Helpful Guide to the Ultimate Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom renovations are top of the list when it comes to home improvements, mainly because this is one room where you definitely see a return on your investment if it's done right.
08/05/2019
ABOVE - BELOW: Amazing before and after bathroom renovation by Home Bunch
Bathroom renovations are top of the list when it comes to home improvements, mainly because this is one room where you definitely see a return on your investment if it's done right. And getting it right is definitely a necessity if you want a space that is functional and fabulous, and one where you money is well spent.
Start with an approved plan
It is important to bear in mind that any improvement that changes the floor plan of a residential property must be approved by your local Town Council. If you are not planning to make an structural changes and just want to rip out and renew what's already in the bathroom, then you can proceed.
Improvements that modify your existing floor plan must be approved by the Council before you can even consider starting any work. If you are doing the job yourself, with assistance from a recognised plumber or contractor, make sure you follow the correct procedure so as not to fall foul of municipal regulations. If you're not one hundred percent sure - rather discuss the renovation with your Town Council to find out the required procedure.
ABOVE - BELOW: Sometimes it may be necessary to remove walls for a full-on renovation. [HGTV]
Removing interior walls and demolition
With any required plans sorted, you can now begin the process of demolition - if you are removing any interior walls, or ripping of tiles and removing existing fixtures.
Be forewarned that this process will be a messy one and dust will end up all over the house. A good idea is to buy some heavy-duty plastic sheeting and tape this around doors in and out of the bathroom. This will be a great help in containing a lot of dust to only the room where you are working.
GOOD TO KNOW: Put down mats inside and outside the door so that you, or workmen, can wipe off your feet before moving through the house.
ABOVE - BELOW: Bright and airy bathroom renovation by the weathered fox
Build or add new elements
After ripping out and removing the old bathroom you are ready to cut out for new pipes and wiring, which will include having an electrician and plumber on site to ensure the job is up to code. This is also the point where you can install underfloor heating, put in heated towel rails and fit new sanitary ware.
Once all the required elements are fitted and in working order, you can start the process of plastering or tiling to finish off your bathroom renovation.
ABOVE - BELOW: Keep to the original layout and you will save money on a bathroom renovation. [HGTV]
Save on costs
While it's okay to tackle quite a bit of the preparation and finishing as a do-it-yourself project, you do need to have the required skills for a professional job. With three bathroom renovation projects completed, I can honestly say that it's not as difficult as you may think. The trick is to break the entire job into smaller projects and this helps to visualise how to do each task, rather than view the project in its entirety. And since a bathroom renovation can be pricey, if you have the skills and some time on your hands you can save quite a bit of money by doing quite a bit of the work as a DIY project.
At the end of the day, you should allow for a project that you can afford but add in a bit extra for those 'just in case' moments. No matter how well planned not everything goes as smoothly as you would like and it's nice to know that you have contingency funds for these times.