Visualise your dream bathroom and the difference that it will make in your life. But don't forget to set a realistic budget first!
If you are on a budget, you'll probably find that you can't change your vanity. However, you could change your taps, paint the room, or just do a cosmetic renovation and stay comfortably under that amount.
A basic bathroom renovation, including the replacement of the vanity, tiles, and fixtures, can vary in cost depending on the size, scope, location, and finishes.
A bathroom renovation in a capital city would typically be on the top end of this range, while a regional location would be on the bottom end.
Most mid-range renovations take between two and four weeks on-site to complete. Remember to use your postcode in the calculator, as it could be a big difference.
Don't compromise on the most important stuff. Plumbing and waterproofing must be top priorities because cutting corners here could result in costly damage down the track. The next most important thing to do is update the fixtures.
The usual budget blow-outs are the relocation of a plumbing drain point, the upgrade of the electrical, and the discovery of failing waterproofing behind existing tiles.
The easiest way to save thousands of dollars is to keep the fixtures in the same locations: the basin, toilet, and shower where they are now.
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Smart Material Choices That Save Money
Select products that will suit your space and your budget.
For flooring and walling, ceramic tiles are one of the more common low-cost options.
Porcelain tiles are denser, have a lower porosity rate and are more suited to wet areas; It is important to note they are not the same thing, so you need to know what you are buying when selecting them.
When selecting floor tiles make sure that they meet the P-rating for wet areas. You can't skimp on slip resistance.
Vinyl plank flooring is another good choice for bathroom flooring, and you can install it for low price.
Laminate wall panels, not to be confused with laminate vanity top surfaces, are increasingly used as a quick, grout-free wall-cladding solution for shower surrounds.
Rectified tiles, where tiles are cut and machined on all sides to enable a more precise fit, tend to have tighter joint widths, a better finish and lower maintenance requirements, and it can be worth paying a few extra dollars for them.
DIY-Friendly Updates With Big Visual Impact
You can also save on labour costs by performing a few simple jobs yourself, no trade licence required.
Regrouting is such a great task for a weekend. If your grout is discoloured, your whole clean bathroom can look very outdated. Adding fresh grout could transform your look.
The cost to do it yourself is relatively low in materials, and you should set aside about a day to complete the task.
Resealing the silicone sealant around the basin, bath and shower base makes just as big a difference for next to nothing. Using quality moisture-resistant paint (specifically bathroom grade) is another great DIY opportunity.
This is important: all tapware connections, basin and toilet plumbing, and any electrical work (e.g., hardwiring an LED mirror or installing a heated towel rail) MUST be carried out by a licensed tradesperson, and waterproofing is no different.
Shower area walls must be waterproofed to not less than 1800 mm above the floor substrate. This isn't negotiable.
Affordable Vanity and Storage Solutions
Once the walls, floors and surfaces are taken care of, the vanity will become the focal point of the bathroom. It can also be one of the easiest things to find great value in, if you know what you're looking for.
Wall-hung vanities are a particularly good choice in smaller bathrooms. A 600 mm PVC wall-hung cabinet can be purchased. PVC is inherently resistant to water, so it makes sense at this price point. A 900 mm wall-hung cabinet in MDF or plywood will will cost more, depending on the finish and brand.
The cheapest bathroom vanity options that won't look cheap include flat-pack ranges from Lukka, offering great quality and value. Keep in mind, vanity cabinets are usually sold without a basin, mixer and waste fitting.
The vanity top is a completely separate component from the cabinet. For vanity top materials specifically, stone resin is durable; ceramic is great for tight budgets and easy cleaning; and laminate bench tops are a cheaper vanity top finish option, not to be confused with laminate wall panels used for wall cladding.
Finishing Touches That Go Further
With the vanity set in, the right accessories and fittings can make the entire room stand out without breaking the budget.
A framed mirror is a huge improvement on standard plain plate glass. A matte-black-framed mirror on a white tile wall provides strong contrast and is an easy styling choice.
For a little more light and storage, LED shaving cabinets are another great option. Note that hardwiring these requires a licensed electrician. Matching accessory finishes is the most cost-effective way to style a bathroom.
A towel rail, toilet roll holder and robe hook in the same finish will complete the room.
Ensure you request grade 304 stainless steel to be sure you are getting a product that won't rust.
All of these Stylish Bathroom Ideas can be executed on any reasonable budget and offer real value.
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