A bathroom makeover is one of the most challenging spaces in the home to tackle when it comes to home renovation. Obviously, space restrictions play a major part in this challenge, with the focus squarely on having to fit a lot into those small spaces in the most efficient, practical and aesthetically pleasing manner. From various flooring choices to different shower styles, vanities, tapware, cabinetry, toilets and more - there’s no shortage of decisions that need to be made. To help save you time and hopefully money when finalising your bathroom design plans, we have put together this handy guide to some of the questions you should be asking before starting out on your bathroom renovation journey.

Do I Need Building Consent To Renovate A Bathroom?

There are two basic areas to consider when obtaining building consent for bathroom renovations. The first is structural changes, such as removing an adjoining wall or extending a wall. Secondly, if any additions to existing plumbing are needed, both of these will require building consent. However, if you are just repositioning a toilet, shower or vanity, consent isn’t required (because there is no increase in the number of sanitary fittings). Installing a tiled shower or wet area tiling is an exception to the rule, with consent being required for this situation due to waterproofing issues. If there are any doubts about the work to be undertaken, always consult an architect, professional bathroom renovator, or local council for advice.

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A Bathroom?

As with any renovation, the cost will largely depend on a range of factors, including the size of your space, any functional improvements/additions, layout changes, the chosen materials, council consent fees, and whether or not your approach is design-led versus budget-led. For the budget-conscious, maintaining your existing layout (not moving too many plumbing or electrical fittings) will always be the most budget-friendly option. So, how much does a bathroom reno cost in 2024? Here is a rough price guide, but keep in mind that each individual situation will differ:

• Less than 10m2 – $10,000 – $30,000
• 10m2-20m2 – $20,000 – $50,000
• Over 20m2 – $40,000 – $60,000

What Are Your Most Important Bathroom Features?

Bathroom renovation is about making the space work better both practically and visually. Having a good understanding of what it is you want to achieve and the features that would increase the enjoyment of the bathroom space is an important part of the design process. Perhaps underfloor heating is a priority for you? Double basins, large mirrors or extra storage? Do you want coloured or patterned tiles? A skylight or feature lighting? In order to achieve the desired results and avoid disappointment while getting the best value for money, it is crucial to have a good understanding of what you actually want from your renovation project.

What Is The Best Flooring Solution For A Bathroom?

Where moisture is present, water-resistant materials are always going to be the focus both in design planning and in meeting regulatory requirements. Preventing water leakage, mould, and mildew from building up are always the main priorities in any bathroom space, that’s why flooring choice is especially important. So, what are the best flooring options for bathrooms in NZ? In terms of providing a non-slip surface and withstanding moisture and humidity, the 3 main bathroom flooring options are:

• Porcelain or Ceramic Bathroom Tiles – Durable option with lots of colours, designs, sizes etc, but can be cold underfoot.
• Vinyl and Vinyl Planking Bathroom Flooring – Hard-wearing option, easy to maintain and install plus it’s relatively inexpensive.
• Rigid/Hybrid Flooring For Bathroom – Also known as Stone Plastic Composite (SPC), this type of flooring is 100% waterproof and has minimal contraction and expansion, but it can be expensive.

Do I Need A Bath Or Just A Shower?

A very common question a lot of people face these days when renovating the bathroom is - are a shower and a bath really necessary? Gone are the days when a bath was an absolute must, with many families enjoying the convenience and water-saving shower-only option. For most homeowners the answer to this question tends to stem from the reason for their renovation. Are you renovating to meet the needs of your growing family? Is it for resale? Or is the bathroom just desperately in need of repairs? Younger children tend to love long baths filled with toys whereas a quick refresh for a young couple who are tight on money might mean a shower is all that is needed. If you are selling the home soon a luxurious looking bath might add value to the bathroom.

What About Ventilation?

Bathrooms are naturally wet areas that are subject to a lot of moisture every day. Keeping this space free from mould, mildew, and water damage relies heavily on good ventilation. Incorporating ventilation into your renovation is just as important as choosing the right flooring or vanity. For best results, both mechanical and natural ventilation should be included in the design. In most cases, this means the purchase of good extractor fans (be aware that not all extractor fans are created equal) and having an externally situated window that opens (and can be left open for extended periods). A window that can be left open to let fresh air in is favoured above mechanical ventilation alone.

How Can I Create Storage?

Bathrooms are small, so storage space is often hard to come by at the best times. Renovating your bathroom gives you the ideal opportunity to build in extra storage, create storage opportunities and allow for clever use of space. Think about where it is possible to add hidden cupboards, wall niches and shelving, which is difficult to retrofit, plus if you have cabinetry in mind, think about how this could be used to provide additional storage if given extra space.

What’s Behind The Existing Walls And Flooring?

Any kind of renovation results in some unexpected surprises at the demolition stage. The older the house, the more likely you are to find issues. Bathrooms are notorious for having rotten flooring, undiscovered leaks in the walls or plumbing that needs updating – all things that will need to be fixed before the actual renovation tasks can begin. Being prepared for what lies beneath those old tiles, behind that wall cladding or under that old carpet by setting up a contingency fund will put your mind at ease when facing unforeseen costs. Don’t forget to add in some extra time to the project schedule to cover the unforeseen repair tasks too!

What Kind Of Bathroom Vanity Should I Choose?

The vanity is the central focus point and a high-use area in a bathroom. Whether it's brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or just an opportunity to add a splash of design style, your vanity sets the tone for the whole bathroom. With so many different types of vanities on the market today and pricing that varies considerably, narrowing down the best option can be tricky. The best place to begin your search is by setting your price limit – this will not only narrow your search but also save time by helping avoid options that are out of your budget range. Quality of materials, sink layout, and bowl depth are some other factors that you will want to consider, along with colours, size and whether it's wall hanging or floor standing.

What Lighting Do I Need In A Bathroom?

Standard bathroom lighting fixtures include a centrally located light source controlled by one switch near the door which gives overall lighting needed for general use. The next level of lighting is task lighting, which might include lighting around the mirror, lighting in/around the shower or feature lighting that highlights certain areas. Some bathrooms also incorporate mood lighting, especially near the bath which might include dimmable lights or low-level soft light sources to facilitate a relaxing atmosphere. Sensor lighting is also a popular option for the elderly or those with young children - perfect for those late-night trips to the toilet where turning on the main lights is just too bright.

Freestanding Bath Vs Built-In?

Freestanding baths are a modern bathroom trend offering a slightly luxurious feel to a bathroom that has gained popularity over the years. Freestanding baths work well in almost any situation, but they do have some practical considerations, like having to be far enough from the wall to enable efficient cleaning and space/access for floor-standing fittings if necessary. Built-in baths are great for kids and adults, providing ledge areas for support and storage but they can be more difficult to clean and require tiling around the ledge areas. If you like the look of a freestanding bath but are limited by space, sometimes a back-to-wall bath is a good compromise to achieve a similar look and feel.

How Can I Make A Bathroom Look And Feel Bigger?

The most common question most bathroom renovators face is how to make the bathroom seem bigger. The problem most bathrooms face is limited space, so efficient use of available space is the key to successfully redesigning your bathroom. To avoid things feeling a bit cramped, some of the best tips are the simplest ones: use bigger size tiles on the floor and walls, choose colours carefully (it might be a bit cliché but white spaces always seem larger!), go for recessed or flush cabinetry handles make use of built-in storage. Remember, lighter shades and uncluttered spaces have the effect of making spaces feel larger and more open! Need help with your bathroom renovation project? Give Austin a call today at AA Bathrooms for professional advice on renovating and upgrading your bathroom.