Canberra residents are quite keen on developing their homes to match the city's evolving infrastructure. When it comes to residential evolution, bathrooms are no exception. A functional yet modern and stylish bathroom is a basic necessity for every home, as it can totally change the look and vibe of your entire home.
Remodelling a bathroom can be overwhelming, especially for the first timers. But don't worry, because we are here with our comprehensive guide on the initial plan that you need to do before onboarding a contractor.
Start With a Realistic Budget
Before onboarding a tradie, think about the changes you wish to make. Is your remodelling project emphasised towards making a complete redo, or would you be happy with upgrading a few minor fixtures that elevate the overall look? Then, think about your budget. How much can you spare for this venture?
There are some awesome tradies offering bathroom renovations in Canberra. These guys can also help you out with the budget. Since service providers always try to upsell their services and get more work, you should do an advance inspection on your own and consider the changes you actually want. Find out what's working and what actually needs to be replaced. Since you will be well-aware of the details yourself, it would be hard for the contractor to lure you into getting more work done than what is actually needed.
Sticking to your realistic budget is ideal, but in realistic scenarios, you may bump into some unexpected hurdles along the way. Lack of budget can halt the entire project until you have some money to resume. A general rule is to keep a 15% buffer amount of the total budget to deal with emergencies like faulty pipes.
Be Wise When Choosing a Contractor
You can have the most extensive budget in the whole of Canberra, but things can quickly go south if your contractor is someone who doesn't have a clue about what he is doing. With so many options, it can be a bit challenging to find the right guy for your bathroom reno.
You need to look for a trustworthy source; someone who wouldn't hesitate to be truthful about the outcome vs your expectations. Most professional tradies give you a clear picture of the results you can expect. However, there are some shady people in the lot, too. These are the lads who dodge even the simplest questions and are sketchy about the pricing.
When shortlisting contractors, only go for the leads that offer a market-competitive rate. Some contractors do offer deals and discounts, which is normal. However, if a deal seems like it's way less than what the other people are offering, it's ideal to steer clear and avoid it, as it's most likely a scam.
It’s mandatory in Australia for contractors and service providers to maintain a license that is verified according to the state. For Canberra, you can verify the license of your tradie through Access Canberra or Master Builders ACT.
Material Should Align with Canberra’s Climate
Canberra’s weather is unpredictable. We have freezing winters and hot, dry summers — Aussies, we are dealing with all extremities here! When you are making a big expenditure like bathroom remodelling, it’s logical to invest in durable materials that can give you your money’s worth. Cheaper material may give you the satisfaction of saving some bucks. However, this happiness isn't gonna last that long as cheap things are prone to damage much quicker.
Keeping the tricky and humid Canberra climate in mind, consider fixtures that are resistant to humidity. Like moisture resistant tiles and grout is a great way to get a durable finish and prevent the bathroom from getting infested with mould and asbestos. Your contractor can also make some suggestions, so perhaps have a chat before paying for the material.
Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency
Rather than going with conventional fixtures, you can go with low-flow fixtures which use less water but do not compromise on the pressure. It adds a touch of sustainability and eco-friendliness in your home, which, while not in any legislation, is a topic discussed by ACT governing bodies frequently.
You can also replace your conventional lighting with newer LEDs that are not only easy on the utility bills, but shine brighter and longer. By investing in these fixtures, you are not only working towards reducing your carbon footprint but also saving a ton on bills.
Bring Together Looks and Functionality
Apart from looks, the loo should be practical and easy to use. You can't just keep getting frustrated over the fact that the fixtures are not installed properly or positioned at the right spot. Think about the design and the flow — where does the toilet go? What about the tub? Does the tub also have a shower? Are you planning to have a separate storage section inside the bathroom? Also, what about the lighting? Have you given it a thought?
These are ideally determined during the planning stage, so you have confidence in your vision. Most modern-day bathrooms are all about maximising space so maybe, discuss this with your tradie and look through their recent work before hiring them for the job.
Discuss and Understand the Timeline
Your bathroom will be unusable during the time the remodelling project is going on. It can be a bit frustrating for everyone as you may have to crash at a mate's place or go and live with your fam until the remodel is sorted. Since you are away, it is possible that your contractor adds unwanted delays in the timeline to wage against the 'extra hours'.
Monitor the progress and maintain contact with the contractor throughout the project. Ideally, you should negotiate the schedule and the work hours with them and draft a legally binding agreement. This way, you won't have to chase the tradie for updates. Most professional contractors keep in touch with you while the project is underway, but you can still let them know that you expect regular updates from their end.
Remodelling a bathroom is a big deal in the evolving Australian capital. You can easily bring your vision to life by having a realistic budget and hiring the right contractor. Think about a modern bathroom as a blend of luxury and convenience to make your life easier.
