by Gary Mays | Oct 18, 2022 | bathroom renovation, bathroom renovation cost, bathroom renovation costs, bathroom renovation regret, Bathrooms, Consumer Issues, DIY Plumbing, Form 4, Gold Coast Plumbing, handyman, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Legislation, Plumbing Renovation, WaterMark Certification Scheme
Planning now ensures you don’t blow your budget
When it comes to bathroom renovations, one of the biggest concerns for homeowners is cost. It’s no secret that these projects can quickly add up, leaving you with a hefty bill and a less-than-ideal outcome. But at Whywait Plumbing, we’re here to tell you that bathroom renovation costs don’t need to blow out of proportion.
First and foremost, you must clearly know what you want before you begin the renovation process. This means deciding on a specific design, layout, and materials. A clear plan will help you stay within budget and avoid costly changes or additions.
Another tip for keeping costs down is to focus on the essentials. While you may be tempted to splurge on fancy features, the basics often make the most significant impact. For example, you can create a beautiful, functional bathroom without breaking the bank by prioritising functional elements such as a new toilet, sink, and shower.
There is no disguising a bathroom in need of renovation
We have prepared a few tips and advice to help you keep costs down and maximise your budget when renovating your bathroom. Increasingly we are observing the simple fact that there is no disguising a bathroom needing renovation. These bathrooms have some or many of the following abominably dated features:
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peach or pea green tiles,
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failing grouting in floors and walls,
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mould damage to the ceiling,
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bathroom carpet,
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gold plated taps with fake glass handles,
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poor use of space,
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wallpaper that looks like a ’70s disco freak chose it.
All of the above were standard design traits in bathrooms dating back over 10 years and often 25 years.
For better or worse, bathrooms are a place for people to stamp their creative mark on a home.
Often it was inexplicable to what they were trying to create with bizarre combinations such as black tiled walls and red-painted ceilings.
Bathrooms by their design and use factors are prone to failure over time
Generally, a bathroom needs some form of renovation after around five years, depending on how frequently it is used.
But bathroom renovations do not have to be designer-level expensive affairs.
If you plan and know what you are doing, keeping a lid on bathroom renovation costs is not hard.
Below are listed seven issues to be seriously considered so your bathroom renovation costs do not blow out:
1: Assess how much you need to change
The more you want to change, the more expensive the project will be. That is a guarantee.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still make a surprising difference to the look of a bathroom by just replacing tap handles, painting the walls and ceiling, plus sticking up shampoo shelves, towel rails or a lovely new mirror. All of which you could probably manage, provided you know what you are doing.
Re-tiling of floors and walls will cost a fair bit more. Still, surprisingly economical coating options are applied directly over existing tiles, reducing costs by reducing the amount of demolition work required.
Always be aware that anything involving electrical or plumbing fixtures, relocating fixtures, or adding new ones will cost considerably more.
2: Reuse or recycle fittings and fixtures
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it rule applies. If there is nothing wrong with the existing fittings or fixtures, you can save a lot of money and unnecessary waste by resisting the overwhelming temptation to replace them.
If you think about ways you can style and theme the bathroom to utilise what you already have installed and focus on the worst aspects of your bathroom.
Old-style taps can be replaced relatively economically and efficiently.
If your bath and vanity basin have been seriously abused over the years, it is possible to have them re-coated and to look like new for less than outright replacement.
Vanity unit cupboard doors and draws can be replaced for much less than the outright replacement of the entire vanity.
3: Do not move plumbing fixtures
Relocating or adding new plumbing fixtures can be expensive.
Most homes are built on a concrete slab which makes relocating or adding extra plumbing fixtures much more expensive.
As much as possible, focus on reusing the existing water supply and drainage connection for your toilet, shower, bath, vanity basin and floor waste, as this will keep plumbing costs under control.
4: Shop around for materials
This may sound obvious, but it requires discipline.
If you have the time and inclination, you will save a small fortune by shopping around and buying the necessary materials, fittings and fixtures.
If you are shopping, make sure you have done your homework and know exactly what you are looking for. For example, there is a considerable difference between wall and floor tiles.
Buying a bath with a centre waste to replace one with a waste at one end will cost you more to install.
Replacing a toilet requires that you know whether it uses an S or P trap outlet or whether the water connection is concealed or bottom linked.
Any paint for bathroom walls needs to be suitable for use in bathrooms so that your walls are resistant to moisture.
If you are supplying the fixtures and fittings, ensure everything is ready and available when renovation starts to prevent delays. Delays in fixtures being available will translate into increased costs.
If you are willing and able, you can save a lot on labour costs by doing some of the work yourself and project managing the renovation.
Likely, you will still need to hire licensed contractors such as plumbers, electricians, waterproofers, and tilers for the renovation project. Still, volunteering to do manual work, such as demolition, will translate into lower labour costs.
Without exception, any discussion about what you can do yourself has to include a big, flashing neon warning. You cannot cut corners on some things and do it yourself. Licensed professional contractors MUST do waterproofing, plumbing and electrical work.
Doing it any other way is guaranteed to be illegal, substandard, dangerous, non-insurable and without the protections of a warranty.
Never believe handymen who tell you they can do everything.
It is also essential that you are confident before you start working that there is not any asbestos in your bathroom. Asbestos sheeting was very commonly used in bathrooms up until the late 1970s, and exposure to it can lead to cancer, so you will need to have asbestos removed by a specialist contractor using the correct safety gear who will dispose of it legally.
6: Plan very carefully and avoid variations
Careful planning and having an exact idea of what you want to achieve, what you are getting and how everything will be done before you sign any contract with a contractor will ensure you’re not stung with hefty fees for necessary changes.
Suppose you use a builder to manage your bathroom renovation. In that case, it is guaranteed he will charge over the odds for variations to a contract if you have made a selection mistake or want to change your layout or add additional fixtures.
Many builders will come in with a low quote to prey on clients who are not clear on their plans and have not prepared properly.
Regardless of how well you perceive you get along with the builder or other contractors, ensure that the fittings and fixtures are precisely what you are after and will fit exactly where they are supposed to go. The colours and tiles are strictly correct, the costs are itemised on the contract, and you are confident that all labour, material and administrative expenses are included.
Please ensure any variations are fully costed, and you approve in writing before they commence.
7: Things to be careful of
Make sure you have more than enough tiles because if they break in future or if they break some during your renovations, you want to have some spares on hand that are from the same batch so that they are a perfect match.
Beware of non-certified plumbing fittings and fixtures which are non-insurable and can make any future insurance claim null and void. Ensure all plumbing products have the WaterMark certification and comply with Australian Standards.
Avoid ordering plumbing or electrical fixtures online or overseas, as they will almost always be shoddy or inferior fittings and fixtures and will come back to haunt you.
Ordering online plumbing or electrical fixtures online invariably is not worth the savings they appear to offer.
Consider where you’re going to shower as your bathroom’s going to be out of action for a week or two at least, and always double any timeframe you have given by any contractor.
It is widespread to discover rotten timber under baths or behind shower walls which will require extra work, with any other savings you make being eaten up quickly if you are unprepared for that.
Plan a bathroom renovation from beginning to end
Ultimately your bathroom renovation is all about careful planning and managing expectations.
Careful planning will assist you in ensuring your bathroom renovation costs don’t blow up in your face.
Finally, don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deals. Compare prices and materials from different suppliers, and consider hiring a trusted, experienced contractor who can help you get the most bang for your buck.
At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that budget is a significant concern regarding bathroom renovations. But by following these tips, you can create a beautiful, functional bathroom without blowing your budget. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create the bathroom of your dreams without breaking the bank.
by Gary Mays | Mar 22, 2022 | bathroom renovation, bathroom renovation regret, Bathrooms, Consumer Issues, DIY Plumbing, Plumbers, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Maintenance
Renovation is not entertainment
Renovation shows such as The Block, House Rules, Selling Houses Australia, and Grand Designs command high television ratings in Australia. However, while they are generally good television, they are not factual in what goes into the renovation of a house and, in particular, bathrooms.
Television renovation shows have been correctly described as dazzling, high-resolution, high-fructose renovation eye candy. This is due to the more critical but unfortunately mundane areas of bathroom renovation not being easily translated into making excellent television programming, so they are, at best, skimped over and are generally completely ignored.
Bathroom renovation can improve your homes value
Updating a bathroom can be an exciting and rewarding project, but it can also be a source of regret if not done correctly. Planning every detail is critical for avoiding bathroom renovation regret and ensuring that your new bathroom meets your needs and hopefully exceeds your expectations.
Every real estate industry expert will confirm that a bathroom renovation will improve your home’s value and lifestyle. However, a stylish and affordable bathroom renovation is a matter of being methodical in your planning, especially if you are renovating for yourself. Above all, do not be fooled by what you see on television renovation shows, as there is a substantial difference between what you see on television shows and what is involved. Unfortunately, this is often when bathroom renovation regret steps in.
As a rule, the bathrooms are small rooms in homes over ten years old compared to homes built in the last few years. This makes older bathrooms more challenging to renovate as they are sophisticated and compact spaces. This can result in compromises, but be aware that shortcuts causing mistakes and defective work in a bathroom can cause significant problems in the future and be very costly to rectify.
Do your planning first to avoid bathroom renovation regret
After 45 years in business, Whywait Plumbing has undertaken numerous bathroom renovations, and we frequently see bathroom renovation regret creep in halfway through a project. The best advice we can give you is to go slowly and plan thoroughly whether you are undertaking a complete renovation or just a makeover. It would help if you avoided the mistakes we see repeated over and over again, all of which should be reasonably obvious, and that is:
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Plan ahead: Before starting any renovation work, it’s essential to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Consider your budget, your lifestyle, and your personal taste. Make sure you know exactly what you want before starting the renovation process.
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Choose the right contractors: Choosing reputable and experienced contractors is crucial. Make sure to read reviews and ask for references. Look for contractors who will take the time to understand your needs and provide you with a detailed estimate.
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Be realistic about your budget: Bathroom renovations can be costly, so it’s important to be realistic about what you can afford. Prioritize the most important elements of your renovation and be prepared to make compromises.
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Consider the layout: Make sure your new bathroom layout is functional and easy to use. Think about the flow of the room, and make sure there is enough storage space and the fixtures are placed in logical locations.
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Don’t neglect the details: The little things matter, too. Ensure that the finishes, such as the tile, countertops, and fixtures, are high-quality and installed correctly.
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Keep future resale in mind: While you want to design your bathroom to suit your personal taste and needs, it’s also essential to keep in mind that you may sell your home in the future. So, consider what may appeal to potential buyers and make your bathroom renovation as versatile as possible.
Managing a bathroom renovation
A bathroom renovation or makeover can be project managed in two ways, requiring you to do all the above. Managing the project yourself is simply a matter of being organised and knowing what you want.
Hiring a builder to project manage your bathroom still requires that you are organised and understand what you wish to do, but it saves you the burden of dealing with specialist trades.
No matter which route you choose, ensure you hire skilled and talented specialist trades, as inevitably, they will dictate how smoothly the bathroom renovation runs and the quality of the finished product.
One pitfall of using many so-called builders to project manage is that they are no longer a tradesman in their own right but have undertaken courses to gain a BSA builders licence. In our experience, the specialist trades they subcontract your bathroom renovation to are not hired because they are the best to undertake the job but are the cheapest companies the builder can obtain to maximise his profit.
How to choose specialist trades for your bathroom renovation
When choosing the specialist trades to undertake your bathroom renovation, you should always:
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Check that they have a compliant contractors license
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check that they have public liability insurance of at least $10 million and can supply you with a certificate of currency
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check that they have a WorkCover insurance policy and can provide you with a certificate of currency
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check their references, as many of the so-called online references are of dubious quality
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write a specification of the work you wish them to perform so that when you receive the quotes, you are comparing like for like and if getting multiple quotes, this is critical so that you are setting benchmarks
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Be cautious about quotes that seem too high or too low because, as always, the devil is in the fine print or lack thereof
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check before you sign anything to ensure that quotes include all the most minor details and are compliant not only with your specifications but local laws and Australian standards and that it consists of the brands and models of fittings you specified and not a substitute
There is a limit to DIY in a bathroom renovation
Despite what you see on television programmes, there is a limit to what can be achieved by DIY, especially in areas such as plumbing and electrical, which are two of the foremost specialists you will require in a bathroom renovation.
While doing some work for yourself is a wise way to save money, you also need to understand that many legal restrictions are in place for a good reason. DIY in regulated trades is a recipe for disaster, with the possibility of insurance coverage being denied if something goes wrong.
No matter what you get told by well-meaning shop assistants in Bunnings, always use qualified and licensed tradesmen for regulated work such as pest control, electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, and waterproofing. Therefore, part of your initial planning is to know which aspects of the bathroom renovation must be undertaken by experienced, specialist and licensed trades companies.
You will only get what you pay for
The old saying about only getting what you pay for has never been so true, especially regarding plumbing products. Buying cheap or non-standard fittings is an easy trap to fall into with the proliferation of outlets selling plumbing materials, accessories, fixtures and even tools. Purchasing the bargain that is frequently an unbranded toilet or tap that looks the same as the one you saw in a shop elsewhere can quickly become the product from hell that will cost you much more in the long run.
If you’re buying the fixtures and fittings for the bathroom renovation yourself, ensure that everything you buy conforms to the relevant Australian Standards. As a rule of thumb, be careful about who you buy from online outlets as, in our experience, many of the products they sell are brand-name fakes and claim to comply with Australian standards when in reality, they don’t.
A bathroom renovation is expensive and needs to last for at least ten years, so avoid being too trendy or bold because what is exceptionally fashionable now, and you can be sure will unfashionable in 10 years when you want to sell your home.
Avoid a bold colour and design if it is a permanent feature, such as the tiles, vanity, or toilet. In the permanent features, always aim for a neutral understatement that will last the passage of time. Painted walls can be bold and fashionable as long as they can be repainted. Otherwise, bright colours and designs should be left to the removable decorative features you put in after you renovate the bathroom.
Stick to your plans once you begin
You need to know precisely what you want before beginning your bathroom renovation, within reason. Then, once you have planned your bathroom, commit to it because it will cost you a fortune if you change your mind once work begins. For example, changing your mind about a bath or shower size can cost a small fortune in moving walls and pipes.
It’s not that hard to turn your bathroom into an oasis of peace and tranquillity without breaking the bank as long as you plan and are organised. Just remember your bathroom renovation is not a television programme. If you treat a bathroom renovation like you see on The Block, I guarantee you will suffer from bathroom renovation regret.
by Gary Mays | May 21, 2012 | bathroom renovation, bathroom renovation cost, bathroom renovation regret, Bathrooms, City of Gold Coast, Consumer Issues, Plumbing Renovation, Sustainable Plumbing, Whywait Plumbing
Updating a bathroom is a great way to add value to your home. A well-designed, modern bathroom can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase the overall value of your property. But just how much value can a bathroom renovation add to your home? According to recent studies, bathroom renovations can add more value to your home than any other type of room renovation. This is because a bathroom is one of the most essential rooms in a house, and a well-designed, modern bathroom can make a big difference in how potential buyers view your home.
Spending money to create a stylish, modern bathroom will increase the value of your home more than spending the equivalent amount of money anywhere else in your home. For example, if you want to sell your home, the $20000 spent with Whywait Plumbing to revive your bathroom will increase buyer interest and your asking price. However, if renovated correctly, you can expect to get twice as much back as you’ve invested. The increase in value is frequently two to three times that of spending comparable sums on bedrooms or lounge rooms.
When planning a bathroom renovation, it’s essential to keep in mind the latest trends and design elements that are popular in the current market. This can include features like walk-in showers, double vanities, and heated flooring.
It’s also important to consider your home’s overall style and aesthetic when planning a bathroom renovation. This can help ensure that the new bathroom fits in seamlessly with the rest of your home and adds value in a way that is consistent with the style and design of your property.
Bathroom renovations do not have to take weeks or cost tens of thousands of dollars. Frequently all that is required is new taps, a fresh coat of paint and a well-placed new mirror to open a bathroom up.
You should know that any renovation work will put your bathroom out of action for a few days requiring alternative bathroom arrangements. However, if you have some basic decorating skills, then it is something you can manage yourself, as you can save a great deal of money by undertaking your own redecorating.
Despite what the nice man at Bunnings may tell you, be aware that you are required by law to hire qualified contractors for some tasks. This is mainly for plumbing and electrical functions, as you can undertake painting and tiling yourself if you feel competent.
Updating to a completely renovated, modern, stylish bathroom is the ultimate solution. In reality, it is expensive as it requires stripping back the bathroom to bare concrete floors and stripping the wall linings. If budget is not an issue and you have a second bathroom to use while undertaking the renovations, then it is the way to proceed, as the end result is a brand-new bathroom.
But if you’re willing to learn about what is available, do the decorating yourself and how things work, you can save thousands of dollars using a few simple ideas to add depth and dimension to an existing bathroom. Four inexpensive yet straightforward ideas are:
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Upgrading the taps, spouts, and other fittings, such as towel rails in your bathroom, can significantly affect how your bathroom looks. Moving from outdated accessories to modern, sleek designs will give your bathroom as much of a facelift as replacing the bath, shower and vanity in many instants.
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Rethink your lighting, as most bathrooms only use a single light source, which radiates from the middle of the ceiling. Installing several light fittings as mood lighting in various key points will give your bathroom an entirely different feel. You can also change how the lighting works by adding mirrors to reflect the existing light at different angles, which opens up darker corners.
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Changing the colour scheme in your bathroom can turn it into a whole new bathroom. How much it costs to do so will depend on how radically you want to change things. A new shade of paint is an advantageous and relatively inexpensive way to recolour your bathroom compared with retiling. Upgrading your shower doors and adding a feature wall of tiles will work well with new colours to create a fresh feel.
Simple bathroom renovations, provided that you approach them from the right direction and manage it properly, do not need to involve any stress and can be tremendously rewarding financially and personally. The key to a stress-free bathroom renovation is to know what is required and to have a clear idea of what you want before you begin.
Overall, bathroom renovations are a great way to add value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. With the right design elements and attention to detail, a bathroom renovation can be a smart investment that pays off in the long run.
by Gary Mays | Aug 26, 2011 | bathroom renovation regret, Bathrooms, City of Gold Coast, Consumer Issues, Gold Coast Plumbing, Gold Coast Water, Plumbers, Plumbers Gold Coast, Toilets, Water Saving Tips, Waterless Urinals, ZeroFlush waterless urinals
Waterless urinals increase water sustainability
Falcon waterless urinals at The Oasis Shopping Centre installed by Whywait Plumbing in 1998
In 1998 Whywait Plumbing installed the first waterless urinals on the Gold Coast at The Oasis Shopping Centre. At that time the owners of The Oasis Shopping Centre, Thakral Holdings had as Engineering Director, Tony Harvey. Tony Harvey was ahead of his time focusing on setting sustainability targets for all Thakral properties in both electricity and water.
These first waterless urinals were fibreglass Falcon urinals with disposable cartridges. To say they were not successful was an understatement. We were continually servicing the Falcon urinals as they suffered from frequent blockages due to their cartridge design. The cost to replace cartridges constantly far outweighed the water-saving benefits at that time.
Servicing these Falcon waterless urinals became a detested task by Whywait’s plumbing technicians as invariably removing the cartridge resulted in getting covered in urine that was in the cartridge. To all of our plumber’s relief we ripped them out and replaced them with ZeroFlush waterless urinals in 2004.
Water flushing urinals stink
Traditional water flushing urinals are a significant waster of potable water in most commercial buildings. Most men are aware of that distinctive odour of male public toilets. Contrary to popular believe that odour is not usually from the urinals. It is, in fact, an odour created by the mixing of water vapour and urine creating bacteria that thrive in the wet environment of the grout in the tiled floors and walls.
In fact the installation of Australian WaterMark approved waterless urinals such as ZeroFlush creates a dry environment that does not allow bacteria to grow in the tile grout and create that distinctive odour. A properly maintained and serviced waterless urinal will give trouble free service, eliminate expensive and ever increasing water costs plus reduce carbon emissions.
Do waterless urinals stink?
Whywait Plumbing technicians have investigated numerous instances of waterless urinals being blamed for blocked drains or odours. In reality this is consistently not the case as investigation always reveals the real causes such as dry floor wastes, incorrect installation or incorrect servicing.
The most common cause is inappropriate or non-existant servicing procedures. Far too many plumbers fail to upskill themselves with current sustainability skills, methods or requirements. Often these same plumbers fail to read simple instructions on servicing methods and requirements and instead advocate the removal of the waterless urinals. It is normally simple to identify the poor servicing as the plumbers maintaining the urinals fail to purchase servicing materials and then blame the waterless urinals for poor performance.
Whywait Plumbing is aware of buildings where government subsidies have been paid to the owners to install waterless urinals and ignorant building managers have allowed plumbing companies to remove the urinals and replace them with expensive water guzzling urinals. The plumbers who undertake these activities are in our opinion conducting a fraud and their motives are transparent.
This approach is to the detriment of their clients and the community as a whole whom have embraced sustainability to make efficient use of expensive water and protect our environment.
If you want assistance with your urinals contact Whywait Plumbing on (07) 5580 4311 to organise a site audit.
