Keep Your Layout

The best way to keep costs down in your bathroom renovation is to keep your layout. This predominantly applies to plumbed items such as your toilet, shower, bath, and vanity. When you move these items, it means you will most likely need a building consent which comes at a cost and a time delay because you will need to engage a designer or draughtsperson and apply for Council approval. Of course, there is some wiggle room if you need to move the vanity tap 10cm to the left, but for the most part if you can make your existing layout work for you then it will free up room in your budget to spend in other areas.

If you do find yourself needing consent, we at Pzazz Building are happy to provide in-house design and draughting services through Pzazz Design. To learn more about the concept design, budget estimate and consent drawing services we offer check out the Pzazz Design website by clicking here.

Upgrade Tapware & Lighting

These are fairly simple upgrades that can make a huge difference. If your tapware or lighting is tired, out of date and a bit worse for wear, upgrading to something fresh and functional will make your bathroom feel revitalised. This work should be carried out by the relevant professional but should be a simple and quick job. This is also a great time to consider some tech upgrades such as Wi-Fi controlled lighting that you can dim or change colour via your phone — perfect for creating that relaxing atmosphere. Likewise, upgrading your shower pressure is something that will improve your life every day.

Tile Alternatives

When I think luxury bathrooms I think tiles, but unfortunately fully tiled bathrooms or walk-in tiled showers are often out of the budget. However, there are some great products on or coming to the market that make getting the tiled look more affordable.

DumaWall is a warm, lightweight, and easy to install waterproof wall tile. With revolutionary patented RCB® (Rigid Core Board) technology and an interlocking tongue and groove system which can be installed over existing walls, Dumawall is more affordable than traditional ceramic tiles and much easier to install, keeping your builder costs down. This product can be used in shower and bathroom walls and is also commonly used as a feature wall or for vanity mirror surrounds. Some similar product to this are Hydrapanels and FIbo Wall Panels which you can check out here.
 

Tile Over Shower Base: If you love the look and feel of a tiled shower but don’t want all the extra work of creating a wet floor bathroom, then a tile- over shower base is a great solution. It’s similar to a typical acrylic shower base in its shape, except it can be tiled over. A warning that there will be a small step up to your shower (same as a box shower with an acrylic tray) so those with mobility issues will need to consider whether this will be the best and safest solution for you.

Perma Colour Micro Topping Flooring: This product is an extremely fine cement that can be produced in a variety of colours. The result is a smooth, slightly mottled wall and floor finish that is suitable and economical for your next bathroom renovation. We love the luxe look this product gives and the exciting possibilities that come with their wide range of colour options.

Smart Water Usage Saves You and the Environment

In essence the more efficiently you use hot water, the less water you need to heat. Heating less water reduces your energy usage – reducing your power bill and your impact on the environment. The benefits from the above can be achieved in via two different routes - double points if you do both! Upgrade your water heating system to a heat pump hot water system. This unique system is extremely energy efficient and therefore eco-friendly because instead of generating heat itself, the system gathers heat from its surroundings. Heat pump hot water systems  can use up to 70% less energy than the alternative systems.

Reduce your water usage by:



o  Choosing water efficient tapware and showerheads

o  Fixing any leaks or drips

o  Having showers instead of baths (the shorter the better!)

Hire a Professional from the Start

For a renovation to add value to your home and your life, it must be done right. Trying to do some types of renovation on your own without the right expertise could lead to your bathroom being in worse shape than before, and at worst unusable or unsafe.

At Pzazz Building, we often have clients come to us looking to save the day when DIY goes awry. Of course we are happy to help but unfortunately this will end up costing these clients more money, taking longer and being much more disruptive than had you engaged a professional from the start.

We offer a free, no-obligation in-home consultation which is a great opportunity to get some insight and understand how we can facilitate a bathroom renovation that yields the best result at a reasonable price with minimal disruption to you and your family.