Why do bathroom renovations feel so complex?
Maybe the first reason is that you may only have ONE bathroom, so it’s more of an inconvenience to find alternative facilities to use in the meantime.
Another reason is that they can be quite costly and even more-so if further problems are exposed once your current bathroom is demolished.
If renovating a bathroom seems like a daunting experience to you, read our guide below outlining the necessary steps to follow;
1. Plan your new design with your Interior Designer and Builder. Sometimes this can include arranging council approvals.
2. Organise quotes from trades to kick off your project. Ensure they are licensed and insured.
3. Project begins with demolition, includes disconnecting current plumbing and electrical.
4. Structural changes … are you changing any walls, doors or windows?
5. Plumbing rough-in. May include relocation of pipework and drainage if your layout is changing.
6. Electrical rough-in. May include relocation of services including lighting, powerpoints, heated towel rails, etc.
7. HVAC rough-in. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.
8. Building work. Builder will straighten walls, ceilings and finalise windows and doors ready for plastering. Shower base is fitted here too.
9. Drywall or plasterboard and cornices are fitted to walls and ceiling. Ensure water resistant board is used for bathroom.
10. HVAC - under floor heating is installed.
11. Waterproofing. A must for bathrooms and wet areas. Ensure your professional is licensed and follows Australian Standards. Two coats of waterproof membrane are required, each taking 24 hours to dry.
12. Architraves are fitted around doors and windows.
13. Tiling. Floor, wall and niche tiles are laid.
14. Cabinetry & Joinery. Vanities, cupboards and shelving are fixed to walls. These can be off-the-shelf products or custom made.
15. Stone bench top. If installing a stone bench top, your stonemason can now carry out a site check-measure.
16. Shower screens. If installing shower screens, your glazier can now carry out a site check-measure.
17. Stone bench tops are installed.
18. Plumbing fit-off. Installation of basins,
baths, toilets, tapware and drains.
19. Electrical fit-off. Installation of lighting, powerpoints, heated towel rails, etc.
20. Accessories fit-off. Installation of towel rails, hooks, toilet roll holders, shelving, etc.
21. Shower screens are installed.
22. Painting and caulking. Walls and ceilings are painted and sealant is applied along joins to protect against leaking.
23. Punch list and handover. Check for any defects and ensure all is completed to your liking. Relevant trades will sign-off.
24. Ventilate. Open windows to ensure any stains, paints, grouts, etc are adequately dried out.
That's not daunting at all hey!!??
Investing time into the planning phase with an interior designer and having trustworthy trades on your team are so important and will help with the best outcomes for your project. A rushed job is never going to be a good job in this instance.
To ensure longevity of your investment, choose durable fixtures, fittings and finishes that will handle the daily use of this high-traffic area as well stay on-trend for as long as possible - sticking to neutrals and more natural looking finishes is your best bet here.
I hope this guide helps you on your way to #bringyourspacetolife
Got a project? Need help moving in the right direction? Give us a call, that's what we're here for!
