or attached to the wall? This will help determine the total renovation costs. This is a crucial decision that will affect your bathroom’s available space.
9. Tiles
The market is flooded with a variety of titles to choose from. They are available in different shapes, sizes and textures. Here are a few tips to help you choose the most suitable type of tiles for your bathroom.
- Refrain from using too many different colours
- Use large tiles for a large bathroom
- Ensure that the floor tiles aren’t slippery
- Choose standout tiles and add accent features
10. Showers
You also have a range of options for choosing showers and baths for your bathroom. If you only have space to install one of these fixtures, opting for a battery or shower bath is better.
On the other hand, a free-standing spa bath or a double shower will enhance the luxurious feel of the bathroom, provided you have enough space.
11. Bathroom Lighting
Before experimenting with artistic fixtures, consider your bathroom’s basic lighting requirements. Start by lighting the vanity and sink. Installing a lightbar or an LED strip above the mirror is better.
You could also experiment with more classical fixtures, such as wall sconces, small pendant lights, and dimmable spotlights, to create a relaxing and calming ambience.
12. Storage Options
Even if you opt for a sleek and minimalistic design, be practical about the storage space needed for your toiletries and other essentials. Think about the size, design and position of the cupboards and drawers.
After all, it’s better to minimise clutter in the bathroom, and setting up wall-mounted cupboards in the corners of the toilet for vanities or sinks will help keep your essentials sorted.
13. Smart Technology
Most designers invest in intelligent technology while renovating bathrooms and other indoor spaces. For example, your renovation specialist could install voice-controlled lights, a digital shower with an LED temperature gauge, and a shower head with a built-in Bluetooth speaker.
Using fixtures and components powered by the latest technology will ensure a convenient and seamless bathing experience. You can also install mirror cabinets featuring touchless control panels to dim the lights and perform functions like mirror heating.
Bathroom Renovation Mistakes To Avoid
Even the most experienced renovation experts make mistakes while remodelling bathrooms. Some of the common mistakes that you should refrain from making are as follows:
- Installing a bath that’s too big, thereby leaving insufficient floor space.
- Large tiles in a small bathroom.
- Too high or too low storage cabinets because of lack of measurement.
- Lack of space between fixtures.
- Poor floor planning leaves no space to move out, stand, or dry yourself.
- Lousy positioning, leaving floors constantly wet.
Tips To Save Money
Bathroom renovations can be expensive without proper planning. However, there are a few tips that can help you save on the overall cost.
- Try to refrain from changing the layout of your bathroom; keep it as it is.
- Install timers on towel rails to lower electricity bills.
- Stick to appliances, fittings and fixtures available in the base price range, and choose only one expensive component to add a sophisticated touch to your bathroom.
- Hire a professional, experienced contractor who can quickly complete the project, ensuring more savings.
It’s Time To Renovate Your Bathroom!
Bathroom renovation is a great way to upgrade your home into your dream space. However, the entire process is quite time-consuming and requires proper planning.
That’s why it’s better to seek assistance from a professional service company. Experienced in remodelling all kinds of bathrooms and other spaces, the experts will guide you through the process.
However, after reading our ultimate guide on the topic, we’re sure you’ll be able to make every decision related to the project without any hassle. On that note, we’ll take your leave.
You can always contact us or leave a comment below. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Till next time!