Bathroom Renovation: A Simple Guide To Splurging and Saving

If you’ve been planning your bathroom renovation for some time, then you’re aware of the myriad decisions that need to be made before the building even begins. Which tiles (and how many of them) are going into your new bathroom? What kind of vanity finish will you have? Do you need a double basin, or is one enough? What about that gorgeous freestanding bath you saw on Pinterest?

With so many beautiful products and finishes available, achieving your dream bathroom and staying on budget may seem impossible. But as challenging as it sounds, we assure you there’s a way to make your budget work for you. Two key factors are understanding your priorities and being familiar with all the great options available across different price points. If this strikes you as a lot of work, you’re not wrong. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Based on our experience working with four very distinctive types of clients, we’ve put together a simple spend/splurge guide to make your reno plans run smoothly. While everyone is different, we hope you’ll find this guide relatable and that it helps you stay sane while budgeting for your upcoming bathroom renovation.  

The Trendy Type-A  

Your bathroom is your little sanctuary. Here is where you get ready to face the day and where you wind down before your head hits the pillow at night. So many of your essentials live in your bathroom, and while you wish you had more space, finding a clever and stylish way to store them all tops your list of priorities.

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If your skincare routine has steps, then a large, mirrored cabinet at eye level is a great way to maximise your budget. Consider also including an integrated shelf underneath the cabinet so you can quickly grab the things you use most. Another worthy spend is drawers to keep all your essentials organised and neat.

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Having a floating vanity unit can save you money while creating the illusion of spaciousness. Keeping your vanity simple is an option if you want to keep the costs down.

The Busy Team   

Your bathroom feels crowded, chaotic, and although it’s not necessarily the smallest, it feels tiny for your family’s needs. No matter how often you try to tidy up, the room seems to always be in a helpless state. For you, functionality is the place to spend.

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You want to make sure your layout has a great flow, with clearly defined zones for better organisation. A double basin in your vanity unit can also be of great help if multiple people are using the bathroom simultaneously. To achieve this kind of result, it sometimes means you will have to move existing plumbing points or even create new ones. Plumbing work can be costly, but it is very well worth the spend in the long run. A well-thought, functional bathroom can take the stress out of your daily bathroom routine.

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Feature tiles can considerably hike up your costs depending on how much and which tiles you choose. To cut down costs, consider covering less surface by doing one feature wall, like the vanity splashback or the shower wall. This will ensure you get the wow factor without blowing your entire budget.

The Spa Connoisseurs

You love a good day spa and see your renovation as an excellent opportunity to create your relaxation haven. With so many beautiful finishes and materials to choose from, your challenge is to find that combination that will make your heart and mind feel Zen.

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Nothing says relaxation better than a freestanding bath. While there are options for every budget nowadays, if you’re really after that luxe feel only organic materials can evoke, then going for a model that resembles natural stone is worth the spend. You can also pick the real thing, but keep in mind natural stone bathtubs weigh a lot more than their manmade counterparts, so some reinforcement works might be required for installation, adding to the overall cost.

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You can easily keep your fixtures and fittings very classic and minimal and still nail the desired luxe look. Basic chrome options can work well in any design and are durable and timeless. Make sure you pick a high-quality product that will stand the test of time though, you don’t want to have to replace your tapware because it’s leaking or the finish is starting to peel.

The Tech Lovers

Relaxation means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For you, it comes down to letting yourself be cared for, and you’ve become a fan of what technology can do for you in that front. So much so, you can’t wait to incorporate your favourite gadgets into your brand-new bathroom.

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Invest in high tech products like automated underfloor heating or heated towel ladders. For a luxe feel, consider installing smart mirrors that utilise touch screen technology with Bluetooth connectivity.

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You should always aim for quality cabinetry finishes for your bathroom, as this is a space that is constantly wet and humid. That said, there are ways to keep your cabinetry costs down while getting a great product that will last. A hard-wear melamine finish for your vanity is a great way to save without compromising quality. Modern melamine cabinetry products come in many rich colours and textures that look like the real thing, without the hefty price tag.

Once you begin to understand the cost breakdown, it’s a matter to familiarise yourself with the options and choose the ones that best suit you and your family’s bathroom needs. Working collaboratively with an interior designer is a surefire way to make your budget work for you. 

 Ready to collaborate with the smarterBATHROOMS+ team to make your bathroom renovation a reality? Call us today at 1800 838 to speak to one of our experts or book a FREE in-home consultation with our award-winning designers to start your renovation journey!