3 Bathroom Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
3 Bathroom Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Renovating a bathroom is an exciting process. The idea of taking a worn and tired space and transforming it into something spectacular is quite a thrill. Yet, when designing a bathroom, there are all kinds of challenges that homeowners face. From the lack of space to the expense and the wide array of materials to choose from, there are many potential pitfalls to be aware of.
At Archant, our expertise goes well beyond kitchens. In fact, many of our customers are solely interested in creating gorgeous bathrooms here in New Zealand. In our experience, we've talked with hundreds, if not thousands of clients looking to do just that. Through these conversations, we've identified the most common problem spots and some simple ways to avoid making those same mistakes.
In this article, we're going to breakdown the three most common bathroom renovation mistakes and how to avoid them. These guidelines will not only save time but a substantial amount of money too.
1) Getting The Cost Wrong
When you're planning a renovation, you must factor in the cost of labour, installation, as well as raw materials. Too often, clients grossly underestimate the true cost of the process. This leaves them not only disappointed but trying to cut corners which can hurt the overall integrity of the project.
This is where having precise measurements will be crucial. To get a truly accurate price, don’t take a guess, or round measurements up or down. When you’re specific with sizing, the pricing will follow suit. Also, make sure you speak with your distributor about exactly when the product will be available and how long installation will take. It’s best to be upfront and ask about any additional shipping or stocking fees, and what the warranty offers.
As an added tip, be sure to search the various price ranges on bathroom products including tiles, vanities, and other elements. Typically, most manufacturers have a range of good, better, and best. Sometimes you can find considerable savings on products that may be slightly older, but just as beautiful and durable as the latest release.
2) Planning the Layout Poorly
As we've written about before, bathrooms are notoriously challenging to design due to their smaller scale. While some consider this a limitation, we view it as an opportunity to craft a well-thought-out layout. With a bit of preplanning, you can maximise each item to your advantage.
First, we should address the topic of cost as it relates to the layout. One of the most expensive aspects of renovating a bathroom will be relocating items that require new plumbing. If you were to move a toilet, for example, this becomes more expensive than simply replacing it. As such, working with the existing setup will be more efficient in terms of the budget. Of course, there may be times when you do need to move an item. Just be sure that it provides a clear benefit to the original placement.
Next, be sure that your functional needs are met. For example, do you have an electrical power point in the right spot for your convenience? Is there proper lighting over the mirror so that you can see what you're doing? Is the medicine cabinet easily accessible, or is it in an awkward space behind the door? All these considerations become important when using the space daily.
3) Using Timber or Other Non-Waterproof Flooring
For many years, wood floors were all the rage. In bathrooms and other spaces where water is present, this became problematic over time. Put simply, timber floors are prone to mould and mildew in wet areas. For this reason, it’s no longer considered an acceptable solution in the E3/AS1 Internal Moisture Building Code.
Don't get us wrong, we believe wooden floors are quite beautiful. However, in bathrooms and spaces where water is present, they can become rather problematic. At Archant, we’re passionate about finding solutions to issues and barriers that may prevent a project from moving forward. To merely point out the problems with wooden floors and not offer an alternative wouldn’t be in your best interest.
In our experience, a better flooring alternative is large-format porcelain tiles. Unlike wood, these are non-porous. This is advantageous as porcelain has a lower absorption rate, creating a safe, waterproof surface. Should water pool upon the surface, there’s no need to worry. It won’t penetrate the tile and is easy to clean up. Additionally, the larger size of the tiles makes for easier installation and less grout to maintain. Furthermore, you’re able to choose from dozens of beautiful colours and patterns while knowing they’ll last for the foreseeable future.
What Does Your Ideal Bathroom Look Like?
We know that the ideal bathroom looks different for everyone. Take some time to think about your family and household needs. Then, start to craft a moodboard with colour palettes, materials, and other ideas. Take a look at our new catalogue for inspiration or visit one of our showrooms to gather some samples and ideas. The more detailed information you can accrue, the greater your chances of success with your bathroom renovation.
Download Our Free Archant Catalogue Today
Did you know our Archant Catalogue is available to read online or as a downloadable PDF? Use this free resource to browse our wide range of design solutions including stylish porcelain surfaces to upscale your bathroom. Check out the real-world project images while reviewing essential product specs. Organise your upcoming design plans with measurements, colour options, finishes, and more. This densely packed catalogue is sure to bring your design vision one step closer to reality.
Related Links
How Much Should I Budget for a Bathroom Renovation in New Zealand? (Pricing Guide)
5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Renovating a Bathroom
4 Dazzling Ways to Use Porcelain Outside the Kitchen
How Much Should You Be Spending on a Bathroom Vanity? (Pricing Comparison)
The Main Problem with Bathroom Design, and How Porcelain Can be a Fitting Solution
Small Bathroom, Big Design – 5 Tips for Renovating Your Bathroom with Style
Confused About Tile? Three Popular Tiling Solutions to Move Your Design Forward
The Next Big Thing in Flooring – Large Format Porcelain
Four Trendsetting Ideas for Upscaling a Bathroom with Porcelain
10 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Porcelain Vanity for Your Bathroom Redesign
