Tips for a successful bathroom renovation

Lessons in renovating

A small and dated space, an unwanted or non-existent bath, no windows and inadequate storage... these are just some of the many reasons driving a bathroom renovation. Upgrading your home’s bathroom design typically involves coordinating multiple licensed professionals – chiefly a builder, plumber and electrician. But there are also jobs you might D.I.Y., depending on your skills. It’s also worth checking to see how Bunnings services can support your project – from interior design consultation to skylight installation.

There are some tried-and-tested tricks to make a bathroom feel more spacious: a white ceiling, pale floor and wall tiles and a frameless shower screen. Other ways to physically save space and add functionality include floating vanity units and a toilet pan, and a mirrored, wall-mounted shaving cabinet. Understanding what’s involved before kicking off will help you brief your tradies and maybe give you the confidence to tackle a few tasks yourself. Here’s what you need to consider to ensure a cost-effective and high-quality bathroom reno.

Try your hand

While electrical installation, plumbing and waterproofing should be done by licensed pros, consider these D.I.Y. jobs. Install plasterboard for the ceiling and skylight cavity. Hang sheets or lining on non-tiled walls, then install cornice. Install a sliding door cavity, paint the door and hang. Assemble and install a shaving cabinet. Install a shower screen and apply a glass treatment for cleaning efficiency.

Talk to tradies

Bathrooms are constructed in layers, beginning with floor and wall framings lined in moisture-resistant sheeting, which is then waterproofed and clad in tiles and other materials. When coordinating availability, ask each tradie about this process and at what stages they’d need to be involved. On average, the plumber and electrician are onsite at least three times. First to turn everything off before the demo, then to rough in before sheeting and tiling, and lastly the final installation.

The builder

Review the floor plan and built-in elements, like a shower recess or nib wall, then draw up a concise list of building materials. Putting in your own Bunnings order for delivery may save paying for shopping time, although some builders prefer to supply and charge accordingly. Ask how involved your builder will be with other trades, like coordinating with a roofer about a skylight and an electrician about underfloor heating. Some builders do the floor screeding, others leave it for the tiler.

Tip: Take pictures of the raw wall framing, holding a tape measure to indicate the location of studs and noggins so you know where to install bathroom accessories such as towel hooks and shelves later.

The electrician

Before rough-in, know where you want items such as heated towel rails, switches, power points and even LED lights in cabinets. Before buying light fixtures, check they meet code in a wet area. Also find out if you need an extractor fan.

Tip: Most bathrooms require an extractor fan, unless there’s an openable window sized at least 10 per cent of the floor space as a primary source of ventilation.

The plumber

It’s best to have bathroom fittings and fixtures such as bathroom vanities and the basin, toilet and tapware ready to go, or at least download the manufacturer’s specifications for the plumber to check against their plans. They can also let you know about accessories to order, such as a cistern cock, tap backplates and a pop-up basin waste.

Tip: Let the plumber know where you want the shower rose, and check heights for the taps and vanity.

The tiler

Make sure the tiles you like are suitable, as some are not for floors or wet areas, and ask about the quantity to order, allowing for wastage. If your tiler is also qualified to waterproof, ask for a list of waterproofing products and the grout quantity to buy.

Tip: Allow a week for the tiler, which may include waterproofing and floor screeding. Tiling, grouting, sealing and caulking all require drying time.

Other professionals

Have a roofer check the rafters before ordering a skylight to fit. Same with the builder for windows and doors. A glazier will need to measure up for a customised shower screen, as will a carpenter for any handcrafted cabinetry. If you’re engaging a painter, check if it’s more cost-effective for them to arrange products, including primer.

Splash or save?

For a cost-effective bathroom renovation, decide when to spend on quality and where to shave expenses.

• Whether you or the builder is doing the demo, break up large items such as joinery and wall sheets to reduce tip and skip fees.
• Save on the toilet pan but splash out on the flush plate – metal is better than plastic.
• Choose an off-the-shelf shower screen over custom.
• Use specialised ceiling and wall paint with mould inhibitors.
• Tapware doesn’t have to be the same brand, but pick one cohesive finish for all items.
• Opt for an inexpensive mirrored shaving cabinet rather than a standalone bathroom mirror.
• Buy a floor-heating mat kit, to be installed quickly by the electrician before tiling the floor.
• Splurge on a recessed sliding door. A hinged door takes up valuable floor space when open.

Looking for bathroom style inspiration?

Explore our guide on how to upgrade your bathroom for a trendy but timeless look.

Photo Credit: Living4media/Narratives/Richard Gadsby, Natasha Dickins