Once you have nailed the look of your entrance and hallway, the next logical step in a renovation project is the bathroom.
If your bathroom hasn’t enjoyed the love and attention it deserves, you’ll probably be one of those Kiwis who shivers with embarrassment at the thought of guests asking to use the facilities, more so if your tiles are decrepit and ceilings are peeling.
Since the end of the first Covid-19 lockdown, requests for bathroom renovations have increased. From experience, bathroom renovations, are never straightforward endeavours. There’s always some sticking point that threatens to derail the project.
Here, then, are tips that will get you through the most common problems.
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1. Tiles
Choosing your tile combination is can be hard, even harder if you are in a relationship where you don’t always see eye to eye. If you are not going to engage in a designer, utilize the expertise at your local tile store. They know what the good sellers are or what trusty repeated tiles you should invest in.
Before you head to the store, decide what style you like. Then move onto your colour tone base. Remember, the smaller the tile the more grouting required, which can result in the space appearing to be smaller than it actually is, as the grout lines can disrupt the continuity.
A mosaic design on the vanity wall can lift the look of your bathroom. Photo / Supplied
Incorporating a mosaic can be a lovely design feature, and I’d suggest placing this on the vanity wall and replicated in a shower niche or one of the shower walls.
Grout is the last decision you need to make, you can have two different colours depending on your tile selection, just be wary of where they meet. We always recommend using an epoxy resin grout in the shower to keep maintenance low.
2. Taps
The colour and style of the tap-ware will follow on from your tile palette. There is no right or wrong when selecting your tap colour. Remember that tap-ware can always be changed out in five years if you do not like it anymore, far easier than replacing tiles.
Go for a chrome tap if you want classic, brushed nickel is attractive in pairing with the grey based beige as it throws a yellowish tone. Black goes with anything or gunmetal for a slick contemporary vibe. Luckily with the charm of supply meets demand, coloured metals have come down in price.
A winning bathroom renovation, with stylish and practical choices, can improve the value of your home. Photo / Supplied
I’m very hesitant on powder coated metals as they may chip over time, so make sure you know the quality, opt for electroplating instead and understand your warranties. Do not forget to match the vanity handles or opt for none if you are going for a coloured metal. Once you have chosen your colour you can move on to the style of the tap-ware which should reflect the style of your home.
3. Cost
The cost of a bathroom renovation is not cheap, which is why you only want to do it once every 10 to 15 years. Seventy percent of the cost a bathroom renovation is labour, with the average sized family bathroom with B grade finish selections usually sitting at $30,000.
There are huge variables that can alter the price of a bathroom renovation - council fees, remedial work, lighting upgrades, additional labour for mosaics etc – so it’s important to budget for extras, unplanned or otherwise.
The bathroom and the kitchen really do help sell homes and needs to be done properly to avoid waterproofing issues down the track. Believe me having a bathroom you love that works for you and your family is worth the process.
- Laura Heynike is director of Pocketspace Interiors
