Updated 2024 by Joe Rantino. A bathroom may not be one of the largest rooms in your home but it can definitely be one of the most complex to renovate. And a complex renovation in Sydney means a potentially expensive renovation! Without the right knowhow, things can go wrong, and blow your budget. Keeping your bathroom renovation costs down is all about the planning stage. Here are our top tips for budget bathroom renovations.
1. Plan your bathroom renovation carefully
There is always more than one way to reconfigure a floor plan and definitely more than one design option worthwhile considering. When attempting a budget bathroom renovation, make a note of all of the features you desire that meet your needs. Before you decide on a theme, a colour scheme and just the right tapware, built yourself a plan. Never underestimate the importance of planning! Once you have you list of “must have” renovation features, plan around the existing plumbing. If you can “swap” the toilet position to stay where it is, you’ll save a fortune on renovation plumbing expenses. Same with anything that needs power. Plan your layout carefully, because fitting new pipes, that may or may not need major alterations will blow your renovation budget in no time.
2. Budget, the big B!
Just like a kitchen renovation, a bathroom renovation can have a surprisingly high price tag. The key is to know your budget and stick to it. There are always going to be options available to suit your financial situation. Make your “dream” list and prioritise. Do you want that luxe clawfoot bath more than the waterfall shower or double sink? It’s not just about budget bathroom renovations, it’s about space and usability. Investigate your dream items carefully, is a clawfoot bath really what you want? Have you ever tried to clean behind one? Remember too that feature tapware and finishes can make a massive visual impact with relatively little expense. If you’re after a bit of wow, can you opt for simpler fittings but add lavish finishing touches?
3. Shop around for fittings and fixtures
While there are plenty of DIY renovation stores in Sydney, don’t limit yourself to just what they offer. Make sure that the bathroom supply store you choose carries reputable items that are suited for Australian plumbing standards. Yes, that’s an elegant loo, but is it designed to fit the space in your bathroom? That space may have been designed for size and outlet standards of Australian toilets. If it’s designed for a Chinese bathroom, you may be looking at thousands of dollars to accommodate your commode. The cheapest bathroom renovation products can also be the most expensive. Choose carefully. You should also look beyond the standard hardware store or big box renovation retailer. Specialised stores can provide a wider range of options, and are generally cheaper than the big retail stores. Remodelling the right way can add significant value to a home so the choice of products is very important.
4. Limit what you do yourself
If you consider yourself handy with a few tools, there may be elements to your bathroom renovation that you can tackle yourself including removing cabinets or shelving, however when it comes to plumbing and electrical, it’s always best to leave those jobs to the experts. Accidentally cutting a wire or breaking a pipe will leave you with an unexpected financial outlay for an emergency plumber in Sydney – and no doubt, it will happen on a weekend…it always does. A newbie mistake will blow your budget bathroom renovation plans before you even get started.
5. Get professional help for your budget bathroom renovations
Hiring in a professional team to renovate your bathroom may sound like a costly expense however it will ensure that the job is performed with all the safety requirements covered, and to the quality standards you expect. Opt for a team you can trust, where word of mouth provides you great recommendation and where you can agree on a price and the required job upfront. We’re just saying, Gladesville Plumbing has built our reputation as the plumbers Sydney trusts to get the job done, on time and on budget. We offer a full bathroom renovation services, transparent quoting, reliability, communication and support. Don’t let your budget bathroom renovations be a stressful affair, just call Joe!