At this time of year, many people are considering bathroom renovations in Cape Town in the hope that they will be ready before the festive season. While choosing to renovate your bathroom can be exciting, it doesn’t come without its challenges.
There are so many elements to take into consideration from both a decorative as well as a construction viewpoint, and often, all of these choices can be incredibly overwhelming.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss some dos and don’ts of bathroom renovations in Cape Town. We will also look at the benefits and costs involved to help make the process a little easier and hopefully a whole lot less stressful!
What Are The Benefits of Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town
When it comes to bathroom renovations, there are numerous benefits to consider. One of the most significant advantages of home renovations in Cape Town is the potential increase in your property’s value. Given the active real estate market in the Mother City, enhancing your bathroom with modern fixtures and designs could be a worthwhile investment if you are trying to sell your home or thinking about selling it in future.
Additionally, a renovation allows you to improve the functionality 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.
Beyond the practical benefits, a bathroom renovation can also significantly enhance the comfort and luxury of your home. You can introduce elements of indulgence like a spa-like bathtub, a rainfall showerhead, or heated floors, transforming your bathroom into a personal sanctuary. Or, if your bathroom feels outdated, a renovation offers an opportunity to refresh it with new fixtures, tiles, and colours that reflect both your personal style and the latest design trends.
With the Mother City’s focus on sustainability, bathroom renovations in Cape Town can also be a chance to make your home more eco-friendly by installing water-saving fixtures or energy-efficient lighting. Renovations offer the perfect opportunity to address any existing issues like leaks, mould, or water damage, ensuring your bathroom is safe and in good condition.
The 5 Do’s of Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town
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, like our team of plumbers at Absolute Plumbing, and always have a contingency plan for unforeseen expenses or challenges that may arise.
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 renovations for years to come!
Do Prioritise Storage When Considering Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town
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.
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 bathroom renovations. 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!
Do Consider Future Needs When Planning Your Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town
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.
The 5 Don’ts of Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town
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.
Don’t Neglect Lighting in Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town
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.
Don’t Rush the Process
While it’s understandable to want your new bathroom renovations 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.
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches with Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town
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.
Don’t Do Online Shopping for Products Unless You know What They Look Like in Real Life
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?
This is a very tricky question to answer as it will completely depend on the scope of the project. Bathroom renovations in Cape Town can cost anywhere from R15 000 to R300 000 and above. That being said, if you want bespoke stone bathroom countertops, a rose quartz bath and crystal chandeliers, then you’ll need to consider a much larger budget to achieve your desired aesthetic.
Typically, small bathroom renovations tend to have a lower bathroom renovation cost due to their smaller size. The smaller space means less expenditure on materials and labour costs, and so the renovation timeline for a compact bathroom is typically shorter than that of a larger one. It is important to note, though, that the small size of the bathroom doesn’t eliminate the need for careful planning and supervision during the execution phase.
9 Factors That Can Affect The Cost of Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town
1. Individual taste has a massive effect on the cost of bathroom renovations in Cape Town
Your personal style and preferences will play a huge role in the overall cost. If you’re leaning towards a luxurious or bespoke design with high-end finishes and fixtures, your cost will increase significantly. This includes choices like opting for a rainfall shower, a freestanding bathtub, or imported tiles.
2. Consider flooring carefully
The type of flooring you select can also affect the cost. Ceramic tiles may be cost-effective and durable, but if you choose high-end marble or heated floors, the price will rise.
3. Cabinetry can impact the price of your bathroom renovations in Cape Town
The cabinets you choose can also have a big impact on cost. Custom-built cabinets are typically more expensive than pre-made ones. The type of wood used, the finish, and the hardware (like knobs and pulls) can all add to the price.
4. Countertops should be factored into the budget from the get-go
Countertop materials vary widely in price. Laminate countertops are generally the most affordable but aren’t durable, while natural stone like granite or quartz is more expensive. The thickness and finish of the material will also affect the price.
5. Changes to plumbing will affect the cost of bathroom renovations in Cape Town
Any changes to the existing plumbing can add to the cost of a remodel. For example, moving a sink to a different location in the bathroom will require rerouting the plumbing, which will add to labour and material costs. At the same time, your plumber may notice undetected plumbing issues while completing your bathroom renovation, so place a little breathing room in your budget for emergencies.
6. Labour costs will depend on the scope of the project and complications
Labour usually makes up a significant portion of the cost. This includes not only the work of the main contractor but also any specialists we might need to bring in to help complete the project.
7. Your contractor can affect the cost of bathroom renovations in Cape Town
Different contractors can offer different prices. It’s important to get multiple quotes and ensure that the quote incorporates everything, including labour, materials, and any subcontracting that may need to be done. But be warned, cheaper is not always better, and we recommend checking reviews carefully before making a decision.
8. Layout changes can be costly
Significant changes to the layout, such as moving the toilet, sink, or bathtub, will involve additional plumbing and possibly electrical work, driving up the cost of your bathroom renovation.
9. Amenities & décor
Adding amenities like a steam shower, a whirlpool tub, or high-end light fixtures will increase the cost. Similarly, the choice of paint, wallpaper, or decorative elements can also affect the final price.
Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town: Why Choose Absolute Plumbing?
Our friendly and capable team of plumbers at Absolute Plumbing have over 10 years of experience in bathroom renovations and will be able to help with everything from tiling to painting, fixture installation, to drain pipe relocation or installation. With us, you will be in the best hands for your bathroom renovations in Cape Town. No more need to google ‘bathroom renovations near me’ or ‘plumbers near me’. Just give us a call on 084 872 2758 or contact us on our website for a free quote!
