Bathroom renovations can be quite daunting, especially when working with smaller spaces. Some bathrooms have an awkward shape, little natural lighting, and perhaps even visible pipework. Looking at remodelling ideas on Pinterest, Instagram, or wherever else can frustrate you, making you feel that bathroom renovations are costly and involve a lot of work.
However, your renovation project does not have to be all that complicated. You don’t have to spend a fortune or remove all the walls and fixtures. Even on a shoestring budget, you can create a gorgeous finish with the functionality you have always dreamt of.
Planning for a Bathroom Remodel
You’ve probably heard and read about a lot of planning tips for a bathroom renovation. So, we will make it short and sweet. You already know that your project requires planning, and therefore you should spend extra time and effort for this stage. Begin with the bathroom layout and try as hard as you can to stick to it. Before you begin any remodelling work, you should already have the structure down pat. Doing so will help you keep the plumbing costs to a minimum since making unnecessary changes can be quite expensive.
After finalising the bathroom design, it’s best to show the plan to an electrician, tiler, and plumber. Talking to these professionals will ensure that you will not have any issues disrupting the renovation process.
Bathroom Interior Tips and Tricks
Here are some bathroom remodelling ideas to incorporate into your project that will not break the bank:
1. Reuse Good Quality Sanitary Fittings
Remodels are a wonderful opportunity to keep taps, sinks, bathtubs, and other pieces of sanitary ware. You don’t need to replace everything in your bathroom. Some old fittings can quickly be updated by re-enamelling them or adding a new surround.
Some of your plumbing may require replacements. It’s usually best to purchase a popular brand of fixtures to make hunting for parts and cartridges much easier.
2. Be Smart When Moving Things Around
Getting a whole new look for your bathroom is one of the most exciting parts of the remodel. However, moving the fixtures around and placing them in a different corner can mean additional costs. While changing the placement of the tub can transform a small space, you may want to be careful when relocating taps. Seek the help of a plumber to help you in the decision-making process. Remember that you can always change the fixtures but relocating them can put a dent in your budget.
A plumber can give you sound advice if you truly want to move specific fittings. For example, if you’re planning to move the toilet, try to keep it close to the soil pipe, which will reduce any plumbing complications that could occur. Doing so also helps keep the costs down.
3. Simplicity is the Key
Yes, you may want it to look posh, but it does not always work that well, especially if you have a limited budget. Keep the design as low-key as possible, particularly the curves, steps, and ornamentation.
Homeowners tend to neglect the bathroom most of the time. They redo the living room area, kitchen, and dining room, but the bathroom remains the same. Now is a good chance for you to transform your bathroom and turn it into almost a showplace. Just having a recessed soap dish can make a ton of difference. Add a medicine cabinet, some sleek toilet paper roll holders, and an alcove where you can store toiletries that can give the feeling of a total makeover.
4. Don’t Forget the Floors and Walls
Good tilework can give the illusion that your bathroom is brand new. Patterned tiles can add interest, especially if you have a simple scheme. You can also pair the tiles with the bathroom paint colours if you have more than one to make them all come together. This method also helps you save money since you don’t need to knock down the walls as you renovate.
Retiling your shower walls should be a part of any bathroom renovation project. It can give the space an entirely new look. And because the shower is one of the most used areas of the bathroom and even your whole house, tiles become the focal section of the space. To ensure that you see how much difference it can make, choose tiles that you love.
If you cannot seem to pick the suitable flooring material for you, we recommend that you stay away from the hardwood. The amount of water and steam in the bathroom can quickly damage it. You can choose vinyl plank, vinyl tile, or ceramic or porcelain tile instead. Many materials are available that look exactly like hardwood, but without you worrying about waterproofing. Also, they are more affordable and require less maintenance.
5. Go with Good Colours
Choosing a simple look does not mean boring. You do not have to keep your bathroom all white or grey. How about picking colours that pop? Your bathroom allows you to make a bold statement by using bright and striking colour schemes. For example, pink with a dash of black can give an industrial but pretty edge.
Some trendy looks today include splitting the bathroom into two halves of colour. Others have a different top and bottom paint, with the top portion seamlessly blending with the ceiling. This neat style plays with the eyes, giving the impression of added dimensions. And the best part is that you don’t need to deal with the costs of extending the room.
6. Pick the Right Door Type
If you have limited bathroom space, it’s not a good idea to choose a typical panelled or hinged door that swings to and from the room. A better alternative is a sliding entry door, which is a great option, especially for a first floor half bath. You will be surprised at how much space you can save with this door type. Some residents can even add in an extra half bath.
When it comes to doors, you have plenty of material selections available. Many homeowners prefer wood simply because it gives a warm and cosy feeling, which people love associating with their bathrooms. Other good options are uPVC and glass.
7. Neglecting Natural Lighting is a No-No
Bathrooms rarely get natural lighting. Some homes don’t have sufficient artificial lighting, which can make the entire aesthetic worse. But with good natural lighting, you can save a lot of money. Aside from the obvious savings on electricity consumption, it also reduces the need for new cabinetry, countertops, and wall covers.
If you’re still using other types of bulbs rather than LEDs, it’s time to go shopping. Changing the light levels can immediately brighten the space. It may seem like a minor change, but it can certainly update the whole look of your bathroom.
Do You Need a Plumber?
You probably think you can do most, if not all, of the plumbing work on your own to save some cash. But it’s a false economy that can cost you more in the end. You need a real licenced professional to help you complete your renovation project. You could have antiquated pipework that only an experienced plumber will know how to deal with.
If your water pressure has reduced significantly, it is a sign that you need new pipes. The plumber can quickly detect if your pipelines have sediment build-up and even pick the correct type of pipe to use for your home. Typically, the best choices are copper pipes or those made of good quality plastic. You can consult with our expert plumbers here at Perth Local Plumbing & Gas to know more about your plumbing requirements as you renovate your bathroom.
