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Do’s and don’ts of undertaking your own bathroom renovation

Article by Your Home and Garden

Before you get stuck into your bathroom renovation there are a few things you should consider. Alex Fulton has rounded up some important do’s and don’ts

Do’s and don’ts of undertaking your own bathroom renovation

Do plan your bathroom. This means doing some thinking and research about how you want your bathroom to work, who is going to use it and what your budget is. Use magazines and online images to lock in the look you want. There’s an array of options out there so you need to be crystal clear about your desired look and how much it will cost to achieve.
Don’t attempt DIY if you aren’t confident. While YouTube may be full of helpful tips for tackling bathroom renovations, be aware that some jobs are best left to the experts, especially if council sign-off is required. It may be more expensive to hire a professional but at least you’ll know the workmanship is guaranteed.
Do envisage every possibility, question and request. Create a scope-of-work document to give to each tradie. This will detail exactly what you require and avoid any he-said she-said debates. Document everything from the bench and shower heights to paint colours, floor layouts, tile specifications, tap and sink placement, mirrors, floor descriptions and so on. Making your requirements clear to all the tradies is vital to any project, especially a bathroom.
Don’t buy products that do not comply with New Zealand industry standards. Buying from specialist bathroom stores and choosing reputable brands will help to make sure your bathroom complies with all legal requirements. The same goes for anything you buy secondhand; make sure you check with your plumber and builder before you purchase.

Words by: Alex Fulton.