The successful completion of an amazing bathroom doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a lot of planning to think through all the various elements that are required to make the space comfortable for both you and your family. Considering this is one of the more expensive areas to remodel in a house, you want to do it properly the first time around.
At Archant, we’re keenly aware of the various challenges that present themselves in these smaller spaces. In homes and businesses around New Zealand, we’ve been part of thousands of gorgeous bathroom renovations. These projects all followed a similar path to success. Rather than keeping these design tips a secret, we thought it would be helpful to share them with you, our valued readers.
When you invest time and money into a bathroom remodel, it should be something you enjoy for many years to come. With that, let’s look at eight of the dos and don’ts to making your bathroom remodel a huge success.
1) DO – Design a Spectacular Shower
The shower will inevitably be one of the most used elements in the bathroom. In comparison, most families don’t use a tub very often. This is a prime opportunity to add a luxurious feel to the room. Instead of resorting to a small box shape design, consider utilising a bit more space. A shower that measures approximately 1 x 2 meters will feel spacious and provide convenient storage for shampoo, body wash, etc.
Some of the most elegant showers we’ve seen are quite minimalist in their design. Lining the walls and floor with large-format porcelain will be a stunning addition while making maintenance a breeze. Add the showerhead of your liking for an extra touch of elegance. And while these add-ons will raise the cost slightly, they will pay for themselves over time as you and your family enjoy them.
2) DON’T – Skimp on the Storage
It’s tempting to skimp on bathroom storage space since the room has a small footprint. In truth, this approach will save space, but the trade-off is a lack of functional convenience. For example, if you don’t have easy access to essential linens and toiletries, you will likely regret it. So, how does one create sufficient storage in a bathroom?
Consider sizable but hidden medicine cabinets, cabinets that are integrated into the vanity. Think about adding stylish shelving, and even versatile hooks, both of which can be quite useful. By making storage a priority when designing your bathroom remodel, the overall usefulness of the space will be decidedly improved.
3) DO - Expect the Unexpected
When you’re planning a bathroom remodel, it’s wise to set aside some budget resources in case an unexpected issue arises. The cost of plumbing and electrical work, for example, can add up rather quickly. Rather than getting caught off guard, we recommend making space for some unforeseen expenses. And if everything should progress without a hitch, you’ll have some extra funds set aside. This mindset is not just for monetary considerations, but the timeframe for the project completion as well. Having expectations is a good thing, but allowing for some flexibility will make the process feel less stressful.
4) DO - Invest in Quality Tiles
Take a walk through any home improvement store and you’ll notice a huge array of tiles with a variety of price ranges. Put simply, there’s no shortage of tile options available to consumers today. This can be seen as a positive thing, but only if you’re choosing a tile that lasts. Otherwise, you’ll soon have another expense to replace them again.
This is where our large format porcelain tiles are a game changer. Not only are they beautiful, but they are an ideal solution for showers, flooring, and walls where water is present. The non-porous nature prevents mould and mildew from building up. These high-quality tiles come with a lifetime warranty for additional confirmation of their robust durability.
5) DON’T – Go it Alone!
At Archant, we sometimes hear from clients who attempted to tackle their bathroom renovation on their own and ended up running into some issues. As Kiwis, we love the DIY spirit and encourage homeowners to be self-sufficient. Yet, with a bathroom remodel, there’s a surprising number of things that can go wrong if you’re not a well-trained professional. When you hire a reputable tradesperson, you can rest easy knowing the elements will be installed correctly. And while this does come at a cost, it can save money in the long run when done properly.
6) DO - Ensure Sufficient Lighting
Although most bathrooms are smaller in scale, good lighting is essential. Having a single bulb in an overhead fixture is a good start, but not entirely sufficient. Whether you are applying makeup or shaving, visibility is key! Natural light is helpful, but what about when it gets dark? This is where pendant lights and other fixtures over the vanity can make a difference. Be sure to choose energy-efficient LEDs which longer, use less power, and come in varying light temperatures and brightness.
7) DON’T - Cut Corners and Rush the Job
As any real estate expert will tell you, a successful bathroom renovation will add value to your home. This is true in both terms of resale value, but also just in how much you’ll enjoy the space while you own the home. Too often though, we read online about customers who’ve had nightmarish experiences with their bathroom remodel.
In researching what has gone wrong with these jobs, it usually stems from a lack of preparation. For example, without accurate measurements, it’s impossible to ascertain the precise cost of raw materials. It’s understandable to be excited about having a new bathroom, but if you take your time and enjoy the design process, the outcome will be much better for it. Don’t fall into the trap of setting unrealistic time frames. A job that’s done well may take a bit more time, but the overall quality will be evident.
8) DO - Choose a Vanity with Space
Perhaps no other aspect of the bathroom impacts the overall look and functionality like the vanity. It’s the focal point of the entire room and will also be in heavy use. Ideally speaking, the vanity you choose should combine both style and function. The size is a key component in choosing the right one. If your vanity is too small, you limit several important aspects of the bathroom right away. This includes the potential size of the bowl, storage on the surface of the vanity, and storage underneath.
The average size for a single bowl vanity should measure approximately 75 x 125cm. For larger families and double bowl configurations, plan for a vanity of about 150 x 180cm. These again, are approximate numbers, but a good starting point for your measurements and research.
Is the Perfect Bathroom Remodel Possible?
At Archant, we’ve seen some immaculate bathroom projects in which the clients loved the outcome. This is our goal for every bathroom remodel in New Zealand. As noted above, it takes careful planning, an eye for quality materials, patience, and a team of experts working alongside you. This is where our design professionals can make a world of difference. Our NZ showrooms are staffed with friendly and knowledgeable consultants to guide you in the right direction. Make an appointment to discuss your ideal bathroom renovation, and we’ll gladly help see it through to completion.
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