Renovation Truths Revealed!

Here’s the Top 10 common renovation myths that we hear about all the time. We’ll uncover what’s true and what’s false…

1. Renovating is stressful and always takes longer than people say.

FALSE – Renovating doesn’t have to be stressful or take longer than expected. 

Engaging a project-managed kitchen and bathroom renovation professional service will take care of everything, from initial design and planning to sourcing materials and coordinating trusted trades. You should be supported by a dedicated interior designer, detailer, and project manager, guiding you every step of the way and ensuring your project stays on track. It shouldn’t matter whether you’re staying at home during the renovation. Their job is to remove any stress or anxiety.  

Importantly, truly professional renovation companies will provide you with a start and end date. If they don’t reach the end date in time, expect to be compensated if the delay is the renovation company’s fault.

2. DIY can save you money.

TRUE & FALSE – DIY renovations can save you money but in many cases things won’t go according to plan and you’ll end up spending more money getting everything fixed and working.

A typical bathroom renovation involves coordinating at least eight different trades, such as plumbers, electricians, tilers, and waterproofers, each required at specific stages of the project. Without proper planning and sequencing, delays and costly mistakes are common.

Working with a reliable, full-service renovation team is the best way to ensure your bathroom or kitchen project stays on schedule and within your expected budget. You’ll benefit from professional expertise, compliance with building regulations, and a higher-quality finish.

3. The majority of renovation costs are in the labour involved (we call it build works!).

TRUE — Bathroom renovation costs typically break down to around one-third materials and two-thirds labour.

Renovating a bathroom is highly labour-intensive, involving skilled trades such as professional demolition, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers, cabinet installers, waterproofers, and plasterers, each working in a precise sequence.

Of course, the exact cost breakdown depends on the scope of the works required and your choice of products, fittings and finishes. The range of tapware, tiles, basins, cabinetry, styles and finishes is amazingly extensive. An interior designer can guide you through product selections that suit your style and budget, without compromising on quality.

4. Tiles are hard to maintain and always go mouldy.

FALSE – Modern bathroom tiles, especially porcelain, are designed to be durable, low-maintenance and mould-resistant.

Porcelain tiles are the popular choice due to their strength, water resistance, and non-porous surface, making them easy to clean and ideal for wet areas. Large-format tiles and rectified edges are also excellent options, as they require less grout, which means fewer areas where dirt and mould can accumulate. For bathroom floors, where standing water is more common, applying epoxy grout is essential, which is completely non-porous and highly resistant to mould and staining. 

5. Neutral colours and whites are always the safest and most timeless choice for your space.

FALSE – While neutral tones like white, beige and grey are classic and versatile, the best design is one that reflects your personal style.

Renovating your bathroom or kitchen is a long-term investment, and you’ll be living with the results for many years, so it’s important to choose colours, finishes and features that you genuinely love. Trends come and go, and what’s considered ‘safe’ or ‘timeless’  today might not reflect your taste tomorrow. Instead of designing around what others prefer or what’s currently trending, focus on what makes you feel comfortable and inspired in your own space. 

6. All ensuites should have twin vanity basins.

FALSE – Twin basins can be a great addition to an ensuite, but they’re not the only way to create a functional and stylish space. 
 
If you’ve got the room, a double vanity can be handy for shared use. In many layouts, a well-designed single vanity with extra bench space can be just as practical—if not more so. It gives you more room to spread out and keep your everyday essentials close at hand, or add a few personal touches like plants, candles or favourite products. An off-centred basin can also create a more interesting and custom look, giving your bathroom a modern, thoughtful feel. 

7. Concealed cistern toilets are harder to service.  

FALSE – Concealed cistern toilets are designed with easy maintenance in mind, despite their sleek, minimalist appearance.

While it’s a common assumption that hidden cisterns are difficult to access, the reality is quite the opposite. The flush plate panel provides ample access to the cistern’s internal components, allowing for straightforward servicing and repairs without needing to remove tiles or damage the wall. 

In fact, many modern concealed cistern systems are specifically engineered for long-term performance and easy maintenance. Paired with a wall-hung toilet or back-to-wall toilet, they’re a popular choice in contemporary bathroom renovations, helping to create a clean, uncluttered look while maximising floor space.

8. I should consider upgrading my cooktop to induction.

TRUE – Induction cooktops are today’s modern, efficient and safer alternative to traditional gas cooking.

Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, making it significantly faster and more energy-efficient than both gas and electric options. This means quicker meal prep, more responsive and precise heat control, and less wasted energy. Unlike gas hotplates, which continue to emit heat after switching off, induction cooktops cool down quickly, reducing the risk of burns and making your kitchen safer, especially for families. 

It’s also worth noting that gas cooktops release carbon monoxide and other pollutants when in use, which can affect indoor air quality. On top of that, cleaning around bulky gas burners and trivets can be time-consuming, whereas the smooth glass surface of an induction cooktop is easy to wipe down. 

9. Integrating kitchen appliances is tricky, expensive and hard to maintain.

FALSE – With the right advice and planning, integrated kitchen appliances can be seamlessly included in your design without unnecessary major costs.

While integrated appliances may have a slightly higher upfront cost, they bring a premium, streamlined look that significantly enhances the overall aesthetic of a modern kitchen renovation. There’s no need to worry when it comes to servicing and maintenance. The integrated models that are recommended are designed with easy access in mind, meaning they’re just as straightforward to maintain as standard appliances.

A kitchen with integrated appliances often signals high-end design and thoughtful planning. This can add to your home’s value and appeal to future buyers looking for a modern, sophisticated kitchen.

10. Drawers make a difference in a kitchen.

TRUE – Incorporating drawers into your kitchen design significantly improves functionality, accessibility and overall ease of use.

Unlike cupboards, drawers allow full access to items at the back—nothing gets lost or forgotten. While a bank of drawers may be a little more expensive, it adds serious value in day-to-day use. Drawers reduce the need to bend or kneel, which is particularly beneficial for people with mobility concerns or simply anyone wanting a more comfortable cooking experience.

Our recommended soft-close drawer runners can hold up to 70kg, making them ideal for storing heavy cookware and pantry items. If you’re renovating your kitchen, upgrading to drawers is a smart, space-savvy move that enhances both function and flow in the kitchen.

If you’re feeling inspired and ready to bring design and your personal style into your bathroom and kitchen, call us today on 1300 662 838 or book a FREE in-home consultation with our award-winning designers and professional project management team to start your renovation journey with smarterBATHROOMS+.