When renovating a tired bathroom, there is a lot to consider to get the result you’re after. Have a look at our 14 tips for your successful bathroom renovation.

You can also get your own printable copy of the Bathroom Design Guidelines for free.

Bathroom Design Guidelines

1. Examine your bathroom

Critically examine your current bathroom/ensuite. List all the things you like, list all the things you dislike.

2. Does your bathroom layout work?

Does your current layout work, if it does, this can be a cost-effective advantage as it reduces costs on moving plumbing and electricals? However, if it doesn’t, change it to ensure it meets your needs, otherwise the entire exercise will be a waste of money. My biggest pet hate is having the toilet on display as you walk into room or down the hall List all your needs and wants in order of importance.

3. Your bathroom needs and wants

List all your needs and wants in order of importance

a. Identify non-negotiable items for eg, an engineered stone bench top, rain shower

b. If budget tight maybe consider a semi-frameless shower rather than frameless, can save up to $1000 if you do this.

4. Use drawers in your bathroom

Use drawers wherever possible rather than cupboards, even under the sink. They are more expensive but worth every cent.

5. Small bathroom feels larger

If your space is small, a wall hung vanity is ideal as it makes the room feel larger as you can see more floor space

a. If you are not altering the existing plumbing and it is in the slab you can create a similar effect by placing the vanity on a tiled hob that is recessed at least 250mm. Run the floor tile up the hob

b. Using a hob is a great technique if you have a very large, double vanity

c. It is vital to let your builder know that you are installing a wall hung vanity as extra support is needed in the frame work to support it

d. Try and avoid kickboards in a bathroom as very easily damaged by water on the floor and becomes a costly exercise to replace

6. Install a niche in your bathroom

To reduce the need for storage items in the shower or beside the bath, ask builder to install niche

7. Shaving cabinet creates storage in the bathroom

If storage is an issue, consider using a shaving cabinet as a mirror. Ensure the builder recesses it as far as possible into the frame as possible to remove a bulky effect over the vanity

8. Mix materials in your bathroom

Don’t be scared to mix materials. Laminates are not the poor cousin anymore and come in some wonderful textures.

9. Enjoy a rain shower

If having a rain shower, make sure you include a hand held one as well, for the days you do not wish to wet your hair and an added advantage of making it easier to clean the shower.

a. If you are doing a large renovation or new build that requires DA or compliancing approval, look carefully at the WELS rating of tap ware and toilets and ensure you comply. Have a look at our checklist for DA or complying development approval. 

10. Decide on your bathtub

Free standing baths are a beautiful feature, however carefully consider the users of the space as they are very difficult to get in and out of, so not suitable for the elderly or those with a disability. Also a nightmare for those who wish to bathe toddlers in a bath.

a. If you use one, why not go all out and have pendant lights over it to highlight its beauty. Just make sure the light is suitable for a wet area or get the electrician to adapt it so it is safe

b. If using a drop in bath, consider running the floor tile up the hob or use a feature tile

For inspirations on your next bathroom, have a look at  our Bathroom Design Ideas.

11. Choose the right height for a vanity bowl

If you are having an above counter vanity bowl, check the height of the tap/mixer if it is being installed on the bench to ensure it fits over the vanity.

If you’re uncertain about the height of your vanity, check out the typical measurements used in Australian Bathrooms.

a. This also applies to spouts of baths and tapware coming from the wall

b. If you have small children you may not want a shallow bowl as they are more likely to splash water

12. Brief your tiler

Always have your designer or yourself on site when the tiler is laying out tiles as you need to confirm where they start and finish the tiles, and how to minimise cuts

a. Confirm with tiler what size floor tile they are willing to install. If you put down very large ones the look will be compromised by excessive cuts. As a general rule 300 x 300mm  and 300mm x 600mm tiles are a good size but all rules can be broken depending upon the bathroom

b. The smaller the tile, the more grout required and it can have the effect of making a room appear smaller. However, if slipping is an issue for a disabled or frail user, this extra grout can assist with slip resistance.

13. Assess the door swings in the bathroom

Carefully assess door swings for both entry to bathroom and showers, make sure they will not hit each other.

14. Compare the quotes for your bathroom makeover

When comparing quotes ensure you are comparing apples with apples. If there is several thousand dollars discrepancy between quotes establish why. It may mean the cheaper quote does not add increased support in extra wide drawers, hinges my be inferior, sides of drawers may not be metal. Nothing is a deal breaker, just be aware so you are not disappointed. Download our free builder’s comparison template to assist you with this process.

The team at Inspired Spaces can reduce the stress and anxiety when creating your new kitchen by providing detailed plans, elevations and schedules as well as a scope of works for all trades involved in creating your dream bathroom. Plans includes a demolition plan, 3D drawings and details such as door profiles, position of handles, tapware, sink, lighting etc.

Get your own printable copy of the Bathroom Design Guidelines

Please contact the team of Inspired Spaces if you need help with your renovation

 

 

 

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