How to Plan an Apartment Bathroom Renovation

A new bathroom adds value to an apartment. It can also be a deal breaker for buyers. Experts say renovating a bathroom with your own needs in mind is the best way to go.

Structural changes can include tearing down walls or expanding spaces, upgrading electrical and plumbing, adding new light fixtures, and refinishing floors. These can require you to vacate the apartment for one or two weeks.

Set a Budget

Setting a budget is an essential part of any apartment renovation. When creating your budget, it is important to remember that unexpected expenses can arise during the project. It is a good idea to allocate 10 to 15 percent extra for those unforeseen expenses.

It is also important to consider the cost of labor when budgeting for your bathroom renovation. Labor costs can vary significantly depending on the type of work being performed. For example, plumbing and electrical work may be more expensive than painting or flooring.

One way to save money on materials is to shop secondhand. A Missouri couple that remodeled their master bathroom on a $6,000 budget got nearly all of their materials secondhand, including a salvaged clawfoot tub, discarded cabinet doors from a kitchen and bath showroom, and a yard sale mirror.

Another way to save on materials is to choose low-maintenance finishes. For example, choosing a recessed toilet over a pedestal can save on installation costs and the added expense of buying a new pedestal.

Decide on a Design

One of the most important parts of any renovation is planning. This is especially true for apartments given that it is often not possible to move plumbing hookups or drains in order to make a change to the bathroom.

Changing the layout of your bathroom can be costly, particularly if you have to redo all the plumbing. You may also run into other restrictions, such as where the hot water heater or electricity fuse box is located, which can add a layer of complexity to your project.

It is also a good idea to consider any luxury additions at the planning stage, such as underfloor heating or heated towel rails, as these can be difficult or impossible to install once the work is underway (depending on your Body Corporate rules and restrictions). Also think about where you will put power points for things like hair dryers etc – it’s not always easy to add these in at a later stage.

Consider Space

If you’re renting, it might seem like your apartment bathroom renovation options are limited. After all, you can’t replace your bathtub or install new recessed lighting (unless you get permission from your building’s Body Corporate).

However, you may be surprised at how simple it is to give your rental bathroom a makeover without breaking the bank. Adding a fresh coat of paint and sprucing up your accessories can transform your space.

Another apartment bathroom renovation tip is to use wall shelves to hold essentials, such as extra toilet paper and hand towels. These storage solutions also help free up floor space and look stylish.

If your landlord allows it, replacing the vanity with a new one can be a big improvement to your bathroom. You can choose a custom piece or simply refinish the existing one. You can even add a long runner to maximize the space in your bathroom, like Sweeten homeowners did. The addition of a small plant and decorative accessories like candlesticks can elevate your apartment bathroom from drab to fab.

Plan for Waterproofing

There are many things to take into consideration when renovating a bathroom and while choosing tiles, tapware and appliances may be easy if you’re doing a DIY job it is important that you find an expert waterproofer to install your new water-resistant membrane. If you do not get this done correctly, it can lead to expensive and hidden water damage down the track.

It’s also a good idea to use cement board for your shower and bath wall instead of standard drywall as this will be much stronger and provide soundproofing between apartments. It’s also a good idea to coat the cement board with Redgard or similar waterproofing as this will protect your new bathroom from mould and mildew problems.

It’s also a good idea to check with your Condo, Co-Op or building management company about their rules around adding a new bathroom. There are often strict guidelines in place such as “Wet Over Dry” and these should be complied with.

from Canberra Bathroom Renovations Specialist https://ift.tt/u90stSj
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