The bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but that doesn’t make them the least important. These tips will help you make the most every last square inch when you’re planning to redesign or revamp your bathroom.
Renovating bathrooms: what you can, can’t and should never do
Do:
Sit in a bathtub before buying it
“Bigger isn’t always better” according to the Home Innovations Display Centre in Mornington, Victoria. “A 60-inch tub is fine for most people, as it offers enough room to stretch out and provides a secure foothold, so you don’t float into oblivion when the tub is full,” they point out. By climbing into the bath yourself at the showroom, you’ll be able to best decide which tub is the most comfortable fit.
Add the illusion of space
Mirrors can transform the look and feel of your bathroom so don’t hold back. You may decide that one beautifully framed mirror over a sink is more attractive than many surfaces covered with mirror, or you may elect to cover an entire wall with reflective surfaces.
Don’t:
Select cheap flooring
Flooring is not the place to scrimp and save, because when you’re choosing flooring for your bathroom, you want durable, strong materials that will stand the test of time. This doesn’t mean you have to select the top of the range marble or expensive stone tiles, but you do need to seek out the best quality flooring you can afford.
Opt for a basic toilet
Whether it’s your home or an investment property, the toilet is an important part of your bathroom. In fact, some would argue that it’s the most crucial feature of the room! Go for comfort and style over affordability. “When buying a toilet, it’s not necessary for you to spend a lot of money,” advises the Home Innovations Display Centre. “You can get a good-quality one-piece toilet for about $600. Models with elongated bowls and seats are usually most comfortable.”
Never:
Get too trendy
While style is important, bathrooms can be expensive to overhaul, so you don’t want to create a space that is so on-trend it needs to be updated again in five years time. Five years ago black walls and surfaces were in vogue, as were tiny mosaic tile features, but these style touches have fallen out of favour recently. Your best bet is to go with proven, long-lasting design choices that will work for years to come; remember, you can always accentuate with your own personal touches through towels, window treatments and décor.
Request just one quote
Whenever you’re engaging suppliers or contractors, it pays to obtain at least three separate quotes before proceeding, so you can get an accurate idea of how much the job will cost.
Source: yourmortgage.com.au
