It may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but a bathroom that looks great and has a functional design can add considerable value to your home and quality of life.
Decide what you want to change in your bathroom
Start by taking note of what you’d like to change about your existing bathroom.
Be clear about your immediate needs and think about any possible lifestyle changes in the future. List your must-haves and lust-haves. You can even compile a scrapbook of specific products you like.
It is also a good time to review your hot water system. How old is it? Is it suitable to meet your current and future needs? Don’t compromise the enjoyment of your new bathroom with an inadequate hot water system. Now is a great time to replace it.
Consult a plumber
Consulting a licensed plumber early in the process is the best way to determine what is achievable and cost effective. It’s easy to quickly burn through your budget if you want to make drastic changes to existing plumbing.
You may also want to consult a carpenter, electrician, tiler or flooring specialist. If you go to a builder or renovation firm, they’ll have a team of contractors who can manage the entire process for you.
Set your budget
Once you've worked out your plan, you need to decide on a budget. A full renovation can be costly, but it can also add value to your home and give immediate satisfaction and enjoyment.
Alternatively, you can go for a partial makeover, freshening up on selected, less costly items. Think new tap fittings, a coat of paint, an updated shower screen or curtain, or a new vanity.
Choose your bathrooms look
Inspiration is everywhere. Start by looking on TV, in magazines and the internet for a style that you like, that suits your home, your aims and your budget.
When choosing products, take note of all the details, including dimensions and installation requirements, so you can advise your plumber or other tradespeople.
Plan your bathroom space
Measure walls, windows, doors, spaces, ceiling heights, doorway widths, plumbing, storage spaces, the toilet – don’t miss a thing.
Plot the outline of your bathroom on graph paper (a scale of 10cm to 1m works well) including all windows, doors and outlets. Cut out shapes representing things you’ll be adding to your bathroom to see how they fit. Experiment with different layouts until you find one that suits you.
It’s all in the details
As your renovation progresses and the big decisions have been made, it’s still important to keep a keen eye on things to ensure you’re happy with the results.
It’s also a good time to think about finishing touches you might want to add to create extra colour, texture and warmth, such as small storage, window dressings and other decorative items.