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Whether you’re tackling a lower-scale bathroom renovation or trying to undertake a full renovation within a strict budget, always make sure you’ve got a solid plan and a solid team, says Daniela Santilli from Reece. “The planning stage is crucial to avoiding budget blowouts down the track, so make use of all the available tools out there to make informed choices along the way,” she says.
Reece’s online 3D planner, for example, can help you to accurately visualise the final result with measurements included, along with a comprehensive Renovation Guide that divides the process into four elements: inspiration, planning, shopping and styling/cleaning.
Whether your planning a budget bathroom makeover or a luxe transformation, here are some important things to consider to keep your costs in check.
Low & mid-range bathrooms
“I would always consider what can stay and what needs to go when undertaking a low-end bathroom renovation,” says James Treble. “If the tiles are in good shape, simply replacing the tapware and updating the vanity can completely transform a bathroom. The next step would be to consider replacing the shower screen, adding a new mirror, or providing storage in the form of a mirrored cabinet.
Mizu ‘Bliss’ wall basin mixer set, $469, Reece, in a bathroom that embraces colour and texture. above left The fine-lined profile of the Roca ‘Inspira’ 370mm round semi-inset basin continues to be right on trend; $479, Reece. opposite Pretty in pink: Paloma gloss ceramic pressed-edge wall tiles in Rose, $99.95/m2, National Tiles.
Mid-level bathroom
“A mid-level bathroom upgrade might involve gutting and replacing an existing bathroom. “Working with the existing placement of fixtures, especially the toilet, saves on plumbing costs, so you can afford to spend a little more on interesting tiles, tapware, storage or a feature vanity,” says Treble. A glam bathroom isn’t out of reach when you’re working within a smaller budget, says Santilli. “It’s all about bringing through the luxe factor through smaller touches or investing more in one or two hero pieces. Think about investing in high-quality tapware with a unique finish, like brushed nickel or brass, or look to invest in a statement vanity with plenty of storage.”
High-end bathrooms
The most important part of planning a high-end bathroom is researching looks and choosing quality brands that are backed by lengthy warranties, says Franco Parisi from specialist bathroom company Parisi. “Choosing products from the same brand will make it easier to match styles and colours,” he says. “Often the designer will have created a whole concept with coordinating fixtures. Many basins are now available that are distinctive in style and can be feature pieces in luxurious, high-end bathrooms.” Good examples of these are the Cameo and Seed basins by Valdama.
Olive green is the hero of this bathroom by Peter Schaad; for wet areas it is important to select floor tiles that are highly slip-resistant – these are charcoal matt porcelain tiles from Byzantine Design. Photo: Martina Gemmola
The selection process can be streamlined by choosing a basin first, and then identifying coordinating styles of tapware, showers and accessories such as towel rails and shelves to go with them. “Floor-mounted bathroom cabinets are waning in popularity,” says Parisi. “Sleek wall-mounted cabinets create a more open, less-cluttered feel, enabling the bathroom to be more like a sanctuary.”
How long it takes to give a bathroom a high-end makeover depends on how well prepared you are. Buying all items in advance, so they will be available for the installers when they commence work, will certainly expedite the process. “From initial selection to final decisions and purchasing (allow for lead times) plus the work, a timeframe of six months should be doable.”
This bathroom by Robson Rak features Italian Mutina tiles, Astra Walker taps and a basin hewn from limestone. Smart tech: Grohe ‘SmartControl’ exposed shower. Photo: Shannon McGrath
Bathroom renovation: order of works
Plumbing and electricity cut off and demolition completed.
Fix all plumbing and sewerage if needed, and relocate (rough-in) to new positions.
Electrical rough-ins; relocate lights, fans, powerpoints if needed.
Reline walls with either waterproof boards or render. In older building, walls and floor prep are usually done by a tiler. At this stage, the cornice can be installed, if using.
Floor levelling, if needed. You would normally use a concrete floor, in some cases timber. Allow for curing/drying time.
Waterproofing of walls and floor The tiler or waterproofer will advice, but waterproofing must come at least halfway up the wall, except for the shower area, which needs to be waterproofed above where the showerhead will be installed on the wall. It needs to be left to sure and dry for at least a couple of days.
Tiling and grouting come next. If you are installing floor-to-ceiling tiles, the ceiling will be painted after the tiles are set/able to be walked on. If bath is to be built in, it should be installed after the waterproof and before the tiles. A freestanding bath will be installed after the floor is tiled.
Shower screen installed, followed by vanity and shaving or storage cabinets.
Plumber and electrician return for fit-outs and install toilet and bath.
Mirrors and accessories (towel rails etc) installed.
Final clean and ready to use.
Smart tech, hygiene, colour
Thermostatic mixers from Grohe, American Standard and Roca let you set a consistent shower temperature with the press of a button. “Easy-clean rimless toilets are a good example of what was once considered an upgrade but is now becoming standard, available through many brands, and not just those at the high end,” says Santilli. Consumers are also braver than ever before when it comes to colour, which relates directly to the transition of the bathroom from simply a refreshment zone to an extension of the living space.
TIP
Colour is at home in the bathroom, but shiny rose gold tapware has had its day. muted, Burnished finishes in bronze and brass age well; matt black, charcoal and chrome will stay the course.
SHOPPING
Caroma tower basin mixer in Black Jade, $224, Bunnings . Ceramic disc cartridge; 5-star WELS.
Milli ‘Pure’ basin mixer in Brushed Gunmetal, $737, Reece . 6-star WELS.
Toi basin mixer, $528, Phoenix Tapware (sold through retailers). 5-star WELS.
TIP
“Common mistakes are freestanding baths without enough space to clean around them, and insufficient storage.” Rina Cohen
Mondella ‘Rumba’ freestanding bath (length 1.7m). Made of acrylic, this is a lightweight bath (46kg) with a 10-year warranty. $949, Bunnings
Olida collection Liano 1400 freestanding bath. Good for compact bathrooms; can be installed against a wall. $1827, Caroma
Stand bathtub by Denmark’s Norm Architects is made of a high-tech material called LivingTec. $15,946, Candana Bathroomware
