Bathroom renovation can be overwhelming without the right information and guidance. From planning and sourcing materials to smooth execution and cleaning, there are too many things involved in bathroom renovation.
All Bathroom Gear in Woolloongabba, QLD, is an award-winning bathroom renovation expert with many years of experience under our belt. Drawing from our experience, we write this ultimate bathroom renovation checklist to make your life easier. Here is a pre-renovation planning checklist to ensure a smooth project completion.
The Ultimate Bathroom Renovation Checklist
Define your scope and goals
A goal without a solid plan remains just a dream. One of the best ways to ensure a seamless bathroom renovation is to define the scope and goals clearly. Start by identifying the core problem areas and listing the best possible solution.
For example, if the core problem is a cluttered bathroom, your goal must be to make it more spacious. If the problem is a run-down decor, the goal must be to make the bathroom more luxurious. This simple trick saves you a lot of trouble down the line.
Set a realistic budget
Budgeting is something you have to get right during renovation. One of the classic homeowner mistakes is failing to have a predetermined budget. This can be catastrophic, as not knowing your spending capacity leads to the cost exceeding by thousands of dollars. Set a realistic budget that aligns with your goals. Consider contingencies and keep 15% to 20% extra budget to avoid surprises.
Check for alternative facilities
Depending on the complexity and scale of renovation projects, their completion might take a few days to weeks. It is mandatory to arrange for alternative facilities to prevent any inconvenience to you or your family.
If there are other bathrooms in your home, make sure they are fully stocked with the essentials. If the only bathroom in your home is undergoing renovation, you must arrange for a temporary staycation or seek help from neighbours or extended family. Arranging for alternative facilities before renovation is an important step in the bathroom renovation checklist.
Secure financing or quotes
You must avoid “estimates” and seek firm quotes. The quotes must not be based on guesswork but on prior experience, immaculate calculation, and current market rates.
Also, if you are relying on third-party financing, ensure all the procedures are completed well ahead of time to ensure timely payment to contractors. Any delay in securing financing leads to unnecessary extension of the project timeline.
Gather inspiration and materials
Finding the right inspiration is the key to a successful bathroom renovation. Without a clear picture of what you want your bathroom to look like, you won’t be able to convey your demands to the designer. Use Pinterest and visit bathroom showrooms with your designer or contractor to create the perfect moodboard. Doing this helps the contractor order items like bathtubs, tiles, and tapware in advance to prevent last-minute bottlenecks.
Choose local, licensed professionals
Being vocal for local must be an inextricable element of your bathroom renovation checklist. Choose licensed professionals from your neighbourhood or city to ensure timely project completion. The sheer physical proximity improves accountability and makes coordination easy. A local, licensed professional will have proven experience working with local vendors, tradies, and the town council, ensuring a hassle-free renovation experience.
Budget and Cost Considerations
Understanding how and where your money will be spent helps you budget properly. Budget and cost considerations are important aspects of the bathroom renovation checklist. Here are different cost considerations you must be aware of before beginning the work.
Typical cost breakdown
Labour
This accounts for the biggest expense in bathroom renovation. The contractor works with a team of experienced tradies like plumbers, electricians, tilers, carpenters, and demo experts. On average, about half of your budget is spent on hiring skilled labour.
Materials and Fixtures
Approximately 30% of your total reno budget will be spent on sourcing materials and fixtures such as vanity, bathroom fixtures, bathtubs, marble, tiles, and shower fixtures. If you end up buying cheap alternatives to save costs, you will regret it later, as maintenance and repair costs will eventually add up.
Hidden or extra costs
No renovation can be completely budgeted for to the last dollar, as hidden or extra costs pop up out of nowhere. From asbestos removal and waste disposal to structural damage, many factors can add to the renovation cost.
Value-adding investments
Quality fixtures, high-end vanities, smart technology, and water-efficient features, such as dual-flush toilets and low-flow showers, are all value-adding investments for Brisbane bathrooms. Such features, often incurring a reasonable one-time fee, tend to provide value forever.
Design and Layout Tips for Brisbane Homes
A bathroom needs to be more than just aesthetic. What sets great bathrooms in Brisbane apart from the rest is the unique blend of functionality and design. This is why your bathroom renovation checklist must have design and layout tips. Continue reading for design and layout tips that will transform your bathroom to the next level.
Maximise limited space
Maximising the functional space in small bathrooms is easy with the right planning. Here are a few easy yet effective tips to maximise limited space.
Vertical Storage
In compact bathrooms with limited scope for horizontal storage, vertical spaces are worth exploring. From wall-hung shelves and recessed shaving cabinets, use vertical space efficiently to make the bathroom clutter-free.
Space-Saving Fixtures
Sliding shower doors, separate wet and dry zones, and wall-hung vanities are all smart features that save space in compact bathrooms. These are small yet valuable investments that add functional and aesthetic value to your bathroom.
Incorporate ventilation
Ventilation is an inextricable element of bathroom renovation. A lack of ventilation is detrimental as it causes mould growth, foul smell, and fixture deterioration. Exhaust fans and windows are must-have features for ensuring adequate ventilation.
Lighting and colours
Lighting is one of the most important aspects from a bathroom renovation POV. For bathrooms in Brisbane, cool colour palettes and layered lighting do wonders. Adding a reflective surface helps make the space look bigger and open. Think huge shaving mirrors, backlit LED mirrors, or full-height mirror cabinets to make your bathroom look spacious and airy.
Accessibility and future-proofing
A bathroom renovation is a significant investment, and you must make a wise decision by making it accessible and future-proof. From removing trip hazards to installing slip-resistant flooring, there are different ways to make your bathroom accessible and future-proof. If the plan permits, always choose wider doorways and clearances to facilitate wheelchair and walker access.
Natural light
Natural light is a crucial yet sometimes overlooked aspect in bathroom renovation. Implementing natural light in bathroom design is one of the best ways to keep the bathroom dry and mould-free. It is also an easy way to make the bathroom look airy and spacious. Natural light significantly lowers the energy bills, making it an energy-efficient option for a sustainable bathroom.
Materials and Fixtures Selection
Materials and fixtures selection can make or break the bathroom renovation design. It is important to ensure the materials, such as tiles, marbles, and stone, blend perfectly with the rest of the decor and the weather conditions. Look for high-quality fixtures that offer a long-term warranty.
Moisture-resistant finishes
One of the best ways to protect your bathroom fixtures is to ensure moisture-resistant finishing. In Brisbane, humidity can damage standard materials without the right protection, dulling their shine and allure. Don’t risk losing your investment and make the right choice by sourcing the best Marine Grade Plywood or Moisture Resistant (MR) MDF.
Non-slip flooring
Wet floors are risky as they increase the chances of slipping and injuring yourself. Consider investing in non-slip flooring, especially if there are kids and/or senior citizens in your home. Regular flooring simply lacks the traction needed to prevent slipping when wet. Porcelain, ceramic tiles, and vinyl are popular non-slip flooring options
Waterproofing essentials
Adherence to AS 3740-2010 standards is a must for wet areas in Brisbane residences. Liquid rubber, sealing joints, penetration sealing, bond breakers, and grout are waterproofing essentials you must invest in during bathroom renovation. Failing to adhere to the recommended waterproofing standards can have functional and legal repercussions.
Corrosion-resistant fixtures
Don’t let moisture and humidity take the shine away from your bathroom fixtures. Brass tapware, stainless steel shower arms, and glass shower doors are some of the most popular corrosion-resistant bathroom fixtures in Brisbane.
Water-efficient products
Save water! Invest in water-efficient products, such as dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, and water-saving taps. Look for the WELS rating, the gold standard for water-efficient products in Australia and New Zealand. A higher WELS rating indicates a product’s ability to save more water.
Hiring Brisbane Experts and Suppliers
One of the surest ways to guarantee the success of bathroom renovation is to hire Brisbane experts and suppliers. With talented, experienced, dedicated people by your side, the hassle is minimal, and the result exceptional. Here are tips to ensure you hire the right Brisbane experts and suppliers.
Local renovation companies
Look for local renovation companies that have been in business for a while. You must hire local, as the sheer proximity simplifies communication and improves accountability. The ability to walk down the street to their office if you need something is priceless during bathroom renovations.
Check experience and reviews
Whether by asking your friends and family or by online research, verify the credibility of the local renovation company before hiring them. In today’s digital era, the online reviews and ratings more often than not reflect the true nature of a business. For added safety, ask the renovation company for their portfolio featuring clear before-and-after pictures of past projects.
Local suppliers
Before hiring local renovation companies, ensure they have a solid network of local suppliers. Without trustworthy suppliers, even the best renovator cannot finish projects on time. Unnecessary delays mean more cost, inconvenience, and stress. A bathroom renovator with a team of experienced tradies and suppliers must be given priority.
Quotes and contracts
Ask for clear, complete quotes with accurate breakdowns. Stay away from reno companies that give you “estimates” instead of quotes. Always read the contract carefully before signing to ensure there are no loopholes. The contract must clearly mention the final pricing, the latest completion date, payment milestones, and warranty details.
Brisbane Climate-Specific Tips
Brisbane’s weather plays a huge role in bathroom renovation projects. With over 240 days of sunshine annually, Brisbane is rightly called the “Sunshine Capital of Australia”. Here are a few climate-specific tips to make your bathroom renovation in Brisbane a success.
Plan for humidity
Brisbane’s infamous humidity calls for effective moisture-management measures. As already mentioned in this blog, use moisture-resistant finishing, corrosion-resistant features, and high-quality sealants. Ensure adequate ventilation and incorporate natural light to keep your bathroom clean and dry at all times.
Timing your project
It is imperative to time your project right to prevent unforeseen contingencies. Renovating during peak humidity means longer curing time for paints and adhesives, trapped moisture behind tiles, wood warping, and countless other problems. The mild, dry conditions from May to September make it the most suitable period for bathroom renovations in Brisbane.
Seasonal considerations
Depending on the season, you must make considerations to prevent unforeseen contingencies. For example, a sudden downpour can delay deliveries and even the arrival of tradies on site. Similarly, during peak summer, heat waves can compromise the efficiency and productivity of workers. While planning a timeline, consider these factors to avoid surprises.
Energy efficiency
Brisbane’s hot weather can skyrocket your utility bills if accurate measures are not taken. Invest in energy-efficient lights, exhaust fans, and water-saving taps to keep your utility bills in check. Proper insulation, ventilation, and inclusion of natural light are all ways to boost the energy efficiency of your bathrooms.
Bathroom Renovation Timeline
Having a clear timeline helps you plan things better. A bathroom renovation is a time-intensive project, and having an accurate estimate makes the wait less stressful and anxiety-inducing. Here are a few things to note when calculating a bathroom renovation timeline.
Plan 4–6 weeks for a full renovation
No matter how compact or uncomplicated you might think your bathroom is, 4 to 6 weeks is a reasonable timeline for a full bathroom renovation in Brisbane. If the renovation project is completed before the mentioned timeline, it would be a bonus.
Scheduling trades in sequence
A bathroom renovation cannot be completed without a team of experienced and professional tradies. To prevent overlaps and time wastage, schedule trades in sequence. For example, the first step is to hire demo experts for a complete strip out. Then comes the plumber, electrician, carpenter, waterproofer, tiler, etc. Work with an experienced bathroom renovator to get the right sequencing for tradies as per your goals and timeline.
Permits and inspections
Building approval, notifiable work, plumbing compliance, and a waterproofing certificate are all required permits for bathroom renovations in Brisbane. Inspections may be required at different stages of the renovation, and scheduling them can add a few extra days to the overall timeline.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have listed the ultimate bathroom renovation checklist. This ultimate guide helps you avoid rookie mistakes, thus saving time and money. You can take the stress out of bathroom renovation by hiring All Bathroom Gear. An award-winning bathroom renovation company in Brisbane, we are a one-stop destination for luxury bathrooms.
Established in 1983, we offer high-quality turnkey bathroom solutions in Brisbane. Our 200-square-meter showroom on Ipswich rd Woolloongabba, displays our finest selection of Australian and European bathroom products.
We have a 20-year Master Builders membership and a 30-strong team of skilled tradesmen, making us one of the most trusted names for bathroom renovations in Brisbane. Call 07 3391 8628 or email paul@allbathroomgear.com.au to get a free quote today.
Our 200-square-meter showroom features the best bathroom products in Brisbane. Our expert sales team will help you choose from the best Australian and European bathroom products.
