Renovating a bathroom is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and consideration. You need to explore the reasons for a bathroom renovation, the practical considerations, and what help you need to achieve your goals.
Don’t move, improve
If you love your location but find your home needs some updating, renovating can be a better option than moving. Bathroom renovations, in particular, can mean better functionality, space, style, comfort, and efficiency. This is especially beneficial for growing families or changing needs, allowing you to stay in the home you love while adapting it to your current lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to update the aesthetics, improve functionality, repair broken fixtures and leaky showers or increase the value of your home, FlowFix Plumbing in Orewa can work with you and guide you through the whole bathroom renovation process.
The complexity of bathroom renovations
Although the bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house, it’s one of the most complex to renovate. This is due to the various elements involved, such as tiles, vanities, sanitary ware, taps, tubs, plumbing, tiling, and electrical work. Because each of these require specialised skills, bathroom renovations can be a challenging and often expensive project. Therefore, it’s important to take your time, do thorough research, and choose a reliable project manager, like FlowFix Plumbing, to oversee the renovation.
Weighing the pros and cons of bathroom renovations
Pros
– Increased Property Value: Bathroom renovations can significantly increase the value of your property.
– Adapting to Changing Needs: Renovations can make your home more modern, stylish, comfortable, and functional.
– Energy Savings: Modern fixtures and fittings can lead to future energy savings.
– Higher Rent for Investment Properties: Renovations can enable you to charge higher rent, thus increasing your returns.
Cons
– Temporary Relocation: Depending on the scale of the project, you may need to move out while renovations are taking place.
– Unexpected Costs: Renovations often end up costing more than initially anticipated.
Making informed decisions: Considerations and concerns
Before embarking on a bathroom renovation, it’s important to understand your motivations. You need to determine whether the work is intended to simply modernise the bathroom or to upgrade or replace existing fixtures. Relocating or adding fixtures is more expensive than simple replacements. Consider if the existing space is sufficient for your planned alterations and whether the current plumbing layout will support your new design.
Old bathrooms often have underlying issues like leaky showers, mould, and loose tiles. Renovating not only improves aesthetics but also ensures that fixtures and fittings are working properly, preventing future problems.
Are you renovating for personal comfort and enjoyment, or to add value for renting or selling? If the property isn’t your forever home and you plan to move within a few years, a costly renovation may not be the best investment.
Assessing the value add
Different renovations offer varying returns on investment. Major renovations like kitchen or bathroom upgrades tend to add substantial value.
According to Property Brokers, a dated bathroom can decrease your home’s value as prospective buyers see it as a costly project. Conversely, a well-renovated bathroom is widely considered to increase a home’s value. However, a good rule of thumb, according to Archipro, is to not spend more than 10% of your home’s current market value on renovations. Getting an appraisal from real estate professionals can help you understand how much value your renovation will add. It’s crucial to balance the cost of renovations with the potential increase in your home’s value.
Cost of bathroom renovations
The cost of a bathroom renovation can vary widely based on the size of the bathroom and the scope of the renovations. A basic renovation can cost around $6,000, while a high-end bathroom can reach up to $60,000. Choosing a skilled project manager can streamline the process, ensuring tradespeople are managed in a coordinated timeframe and reducing downtime. FlowFix Plumbing can provide a realistic estimate of renovation costs and help determine if it’s a worthwhile investment.
Practical considerations for a bathroom makeover
What’s the plan?
Without a well-thought-out plan, there’s a real risk of overcapitalisation – spending more on renovations than the potential increase in property value. Start with a clear budget, define your expectations, fully understand your reasons for a bathroom renovation and allocate a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Tips for starting your plan:
– Visualise Your Ideas: Draw an image of your envisioned bathroom.
– Consult Professionals: Ask a builder or architect to visit and provide input.
– Request Quotes: Builders can include or exclude trades in their quotes. If excluded, you will need to request quotes individually.
Must-haves and nice-to-haves
Create a list of essential and desired features. Prioritising your needs helps control costs and avoid overspending. FlowFix Plumbing can work with you to assess the total cost of your renovation, including materials, labour, and additional fees.
Local council consent
Understand the requirements for local authority consent regarding your planned work. Properly completed work ensures compliance with regulations and avoids future issues when selling your property. Bathroom alterations often require consent for changes to plumbing, drainage, exterior walls, and FlowFix can help.
Asking for renovation help early on
FlowFix Plumbing can assist you right from the start, discussing project costs and helping you understand the total investment required. Take advantage of end-to-end services, managing the entire renovation process from design to completion.
Let the renovation magic begin
FlowFix Plumbing can transform your bathroom, making your home a better place to be. By carefully considering the reasons for a bathroom renovation and working with experienced professionals like FlowFix Plumbing, your bathroom renovation can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Contact FlowFix Plumbing today to discuss your renovation needs and start planning your dream bathroom.