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Bathroom budget breakdown: where to splurge and save?

By Amy Collins-Walker • 1 Comment

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With the average bathroom renovation costing anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, it’s not a task to be taken lightly, which is why we looked to Wesley Sinclair from Highgrove Bathrooms recently for his best bathroom budgeting advice. “Before the renovating even takes place, it’s important to make a plan and set a budget. The costs of fixtures, tiling, plumbing and electricals can really add up if you don’t plan ahead. Always allow for a 10 percent buffer for any unexpected costs that may come up along the way,” says Wesley.

“For a full bathroom renovation, a rough guide would be to spend 40 percent of your budget on fixtures, 35 per cent on tiling, 20 percent on plumbing and the last five percent on electricals.”

Highgrove Bathrooms

Fixtures
“Accounting for nearly half of your renovation budget, the fixtures and fittings you choose can make or break the look and feel of your bathroom,” says Wesley who advises splurging on fixtures such as your cabinetry, toilet and bathtub if you are having one. “Ample storage space is a must for every bathroom, so choosing the right vanity and shelving for all your bathroom essentials is vital. Opting for a wall hung vanity will free up floor space and give you the illusion of a bigger bathroom too.”

When it comes to toilets, Wesley says that it’s important to think about WELS water efficiency ratings as well as how easy they are to clean. “Wall face toilets eliminate the need to reach around and clean behind your toilet, and rimless toilets provide a more hygienic flushing experience,” says Wesley.

When it comes to saving on fixtures, he warns against blowing your budget on expensive mirrors, robe hooks, tapware, basins and towel racks given there are so many attractive, affordable options on the market. “Quality, affordable accessories that can coordinate your whole bathroom look are readily available and can be updated later when you’re ready for a refresh.”

And when it comes to your bath tub, Wesley is a fan of the freestanding options for that high-end finish. “They add that extra touch of luxury while maximising available space.”

Highgrove Bathrooms
Tiling
“The amount of your budget spent on tiling will be determined by the size of your space and how high you want your wall tiling to go. Floor to ceiling wall tiles are a luxury bathroom trend we’ve seen emerge over the last five years and they can instantly add value to your home,” says Wesley.

And with tile prices ranging anywhere from $30 to $200 per square metre, your tile spend depends largely on how luxe you go. “Complex designs like mosaics and herringbone patterns are more expensive and can cost more to lay too. On top of the price of your tiles, the actual installation can set you back around $40 per square metre when you consider things like site preparation, labour, glue and grout,” says Wesley. One area in which no shortcuts can be taken is waterproofing. “Make sure you professionally waterproof the areas around your toilet, vanity, shower and bathtub to protect the integrity of your floors and walls.”

And sometimes a bathroom renovation doesn’t require new tiles at all. “If your tiles are still in good condition, you could consider re-grouting instead of completely replacing them. Opting for a bit of facelift rather than a complete overhaul will save you lot of money, and in some cases, that fresh white grout is all that’s needed for a brand new look!”

Plumbing
There are plenty of ways to save money when renovating your bathroom, however, plumbing isn’t one of them. “Don’t skimp when professionally fitting your basin, toilet, shower and bathtub, as poor plumbing can lead to many problems later down the track. A leaking tap or busted pipe will cost you so much more to fix than the initial installation fee,” says Wesley. It’s also worth noting that some products are only covered by warranty if they’re professionally fitted.

Plumbers charge an average of $80 per hour, though some will charge per task. “To completely renovate and rearrange the space, your plumber will need more time to extend and change the current layout to suit your new bathroom plan. Always get a quote and avoid changing your original plans if possible!” says Wesley.

Highgrove Bathrooms
Electricals
“The electrical elements in a bathroom can sometimes be overlooked when planning a renovation – think exhaust fans, downlights, LED Mirrors, heated towel rails, power points and light switches. Always plan your electrical layout before doing any tiling as it’s much easier to run the necessary wires and cables that way,” says Wesley.

Task lighting is key in a bathroom too and he recommends wall sconces or an LED mirror to help illuminate the area. “You want your lighting to be effective enough to carry out daily activities like shaving, applying make-up and brushing your teeth.”

Heated towel rails are another consideration, just make sure to select a timed eco wall switch as an energy efficient option. “Talk to your electrician about having the wiring run before you install your tiles though as these need to be hardwired and professionally installed,” says Wesley who advises selecting a good quality exhaust fan also, toeliminate moisture build up.

For more | Small bathroom renovation tips

 

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October 2, 2018

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Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) 😜

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo 😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
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Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: what’s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

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Play room goals!👌🏻 This is just one room fr Play room goals!👌🏻

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that😁

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍 Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛 Seb an Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛

Seb and Charlie had one of those kid size couches in their playroom but frankly, they'd outgrown it! I picked this Aussie made compact 2-seater Ruby sofa from @fantasticfurniture 

I'd usually go for grey to keep it neutral but as it's in a kid's room I went for this heather blue fabric to make it a little more fun while still classic. There's more than 50 fabric choices for Fantastic's Aussie made range so good luck choosing 😂 

I left the legs off to keep it below the windowsill. I'm super happy with the quality. It looks a lot more expensive than its $699 pricetag 👌🏻

Books, natural light and a cosy couch = happy boys! And let's not pretend they won't be watching the odd movie on there too 🍿 because #keepingitreal

#FantasticFurniture #FantasticFamily #booknook #booknookstagram #booknook #bookwormsofinstagram #littlereader #littlebookworm #cosycorner #cosycorner #playroomideas #toyroom #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #aussiemade #aussiemadefurniture #twoseater #kidssofa #kidscouch #bluesofa #loveofreading
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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  1. AvatarOctavio says

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