Tips and Tricks for Bathroom Renovations
Today we are contemplating our holiday destination for December. Should we spend a few thousand on a holiday or rather spend the money on our bathroom renovation? If done correctly, bathroom renovations will enhance your state of living to such an extent that staying home will feel like a holiday.
A bathroom renovation will also increase the value of your property and adapt to your current and future needs. That said, although a bathroom renovation has an approximate return value of 70% when selling, the joy of enjoying a newly renovated bathroom far exceeds the return value.
Budget First
As with any project, the first step is to create a budget. When creating the budget, the materials and finishes form a large part of the budget but do keep in mind the labour cost as well. Creating a bespoke bathroom will include specialised finishes. Appointing the correct contractor for the correct application is key to the success of the project, adding value to the property as well as increasing the costs.
Also keep in mind the unforeseen costs, especially in a renovations project. It’s always good practice to budget for a 20% contingency for unforeseen costs. In a bathroom renovation, a lot of unforeseen disasters can happen, from a burst pipe to a burst geyser. What happens frequently as well is that the pipes are rusted and need to be replaced. So, when you start in the main bathroom, replacing the pipes you might end up replacing all the pipes up to the municipal connection…
Secondly, the planning of the bathroom. Before daydreaming of the beautiful mosaic tiles and the gold-plated mirror, first, re-evaluate the existing layout.
In some cases, the existing layout simply does not work. So before spending a fortune on upgrading the finishes, determine the practicality of the layout.
Do not focus on the throne when opening the door to the bathroom. I have a personal vendetta against the water closet as the focus. Rather focus on the beautiful vanity and mirror detail or even a beautiful view of a secret garden.
By rearranging the position of the water closet, shower, and wash hand basins you might be able to optimise the use of space, creating a more open layout with privacy and focus elements.
When choosing the materials for the floors, walls, ceilings, plumbing fixtures, and cabinets, ensure that all are good quality with resistance to moisture, mould resistant, solid brass fittings, and non-porous materials. By choosing the right finishes and fittings you are creating a bathroom that will last a lifetime.
What trends can you incorporate to modernise your current bathroom?
A Low Flow Hidden Toilet
Where the water tank is hidden inside the wall, a hidden cistern can create additional space. The low flow of the hidden cistern will also save a lot of water. The ideal position for the hidden cistern would be in a duct for easy access in case of maintenance and problems.
Shower Floor Treatment
The shower can be a walk-in shower with no step into the shower, creating a ‘wet room’ if there is no shower cubicle enclosure or a raised shower floor with a small bund wall with and a glass shower panel.
For safety reasons, ensure that the shower floor treatment is not slippery. The safest option is to use small mosaic type tiles with grouts that resist mould and stains.
Bath Versus Shower
A bath is a luxury that seldom gets used. If you are renovating the bathroom for yourself and your family, how often are you using your current bath? For couples with small children, a bath is essential. That does not mean that the bath should be in the main bathroom and the second bathroom as well. Maybe you can create a lot of additional space by only installing a bath in the children’s bathroom.
Light and Ventilation
If no attention is given to the light and ventilation in a bathroom it can create a dark, humid room where mould and mildew becomes a problem. A window in the shower will create natural ventilation and light in a usually dark space. When installing the window please ensure that the windowsill slopes away from the window, and the glass is frosted for privacy.
A light bathroom will wake you up in a good mood every morning. By installing a few additional lights over the vanity and inside the shower you will eliminate any dark areas.
Keep in mind that if you have decided that the bath should remain a dimmer switch or lights on different circuits, this will create the perfect atmosphere for those long me-time baths.
Recessed light details around the mirror, for example, will create the perfect light for hair, make-up, and shaving.
Storage Space
A bathroom is usually filled with lotions, potions, medicine, etc. For the bathroom to remain a place of sanctuary, reduce the clutter. A great space-saving technique is installing a recessed mirror cabinet. A wall-hanging vanity is also fantastic, freeing up space underneath for a washing basket or the dreaded bathroom scale.
Touch of Luxury
Heated towel rails and heated floors can add that touch of luxury to your bathroom that will create the perfect 5 Star holiday experience.
Lastly, ask the professionals. If you are uncertain about the design, look, feel and budget ask a design consultant. We will be able to assist in 3D impressions to provide you with clear pictures of the finished product. Ask for quotes and hire a reputable plumber. A plumber should be registered at the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB). Request references from the plumbers and check them. Once the project is complete, request a Certificate of Compliance from your plumber. A Certificate of Compliance is required when applying for the Occupation Certificate from your Local Authority Building Inspector, it also gives you peace of mind that the installation is compliant.
If you are overwhelmed, there is nothing wrong with asking for help!
Listen to this article in Sotho.
by Boaz Architects
Carina Botha 082 920 3158
