Firstly, set a budget and stick to it - about 2% of the current value of your property. So the bathroom budget for a house valued at $500,000 would be $10,000 for everything, including cabinetry, labour, bench tops and appliances.
Larger bathrooms look more luxurious. If your bathroom is small, considering moving it to another room, or knocking out the wall between a separate toilet and bathroom. New plumbing lines cost from $200 a lineal metre so relocating your bathroom could cost thousands. Think carefully!
There is an urban myth that says: “don’t move the plumbing” – but it may not be as expensive as you think. Of course every house is different! You can move a basin or shower by a couple of metres for as little as $350. However sometimes moving pipes means the waste also needs to be upgraded and moved, which could turn into a costly event. Ensure you get fixed price quotes and use a licensed plumber.
Keep your finishes neutral and simple. Try darker tiles on the floor and a lighter shade on the wall to create a feeling of space. Larger tiles appear more opulent than small tiles. 300 x 600mm are Cherie’s personal favourite. If you use the same tiles throughout the entire house, you can buy in bulk, which gives you greater bargaining power.
If you have champagne tastes and a beer budget – then there are lots of suppliers “cloning” designer basins and taps. Go online to have a look for imitations and go direct to the suppliers. Look in magazines and high end showrooms for the latest trends, then find copies in affordable outlets.
Pay attention to the details. You can maximize space with recessed nooks and crannies. Try having a nook for your soap and shampoo in your shower or you can have a recessed shaving cabinet that won’t take up to much space.
Great article. We visited angel touch bathrooms, check out their amazing prices at www.Angeltouchbathrooms.com.au