Bathrooms FAQs

Q. How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?
A. This will depend on the scope of work. The general timeframe for a total bathroom model is between 3 - 5 weeks. Allow additional time if you are moving fixtures or installing custom cabinetry or shower screens as final measurements cannot be done until the rest of the bathroom renovation is complete.  Resurfacing can take a little as a couple of hours to a number of days depending on the method used and curing times.

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Q. What makes a bathroom renovation more or less expensive?
A. The cost of a bathroom renovation will be driven up if there is the need for extensive plumbing or custom carpentry work. In general, fixtures and fittings account for the highest cost percentage in the bathroom. The final cost will vary depending on the brand, types of materials and products you select. Installation work will generally account for around 1/4 of the budget due to the intricate nature of the work involved.

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Q. Where do I start? How do I find and choose a bathroom designer?
A. Before you pick up the phone. Print off the bathroom design checklist. This will help you get a good, clear understanding of what you want and are looking for in your new bathroom. Next, gather magazine cutouts, print off images you like to give the design team so that they can get a good sense of your desired bathroom style. Try the Quotify Bathroom Designer Referral Service. All bathroom designers in our system have been pre-screened, and once you complete the short form you will be matched with 3 designers that meet your needs. These designers will then contact you to commence the quotation process. When evaluating the shortlisted designers look for the person you feel will provide the best all-around service in addition to the necessary construction expertise and experience.

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Q. Any general advice when choosing a new bathroom?
A. The key thing you do is consider your lifestyle. Do you plan to move in the next few years? Is the family structure changing? Will there be special needs for children or are you about to retire? If you are likely to move in the next few years then your money is best spent on a popular design with mid-range priced fixtures and fixttings as this will help you get the best return on investment. Design features to deal with the elderly and children are important factors when selecting products and designing the layout.Back to Top

Q. What can I do myself to help cut costs?
A. There are a number of ways to save on your bathroom renovation. How much you attempt to do on your own depends on your ability and knowledge of remodelling. Simple tasks like removing old cabinets and accessories, tearing up old vinyl flooring and finishing touches like painting can be done easily enough on your own but you'll need to leave plumbing and electrical work to professionals.  Let experienced tilers do the floors and walls - nothing detracts more from a beautiful new bathroom than tiles that don't match up properly or vanities that are poorly installed.

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Q. What is bathroom resurfacing? Is it a good solution to replacing old fixtures?
A. Bathroom resurfacing, also called re-glazing and refinishing is the process where bathroom surfaces are stripped down of old paint and finish and a new surface is applied. Resurfacing is a great way to save money and time on your bathroom renovation. Depending on the curing times of the glaze your new bathroom can be completed in days instead of weeks. The one disadvantage of reglazing has been that it hasn't tended to last but recent innovations in technology has improved the lifespan on glazing products. Quality of workmanship is a key factor in reglazing so if you are considering this option use a professional installer - get 3 free quotes. Some reglazing companies will provide warranties on workmanship equivilent to new product warranties.

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Q. What do I need to do to prepare for my bathroom renovation?
A. Because all bathroom remodelling projects are different, so are their preparation. If you are renovating your only bathroom then you might need to consider moving out of home for a week or two or installing a temporary toilet or shower. Regardless of how big or small your bathroom renovation there are some simple preparation steps you can take including: clearing access, removing all objects from the bathroom  - soap, shampoo, shower caddie, shower curtain, bathtoys etc. You can even go as far as removing old cabinets, vanties, mirrors, tiles or flooring.