A bathroom renovation involves far more than choosing new tiles and fittings, which is why good bathroom renovation tips can make such a difference before work begins. Layout, storage, ventilation, lighting, water efficiency and your budget all need to work together if you want the finished space to look good and function properly.
This guide covers 10 important do’s and don’ts to help you avoid common mistakes, make better decisions and plan the project with more confidence.
Bathroom Renovation Tips: The 5 Do’s
1. Do Plan Ahead
A bathroom remodel requires significant planning, especially if you would like the project completed before a specific date. Before you hire contractors to start demolishing your existing bathroom, make sure you have a clear vision of what you want the new space to look like. We recommend creating an inspiring picture collection of bathroom renovation ideas and colour schemes on websites like Pinterest. The benefit of doing this is that you can show your chosen bathroom design specialists so they know exactly the look and feel you are trying to create with your bathroom renovation.
It is also important to consider factors such as layout, functionality, style and budget. It is a good idea to only hire professionals for your bathroom renovations and always have a contingency plan for unforeseen expenses or challenges that may arise.
2. Do Choose Durable Materials
Bathrooms endure a lot of wear and tear due to moisture and constant use. It is a good idea to invest in high-quality, durable materials that can withstand these conditions rather than going for cheaper alternatives. This includes things such as water-resistant paint, quality fixtures, extractor fans and mould-resistant grout. By choosing these hardy alternatives, you can be sure that you will be able to enjoy your bathroom for years to come!
3: Do Prioritise Storage
A clutter-free bathroom is a relaxing bathroom. Plan for enough storage to keep toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies out of sight but still easily in reach. Beautiful customised cabinets, shelves, and vanity units can offer stylish and practical solutions whilst also creating a beautiful space that you can relax in.
Cabinets can be placed under the sink, above the toilet, or even in corners that would otherwise remain unused. They can be tailored to match your aesthetic preference, too, whether you prefer a modern, sleek look or something more traditional.
4. Do Think About Water Efficiency
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, South Africa is the 30th driest country in the world and with a rapidly increasing population, it is likely that water scarcity will increase in the coming decades. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate water-saving fixtures in your new bathroom. Considering water efficiency during your bathroom renovation is not only an environmentally conscious decision but also a financially smart one.
Shower installation is one area where you can make substantial water savings. Traditional shower heads can use anywhere from 15 to 20 litres of water per minute! However, low-flow shower heads are designed to reduce this significantly, some using as little as 6 litres per minute without compromising on the quality of your shower. This means that for a ten-minute shower, you could save up to 140 litres of water!
5. Do Consider Future Needs When Planning
While it’s important to design a bathroom that suits your current lifestyle, also consider your future needs. If you plan to stay in your home as you age, incorporate elements of universal design, such as grab bars, which can be useful for pregnant women, children or the elderly.
A bench in the shower can be useful for anyone who might not be able to stand for long periods of time. Higher toilet seats are also very popular these days and can be very helpful for people who struggle to stand up from a low seat.
Bathroom Renovation Tips: The 5 Don’ts
1. Don’t Forget About Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial in bathrooms to prevent mould and mildew, which can be dangerous to your health. Some health issues related to mould include worsening asthma symptoms, asthma attacks, runny/blocked nose, eye and skin irritation, cough and postnasal drip.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure your design includes an efficient ventilation system for the health and safety of your family. It’s not the most glamorous part of a bathroom renovation, but it’s indispensable for maintaining a healthy and clean environment.
2. Don’t Neglect Lighting
The right lighting can dramatically enhance your bathroom’s ambience. Don’t rely solely on overhead lighting, as it can cast shadows from above when you are at the vanity. By adding sconces or other light fixtures to the vanity it will add softer lighting options as well as better visibility when grooming.
3. Don’t Rush the Process
While it’s understandable to want your new bathroom ready as soon as possible, rushing the renovation process can lead to mistakes and hastily made decisions. Take the time to ensure everything is done correctly and to a high standard. This patience will pay off in the long run with a bathroom that lasts for years.
4. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
With bathroom designs in South Africa, every detail makes a difference. High-quality fixtures, coordinated accessories and thoughtful touches like heated towel rails or underfloor heating can make your bathroom the perfect hideaway and also make your home more appealing to prospective buyers.
5. Don’t Shop Online for Products Unless You Know What They Look Like in Person
A computer screen can alter the appearance of colours and sizes so it is always a good idea to see a product in real life before you order it, as not every supplier will give you your money back if you decide that it isn’t exactly what you were looking for. A showroom can also be a good place to get inspiration as you will be able to see exactly what a light or a bathtub might look like together in a room.
How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost?
Bathroom renovation costs in Cape Town typically start at around R30,000 for a basic refresh and can exceed R300,000 for a full luxury remodel. The final price depends on the size of the bathroom, the quality of the finishes, whether plumbing needs to be moved and the condition of the existing plumbing.
Smaller bathrooms can cost less because they require fewer materials and less labour, but the layout and level of work still have a big influence on the final price. Moving a toilet, shower or basin, choosing premium finishes or uncovering hidden plumbing problems can quickly increase the budget.
For a full breakdown of typical price ranges and the factors that affect the final quote, see our guide to bathroom renovation costs in Cape Town
Factors That Can Affect The Cost of a Bathroom Makeover
Several factors can push a bathroom renovation budget up or down, even when two projects are similar in size. The biggest cost differences usually come down to how much work is involved and the finishes you choose.
- Layout changes: Moving a toilet, basin, shower or bath usually means extra plumbing work, which can increase labour and material costs.
- Fixtures and finishes: Premium tiles, custom cabinetry, natural stone, designer tapware and high-end sanitaryware can raise the overall price quickly.
- Bathroom size: Larger bathrooms generally require more materials, more tiling and more labour.
- Hidden plumbing problems: Leaks, corroded pipes or drainage issues discovered once walls or floors are opened can add unexpected costs.
- Labour and specialist work: Plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrical work and other specialist trades all contribute to the final quote.
- Custom features: Underfloor heating, steam showers, freestanding baths and bespoke vanities can all increase the budget.
Why Upgrading Your Bathroom Could be Worth the Investment
A bathroom upgrade can improve more than the way the room looks. It can make the space easier to use, create better storage, improve comfort and give you the opportunity to replace ageing or inefficient fittings.
It can also help increase your property value and make your home more appealing if you plan to sell in future. A well-designed bathroom with modern fixtures, a practical layout and good-quality finishes can leave a stronger impression on buyers, especially when the existing bathroom feels dated.
Renovating also gives you a chance to address problems while the room is already being worked on. Leaks, poor ventilation, water damage, outdated plumbing and inefficient fixtures can all be dealt with at the same time, rather than becoming separate repairs later.
If sustainability is part of your plan, you can also use the renovation to introduce water-saving taps, efficient showerheads and better lighting without sacrificing comfort or design.
Additionally, a renovation allows you to improve the functionality, look and feel of your bathroom. You can customise the space to suit your personal needs and preferences, such as adding more storage, installing a larger shower, or even integrating a double vanity, making the space more efficient.
Plan Your Bathroom Renovation With Confidence
These bathroom renovation tips can help you make better decisions before work begins, from planning the layout and choosing durable materials to setting a realistic budget and thinking about ventilation, lighting and future needs.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation in Cape Town, Absolute Plumbing can help with everything from plumbing and layout changes to fixture installation and complete bathroom renovations. Contact Absolute Plumbing to discuss your project and request a quote.
