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Renovating a bathroom isn’t a simple process and it often creates a whole lot of questions. And it’s no wonder – you need to fit in a shower, vanity, storage, toilet, bath, mirror, towel rail and lighting… and that’s just the essentials. Beyond fitting everything into the bathroom, it’s a highly demanding space in terms of function. And if that isn’t enough, once you plumb it, there are no changes, unless you are going to pay for the whole thing again!
Most people have no trouble imagining what would be in their dream bathroom–and it’s different for everyone. Some people have a vision of the entire bathroom, while others simply know what feature they’d like to add, but everyone can think of at least one thing that they’d love to have in their bathroom.
Bathroom remodeling is the perfect opportunity to change it up and create at least a portion of that dream–but there are a few questions you’ll want to ask before you get started.
While updating a bathroom ranks at the top of many a homeowner’s wish list, complete renovations can be pricey—to the tune of $18,000 or more, depending on the bathroom size and choice of fixtures.
The bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but remodeling can be as expensive as remodeling a kitchen, you can go over budget if you’re not careful.”
To get the most for your remodeling dollar, analyse your needs and wants first to make informed decisions. These five key questions can help homeowners ward off renovation regret—or, worse, do-overs. Want to get it right the first time around? Keep reading to find out what you should consider before leaping into your bathroom project.
Have you set a budget to work within? When setting your budget, consider whether you are renovating with the view to sell or do you want to enjoy the space for years to come?
Tip: In any case, it’s best to budget a contingency of about 15% for unforeseeable items that come up (e.g. dealing with plumbing or lifting tiles can expose some real nasties!)
Bathroom renovations may look simple, but there is a laundry list of things to consider when renovating your bathroom space. Tiling, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, painting – are just some of the things that need to be considered. If not done properly these are also things that can either compromise your look or cause potential problems down the track.
So how do you decide which way to go?
First look at the size of your job and your budget – are you planning a total renovation, gutting the space and starting from scratch? Or are you revamping what you have?
Create a list of the jobs to be done before you start, including:
DIY can be a rewarding and more cost effective option, but it’s really important that if you’re going to undertake any of these jobs yourself that you know how things like waterproofing and tiling are done before you start. You don’t want to start a job and then have to get a professional in to fix something later! In some cases (like electrical work) only a licensed trade can perform the work.
Hiring a designer and trades professionals is a bigger expense, however often worth the investment. When you consider the project management, organising and extra stress involved, it may be worthwhile investing in people who can take care of it for you – particularly, if you have an unusual shaped space.
If you have a house with three bedrooms or more, most people would recommend a bath be included in your design. Most families have a preference for a bath, and it adds an element of luxury to your bathroom. If you can’t fit in a bath and shower separately, then the shower-over-bath combination is a great option.
You can still make it a design feature by building a dynamic base with the bath, as seen in this bathroom. Many bathrooms simply aren’t big enough for a bath; if this is the case, then a shower with a removable showerhead is important for functionality.
The cost of a bathroom renovation depends on many factors. For example, will the renovation involve structural changes, the type and quality of accessories and finishes selected, will plumbing need to be installed or plumbing fixtures moved, will you be supplying your own tiles and finishes or do you require a fully inclusive package?
These are just some of the many issues to be considered. On average, though, a complete bathroom makeover usually costs between $8,500 and $25,000.
No! There are no hidden costs or surprises, the amount you pay is the agreed amount in the contract, unless variations or additional work is requested. In which case, you’ll receive a clear quote before any amendments commence.
Absolutely! Not only will it save you money, but also significant time and hassle if your additional bathroom is renovated simultaneously.
Every job differs based on the scope of the job, that is, the requirements, the size and the complexity. However, most bathroom renovations take 2 to 3 weeks. Once we’ve provide you with a project schedule we’ll ensure we meet our committed start and finish dates.
Yes! We understand the rules and regulations involved in working in various building complexes, strata and different councils and we adhere to their guidelines.
No. Once the renovations begin, most of the area will be stripped and demolished rending it unusable. At various times during the process however, you may be able to access the facilities.
Yes, the water and electricity will only be switched off for a short amount of time during the renovation process, usually a half hour or a maximum of a two hours at most. You will be given plenty of notice when this will occur and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule to ensure you are not inconvenienced.
First we’ll come out and inspect the site and consult with you to find out your requirements, and provide you with a quote and project schedule. Once agreed, we then work together to select the accessories and fixtures. Then the magic begins. It’s a complex process that happens in consecutive stages.
The initial stage is the demolition and strip out, followed by electrical and plumbing, waterproofing and then tiling. Next the final touches begin as the fixtures and bathroom accessories are installed and fitted. Finally, the job ends with a quality assurance check and of course a delighted and satisfied customer.
Yes, we can supply all your bathroom needs. We work closely with various industry suppliers who provide a wide range of choices, at a reasonable rate.
Of course. It’s your vision so your input is key. Whether you choose and purchase the items from our trusted suppliers or suppliers of your choice, we’ll be there to make recommendations and guide you along the way.
Yes. We will arrange for a skip bin for the disposal of all rubbish, old fixtures and fittings etc. The skip bin is removed once all work is completed.
Not necessarily. It’s entirely up to you if you wish to be there or not, but the team can carry out the renovations without your availability. In fact, you may prefer to be away while the renovation takes place. The team will be fully supervised during the renovation and your home and privacy respected.
We’ll lay down drop sheets and floor covers to protect your home and environment. We will take every care to contain the renovation area and the resulting debris.
While some bathrooms have plenty of room for a huge tub and a stand-alone shower, others only have the space for one. Which one you choose will depend on your needs. Many individuals with mobility impairments prefer to have a walk-in shower, while people who appreciate a good soak in a tub might not want a shower at all. The shower or tub will take up more space in your bathroom than any other fixture, so you’ll end up designing a lot of your space around it. That means that you should be clear on your preferences ahead of time. Be realistic when making this decision. If you really prefer baths to showers but find that much of the time, you’re hurrying through your bathing routine in the shower, you might need that shower more than you think. If you have small children, on the other hand, giving up the bathtub altogether probably isn’t a wise decision.
If a homeowner has the luxury of having more than one bathroom in the house, it’s a good idea to install a walk-in shower in at least one of them. Already have a shower elsewhere in the house? Then just a tub is probably fine in the current renovation. Otherwise, you should include a walk-in shower, if only as an investment in the future.
Accidents can happen that make it challenging getting in and out of a tub. With either age or reduced mobility, stepping in and out over the wall of a slick, wet tub becomes a safety issue; shower stalls provide less opportunity to slip and fall and can offer space for a bench, if necessary.
Building it in might mean that you decide to give up a bathtub. The amount of water pressure you like in your shower will determine what fixtures are appropriate within it. If you’re designing a bathroom for your children to share, two different sinks might be an ideal way to put an end to bedtime bickering. Decide ahead of time what features are most important so that it will be easier to make decisions about what you really need.
If you have the room, it is always a good idea to have a separate toilet. When you are renovating you may have some nooks or small spaces that don’t serve a purpose, this is the perfect spot for a separate toilet.
If you don’t have the space or want to get rid of your separate toilet in order to steal extra space for your bathroom, then you are at no disadvantage; most homes do not have a separate toilet.
Tip: The placement of the toilet is important within your bathroom layout. Ideally, hide it out of direct sight from the entry.
Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them have enough room for you to give your creativity free rein, while others have only enough space for the bathroom necessities. Before you start thinking about your dream bathroom, take a minute to look at the space that you actually have to work with. This will prevent the potential for costly mistakes down the line.
If you have plenty of storage outside your bathroom, you don’t have to worry about cabinets and shelves–though you will want to make sure that you have plenty of room for all of your toiletries. On the other hand, if you don’t have a big enough linen closet to hold your extra towels, toilet paper, and other bathroom necessities, you’ll want to make sure that there’s plenty of storage room built into your bathroom. There are several ways to do this that don’t take up space that you’d rather be using for other things, including shelves and tower cabinets, but it’s definitely something that you should consider as you’re designing your dream bathroom.
Most bathrooms have less square meterage than other rooms in the house, yet they have to store plenty of essentials, from shampoo to toilet cleaner, and from mouthwash to guest towels. While there may not be enough space in a bathroom to accommodate a full linen closet, you can increase storage by thinking creatively. Opt for an enclosed vanity instead of a pedestal sink to provide under-sink storage for less-than-pretty cleaners and scrub brushes. Plan to install plenty of towel bars or hooks, and use stackable bins in cabinets. An upper cabinet above the toilet is also a great way to put unused space to work.
Before you build in a bunch of storage solutions, think about what to put where—and prioritise making everyday-use items like bathing products accessible where you need them most.
We suggest choosing showers that are outfitted with little niches to keep from having to put shampoo and conditioner bottles in a caddy on the shower floor, where they’re hard to reach and pose a tripping hazard. The same goes for bathtubs: A wide, flat rim around the tub that can securely hold body wash, soap, or washcloths will go a long way toward creating a better bathing experience.
Tiling does look stunning in the bathroom, but it comes with a price tag attached. While tiles range in price and quality and can be found at affordable prices, the key reason for the cost is the additional trades involved. Waterproofers, tilers, builders to level out the floors and potentially install under-floor heating, may all be required to complete this.
If this isn’t an option, there are some great vinyl flooring alternatives that you can use instead, just make sure they are suitable for wet areas. And walls are similar; consider an acrylic liner rather than tile, an affordable option that is far less labour intensive.
Above all else, take safety into account when selecting a new floor for your bathroom. Sometimes, safety means ignoring the inspirational images shared in high-end home magazines, which often showcase impractical marble floors. Stepping out of a tub with wet feet onto a polished marble floor is a recipe for disaster.
Slip-resistant ceramic tile are best for bathroom flooring. Look for ones that showcase a coefficient of friction (COF) rating right on the box, which indicates that the tile is safer to walk on when it’s wet than other types of tile. Homeowners often don’t factor traction differences between tiles into their renovation plans.
Likewise, real wood and laminate flooring are unsuitable for the bathroom because they can eventually warp or delaminate from exposure to water.
If you don’t want ceramic tile, there is still plenty of designs to choose from. Today’s vinyl flooring has come a long way, and it can closely mimic the look of real wood, brick, slate, or stone, but it’s much more affordable.
Bathrooms are notoriously humid. Just as long, hot showers leave mirrors steamed up, that same moisture also coats the walls and woodwork—even if you don’t see it. The damp environment can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, unless you take measures to dry out the space.
Most local building codes require a ventilation fan in any bathroom without a window that opens to the outside. We recommend installing a ventilation fan, period: No one wants to get out of the shower and open the window when it’s freezing outside.
A good fan effectively removes steam from the bathroom and vents it outside of the house. Better yet, today’s bathroom vent fans work much more quietly than their predecessors, scarcely making more than a faint hum. Whether you opt for a plain vent fan, fan/light combo, or a model with a built-in heater (perfect for warming the bathroom during chilly winter months), consider this installation a must-do.
Sometimes, bathrooms are constructed around other areas of the house or given a strange shape to make room for pipes. You’ll have to work around the room’s shape when making decisions for your bathroom’s design.
Whether you have a limited budget or a limited amount of space, there will come a time when you have to make decisions about what you “have” to keep and what you’re willing to let go. If you’re desperate for a luxury shower, that might be the primary focus of your renovation.
Achieving a stunning design statement in the bathroom is best achieved through the vanity; it’s a safe place to draw the eye and there are vast design options available to suit just about any style.
Consider investing in a designer vanity – there are some incredible pieces available if you know where to look. Matching a vanity with an eye-catching mirror will amplify the effect of the vanity. And if you don’t have the money to spend on a statement vanity, a stunning mirror and some on-trend pendant lighting can be all you need to make it appear expensive and luxurious.
Homeowners have a wealth of options to choose from when redesigning the bathroom, including fixtures that offer a combination of great design, comfort, and high efficiency. However, fixture costs add up quickly, with fancy amenities like heated toilet seats and high-end showers equipped with multiple shower heads.
Putting the biggest emphasis on efficient features can help you recoup costs in your monthly utility bills while also benefiting the planet.
Everyone in the country should be concerned about conserving water—not wasting it. We suggest installing WaterWise-labeled toilets that use less than four Litres of water per flush. Additionally, high-efficiency shower heads can also provide the “feel” of having 100 gallons of water spraying on you while it’s really much less, and you’ll never notice the difference.
Next, consider comfort. Comfort-height toilets are the new kids on the block, and for many consumers they’re a welcome change from standard toilets with low 15-inch-high rims. The higher, 17-inch to 19-inch-high rims make getting on and off the toilet more comfortable for most adults, especially the elderly and the disabled.
Even after narrowing your search to fixtures with features that meet your biggest needs, you won’t feel limited on style. Sears Home Services makes it easy for homeowners to plan an entire renovation from the comfort of their own home.
“The biggest mistake a client can make when working with a bathroom remodel contractor is not asking enough questions and being part of the process.
Based on interviews and data from real bathroom remodeling projects, we created a list of essential questions to ask before you hire a contractor.
Read your contractor’s reviews. Comb for details on their punctuality, communication skills, work environment cleanliness, and work quality. But if you see negative reviews, don’t dismiss the pro right away. Look at how they respond: if they show strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, they may still be a good fit.
Make sure you look at a portfolio of past work, especially if you have a specialty project in mind. On Thumbtack, you can look at photos of previous work for bathroom remodeling contractors before you hire them.
Some contractors specialise in certain kinds of projects. For example, one contractor may do bathroom additions, while another focuses specifically on small bathroom remodels. Asking this question upfront will save everyone the time and effort of a site visit. Also, if you need bathroom design services, make sure to ask if your contractor has design training. If not, consider hiring an architect or designer.
“A great contractor will go above and beyond to make sure a client’s questions are answered.”
You want a company that has time for you and has long-term relationships with its subcontractors. Make sure you and your contractor have the same expectations about how often they will be onsite once the project kicks off. The contractor should be open with you about how long each stage of the project will take, and they should show a good understanding of what factors could potentially push that timeline out.
“A great contractor will go above and beyond to make sure a client’s questions are answered.” says Michael of Big Brothers Development. “A contractor that communicates is not afraid of accountability, and will always be ready to answer any questions that arise or keep the client abreast for where a project stands.”
Many general contractors serve as the business head and hire foremen to run projects. Ask to meet the project manager and make sure it’s someone you want at your house every day. Depending on the elements of your bathroom remodeling project, your contractor will probably bring in more specialists.
This is a good thing in most cases — you want a specialist for things like painting, and tiling. But make sure you ask exactly what will be subcontracted out and get background information on those subcontractors.
Any contractor or subcontractor who works on your house should be licensed, and insured properly according to state and local standards. Insurance can help protect you if your home gets damaged during construction or workers are hurt on site, while hiring a bonded contractor can help protect you if the contractor fails to pay workers, doesn’t pay for permits, or doesn’t finish the work. Here’s more on how to do your research.
If a contractor isn’t willing to get the permits, it may be a sign they’re not licensed. You may need permits to make sure the work is up to code and that your homeowners insurance will cover it once it’s done. Make sure to ask whether permits are required and, if yes, ask to see the permits before the project starts.
What time does the work day start and end? Do workers clean up at the end of every day? Will they haul off garbage and debris?
If pros are working inside, ask how they’ll protect your hardwood floors from damage. It’s best to talk about all of this upfront and get it in writing. And don’t just take their word for it — make sure to read their previous reviews carefully to see what other homeowners have said about their working style.
“Anything more than [a 10 percent deposit] may be a red flag.”
It’s normal to put down a deposit of roughly 10 percent to get started, but anything more may be a red flag. No one should ask you for cash up front. Ask how much money is due and when, and get it all in writing.
Ask about the range of costs for the specific components of your project, like toilet installation, plumbing, and electrical work. This lets you decide if what you’re being charged is fair. It also helps you make adjustments to your budget if needed. You can get free upfront cost estimates on Thumbtack based on real pricing information provided by local professionals on projects like yours.
Miscommunications often have to do with both parties, so if your contractor responds to this question by blaming the client entirely, you probably won’t have a good experience. If a contractor obviously has a willingness to make things right with customers, you’re on the right track.
“Don’t be shy about asking the contractor to explain [specifics of the contract] to you.”
Review the contract carefully and make sure you understand it. If you don’t understand it, don’t be shy about asking the contractor to explain it to you. Make sure the contract has a clear start and end date in writing. Remodels are always prone to change, but putting as much of the plan into structured writing means everyone has clear expectations about what will happen when.
It’s also wise to ask the contractor what’s not included. This should help avoid conflicts during the project. For example, the discussions may have covered built-ins. So, are they included or an extra? If included, are they paint or stain grade? If paint grade, are they finished similar to quality you expect in furniture? A sample always helps.
Have you ever wanted to begin a bathroom renovation but you become so overwhelmed and confused that you put it off entirely? Well, I can relate. We did that for quite some time. It occurred to me that once I really sat down to think and plan, things became much more clear. It retrospect, there were roughly ten things that we ironed out prior to taking a jack hammer to our bathrooms. If you’re contemplating a bathroom renovation, ask yourself these ten questions prior to beginning.
Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is your motivation for the remodel? Is it outdated? Were you forced into a remodel due to a leak? Do you just not like your current bathroom? What isn’t working? Setting aside aesthetics, are there things that just don’t work? Are you missing towel hooks? Is the countertop too low? Do you want a separate tub and shower? Really take some time to figure out why you are going down this path and what needs to change to make you love your bathroom.
So you know things need to change. Maybe you’re ready to say goodbye to the builder grade materials or maybe you need to step out of the 1970s. Whatever the case may be, this is the fun part. Dream. And dream big! No inspiration photo is too out of the question. Hop on Pinterest and start searching, “Bathrooms”. Don’t over think this step. If something, anything, about a bathroom catches your eye . . . pin it. If you stop to think, “Well why do I like this? Or “Hmm. I could never afford this,” you’ll sabotage your own design board. Don’t think! Just pin! Do this for as long as you like. Weeks or months. Once you have pinned beautiful bathrooms, you will start to see consistency. Are you drawn to a white, fresh look? Do you like a more traditional style? Do warm tones just make you happy. Is there tiling on the wall? Are the floors you are pinning light? Dark? {And if Pinterest isn’t your thing, tear out pages from magazines or search blogs. . . whatever is your comfort zone. I just find Pinterest to be quick and easy. And very inspiring}.
This is where you need to draw out your inner real estate guru and crunch some numbers. Hop online {things are so much easier these days} and look at comps in your neighborhood. What are things selling for? What is the average price per square foot in your neighborhood? Do the math. What financial commitment do you have to the house already? What makes sense to put into the home? Does it make sense to gut the entire thing and spend $20,000 or more? Does it make sense to save the cabinets and the shower and do more cosmetic changes. Will you see the money back? Consider a prospective buyer walking through your home. What will they expect? Does a marble goddess bathroom fit in with the expectations of the neighborhood? All good things to consider.
This is a good follow up to the answers you come up with in question #3. While none of us have a crystal ball, what is your five year plan? Is it likely that you’ll be in the same home? I ask because if you are not living in your forever home, then the financial consideration is far more important. If this is your forever home, perhaps investing a large amount of cash makes sense for you. Are you fixing it up to move or to enjoy for a long time? Or somewhere in between. Be passionate about your home and remodel, but be smart about the investment.
This is crucial. Is your current home ever destined to be a rental property? You know where I am going with this, right? If you are about to let another family into your home, you may want to reconsider the oh so gorgeous marble countertops. Do you want to worry about things getting ruined if you walk away for a bit? Are quartz countertops more in line with the staying power of a new gorgeous bathroom? Just think through your material choices if you plan on handing over your home.
Set a realistic budget. Things cost more than you think they do. At least in our experience. Everyone wants to make a dollar goes as far as possible. If you are not gutting the bathroom, think of what makes the biggest impact. Flooring, countertops, and lighting can be life changing. Ok, bathroom changing! Things like hardware and fresh towels also make a big difference. Do your homework. You desire a new tiled shower? See how much those start at. A lot more goes into it than you think. If trying to keep costs down consider a finish like chrome. While I am in love with brass and dark hardware, too, a polished chrome adds shimmer and can reflect light well. It’s a solid choice especially in small bathroom.
While you may want to immediately say, “nothing!” don’t sell yourself short. Can you paint? Even painting yourself can save money. Are you handy? Can you install new lights or set the new toilet? If you are handy and can knock some things off of the contractor’s bid, you can save hundreds of dollars. {Do not attempt plumbing or electrical projects if you are not confident in your skills}. After looking at our current bid, I crossed off a few things my husband can do and the contractor rebid. She was happy to do so and we saved ourselves some money. That is especially nice when you go to buy toilets and faucets and are shocked at how much they cost. Just sayin’! Save where you can.
Really think this through. It’s ok if this takes you a while. Do you need to pay a designer just to go with you to the showroom to pick out samples. Their hourly fee may be worth it if you are indecisive and can’t create your own vision. So remember when you pinned all of those lovely photos. Here is where they start to come to life in your own home. Chances are one or two of those photos evoke emotion. Like, you love looking at them!!! What is it that you love? Is it the tile floor? Is is the marble countertop? Is it the brass fixtures? Try to recreate the look within your budget. And by recreate, I do not mean copy. If you like the look of marble, can you incorporate marble tile on your wall? As a backsplash? Can you set your flooring in a pattern that matches your inspiration? Like the look of brass? Maybe use it one place {hardware on cabinets or a light fixture}. Will the occupants of the bathroom be adults or children? Think of durability. As with any room, I tend to pick one non-negotiable item that I have to have and build the room around that. For us this time around, it’s our flooring. I fell in love with it and it has set the stage for the rest of our bathroom remodel. Anything I bring in needs to play well with it. And because I love it so much, I am great with using it a my guide. Find your guide. What is the one thing you must have?
How do you want this bathroom to make you feel? You want to love walking in to it each day, right? So while you need to be sure you are sticking to your budget and being financial responsible, don’t suck the life out of your space. Be flexible enough to see that how you feel in this new room is very important. I am a firm believer that our spaces directly effect how we feel. Keep your vision in mind. It’s easy to start letting go of the vision once the demolition begins. Hold firm to the big picture. I had an instance come up where I could have saved $600 by choosing one countertop over another. I even called my sister in Singapore to chat with her about it. $600 is a lot of money. In the end, it was one simple question she asked that lead me to my decision. She said, “If you choose the better deal, will you look at it each day and wish you had gone with the other one?” Yep. Yep I would. And to me, I would rather spend the $600 now than pay for it in regret later.
If your are doing the work yourself, then you will need to be realistic about how much time tasks will take you. Try to set up a calendar just like contractors do. Demo one day. Prep the floor for tiling the next day, etc.. But speaking from experience, it’s a long process when you DIY a bathroom. And that’s ok. Just be prepared. What bathroom will you be using while this one is out of commission? On the flip side, when you use a contractor, be aware you need to make quick decisions. If they are installing your countertop, you better have the faucets you picked out ready and on hand. They will need to template for holes, etc. Communication is key. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Have the contractor tell you each day what to expect and ask what they need from you. Finding a contractor you like is key. And one that does great work. Do your homework. Ask around. Go look at finished projects. Even MORE important, stop by a current job site. Did they prep the house {cover the path to the bathroom with plastic, hang plastic, etc.}? Are they taking care as they work? These are important things to look at. Get more than one bid. Have two or three contractors come out to look at the project and give you a bid. You’ll need to choose not only the contractor you feel best about, but one that gives you a reasonable bid. Beware of choosing the lowest bid. There could be a reason their bid is quite low. Do they need work? Are they not busy because their work is poor? Perhaps, no. Just be smart about your process in selecting the right person for your job. And never underestimate the power of a gut feeling!
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Read about our 8 Step Process
With a multitude of different trades and suppliers to coordinate, effective project management is critical in delivering a renovation on plan, on time and on budget. Generally speaking a renovation timeline will be approximately 4 weeks. We aspire to provide you with the best quality and a long lasting bathroom and we would rather take the extra time where needed to maintain our high quality standards then complete your renovation in the shortest amount of time.
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