According to data from the Australian Housing Industry Association (HIA), bathroom upgrades make up 27% of all home improvement projects in Australia. This means that bathroom upgrades are by far the most requested type of home improvement project.
There’s a good reason for that. Your bathroom is one of the most frequented places in your home, next to the kitchen and bedroom. It’s only natural that it gets a fair share of wear and tear.
We’ve spent years helping homeowners in Perth transform their bathrooms from dull, tired spaces into warm and inviting sanctuaries.
Our long and varied experience allows us to quickly spot when a bathroom needs an urgent upgrade.
In this guide, we’re sharing some key insights gained over the years of doing bathroom makeovers, including from our own hands-on experience as well as from the many conversations we’ve had with homeowners just like you.
What Does Bathroom Renovation Entail?
Before we get to the tell-tale signs of a tired bathroom, what does a bathroom renovation really entail?
Sometimes when we receive a call to inspect a faulty tap, some homeowners are initially shocked when we tell them that their whole bathroom might need an overhaul.
The reality is most bathroom renovations are not complex and expensive. The key is to plan ahead and within your budget.
A bathroom renovation can be anything from a simple aesthetic upgrade to a complete overhaul of the plumbing system and all fixtures.
No matter what needs fixing in your bathroom, a renovation plan should aim at making the space functional.
For instance, a simple leaky tap might be a sign of a major underlying plumbing issue. In this case it might be wiser to fix the whole plumbing system, rather than replacing the tap with a more aesthetic new one.
We typically start every project with a detailed inspection, as every bathroom renovation project should.
Using the report from the inspection, you’re able to make a more informed decision in choosing materials.
Of course, we offer our expert guidance when selecting materials, but ultimately, we value your input and choices.
With the upgrade plan and the materials in place, the actual fixing starts.
What’s the Typical Scope in a Bathroom Renovation?
As hinted on in the previous section, bathroom renovation projects vary in size.
Some projects are a mere aesthetic makeover entailing a fresh coat of paint on the walls and a couple of tile changes.
Other projects are a complete renovation that entails installing a new plumbing system.
The scope of a renovation project is determined from the inspection report. The scope can also be influenced by the client’s personal choices for an upgrade.
For instance, if you need a change in layout of your bathroom, there’s going to be some extensive reworking of the piping and fixtures. That’s going to be a big project.
On the other hand, if all you need is a change in the type of tiling, then that may be a fairly straightforward upgrade.
From our experience, a typical bathroom upgrade in Perth entails installing new fixtures here and there, plus a change of tiling materials.
That said, every project is unique and that’s how we approach every client request for a bathroom renovation.
What Are the Benefits of Upgrading Your Bathroom?
Like every home improvement project, a bathroom makeover costs money. But is an upgrade worth your investment?
From our experience, a bathroom upgrade is always worth the investment if handled expertly.
These are some of the benefits you’re likely to reap from a revamped bathroom:
Increased safety: No matter how well maintained your fixtures are, they will undergo the brunt of wear and tear. This makes them a safety hazard.
The older your bathroom, the more likely it is to have hazards. Typical culprits include slippery floors, broken pipes, and a build up of mould.
Renovation takes care of these hazards and makes your bathroom a lot safer.
Improved energy efficiency: Newer fixtures are built with the environment in mind. That means they’re built to conserve energy and save water as much as possible.
With most of our renovation projects, we recommend fixtures that save energy and conserve water. In the long run, not only will your energy and water bills come down but you’ll also be making a small contribution towards conserving the environment.
Increased home value: When you decide to list your home after a bathroom upgrade, there’s no doubt it’s going to fetch higher bids than if the bathroom was in its old state.
Quick fact: The average return on investment for a carefully executed bathroom makeover in Perth ranges from 75 to 100% of the renovation costs when you put your house up for sale.
In all, upgrading your bathroom is a worthwhile investment on many fronts, not just in terms of savings realized down the line but also in terms of conserving utilities.
5 Signs that your bathroom is due for a makeover
If you notice any of the following signs in your bathroom, it’s time for an upgrade:
Aging fixtures and an outdated design
The Housing Industry Association estimates that a typical bathroom in Australian homes needs a revamp every 15 to 20 years.
If your bathroom fixtures are more than 15 years old, that’s a clear sign that you need an expert’s eye to take a look.
On a recent project in Cottesloe, we discovered during inspection that the client’s bathroom still sported its original android-green suite from 1979.
Although some vintage fixtures add character, outdated elements are often a sign of issues lurking underneath.
Here’s a guide to fixture lifespan (based on data from):
- Toilets: 15 – 20 years
- Vanities: 15 – 20 years
- Showerheads: 8 -12 years
- Tapware: 10 – 15 years
Persistent Plumbing Issues
A common issue we see all too often is homeowners spending hundreds of dollars on repeat plumbing fixes that keep coming back.
When one of our clients from Mount Lawley called about her third faulty tap in as many months, we immediately knew it was more than just fixing a leaky tap. The repeated drips were symptoms of an outdated plumbing system that needed a complete overhaul.
Based on data from the Master Plumbers Association of Western Australia, homes that are 30 years old or more get more than 70% more plumbing problems than newer homes.
A cost analysis we did on one of our recent clients who did a complete renovation:
- Client had spent $2900 on repeated bathroom fixes during the previous 18 months before the renovation.
- $0 was spent in the 18 months after we completely overhauled the bathroom, which eliminated all recurring issues.
Typical signs of an underlying plumbing problem:
- Persistent leaking even after a fix
- Inconsistent water pressure
- Discoloured water
- Unusually higher water bills
- Unexplained musty odours
Insufficient Space
Space constraints are a common problem for many homeowners in Perth, especially in older homes.
A carefully thought out renovation plan can solve space issues by rethinking the layout.
While bathroom size is dictated by various factors – including minimum standard size required by building regulations and the available space – a good spatial design should work for you, not against you.
It’s all about using the available space wisely.
Some smart space solutions we’d recommended include:
- Wall-mounted vanities
- Corner units to utilize dead space
- Hidden storage within mirror cabinets
- Corner units to utilise dead space
Presence of Mould
Mould in the bathroom isn’t only a bad sight but also a potential health risk. According to the National Asthma Council Australia, mould is a risk factor for respiratory issues.
Mould typically grows in humid conditions, and the high humidity that characterises Perth’s coastal climate makes it a common occurrence.
However, the presence of mould alone isn’t an automatic indication that a renovation is needed. Usually, we assess several other related factors before recommending a complete overhaul.
If we detect mould in your bathroom, we’ll also assess several other factors to determine if a complete upgrade is required, including:
- Bathroom ventilation: Is the exhaust fan in proper working condition? Is it sufficiently powerful for the bathroom?
- Waterproofing: Is your waterproofing water-tight? Are there any leakages through cracked tiles or grout?
- Age of your bathroom and maintenance practices: How old are the fixtures in your bathroom? How have you been maintaining your bathroom?
A full assessment determines whether you need an isolated anti-mould solution or a total makeover of the bathroom.
Unusually High Water and Energy Bills
If your water and energy bills are unusually high, it’s time to take a closer look at your bathroom fixtures, especially lighting, toilet system, faucets, taps, and other water-using devices.
Outdated fixtures are major culprits when it comes to water wastage in bathrooms.
According to Water Corporation WA, showers alone account for almost 22% of household water usage. Moreover, most of it is heated, which leads to a higher energy bill. If your fixtures are outdated, your bills are going to shoot through the roof.
We recommend a complete replacement of outdated fixtures with newer, more efficient ones if our inspection reveals a connection between high bills and old fixtures.
Tip: When sourcing new taps, showers, toilets, and other water-suing bathroom fixtures, check their ratings with the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme to gauge their efficiency.
How to Plan for Your Bathroom Renovation: What We’ve Learned
Having assisted hundreds of Perth homeowners through their bathroom makeovers, we’ve learned that successful bathroom renovations boil down to three key factors:
1. Careful Planning
For many homeowners, the default reaction is to request for a quick fix when they notice a fault in their bathroom.
However, we always advise our clients to step back and consider their long term needs.
The planning phase typically lasts two weeks but it can save you thousands of dollars down the line in rectification works.
Our typical planning checklist goes as follows:
- Define your must-do changes
- Decide on a budget (affordable, mid-range, luxury, or fairly priced)
- Make your choices for the materials
- Consider long-term needs
- Account for eventualities
2. Choosing Quality Over Cheap Quick Fixes
In our 20 years of doing bathroom renovations, we’ve never had a single client regret investing in quality materials and expertise, even though they might be initially pricey.
However, we’ve had many experiences of clients coming to us to rectify a badly fixed device because some ‘cheap’ handyman tried to cut corners.
Here’s a typical investment breakdown for a high quality bathroom upgrade:
- Fixtures: 25% of budget
- Plumbing works: 20% of budget
- Tiling : 25% of budget
- Waterproofing: 15% of budget
- Professional or labour fees: 15% of budget
3. Professional expertise
While a good DIY spirit is admirable (and there are many aspects of bathroom renovation that you can handle by yourself), some elements are strictly better left to professionals.
Here’s one case study of a DIY gone wrong: A well-meaning DIYer client in Mount Hawthorn thought they had fixed a waterproofing fault in their bathroom once and for all. When they called us in to take a look after the problem recurred, we discovered a huge waterproofing disaster that was totally preventable with a small touch of professional expertise.
Looking Ahead
Your bathroom should be functional, first and foremost. But it should also bring you comfort each time you use it. If you’re seeing any of these signs, it might be time to call professional help.
Conclusion
Every successful bathroom makeover starts with a conversation. If you’re struggling with persistent issues that need fixing, or just want an upgrade to improve your comfort levels, taking the first-step to overhaul your bathroom is always worth it.
We’re happy to have led hundreds of projects where problem bathroom spaces were turned into joyful sanctuaries.
FAQs
How long does it take to completely overhaul a bathroom?
Every bathroom renovation project is unique. The project duration varies depending on many factors but the standard we’ve seen is between two weeks and two months.
Simple fixture updates take a few days while bigger projects involving structural changes take longer.
What are the most cost-effective bathroom makeovers?
You can achieve a successful bathroom upgrade cost effectively. This may include installing newer and more efficient faucets, installing newer energy-efficient lighting, and replacing old tiles with newer, eco-friendly types. You can achieve these changes without breaking the bank yet while greatly enhancing the value of your home.
Will the renovation add value to my home?
Yes. When you renovate your bathroom and update faulty or old fixtures with new ones of higher quality, the overall value of your home will increase too.
To ensure that you reap all the benefits of a good bathroom upgrade, choose quality materials and hire the services of professionals.