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If you are wondering how to renovate a bathroom to make it brighter, more modern and functional within a reasonable budget, the step-by-step instructions below will give you an overview plan to get started.
Every family will have different needs and wants when it comes to designing the perfect bathroom. When thinking about the current amenities, there might be some issues in the current layout and existing problems that need to be addressed. Identifying and considering these factors will help you to determine the main priorities for your renovation project and help with the installation. For example, if you want to upgrade your existing toilet with a smart toilet suite, you might need to add an electrical outlet during the renovation, thinking of these from outset will help your renovation run smoother.
There are many interior design styles that you take inspiration from for your renovation, such as modern, traditional, rustic, Scandinavian, to name a few. Choosing your design style and colour palette in the early stage will help you form a specific look for your new space, which will help you make decisions on the colour of wall paint, floor tiles to the shape of bathroom furniture and guide other material selections.
When you are undergoing a renovation, you might need to consider booking time off work, rescheduling and planning events, trips, and holidays around your project to ensure it can continue to run smoothly. Booking trades to work on your project in advance is essential, so setting and sticking to a timeline will ensure you are able to complete the renovation efficiently.
In case you have only a single bathroom, you should be prepared for when your bathroom cannot be used. We recommend making prior arrangements to make this stage of the project more comfortable, such as setting up a portable bathroom, utilising your gym or work facilities.
Taking the time to consider all the elements of your project will help to allocate appropriate time, effort, and budget. Here are some common considerations:
- Plumbing: Is the existing water system working correctly? Does wastewater drain quickly? Do you need to change hot and cold taps to mixers? If there are any changes or problems to rectify, addressing them in the early stages of the project will avoid inefficiencies and surprises later.
- Lighting: Is there appropriate lighting in the room? Do you need to add an LED mirror?
- Electrical: Are there enough power points and are they where they are needed? Do you need to hardwire any heated towel rails, smart toilet, LED mirror?
- Floor fall to waste: Falls in the floor allow surface water to drain efficiently and avoid water pooling, which can be very frustrating. Allocating the correct fall in the shower space and wet rooms needs to be considered early.
- Space allocation: This is an essential step to determine the layout and identify the sizes and specifications of the fixtures needed.
- Remove old fixtures: What’s required to prepare the space for the renovation? Can you save money and do the demo work yourself?
- Bathroom tile: In case your floor tile and wall tile are still in good condition, just not the right colour, consider repainting them instead of replacing them, which is relatively quick, simple, and economical for your DIY bathroom makeover project.
- Waterproofing: Always keep in mind to follow waterproofing regulations, this will ensure your renovation lasts many years by avoiding water damage.
Setting a clear and realistic budget is a must for any renovation. For most renovators, finances and funds for a renovation project are limited, this means setting your budget should be an important part of planning your renovation. It is very easy to lose track of your spending during a renovation project if you are not actively tracking your expenses. You may run the risk of running out of money, and not be able to finish your project.
Once you have outlined your requirements, budget, and design style, you are ready to shop for fixtures. You might be far off needing to buy them at this stage, however you need to ensure you are able to source what you need within the budget you have set. For example, check out this bathtub and a vanity to help you achieve this modern look.
Once you have a good idea of the project details, it’s time to get quotes from the trades. Regardless of how much work you will be contributing to the project, there are costs that cannot be avoided, such as essential installers like plumbers and electricians. These jobs require licensed trade contractors to do the work for you. You will need to get quotes on these works to ensure you are able to get the work done within your budget.
Having a detailed plan for your renovation project will not only help you feel organised and confident, but it can also serve as a guide for all decisions when you execute your renovation.In addition, sticking to your plan will help guide you to complete the project within your established timeframe and within budget.
We hope you've gained some ideas and information to start planning your DIY bathroom renovation. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch!
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