Although bathrooms are generally small spaces, when they are renovated, costs can quickly increase. With waterproofing, tiling, and fixtures and accessories to consider, there are a lot of parts to consider in repairing this room – but it doesn't have to cost a fortune if you work smart and strategically. .
Taking stock of the basic "bones" in the bathroom can help you minimize costs when you start to refresh the space, if it reveals that the design elements can be reworked in the bathroom. existing layout of the room.
It is important to have a practical mindset when working on a bathroom space, because functionality is crucial. Giving up the convenience of luxury will void any value that the luxury element could introduce.
Start by looking at the equipment in the room. Are there items to include that are currently missing? Is there wasted space that could be better used?
Assess the condition of existing elements of the bathroom to determine how far it will need to be dismantled. What is the condition of any substrate? What are the walls and ceiling made of? Are the windows functional or do they also need to be reworked?
Ensuring that any renovation is completed on solid foundations is essential to the final success of the project. There is no shortcut to success in this field, but if you are willing to work hard and plan, the rewards can be great.
FIRST STEP: TAKE STOCK
The first important step is to find a vision of what you want the renovated bathroom to look like. Then you can plan your renovation carefully to find out what you need.
"Start with a list of what is not working in the current bathroom space – in terms of natural light, storage, bath, shower size, mirror placement. This will give you a list of references to make sure these issues are addressed in your plan, ”says Powell.
"Make sure there is enough storage space, as well as enough space to open the closet doors and drawers. Have a dedicated place to hang towels. "
SUPERIOR COUNCIL
"Nailing the practical aspects of the plan without worrying about aesthetics will ensure that nothing is forgotten and will free you from the stresses of trying to address two concerns at the same time," advises Powell.
SECOND STEP: PRACTICE PLAN
"When renovating in a small space, such as a bathroom, it is essential to arrange the layout well, and spending more time on this stage will save you from huge headaches in the long run" says Powell.
"Trace the piece on graph paper as small as possible so that you can really understand the space you are working with. Add each item in the desired position and realistically assess whether there is still enough space to move around the room comfortably. "
Practicality is at the center and luxury comes later, says Powell, because the bathroom must above all be functional!
SUPERIOR COUNCIL
"Measure twice! Costly mistakes can be easily avoided by being doubly sure that you are planning with accurate information, ”says Powell. It may take a little longer on your schedule, but being accurate is crucial.
STEP THREE: ESTABLISH YOUR SCHEDULE
"The creation of a fully planned work schedule before the start of work is absolutely essential to the success of any renovation. Your schedule allows you to anticipate problems and solve them before they become reality, "says Powell.
"A schedule ensures that all parties are ready to complete the work and downtime is minimized, reducing the overall cost of the project. Planning and dealing with the unexpected allows you to overcome all problems as they arise, with minimal impact on time and budgets.
This is particularly important during larger work such as tiling the floor.
SUPERIOR COUNCIL
"The secret to success in creating a schedule is constant monitoring, good clear communication and a head start on the process, which helps anticipate potential problems before they don't happen, "says Powell.
STEP FOUR: BE CAREFUL OF DEMOLITION
Although considered by many to be the "fun" part of any project, the demolition phase can quickly derail, in the absence of careful planning and management.
"Minimizing collateral damage during demolition reduces overall costs, and you also have to think about eliminating fixtures that are surplus for the purpose of renovation," says Powell.
“Windows, baths and vanities are all desirable elements for renovators, who often upgrade by redoing them and reusing them in future renovations. So consider trying to sell excess equipment and fittings to a local demolition company or through an online market. "
SUPERIOR COUNCIL
"You can offer free excess items through organizations such as Freecycle. You will find others that have utility for them, and this is more cost-effective and better for the environment than sending them to a landfill, "says Powell.
FIFTH STEP: MAKE THE SITE SEALED
"It goes without saying that waterproofing any wetland in the home is absolutely essential. A bad waterproofing job can cost you thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars on the road when it fails to prevent water damage on your property, "says Powell.
"Sealing is a labor-intensive process that requires a properly trained worker with specific high-quality equipment. Application by a certified waterproofer will avoid problems and errors that can be extremely detrimental to your building and extremely expensive to repair. "
A simple way to help waterproof your bathroom is to use materials specially designed for humid environments, such as when painting walls.
SUPERIOR COUNCIL
"There can be many aspects of a renovation that you can tinker with, but waterproofing is a job that you shouldn't try to cut costs and let the professionals finish", recommends Powell.
STEP SIX: KEEP FUNCTION IN MIND
As you finish with the foundations and start thinking about the more specific aspects of the renovation, it can be tempting to consider aesthetics rather than usability. However, you should continue to keep functionality in mind.
This means that you have to allocate part of your budget to quality bathroom accessories, such as toilets and showers. If you rent your property, you want a bathroom that caters to the target population and is easy to maintain.
Simplicity is essential – you want a potential tenant to be able to easily imagine themselves in the space.
SUPERIOR COUNCIL
Pay particular attention to bathroom accessories such as taps. Chrome is the best option if you want something that won't tarnish or corrode over time, and it goes perfectly with most bathroom designs.
STEP SEVEN: TURN IT ON
Good lighting can greatly contribute to the COST in the atmosphere you create for your bathroom. You want heat, but you also need to be able to see yourself properly in the mirror.
Be sure to install a good quality ceiling light – the frosted lights are excellent because they don't cast shadows. To light up the vanity, you can opt for wall lights for a dramatic effect. For more versatility, choose lighting with dimmers so you can adjust the glow to suit your mood.
For a touch of luxury, you can even opt for a chandelier if you have the space!
SUPERIOR COUNCIL
As much as possible, you want to maximize natural light, so you need a number of windows – or even a skylight – to bring in more sun. To protect your privacy (or that of your tenants), install blinds.
STEP EIGHT: GO FOR A FLASHY FINISH
"Maximize the value of your bathroom COST by creating a space that serves as a sanctuary for the owner, a place where he can expect to spend time and relax at the end of the day" says Powell.
"The introduction of some luxuries in this area will go a long way and can greatly improve the space from an aesthetic and practical point of view. Planning for the inclusion of luxury items from the start of the process will ensure that everything fits your budget and that work can be reflected as efficiently and cost effectively as possible in your work schedule. "
SUPERIOR COUNCIL
"Don't overdo it – stay on the scale. Your space will lose its impact if there are too many competing items or if the selected features don't work in the piece, "says Powell.
CASE STUDY
Responsible for refreshing a property in AFTER Central Ballarat to increase its value in terms of habitability and capital gains, Powell found himself facing a bathroom that required a lot of work.
The objective of renovating this bathroom was to ensure that the value of the space was maximized in terms of the quality of life of the house and increased the value of the property. .
"The original bathroom was extremely dated and in very poor condition," says Powell.
Given the current state of the room, she chose to approach the renovation with an emphasis on practicality and creating a list of what the room bath needed.
"I started with a wish list of items that I wanted to be included based on practical use of space as well as making a luxurious feel and sanctuary, "she says.
"I knew it was an important point of contact for potential buyers because the overall property is quite small, so the kitchen and bathroom had to have a big impact."
However, differing opinions made it difficult for Powell to execute his vision.
Before
It took her time to convince her construction team of the ideas she had in mind, and with a budget of only $ 16,000, Powell also had to allocate expenses wisely, especially given the limited space.
"Taking stock of basic bathroom" bones "can help minimize costs if it means that design elements can be reworked into the existing configuration"
"The challenges I faced included involving the construction team in my ideas. I also had to juggle competing space priorities and incorporate as many of my ideas as possible into the allocated budget, "she said.
Powell was able to find areas where she could save on available finance management costs, however, and stayed within budget.
During
"I was able to minimize costs with a careful selection of tiles and by purchasing standard cabinets," she explains.
The renovation was a huge success as the finished product was recovered for $ 35,000 more than the original value of the property – something Powell credits how much the buyers liked the changes.
After
"I always appreciate seeing renovation projects come to fruition and witnessing the realization of ideas that came to my mind," she says. "But the response he has received from everyone who has seen him has been incredible!"
Jo Powell
is Director and Senior Stylist of Property at 3 Pea’s Property Styling,
who was recognized as the best Australian real estate stylist 2019 in
Investor price in your investment property
Disclaimer: All products and prices indicated are correct at time of printing. The advice in this article is for general information only and should not be considered financial advice. Please be sure to speak to a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.
