How to Keep Bathroom Renovation Costs Down
Bathroom renovation projects are one of the most popular ways to transform an older home. Once relegated to a simple utility, bathrooms have quickly become interior design centrepieces, and a renovation can turn older spaces into standout features. The only challenge is that bathrooms contain lots of fittings, plumbing, tiling and expensive features. If you have grand plans in mind, controlling your budget might not be simple. In this article we’ll cover how to keep bathroom renovation costs down and some of the things you can do to focus your spending in the right areas.
1. Hire the Best Tradespeople You Can
The trades you choose to work with can have a major impact on the cost of your bathroom renovation. Tradespeople that provide high quality services typically offer more support and better results. This streamlines the renovation process, minimises the risk of unexpected problems and ensures the project adds value to your home.
It’s still worth shopping around and getting quotes from multiple builders before you make a decision. But, when comparing quotes, consider their past work and customer reviews to help choose the best tradespeople you can afford. Their support will be invaluable and you’ll be in good hands, even if challenges pop up along the way.
2. Handle the Demolition Work Yourself
Most parts of the bathroom renovation process are a job for professionals. In New South Wales, the plumbing, building and waterproofing work needs to be performed by a licensed trade. However, if you know what you’re doing, you can handle some of the demolition work yourself.
Before starting any demolition work, talk to your builder about plumbing and electrical supply. Damaging plumbing or wiring can be dangerous and costly, and it’s a bad way to start your project. Working around plumbing and electrical fittings, you can handle demolition work like dismantling vanities and cabinets, removing tiling and cleaning up the space. This work is labour-intensive and can save money when it’s time for the rebuild to begin.
3. Maintain Existing Plumbing Locations
The simplest thing you can do to reduce the cost of a bathroom renovation is to maintain existing plumbing (and electrical) locations. Moving these services can be a major expense, especially if you’re shifting a toilet or shower. Try to work within the existing layout wherever possible. It’s not a big deal to change shower fixtures or a wall faucet, but do your best to leave drains and waste pipes where they are, especially if you have concrete slab flooring.
4. Be Selective With Your Tiling
Tiling is one of the biggest expenses in a bathroom renovation. There are millions of options available, with some of the high end surfaces costing thousands of dollars per square metre. The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to get stunning, natural tiles, and there are things you can do to minimise the expense:
Reduce the amount of tiled area. The less tiling you do, the more affordable your renovation will be. Alternatives like painted surfaces and cement sheeting can help you achieve a stunning result for a fraction of the cost of tiles.
Mix and match tiles. If you have your heart set on expensive tiles then consider whether you can add affordable alternatives to your palette. For instance, you could use a marble tile on the floors, but install a contrasting porcelain tile on the walls. This adds design flair and reduces your overall tiling bill.
Search for affordable alternatives. There is always an affordable alternative when it comes to tiles. While you should avoid using cheap tiles and surfaces, it’s worth considering similar brands and styles. Especially if you have your eye on products like genuine marble tiles, man made surfaces could provide a comparable result without blowing the budget.
5. Make Feature Elements the Hero
Investing in high quality surfaces, fittings and materials is a great way to make your bathroom renovation stand out. It’s also a good way to drive the cost of the project through the roof.
If you are looking to keep costs down, you don’t have to spend big on every single detail of your new bathroom. Instead, focus your spending in areas that matter, and use feature elements to elevate the space. For example, you could choose to save money by purchasing more affordable tiles, and then spend more on a feature vanity and mirror combination. Feature elements naturally draw attention and give the impression that you have used the highest quality materials throughout. Saving your budget for these areas allows you to invest in materials that improve the overall appearance and elevate the design of your bathroom.
Turn Your Bathroom Into a Standout Feature with SSR Projects!
Bathrooms are some of the most important rooms in the home. They get used all day every day, and a renovation project can turn these utility areas into standout features. Whether you’re looking to add value, update an older space or turn an ensuite into a private oasis, the team from SSR Projects is ready to help! SSR Projects is a renovation builder operating across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. We focus on using quality materials to craft outstanding spaces that can turn any part of your home into its crown jewel. Contact us today if you’d like to make an appointment or find out more about our bathroom renovation services!