16 Easy Steps to Successful Bathroom Renovations

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 renovation?

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 sixteen easy steps to help you achieve bathroom renovation success:

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? Our article on How to Choose the Right Fixtures for Your Bathroom will help here. Once you have a clear idea of what you want, it will be much easier to bring your vision to life.

This year 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. Set a realistic budget and plan for contingencies

Establishing a realistic budget is a foundational step in any bathroom renovation project. Begin by assessing the total amount you’re comfortable spending, then break down expected expenses for essential items like materials, fixtures, fittings, and labor. This approach offers a clear picture of where your funds will go, helping you stay financially prepared and avoid unexpected costs.

For precise cost planning, explore our range of quality bathroom essentials at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. From waterproof vanities and bathroom tapware to modern freestanding baths and the latest shower screens, our online store displays transparent pricing, so you can easily estimate expenses for every aspect of your renovation. Also, remember to gather multiple quotes for services and materials, as prices fluctuate frequently in today’s market. These simple budgeting strategies can make all the difference and even help you cut your renovation costs in half, ensuring you get the most value without overspending.

Include a Contingency Allowance

No matter how thorough your planning, unexpected costs may arise during a bathroom renovation. To account for these unforeseen expenses, it’s wise to add a 10% contingency allowance to your budget. This buffer will help you cover surprise expenses, from additional plumbing needs to last-minute adjustments, without derailing your project.

For more tips on effective budgeting, explore our guide on How to Budget a Bathroom Renovation. With proper planning, an organised budget, and a contingency allowance in place, you can ensure a smoother renovation experience from start to finish.

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 is your bathroom 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. Keep your plumbing in place

An important aspect that made my bathroom renovation run smoothly was my decision to work with the existing plumbing. I fiddled around with everything but the plumbing, and there are many reasons why I chose to do this.

Regardless of the scope of your renovation, I recommend you do your best to keep your plumbing intact. Shifting the vanity, bath, toilet, and shower will cost you a lot of money and effort. This is certainly not recommended for a DIY renovation project. Understand that renovation means improving your existing bathroom and not designing a new one.

When you go about upgrading your fixtures, accessories, and fittings, make sure to do so while keeping your plumbing in place. Your plumbing will form the basis of how to proceed with the renovation.

5. Decide on a design style

The first thing that I did before I started my bathroom renovation was decide on a design. Deciding on your bathroom design will also give you an idea of what items you need to buy for your renovation. I believe that this is the most critical step in a renovation project, as this helped dictate how I went about the process.

Before you embark on your renovation, you should settle on your design as well. To do this, I recommend you look through magazines and websites for ideas; I found this most helpful. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your bathroom design should match the style of your home. In my opinion, you should keep things simple and stick with proven design ideas.

6. Plan your lighting

Lighting is an important consideration for any bathroom. Thankfully, I did not need to do much here as my original lighting was good for all purposes.

However, this may not be the case for you, so plan lighting that works. Make use of both natural light and artificial light to enhance your bathroom design. Add functional lighting around your vanity to make daily tasks such as shaving or applying makeup effective.

Also, consider using glass fittings and accessories that reflect light. This is particularly helpful for smaller bathrooms, as reflected light offers an illusion of extra space.

Lighting up accessories and other features of your bathroom also helps create a style statement. Remember, you don’t need to splurge on expensive lighting fixtures or accessories. If done right, even the simplest of lighting can make a bold statement in your bathroom.

7. Choose the right materials & finishes

When planning a bathroom renovation, selecting high-quality materials and finishes is crucial. The right products should be durable enough to withstand the demands of daily use while still reflecting your style—without breaking the bank. Striking a balance between quality and affordability ensures that your bathroom looks stylish and lasts for years to come.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a comprehensive selection of premium bathroom products at unbeatable prices. This means you can achieve a modern, functional bathroom without going over budget. From waterproofing membranes and durable tiles to chic bathroom fixtures and stylish tapware, our extensive range covers everything you need to make your renovation a success.

If you’re unsure of exactly what you’ll need, check out our article, 10 Products You Need in Your Bathroom Renovation, for a comprehensive list. With our selection of top-quality, affordable products, you’ll have everything you need to create the bathroom of your dreams

8. Shop around for the best deals

When searching for bathroom products in Perth, it’s worth exploring multiple options to find quality products that suit your budget. A great starting point is visiting reputable home improvement retailers, including Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Shopping around allows you to compare prices, materials, and design styles, helping you get the best value for your money.

At our showroom in Guildford, you’ll find everything you need for a complete bathroom transformation under one roof. We offer everything from bathroom Vanities, Mirrors & Mirror Cabinets, Bathroom Basins, Vanity Tops, Bathroom Tapware, Toilets, Shower Screens, and Shower Heads. Our collection also includes Shower Bases, Baths, Bath Screens, Bathroom Accessories, Bathroom Wastes, Bathroom Floor Wastes, and a wide selection of Bathroom Tiles, and Wall Panels to complete your project. With high-quality options at competitive prices, Ross’s Discount Home Centre is your one-stop destination for a well-rounded, budget-friendly bathroom renovation.

9. Ensure you have enough storage

Storage is a critical element in every bathroom design, and careful planning can greatly enhance both functionality and aesthetics. When renovating, think about how you’ll incorporate sufficient storage for daily essentials and extra items. In fact, the lack of adequate storage was one of the main motivations behind my own bathroom renovation—it truly is a bathroom necessity.

I made use of the bathroom vanities and mirror cabinets we offer here at Ross’s to increase my storage space. These additions made a noticeable difference in maintaining a clutter-free, organised space. Consider integrating creative storage solutions in overlooked areas, such as under vanities, above the toilet, or within unused corners, to maximise every inch of your bathroom.

Ultimately, your bathroom’s floor plan will guide the available storage opportunities. With thoughtful planning and clever choices, you can create a streamlined, efficient space that meets all your storage needs.

10. Hire qualified and experienced tradespeople

A successful bathroom renovation isn’t just about choosing the right materials; it’s also about selecting the right tradespeople. For most renovations, you’ll need to hire a local plumber, an experienced electrician, and a professional tiler. If you’re new to managing renovations or would prefer a hands-off approach, hiring a reputable bathroom renovator can be a wise choice. A professional renovator will handle the entire process, reducing stress, avoiding common mistakes, and ensuring the highest standards of work.

A qualified bathroom renovator can also provide valuable product recommendations based on your budget and needs, giving you peace of mind throughout the renovation. By choosing experienced tradespeople and quality products, you can ensure that your renovation is both smooth and successful.

11. 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 on site 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 on 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 renovation schedule.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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 any successful renovation takes time, so 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.

15. 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.

16. 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. 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, ‘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, tiles, and accessories.

Visit us in-store at 57 James Street, Guildford, or shop online for $50 delivery across Perth Metro!