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Renovating your bathroom is a huge project, but it comes with some massive benefits. Not only does a nice bathroom change your daily life, but it can bump up the value of your house too.
Your bathroom renovation is something you want to get right the first time. We’ve seen delays and issues happen for a number of reasons – bathroom renos are one of our common jobs here in East Auckland, so we’ve put together some tips to make sure you get the perfect outcome.
1. Plan around your existing plumbing
Work with what you’ve got or rip it out? This is the first question to ask yourself. Think about where your fixtures are and if you need to add any extras. If you’re adding extra fixtures such as a toilet or a basin, you may need council consent. Always check your rules at the planning stage!
It’s worth having a quick chat with both your builder and your plumber too, they’ll have a good idea of where to start and some of the issues you might come across based on your rough plans.
2. Pick the right stuff
Another key step is picking the right materials and accessories for your bathroom renovation. For a start, your tapware needs to suit your water pressure. Ask the experts to recommend some good options, or double check that your favourite basin mixer has the right pressure capacity. Always buy through a reputable supplier such as Plumbing World, Mico, Reece, Elite Bathroomware, or ABI Interiors, to name a few here in Auckland. There have been issues such as high lead content in some of the lower quality tapware in New Zealand and abroad, so buying through the right spots will avoid any quality issues.
Remember that when you buy through your plumber, you’ll often get a better deal and service if any warranty claims arise, which in turn saves you time and money. So, it’s always a good idea to have a quick chat with your plumber before making final decisions.
When choosing your materials, be sure to check the waterproof requirements in New Zealand. This may help you decide if you want to tile your bathroom or go with an acrylic shower.
Also check what council consent you might need before commencing any building or construction in your bathroom. Ask your builder or tiler for some advice and check the Auckland Council website for the latest information.
3. Plan for your lifestyle
Start by thinking about your daily lifestyle and your routine. How many people are using the bathroom at a time? What do you use it for? Who is using it? These are key in considering where touches such as your lighting and shelves will go. You might need to think about power socket covers for little fingers or handrails for any older visitors, too.
4. Storage, storage, storage!
Keeping your bathroom clean and tidy can be a nightmare. Make sure you have plenty of storage based on how many people will be using your bathroom. Plan for a linen cupboard if you can fit one. In built storage in the shower can improve the look and declutter. Add a vanity and a mirror cabinet to best utilise your space. There is some great inspiration from right here in East Auckland for your home storage by Simone Anderson and Simplify My Home.
5. Design with the future in mind
Will you be living in this house for another 20-30 years or are you looking for resale value? These will be key to your decision making about what materials you’ll use, design choices, and value-adds.
Good ventilation is always key to avoid water damage. If you’re planning to rent in the future, you’ll also need proper ventilation that meets the Healthy Homes regulation. Always ask your plumber and check for any changes to these rules when planning your ventilation to avoid having to go back in and retrofit or fix the damage later.
Choose a style that lasts, something timeless. Bathroom renovations aren’t something you’ll redo regularly, so keep that in mind and choose classic styles that won’t go out of date.
6. How about a tub?
Showers are a given in most bathrooms, but how about a tub? If you can fit a bathtub, we think it’s almost always worthwhile. It adds style and function to a main bathroom, and gives resale appeal especially for families. A luxurious, freestanding bath will add serious style and appeal, but a shower over bath is a good option if you’re limited on space.
7. Overestimate your budget, always!
Bathroom renovations can be tricky and you’ll often come across unexpected issues that need fixing. We recommend always having some extra room in the budget for potential surprises such as water damage or hidden issues.
Once demolition starts, issues can pop up so always have a contingency fund, especially if you’re ripping up your floors or walls which could result in joist replacements or structural changes depending what’s there already.
8. Efficiency
It’s good to consider water and energy efficiency when choosing your applicances and fixtures. This can save you money in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint!
Check the litre usage per flush, shower head water usage, and consider putting heated towel rails on a timer to suit your schedule. But, be sure to balance out water efficiency with the power of flush you’ll need for your home!
9. The right people for the job
Get the right people for the job. Be sure to check the licences of tradespeople working on your project and that the business is fully insured. This will avoid any issues with not only the quality of your renovation and that it stands the test of time, but also to ensure you’re covered by insurance should any future issues occur. If your work is completed by an unqualified person, you could have your insurance denied, so it’s worth checking! You can check certifications at the Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board in New Zealand. Master Plumbers also have a guarantee for all member businesses which is great for peace of mind.
Think about whether you need renovation insurance to cover the added risks that come with renovating, too. More on that here.
Ask lots of questions! Getting your tradespeople to help with advice early on in your planning is key as they may be able to offer some advice and save you money and hassle throughout the project and beyond. Also be sure to check reviews and ask friends for their referrals!
We are more than happy to recommend tradespeople and suppliers that we work with regularly in the local East Auckland area.
10. Get your tradies talking
Lastly, get all of your tradies talking to each other about your project. This will avoid delays as they can ensure work is completed in the correct order. This can make a huge difference on how smoothly your bathroom reno goes.
Happy renovation planning!
The team at Grace Plumbing.
We’re a team of plumbers in East Auckland, servicing the greater Auckland area. Master Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers. Take a look at our reviews here.
