10 Easy Steps to Successful Bathroom Renovations in 2023

As we ease into the new year, many of us are looking for ways to refresh our homes. Nothing does this quite like undergoing bathroom renovations!

But where do you start? What are the key elements of a successful bathroom reno?

One thing’s for sure: if you’re considering a bathroom renovation, the sooner you start planning, the sooner you can make a start.

Successful bathroom renovations require careful planning and attention to detail. Failing to plan every step and process can lead to a bathroom that looks half-finished or, worse – an unusable bathroom. Plus, bathroom renovations are costly, so you want to ensure you’re money is spent wisely to produce the best possible outcome.

Key Takeaways

• Define your renovation needs, vision, and objectives to guide your project’s planning and execution.
• Determine your budget based on current quotes to ensure your money is spent wisely and effectively.
• Plan your new bathroom layout carefully, considering your usage needs and desired features.
• Choose durable, stylish materials and experienced tradespeople to ensure a high-quality renovation.
• Create a renovation schedule to manage the process smoothly, ensuring tradespeople arrive in the correct order and tasks are completed on time.

Here are ten easy steps to help you achieve bathroom renovation success in 2023:

1. Define your needs, vision and objectives

The new year is the perfect time to start planning your dream bathroom renovation. But before you start tearing out tiles and knocking down walls, it’s important to take some time to define your needs, vision and objectives.

What do you want to achieve with your bathroom renovation? More storage? A bigger bathroom? A luxurious spa retreat? What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? What kind of fixtures and fittings do you need? Once you have a clear idea of what you want, it will be much easier to bring your vision to life.

2023 is shaping up to be a big year for bathroom renovations, so now is the time to start planning your dream project. You can create the bathroom of your dreams with a little forethought and careful planning.

2. Determine your budget

The first step is to determine your budget. Knowing how much you can realistically spend on your bathroom renovations is essential. Once you have a solid figure, you can start shopping for fixtures, materials, and labourers.

Remember that bathroom renovations can be costly, so it’s essential to get multiple quotes before making any decisions. For example, you don’t want to pluck estates out of thin air or base your budget on last year’s prices. If there’s one thing we’ve noticed in the previous 12-24 months, everything has gone up in price – materials and services. So, when determining your bathroom renovation budget, be sure to base it on current, valid quotes.

For bathroom renovation budgeting tips, please read our post, How to Budget a Bathroom Renovation.

3. Plan the layout of your new bathroom

Bathroom renovations can be a big project, but they can also be smooth and successful with careful planning. One of the most important aspects of any bathroom renovation is the layout.

To create a functional and stylish space, carefully considering how you will use the area and what features you want to include is vital.

For instance, ask yourself questions like:

• Do I want a separate shower and tub?
• Do I like double sinks?
• What type of shower do I want?
• Would I prefer a standard back-to-wall toilet or an in-wall toilet cistern?

Once you have a clear idea of your needs, you can start planning your new bathroom’s layout. By planning ahead, you can ensure your bathroom renovations will be successful, meeting your needs and fulfilling your vision and objectives.

4. Choose the right materials, finishes and tradespeople

If you’re planning bathroom renovations in 2023, choosing the right materials and finishes is important. This means selecting products that are stylish and durable and that will stand up to the rigours of daily use – without costing you an arm and a leg. After all, we don’t want you to blow your budget! Ross’s Discount Home Centre is perfect in this respect. We stock only the highest quality bathroom products at the lowest prices. So, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best value for money in Perth. Plus, we have everything you need to complete your bathroom renovation, from waterproofing membranes and tiles to bathroom fixtures, tapware and accessories.

View our large selection of Bathroom Vanities, Mirrors & Mirror Cabinets, Bathroom Basins, Vanity Tops, Bathroom Tapware, Toilets, Shower Screens, Shower Heads, Shower Bases, Baths, Bath Screens, Bathroom Accessories, Bathroom Wastes, Bathroom Floor Wastes, Tiles, and Wall Panels to complete your bathroom renovation.

When it comes to choosing tradespeople for your bathroom renovations, it’s important to do your research. In most cases, you’ll need to hire a plumber, an electrician and a tiler. If you’re not confident about managing the renovations yourself, you may also consider hiring a bathroom renovator to manage the entire project. Selecting a reputable and experienced bathroom renovator will help ensure a smooth and successful outcome and will elevate many of the stresses and rookie mistakes that first-time renovators often make. Additionally, a good bathroom renovator can advise you on the best products for your needs and budget and will ensure that the work is carried out to a high standard.

By taking these simple steps, you can be sure that your bathroom renovation will be a success.

5. Create a renovation schedule

If you’re managing your bathroom renovations yourself, a carefully planned renovation schedule will ensure everything falls into place and that tradies arrive in the right order.

For example, you’ll want to start by demolishing existing features you don’t want to keep; you can do this yourself, usually in 1-2 days. Next, you’ll need to install new plumbing and electrical fixtures, so you’ll need the plumber and electrician to be onside for this and allow for 2-3 days. Once that’s complete, you can move on to the waterproofing and tiling, so you’ll need the tiler to arrive approximately 5-days into the renovation.

Remember, your tradies are not waiting for you to call and say you’re ready for them. They have a busy schedule also and need ample notice to schedule you into their job list.

By setting a schedule, you can give your tradies a rough idea of when you need them onsite and be confident that your bathroom renovation will run smoothly.

Read our blog post, How to Coordinate a Bathroom Renovation, for more detailed information about creating a bathroom renovation schedule.

6. Remove everything from the bathroom

Now, the fun begins! After all your planning, you can now start your actual renovations. Which, of course, begins by removing everything from the bathroom. That includes fittings, fixtures, mirrors, accessories, tiles, and screed. You may also have to remove all existing plasterboard if it is damaged in the demolition.

This might seem daunting, but it’s an important first step in ensuring a successful renovation. You can avoid any problems with mismatched or damaged materials by starting from scratch. It will also show any underlying termite damage or wood rot from past leaks, which can be rectified before installing new bathroom features.

Plus, it gives you a chance to really plan out your new bathroom design. So don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get started! With a little elbow grease (and maybe a little help from a professional), you’ll be on your way to the bathroom of your dreams.

7. Install new plumbing and electrical fixtures

Now that the plasterboard is off the walls and you have essentially a skeleton to work with, it’s time to start installing the new plumbing works and electrical wires for your new plumbing and electrical fixtures.

If you are not planning to relocate or change the positioning of your bath, toilet, shower, power switches, lights, etc., you can skip this step and move on to step 7. However, I recommend you still have your plumber and electrician inspect the existing setup while they can to ensure there are no leaks in the plumbing pipes and no perished wires that could lead to problems down the track. A simple inspection and repair now could save you thousands of dollars in the future.

8. Repair any damage to the walls, floor, or ceiling

With your old bathroom gone, you now need to ensure that any damage to the walls, floor, or ceiling is repaired. This may include damage caused by the demolition process itself, as well as any preexisting damage that was uncovered during the demolition.

My recent bathroom renovation unearthed horrific termite damage and wood rot, which led to having to re-frame two walls and replace the entire bathroom floor. Just take a look at the damage that was hiding behind my walls!

Once the repairs are complete, you can move on to renovating the bathroom according to your plans.

Note: If you are replacing the plasterboard, and I recommend you do, ensure you use the right type of plasterboard. Bathrooms require a moisture-resistant plasterboard, which is different from the standard plasterboard used in other rooms of your home.

Remember that successful bathroom renovations take time, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete the project. With a little bit of planning and patience, you can have the bathroom of your dreams.

9. Apply new waterproofing and install new tiles

Once you have conducted any needed repairs, it is time to apply new waterproofing and install your new tiles. This is a crucial step in bathroom renovations, as it will protect your bathroom from any future water damage.

Make sure you consult with a professional before starting this process, as they can advise you on the best type of waterproofing and tile for your bathroom.

Note: If your bathroom is part of a larger home renovation going through the council, you will need a professional to apply the waterproofing to ensure it is done to Australian Standards and to provide you with a waterproofing certificate. Otherwise, it won’t be passed in the final inspection, and you may be forced to start over.

Once the waterproofing has cured, the tiling process can commence.

If you’re game to try your hand at tiling, be sure to read our post, How to Install Bathroom Tiles. It provides step-by-step instructions on waterproofing and tiling a bathroom, as well as some helpful tips.

10. Install new fixtures, tapware and accessories

Finally, you’re now on the home stretch to successful bathroom renovations, and it’s time to add the finishing touches that really turn your space into a bathroom. This includes installing your new bathroom fixtures, tapware and accessories. So call back your plumber and electrician to install your new bathroom fixtures according to your plans.

In addition to standard bathroom fixtures, you may also want to install a new bathroom mirror, cabinet, towel rail or toilet roll holder. To really give your bathroom the Wow Factor, you could even add some luxurious extras like a Japanese-style smart toilet set.

Conclusion

And there you have it – 10 easy steps that will help you successfully renovate your bathroom in 2023. Just remember to take your time, do your research and consult with professionals when needed, and you’ll be sure to love your new bathroom for years to come. You may also find our article, ‘2022 Guide to Perth Bathroom Renovations‘, helpful. Although now outdated, it is still relevant for any bathroom renovation.

And, if you’re still in the planning process and are yet to purchase products for your bathroom renovations in Perth, then look no further than Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We’re your one-stop-shop for all your bathroom needs, including tapware, toilets, vanities, baths, showers, spas and accessories.

Visit us in-store at 57 James Steet, Guildford or shop online and receive free shipping across Perth Metro!