THE BEST PLACES TO INVEST IN 2020 · 2020. 1. 10. · UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM FOR LESS /14 THE BEST PROPERTY TO BUY USING ... the costs can quickly mount up. With waterprooﬁ ng, tiling

January 2020$9.95 (GST incl.)

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THE BEST PLACES TO INVEST IN 2020

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HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR

BATHROOMFOR LESS /14

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F E A T U R E S R E N O V A T I O N

1 4 y i p m a g . c o m . a u J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 0

ALTHOUGH BATHROOMS are typically small spaces, when renovating them the costs can quickly mount up. With waterproofi ng, tiling and fi xtures and fi ttings to consider, there are a lot of parts to think about in fi xing up this room – but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you work smartly and strategically.

Taking stock of the basic ‘bones’ of the bathroom can help you minimise costs when you start refreshing the space, if it reveals that design elements can be reworked within the existing layout of the room.

It’s important to have a practical mindset when you’re working on a bathroom space, because functionality is crucial. Foregoing practicality for luxury will negate any value that the element of luxury may introduce.

Begin by looking at the room’s amenities. Are there items that need to be included that are currently missing? Is there wasted space that could be better utilised?

Assess the condition of the existing elements of the bathroom to determine how far it will need to be stripped back. What is the condition of any substrate? What are the walls and ceiling constructed of? Are the windows functional, or do they need to be reworked too?

Ensuring that any renovation is completed on a sound foundation is essential to the ultimate success of the project. There are no shortcuts to success in this area, but if you’re willing to put in the hard work and planning, the rewards can be handsome.

RENO FOCUS

Renovating the bathroom of your home or investment property is one of the most important upgrades you can do, as it’s an opportunity to add real value and aesthetic appeal. You can bring a touch of luxury to any property by renovating the bathroom, without spending a small fortune

BATHROOM

Jo Powell is the director and lead

stylist at 3 Pea’s Property Styling, which was

recognised as Australia’s Best Property Stylist 2019 in Your Investment Property’s Property Investor Awards

is the director and lead stylist at 3 Pea’s Property

Styling, which was recognised as Australia’s

Best Property Stylist 2019 in Your Investment PropertyProperty Investor Awards

12-17 Reno Guide_SUBBED.indd 14 20/11/2019 1:43:43 PM

COST

STEP TWO: PLAN FOR PRACTICALITY

The all-important fi rst step is to come up with a vision of what you want the renovated bathroom to look like. Then you can plan out your renovation carefully so you know what you need.

“Start with a list of what does not work in the current bathroom space – in terms of natural light, storage, bath, shower size, mirror placement. This will give you a reference list to make sure these issues are addressed in your plan,” Powell says.

“Ensure there is su� cient storage, as well as enough space to open cupboard doors and drawers. Have a dedicated place to hang towels.”

STEP ONE: TAKE STOCK

“Measure twice! Expensive mistakes can be easily avoided by being doubly sure that you are planning with accurate information,” Powell says. It may take a little more time out of your schedule, but being exact is crucial.

TOP TIPEstilo 900 x 600mm

Bevelled Pattern Mirror

$64.48 @ Bunnings

Living Elements600 x 900 x 5mm Flat Edge

Mirror$35 @ Bunnings

COST

$35

“Nailing the practical aspects of the plan without concern for the aesthetic will ensure that nothing is missed and will free you from the constraints of trying to address two concerns at the same time,” Powell advises.

TOP TIP

This mirror helps create the illusion of space, especially in a smaller bathroom. It comes with a vinyl

backing for safety.

This bathroom mirror has a beautiful frame that you can

decorate around, making it the central theme of the space.

Ozito 25m Laser Distance Measurer $39 @ Bunnings

This measurer is a great tool to have in your arsenal when renovating, as you can use it to determine the surface area you’re

working with.

$39

$139

Bosch PLR 40 C 40m Rangefi nder with Bluetooth $139 @ Bunnings

This tool allows you to measure with incredible precision – up to 0.2mm/m. You can get results for an area of up to

40 meters.

“When renovating in a small space, such as a bathroom, getting the layout right is essential, and spending extra time on this stage will save you enormous headaches in the long run,” Powell says.

“Plot out the room on graph paper to the smallest measure possible so that you can really understand the space you are working with. Add in each element in its desired position and realistically assess if there is still su� cient space to comfortably move around within the room.”

Practicality is the focus and luxury comes later, Powell says, as fi rst and foremost the bathroom should be functional!

J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 0 y i p m a g . c o m . a u 1 5

LOREM IPSUM: CHARLIE ALBONE

Step 3Set your schedule

Step 4Take care with

demolition

Step 1Take stock

Step 8Go for a fl ashy

fi nish

Step 2Plan for

practicality

Step 7Lightit up

Step 5Make the site

watertight

Step 6Keep function

in mind

$64.48



STEP FOUR: TAKE CARE WITH DEMOLITION

While regarded by many as the ‘fun’ part of any project, the demolition phase can go o� track very quickly, in the absence of careful planning and management.

“Minimising the collateral damage during demolition reduces overall costs, and thought should also be given to disposal of fi xtures that are surplus to the needs of the reno,” Powell says.

“Windows, baths and vanities are all desirable items for renovators, who often upcycle by resurfacing and reuse them in future renovations. So consider trying to sell surplus fi xtures and fi ttings to a local demolition company or through an online marketplace.”

STEP THREE: SET YOUR SCHEDULE

“Creating a fully planned schedule of works prior to commencement of the job is absolutely critical to the success of any renovation. Your schedule allows you to anticipate problems and address them before they are a reality,” Powell says.

“A schedule ensures that all parties are ready to complete works, and downtime is minimised, reducing the overall cost of the project. Planning and allowing for contingencies ensures you are able to overcome any issues as they arise, with minimal impact on time and budgets.”

This is especially important when doing more major works like tiling the fl oor.

COST

COST

Mondella 900mm VivaceWall Hung Vanity

$349 @ Bunnings

TOP TIP

“You can offer surplus items for free through organisations such as Freecycle. You’ll fi nd others who have a use for them, and this is more cost-effective as well as better for the environment than sending them to a landfi ll,” Powell says.

TOP TIP

This vanity is available with a cafe oak drawer that has the warm feeling of timber. It comes with a large drawer,

providing adequate storage.

This easy-to-install, wall-hung bathroom vanity adds a rugged look, while offering

storage capacity. The basin is made of polymarble.

COST

Cibo Design 900mm Cafe Oak Glee Vanity with White Basin

$877 @ Bunnings

Duratile 60 x 60cm Porcelain Floor Tile – 3-Pack – Cement Grey

$25.92 @ Bunnings

Bellazza 60 x 60cm Nero Porcelain Floor Tile – Carton 3

$20.41 @ Bunnings

This tile has a striking natural stone look that adds an earthy

elegance to a bathroom and pairs well with white walls.

This simple grey-toned tile is a perfect complement to any bathroom. It is easy

to maintain and clean as well, being resistant to chemical stains.

“The secret to success in creating a schedule is constant monitoring, good clear communication and staying a step ahead of the process, which enables anticipation of potential problems before they occur,” Powell says.

$877$349


$20.41$25.92


Taubmans Endure Low SheenWhite Interior Wall Paint – 4L

$74.90 @ Bunnings

Dulux Wash&Wear 4L +Plus Kitchen & Bathroom Vivid White

Low Sheen Paint$97.20 @ Bunnings

When you want to add a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the walls, go for

paint that is durable and stain resistant.

This water-based paint is made to resist the mould and mildew that can build up in a damp atmosphere, and is anti-microbial.

STEP FIVE: MAKE THE SITE WATERTIGHT

“There may be many aspects of a renovation that you can DIY, but waterproofi ng is one job that you should not attempt to cut costs on and should leave to the professionals to complete,” Powell recommends.

TOP TIP

COST

“It goes without saying that the waterproofi ng of any wet area in the home is absolutely critical. A poor waterproofi ng job can cost you thousands – even tens of thousands – of dollars down the road when it fails to prevent water damage to your property,” Powell says.

“Waterproofi ng is a labour-intensive process that requires a properly trained worker with specifi c, high-quality equipment. Application by a certifi ed waterproofer will avoid any problems andmistakes that can be incredibly detrimental to your building and extremely costly to fi x.”

A simple way to help waterproof your bathroom is to use materials specifi cally made for wet environments, such as when you’re painting the walls.

As you fi nish up with the foundations and begin thinking about the more specifi c aspects of the renovation, it can be tempting to consider aesthetics over usability. However, you need to continue to keep functionality in mind.

This means you should allot some of your budget to quality bathroom fi ttings, such as toilets and shower areas. If you’re leasing your property out, you want a bathroom that caters to the target demographic and is easy to maintain.

Simplicity is of the essence – you want a potential tenant to be able to easily imagine themselves in the space.

STEP SIX: KEEP FUNCTION IN MIND

$97.20

Give careful attention to bathroom fi xtures like tapware. Chrome is the best option if you want something that won’t tarnish or corrode over time, and it goes perfectly with most bathroom designs.

TOP TIP

Mondella MaestroClose Coupled P Trap Design

Toilet Suite$183 @ Bunnings

This toilet suite offers a simple stylishness that goes with any

bathroom aesthetic, and comes with a soft-close seat.

Estilo WELS 4 Star 4.5-3L/min Close Coupled Rimless S Trap

Toilet Suite$149 @ Bunnings

The rimless design of the toilet bowl makes it easy to keep clean

and limits areas for potential germ build-up.

$74.90

$183$149

COST




STEP SE VEN: LIGHT IT UP


F E A T U R E S

CASE STUDY

Jo Powell set out to maximise the practical and fi scal value of aCentral Ballarat home by making the most of the bathroom

COSTThe right lighting can contribute greatly to the atmosphere you create for your bathroom. You want warmth, but you also need to be able to see yourself properly in the mirror.

Make sure to install a good-quality ceiling light – frosted lights are great as they don’t cast shadows. To light up the vanity, you can go for wall sconces for dramatic e� ect. For versatility, choose lighting with dimmers so you can adjust the glow according to your mood.

For a touch of luxury, you can even opt for a chandelier if you’ve got the space for it!

LEDlux Aruma II 345mm 1400 Lumen Dimmable CCT Flush Mount

$129 @ Beacon Lighting

Beaded Chandelier in Black

$89 @ Early Settler

As much as possible, you want to maximise natural light, so you need a number of windows – or even a skylight – to bring in more sun. To protect your (or your tenants’) privacy, install blinds.

TOP TIP

Strung with real wood beads,this small chandelier adds a unique

design twist to your bathroom, while providing a lovely glow.

This ceiling light is dimmable and comes with LED lights to help you save

on energy. You can even change the colour temperature of the light.

$129$89

AF TERTasked with refreshing a property in Central Ballarat to increase its value in terms of liveability and capital gains, Powell found herself faced with a bathroom that needed a lot of work.

The objective of the renovation of this bathroom was to ensure that the value of the space was maximised in terms of liveability of the home and increased property value.

“The original bathroom was extremely dated and in very poor condition,” Powell explains.

Considering the existing state of the room, she chose to approach the renovation with a focus on practicality and creating a list of what the bathroom needed.

“I started with a wish list of items that I wanted to see included based on a practical use of the space as well as achieving a luxurious, sanctuary feel,” she says.

“I knew that this was a signifi cant touchpoint for prospective purchasers as the overall property is quite small, so both the kitchen and bathroom needed to have a big impact.”

However, differing opinions did make it diffi cult for Powell to execute her vision.

BEFORE

DURING

12-17 Reno Guide_SUBBED.indd 18 21/11/2019 7:58:49 AM

Disclaimer: All products and prices listed are correct at the time of printing. The advice contained in this article is for general information only and should not be taken as fi nancial advice. Please make sure to speak to a qualifi ed professional person before making any investment decision.


It took time for her to convince her building team of the ideas she had in mind, and with a budget of only $16,000, Powell also had to allocate expenses wisely, especially given the limited room.

“The challenges I faced included getting the building team on board with my ideas. I also had to juggle competing priorities in terms of space and incorporating as many of my ideas as possible within the allocated budget,” she says.

Nonetheless, Powell was able to fi nd areas where she could save on costs to manage the available fi nance, and remained within budget.

“I was able to minimise cost with a careful selection of tiles and by purchasing off-the-shelf cabinetry,” she explains.

The renovation was a massive success as the fi nished product was snapped up for $35,000 more than the property’s initial value – something Powell credits to how much buyers loved the changes.

“I always enjoy watching renovation projects come together and witnessing ideas that were once just in my head come to life,” she says.

“But the response that it has received from everyone who has seen it has been amazing!”

THE NUMBERS

Price guide pre-reno $470,000–$480,000

Sale price post-reno

$515,000

Bathroom reno cost

$16,000

COST“Maximise the value of your bathroom by creating a space that serves as a sanctuary for the homeowner, a place where they can look forward to spending time and unwinding at the end of the day,” Powell says.

“The introduction of a few luxuries in this area will go a very long way and can enhance the space greatly from both an aesthetic and practicality standpoint. Planning the inclusion of luxury items early on in the process will ensure that everything fi ts within your budget and works can be accommodated as e� ciently and cost-e� ectively as possible in your work schedule.”

STEP EIGHT: GO FOR A FL ASHY FINISH

Mondella 1500 x 800 x 470mm White Rococo Acrylic Inset Bath

$259 @ Bunnings

Ottimo Freestanding Bath1700mm MK II

$999 @ Highgrove Bathrooms

$259$999

“Don’t overdo it – keep to scale. Your space will lose its impact if there are too many competing elements, or if the selected features do not work in the room,” Powell says.

TOP TIP

Few things say ‘luxury’ more than a gorgeous freestanding bath, and this high-gloss, modern acrylic bathtub

certainly fi ts the bill.

This fl oor-mounted, freestanding, high-gloss bathtub will lend a sense of luxury to any bathroom space. It has a 310L capacity and an easy-clean fi nish.

Taking stock of the basic ‘bones’ of the bathroom can help minimise costs if it means that design elements can be reworked within the existing layout


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THE BEST PLACES TO INVEST IN 2020 · 2020. 1. 10. · UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM FOR LESS /14 THE BEST PROPERTY TO BUY USING ... the costs can quickly mount up. With waterprooﬁ ng, tiling