With the average bathroom renovation ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, it’s crucial to set your bathroom renovation budget properly at the beginning of your project so no nasty surprises arise. But, setting a renovation budget isn’t an easy task and the costs of tiling, plumbing, fixtures and electrical expenses can add up.
The experts at Highgrove Bathrooms recommend breaking down the mammoth task of a bathroom renovation into these categories, allocating 40 per cent of your budget to fixtures, 35 per cent to tiling, 20 per cent to plumbing and the last 5 per cent to electricals.
Fixtures
Accounting for nearly half of your renovation budget, the fixtures you choose can make or break the look of your budget. If you have the money, the key fixtures to splurge on are your cabinetry, toilet and bathtub (if you’re incorporating one).
Having enough storage space for your bathroom is crucial to not only hosting all of your bits and pieces, but for keeping your bathroom looking chic and tidy. Opting for a wall-hung vanity is a great way to free up floor space and will give the illusion of a bigger bathroom.
When choosing your toilet, consider its water efficiency rating as well as how easy it will be to keep clean. If you are going to include a bathtub, freestanding tubs are perfect for adding an extra touch of luxury while maximising space.
Be wary of blowing your budget on fancy mirrors, robe hooks, tapware, basins and towel racks as quality, affordable accessories are readily available and can be easily updated later.
Tiling
The amount of your budget that you will dedicate to your tiles will, of course, depend on the size of your space and how high you want your wall tiling to go. Keep in mind floor-to-ceiling wall tiles is a luxury bathroom trend that’s high-impact and can instantly add value to your home.
Ranging anywhere from between $30 to $200 per square metre, the final tile price will depend on whether you opt for a basic or opulent look. Complex designs like mosaics and herringbone patterns are more expensive and can cost more to lay, too. On top of the price of your tiles, the actual installation can set you back around $40 per square metre – including things like site preparation, labour, glue and grout. Make sure you professionally waterproof the areas around your toilet, vanity, shower and bathtub to protect the integrity of your floors and walls.
If your tiles are still in good condition, you could consider re-grouting instead of completely replacing. Opting for a bit of facelift rather than a complete overhaul will save you a lot of money, and in some cases, that fresh white grout is all that’s needed for a brand new look!
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Plumbing
Plumbing is the one aspect of your bathroom renovation that you shouldn’t skimp on. Poor plumbing can lead to huge problems later down the track and some products are only covered by warranty if they are professionally installed.
The hourly rate of a plumber is $80 on average, or they can charge per task. To completely renovate and rearrange the space, your plumber will need more time to extend and change the current layout to suit your new bathroom plan. Always get a quote and avoid changing your original plans if possible!
Electricals
Electricals can be overlooked when planning a bathroom renovation budget but include things such as exhaust fans, downlights, LED mirrors, heated towel rails, power points and light switches. Always plan your electricals before doing any tiling as it’s much easier to run the necessary wires and cables.
Lighting around the vanity is the most important part of the bathroom as it’s where you’ll be carrying out daily activities like brushing teeth, shaving, applying make-up and so on. Consider LED lighting or an LED mirror to help illuminate the area.
To ensure your bathroom renovations go smoothly, talk to the experts first – that is your plumber, tiler and electrician to help you avoid any costly mistakes. Finally, the experts at Highgrove Bathrooms recommend allowing a 10 per cent buffer for unexpected costs that may come up along the way during your bathroom renovation.
