A bathroom makeover is a sure way to add value to your home and at the same time create a small pocket of peace - a retreat personal to you that ticks all your design boxes. But, between budgeting, booking trades and selecting every fixture, it’s easy to spend more time and money than planned.
The good news: with careful planning and a few smart choices, you can create a stylish new space without the headaches. Keep reading for our top tips on how to make a bathroom renovation a smoother journey.
1. Plan before you hammer
Successful renovations begin long before the first tile is pried off. It’s a good start to clarify your goals and decide what matters most. Do you need better storage, updated style or improved lighting or all three. Then create a timeline that maps out the stages of your project from removing your existing bathroom to adding the finishing touches to your new space.
Sequence tasks logically, for example, you’ll need to paint walls before installing new flooring to avoid drips and rework. This helps you to see the whole scope of work and where the potential issues might arise. It also means you can plan out your budget properly and allow for any unforeseen challenges.
2. Smart budgeting
Talking of budgets, money stress is the quickest way to turn a renovation dream into a nightmare. Be realistic with your spends and make a list of priorities and nice-to-haves. It might be that new plumbing is critical but a heated towel rail can wait for now.
Compare contractor quotes carefully and always ask for detailed breakdowns so you’re not surprised by “extras.” Consider where you might be able to pick up some of the work yourself. Ripping out your existing fixtures, painting or even tiling might be an area where you can reduce labour costs if you’re comfortable with DIY.
3. Quick wins that save time
Delays often mean extra expense and frustration so it’s a good idea to take note of where you can plan ahead. For example, are you able to pre-order all or some of your materials? Check delivery dates on things like taps and sinks to make sure they can be delivered in keeping with your project timeline.
Consider if you can straight swap some fixtures such as the toilet, bath or shower, and look at easy install features like wall hung vanities and click-lock vinyl flooring and wet wall panels to reduce the amount of time needed to fit out your space.
4. Consider a complete bathroom suite
One of the best ways to simplify your renovation is to purchase a curated bathroom suite - a package of matching fixtures such as basin, toilet, bath or shower and furniture. Let’s look at some of the ways this option helps:
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Save money: Suites are usually priced as a set, often cheaper than buying individual pieces.
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Cohesive design: Everything is coordinated for a polished, designer look with zero guesswork.
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Save time: Eliminate the need to shop around for individual elements to go into your bathroom.
5. Stress-proof your renovation
Even well-planned projects can hit snags, but there are ways to minimise the chaos that comes with it! Be sure to communicate clearly with your contractors. Daily or weekly check-ins, depending on the size of your project, help to catch any issues early.
Set up a temporary bathroom plan, especially if you only have one bathroom in your house. If you are going to be without a shower or bath for long periods, you might have to call on a neighbour or family member to let you use theirs in the short term.
Keep a contingency fund - it’s a good idea to aim for about 10-15% of your budget for unexpected surprises such as hidden water damage or structural challenges.
Use a 3D design service which can help you visualise your space and offer advice on where potential issues might arise as well as finding the perfect products that match your vision.
Renovating your bathroom doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With clear priorities, a realistic budget and proactive planning, you can enjoy a fresh new space without the stress and expense you fear. Start today by jotting down your top three must-haves and setting a target completion date. Your future self will thank you!
View our full range of bathroom suites to help.
