Renovating your bathroom is a big job, and can be a daunting project for many people. Of course, you want the renovation to go as quickly and as smoothly as possible. Aside from choosing your suite, there are a couple of things to consider beforehand to help you get prepared, reducing the risk of nasty surprises and spiralling costs!
Before hiring your contractor, make sure you know the timescales for your bathroom suite to be ready. If you’re re-tiling the room, new tiles can take a few weeks to arrive. You’ll also want to consider any custom-built units that you’ll be installing. Being organised in your time planning will reduce both the chance of delays and also your labour costs.
Choose a contractor you already know or who has been recommended by a friend. If something goes wrong, it can be much less stressful with a contractor you trust isn’t ripping you off. If you don’t know anyone, use websites that offer reviews of tradesmen so you know what you’re getting before you commit.
Take the time to create a comprehensive budget. Labour will take up much of the cost, especially if you are gutting the bathroom, and you should always add on 20% extra to insure yourself against any emergencies or delays. Decide beforehand how much you want to spend on fixtures and accessories - these costs can quickly spiral.
Having a clear idea of at least some aspects of your bathroom will help your contractors get the work done much more efficiently. When thinking about renovating your bathroom, it's worth doing research into what kind of fixtures will suit your needs; whether a luxurious shower is important to help you get ready for your day, or whether the practicality of a towel heater is more important. Even things as simple as taps might need a lot of thought, with so many now designed to be extra sleek and stylish. If you know what you want your bathroom to look like, and what needs you want it to fulfil, then you and your contractors will be able to work together for your dream bathroom as quickly as possible, and within your budget.
With big jobs, something can very suddenly go wrong. With a bathroom renovation, this is often due to water damage, an unfortunate problem in older properties. A reputable contractor will assess the bathroom before beginning work, and although many problems can’t be fixed in advance, it helps to know about them so you aren’t caught unawares. Research the age of your house, and common plumbing issues that might come up. You can then plan your time and budget accordingly.
Want a step-by-step guide on how to complete specific parts of your brand new bathroom? Check out our guides on fitting new taps and bathroom lighting zones.
