Tips for bathroom renovations
RENOVATING a bathroom is something that you may do only once or twice in your lifetime and when you do, you want to get it right.
Bathrooms can be tricky beasts, even if it’s not your first renovation. There are many pitfalls, but also lots of things you can do to avoid being caught out. Most of it comes down to planning, being patient and making sure you have everything in order before you start ripping out walls and buying tapware.
New Zealand Certified Builders Dan Gallagher of Timaru, Dave Whitehead of Auckland and Mike Craig of Waikanae have some valuable tips.
Draw your new bathroom out on paper first so you know where everything is going and that it all fits.
Consider whether you need to change the layout, particularly if you have a concrete floor: do you really want to dig up the floor? And if you are adding or removing fixtures, you may require a council permit.
If you are putting in an expensive wetfloor, tiled shower system, you definitely need consent.
Think hard about what you would like and what you can afford; it’s easier to change your mind in the planning stage than halfway through the renovation when your budget blows out.
Plan your bathroom so it works well; not having enough room, or a practical floor plan – like doors swinging onto vanities or toilets that stop the door from opening 90 degrees – will drive you mad.
Get a plumber to check out pipes before they quote, as in-wall piping may need replacing because of past product failure.
When you’re selecting fixtures, consider all your needs. Is the shower fit for purpose? Get in it, in the showroom and see if there room to move? If you are tall, consider hanging the vanities and mirrors higher.
If you’re stripping out the room, upgrade insulation in the floor, ceilings and walls.
If you’re on a low-pressure hot water system, consider upgrading to high pressure.
Order all your fixtures and fittings early, so the tradies know what they are fitting, and where.
Consider installing non-slip flooring,
Is the shower fit for purpose? Get in it, in the showroom and see if there room to move?
particularly if young children or older adults will be using the bathroom.
Check that your chosen paint or wall covering is suitable for wet spaces.
Ensure under-tile membranes are applied by a licensed building practitioner and that you receive a PS3 from them to confirm that the building work is in accordance with the consent plans and building code.
Use only qualified tradies, with public liability insurance.
Keep towel rails away from toilets as it can be a health hazard.
If you’re installing silicone yourself, use an ice block stick to smooth it as the bacteria on your fingers can contaminate the product before it has cured.
Last, but by no means least, think local when you plan your renovation. Use local tradies and buy your products locally.