Nothing beats the feeling of walking into your freshly renovated bathroom…calm, satisfied and maybe even a little bit fancy!
But while the end results are always worth it, bathrooms are usually the most challenging and expensive home improvement project.
That’s because when you’re dealing with plumbing, tiling, ventilation or fixtures, the costs can quickly add up.
If you’re on a budget, you might have thought about overseeing your bathroom renovation yourself.
Taking control of the timelines and tradies is something Natasha Dickins, a professional renovator and DIY specialist with Little Red Industries, said can also provide you with a great sense of satisfaction.
“For example, because you pay for a tradie’s time as well as their skills, you can pick up a lot of their organising, from ordering scaffolding and skips to literally getting on the phone to coordinate the trades,” she said in a recent interview for Inside Out magazine.
“There’s also a great sense of achievement in being involved. You don’t have to get on the tools to be hands-on.
“Project managing will come easier if you have a builder who talks to you – when things are going to plan and when they’re not. You also need to be organised, available and good-humoured.”
If you think you’re up to the task of project manager, here’s what you should consider before taking on the responsibility.
Plan ahead
Planning is key to keeping your bathroom renovation on time and on budget. Map out a timeline for the makeover and allow time for any delays you are likely to encounter along the way.
Everything from weather, material shortages, unexpected maintenance issues and planning approval delays can hold up work on your new bathroom, so make sure you give yourself a buffer in your timeline.
“Preparation allows you to narrow down which expert to turn to for help, so you can then focus on the less tangible, fun stuff like planning and designing,” Deb Pearcey, a senior designer and building consultant at Summit Renovations, told The West Australian.
“Research helps demystify what may initially seem to be an overwhelming process.”
Budget
Work out a budget for your bathroom renovation, giving yourself some breathing room for minor cost blowouts.
Most property experts will warn you against overcapitalising and suggest costs shouldn’t eclipse about two percent of your home’s value.
For example, if your home is worth $750,000 and you set your bathroom reno budget at about $15,000, you’ll likely avoid overextending yourself.
“You need to budget for the renovations and determine exactly how you will fund the project from the get-go,” Mortgage Choice’s Jessica Darnbrough told News.com.au.
Location, location, location
Bathrooms are notoriously compact spaces, so it’s important to plan where all your features and fixtures will go as part of the revamp.
Windows, doors, and walls will largely decide the position of your sink, toilet, or shower as part of the reno.
You may need to look at moving pipes and plumbing to fit your new layout, or you may stick to the existing floor plan, albeit with a fresh new look.
Choose products stocked by a reputable retailer
By purchasing your kitchen, bathroom and laundry ware from a reputable retailer, you’ll save yourself a heap of headaches over the course of your renovation.
Most reputable retailers across Australia stock local suppliers with strong supply chains — like Seima — which means your renovation won’t get held up with shipping delays.
Using state-of-the-art systems, Seima has perfected its supply chain to ensure smooth delivery of its bathroom products, whether you’re ordering toilets, baths, basins or showers.
Consider your fit outs
A bathroom reno is more than just giving you a fancier place to brush your teeth or comb your hair.
If it’s done right, it can boost your property price while also creating a relaxing and inviting space.
The fixtures you choose for your space will determine the feel of your bathroom, so weigh up the look of the vanities, lights and even the taps.
Seima offers a range of on-trend basins, toilets, baths and taps to suit a range of bathroom styles.
“Analyse every decision with a fine-tooth comb and give yourself time on this one,” interior designer Shannon Vos told Inside Out magazine.
“Make sure that your tapware comes out far enough, but not too far over the sink (you’ll want the water stream to hit the bottom of the bowl just before the drain).”
Looking for inspiration for your bathroom renovation? Catch the latest trends and bathroom innovations in Style Files, or explore Seima’s products at a leading bathroom ware stockist near you.