Bathroom Renovations Australia - All You Need To Know
12
Jan

Bathroom Renovations – All You Need To Know

Thinking about renovating a bathroom? Here is everything you need to know to get the job done.

The best part of tackling a bathroom renovation is getting creative with your design choices. But before the fun begins of bringing your vision to life, there are many decisions you’ll need to make first. 

A lot can be involved in a bathroom renovations from plumbers, tilers, electricians, plasterers, painters, waterproofing and more.

Here we answer some of the most important questions you’ll want to know.

What do I do first?

If you’re doing a complete redesign you’ll want to speak to your builder or our team at McColl Cabinetmakers to talk about what you envisage. They can help you decide whether your vision will work and help bring it to life. 

We specialise in unique kitchen and bathroom design combining 3D design programs and the latest manufacturing and hardware technologies so you’ll be able to see how your vision will look before you demolition even starts. We can also manage the project and trades for you so that it’s a smooth process. 

Tradies: Who do I need?

Well, just us if you would like a complete walk in walk out service. Alternatively, if you would like to supply any of the trades yourself, a plumber will be your first point of contact, especially if you’re moving things around in your bathroom. For example you might decide to relocate the position of your toilet or your shower and this will involve new plumbing work.

Checking for asbestos is also very important, There are numerous places that do this quickly, easily and with minimal cost. We can also arrange this for you if we suspect the home may contain asbestos.

You’ll also want a top quality cabinet maker as your cabinetry will be a feature in your bathroom. Then you will also need someone to do waterproofing, a good tiler and an electrician. Depending on your design you may also need a carpenter, plasterer and painter as well. 

What do I need to know about Australian Standards on waterproofing bathroom?

In relation to waterproofing your bathroom, the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards (AS 3740-1994) ensures that:

  • In the shower, the whole floor must be waterproof and the shower walls should be waterproofed up to 1800mm
  • The walls need to be waterproofed up to 150mm.
  • If the bathroom floor is made of or contains wood, or if the bathroom is on the second floor or higher, the whole floor must be waterproofed

Make sure you get a statement of compliance from the person completing your waterproofing. In Queensland the Department of Housing Public Works can assist you in this area.

How much will my renovation cost?

Your bathroom renovations could cost anywhere from $10,000 to over $30,000 depending on many variables. 

According to the latest HIA Kitchens and Bathrooms survey, approximately 233,188 bathroom renovations were undertaken in the 2018/19 financial year, with each costing an average of $19,553. Of these homes renovated, 71 percent were performed in homes that were 11 to 20 years old.

Should I completely change my layout?

This really depends on how much improved functionality will be achieved and how much you want to invest in the project. Moving plumbing pipes can be an expensive exercise. Keeping the layout the same will definitely save you money but is the current layout the best for functionality, especially since you spend so much time in your bathroom. 

How do I choose my tiles?

There are so many tiles to choose from that it can make the decision a little tricky. 

Ceramic and porcelain are the most commonly-used bathroom tiles as they are low maintenance and suited to most budgets. 

Keep in mind, different tiles vary in laying costs. Some tiles are more difficult or more time consuming to lay.

Do I need storage space?

Bathroom storage is often the most overlooked consideration when re-designing a bathroom. 

Although there are many types of stand-alone storage options such as ladder shelves, bench boxes and hampers that can be purchased if you aren’t looking to integrate built-in storage options into your design, it’s also very important to consider the layout of your bathroom to accommodate spaces where stand-alone storage will be placed permanently. 

How long will my bathroom renovations take?

Be prepared for a little disruption. The job can take anywhere from two to eight weeks depending on the scale on your renovation, the time of year and the availability of your trades. Custom made items like shower screens and the likes can often take a week or 2 to be made after they have been measured up so keep this in mind.

According to the HIA Kitchen and Bathroom Survey, almost a quarter of all renovations take longer than 26 days to be completed, although the average is 16 days.

It is also worth building in a renovation buffer as sometimes you might not realise how much work needs to be done until demolition starts, such as if you discover asbestos sheeting often used in older houses, or unforeseen termite/ water damage to the structure.

Give McColl Cabinetmakers a call and we can step through everything with you 3288 0711.