Bathroom renovation projects are some of the most complex reno projects around the house. This is often due to balancing the demands of the homeowner’s design goals and the functional elements of the room.
If this is achieved, however, a bathroom renovation can greatly increase your experience of the space, which is why we’ve put together this list of do’s and don’t’s of bathroom renovation to get you on the right track. do’s and don’t’s of bathroom renovation
1. Do Start With a Good Layout
Planning is the key to success with every renovation project, and everything down to the minutest detail must be considered. Take a look at your current bathroom layout and ask yourself these three questions:
- How do I feel about the current layout of my bathroom?
- What can I change to improve my experience in the room?
- What do I need to do to make these changes a reality?
Once you’ve considered these variables and decided exactly what you want to achieve out of your bathroom renovation, you can then talk to a professional bathroom reno expert. Getting a bathroom reno right takes more than just DIY skills. Striking the right balance between structural and aesthetic improvements and compliance standards is best achieved with the help of bathroom reno professionals.
Before you start, browse through this ultimate bathroom design guide for more expert insights.
2. Don’t Attempt DIY Renovation Without Confidence
DIY projects may seem like fun in the beginning and a convenient way to save some cash, but they can take a sudden turn if you lack confidence and experience in a bathroom renovation. Here’s why:
- You may want to add a new door or window (or both!), which is the job of a licensed builder
- Bathroom renos may involve plumbing changes or upgrades
- You could discover that the bathroom needs waterproofing, which is best handled by a licensed waterproofing professional
Even for the most capable handymen and women among us, no YouTube video or instructional tutorial can rival professional experience. This is one of the most critical rooms for the stability and functionality of your home, and some mistakes can cost you dearly. In some cases, a DIY job gone wrong could void your home insurance and a professional might need to be brought in anyway to correct errors.
You should also remember that some projects will require council sign-off, and a professional is better equipped to handle these legalities. The take-home message is to exercise smart judgement.
3. Do Consider a Sliding Door
Bathrooms are spaces that require room to move and can be tight in newer urban houses or older homes in more antique parts of your city. A sliding door has no protruding elements, which means that they are a tight and contained fixture, beneficial for bathrooms and other smaller spaces.
An aluminium sliding door is hidden in the wall cavity, which means that the saved space can be used for other bathroom necessities, like a new vanity, or medicine cabinet. In newer developments, your bathroom might co-function as a laundry room, which means a sliding door is just what you need if you’re looking to give your bathroom entrance a facelift.
4. Don’t Forget Natural Lighting
There are many benefits to re-designing your bathroom with natural lighting in mind. Not only will this save you money on your electricity bill during the daytime, but natural lighting improves the quality of your experience with the room.
How you might ask? Natural lighting is known to foster an atmosphere of harmony and relaxation. Imagine getting ready for your big day out on a Saturday morning, kissed by the summer sunshine. Design is one part functionality, one part experience and emotion. Natural lighting feeds into both of these crucial aspects.
5. Do Select an Appropriate Finish
Before purchasing any products make sure that they are bathroom-friendly. Heat, steam and moisture can deteriorate some finishes, and you don’t want to spend big, for a stunning result, only to have that finish fade away in a month or two month’s time.
Do your research, and choose materials that will weather the effects of bathroom fixtures and plumbing.
Colour-wise, most people opt for the classic white, or cream, in their design plan. You don’t have to. Neutral tones are best as a base, but feel free to be creative with a coloured feature wall, ornaments, and manchester to splash the room with a different shade.
