There’s no way around it; bathroom renovations are a large investment and take careful planning and research. Before you start, it’s essential to contemplate a range of choices, from your budget and timeframe to how the lighting will look in your new bathroom. Below is our list of the seven most important things to consider before taking on your modern bathroom renovation.
Decide on your bathroom renovation costs and budget, then leave a cushion
Bathroom renovations can range from thousands of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how big the space is, how many fixtures you’re replacing, if plumbing needs to be changed, what materials you’re using and so forth.
Before you even start, it’s essential to set a budget you’d like to stick to. This will help you choose fixtures, cabinetry, flooring and lighting you can afford straight away, rather than having to go back and reevaluate your choices. Then, once you’ve set your budget, ensure there is room for things to go wrong, especially if you’re changing the plumbing. Even if you plan your bathroom renovation out perfectly, unfortunately, it’s still likely you’ll run into unexpected costs.
After your renovation starts, it’s still important to track your budget. Be sure costs are what you expect them to be so you don’t come to the end of your renovation and find out you’ve exceeded your budget.
Decide if you need to change your modern bathroom plumbing
Just as important as your budget is the bathroom plumbing.
If you do not need to change or add plumbing, you’re in luck, as this can be one of the largest expenses in your renovation.
However, just because it is the cheapest option doesn’t always mean it’s the best option. Talk with your contractor to ensure your current plumbing will be sufficient for your new design.
If you do need to change plumbing, a few things to consider include:
Shower and tub drain size
While the standard is a 32mm drain, a larger drain can come in very handy, especially if the bathroom users have long hair. Upgrading to a bigger drain can save you a lot of clogging and maintenance in the long run.
Shower floor is optimized to drain
Once your shower is installed, changing the slope of the flooring is next to impossible. If the slope is tilted in the wrong direction, water can pool, become a slipping hazard, and be the perfect home for mould and mildew to grow.
Under-cabinet plumbing
If you’re changing your vanity, ensure the new one will fit in with your current plumbing. Your budget can be significantly affected if you need to change plumbing last minute or find a new vanity.
It’s all about the lighting in modern bathroom renovations
Lighting can make or break a bathroom renovation. Choose the wrong lighting, and you may be left with either a dark and unwelcoming space or a too bright and sterile feeling room. Two things to consider when choosing lighting include:
Add different layers of lighting
If your bathroom has a good amount of natural light, you likely won’t need the same level of lighting throughout the day. By adding a dimmer, you can easily adjust the amount of light you’re adding.
Choose softer lighting
Choosing lights that provide a more natural white light will do wonders for your bathroom renovation. But keep in mind that one overhead light is often not enough, so consider how many lights you need to light your entire bathroom sufficiently.
Decide on your bathroom renovation layout and ensure it fits in with your life
While your bathroom renovation ideas may look picture-perfect on paper, it’s essential you picture yourself in your new bathroom design. Some questions to ask yourself include, will the door get in the way of any drawers, will the toilet be an eyesore if the door is left open, is storage in easy to reach places?
Also, if you have a smaller space, consider adding pieces that take up less room, such as a corner sink, a smaller bathtub and cabinetry over the sink. If you have a larger space, ensure you create a good flow effect and don’t try to fill every nook and cranny.
However, most importantly, make sure your fixtures fit in with your everyday life. Investing in good storage, a larger vanity and a quality shower are things you’ll appreciate every day.
Ventilation is key in modern bathroom renovations
We’ve all been in a bathroom with terrible ventilation, and it’s not ideal.
If you have the option, it’s always a good idea to include more than one ventilation method.
By having both a window and an extractor fan, you can ensure mould and mildew are kept to a minimum and your space is always fresh and clean.
Remember, ventilation systems have come a long way in the past ten years. Even if you have one installed, consider replacing it with a more efficient and quieter one.
Include refurbishing your existing fixtures when considering your bathroom renovation ideas
Just because your fixtures, flooring or decorations are outdated does not mean you have to replace them. Refurbishing well-working but dated fixtures can save you heaps of money while still giving your bathroom a fresh new look.
You’ll be amazed at how a change of colour or adding a new faucet or feature to an existing piece can drastically change the look of old fixtures. Plus, this option will allow you to continue using the room during your remodel.
If you can’t refurbish products, always try and purchase green products. These will both save you money on your energy bill, and by choosing chemical free and natural products, you can rest assured your remodel is good for you and the environment.
Hire a professional for your bathroom renovation in Auckland
Unless you’re confident in your design, plumbing, and construction skills, it’s best to leave bathroom renovations to the professionals.
Attempting a DIY bathroom renovation will likely cause you to run into unexpected costs and delays.
With 27 years of experience, Bathroom Craft will work with you every step of the way to ensure your bathroom renovation goes smoothly. With long term relationships with suppliers, including plumbers, tilers, installers, electricians and the local council, they’ll be able to make your bathroom renovation stress free. Plus, with a 10-year guarantee, you can trust your bathroom will be in good hands for years to come.
If you’re ready to get started, book your free consultation today to chat with professionals about your bathroom renovation needs.
