Bathroom Renovations - Spinryde Home Renovations

Bathroom Renovations

13 Answers to your bathroom renovation questions

Do I need development consent to renovate my bathroom?

When making the changes to plumbing, drainage or electrics, then you may require consent or at the very least an inspection by the relevant authority. A direct replacement of old and worn out fixtures will not need consent. All structural changes need consent.

Do I need to waterproof the entire bathroom floor or just the shower recess?

Waterproofing is needed where there’s a water outlet i.e. the shower recess, bath, taps and drains. You need to waterproof your shower recess to a height of at least 1800mm. Whilst the floor does not need waterproofing we recommend and always waterproof the floor on all our bathroom renovations.

Can I tile over existing tiles?

We recommend not to tile over existing tiles on all our renovations due to not being able to provide a Waterproofing Warranty as required by NSW state law.

What type of paint should I use in my bathroom?

Use a low-sheen anti-fungal paint on the ceilings and a semi-gloss on the walls. These are washable and moisture resistant and will prevent the build-up of mould and mildew.

Will resurfacing my tiles, bath and sink produce a professional and long-lasting result?

Bathroom resurfacing is a quick and easy way to achieve a bathroom that looks brand new. Ensure you use a reputable company with experienced and qualified tradespeople. The final result is dependent on thorough preparation work i.e. removal of chips and scratches and the replacement of old grout.

How do I decide between a freestanding bath or drop-in bath?

Freestanding baths add that wow factor to your bathroom. The bath itself can be more expensive and there may be extra plumbing needed to conceal the pipework. Freestanding baths often take up more space and if the bath is made of stone, your bathroom floor needs to be strong enough to handle the extra weight.

A drop-in or hob-mounted bath sits in a frame usually against a wall or as an island. It must be level to ensure it drains properly and be secure enough to support the weight of the water, plus a person.

There are many styles of baths on the market, so when making your choice, test for comfort by sitting in it to ensure the size and depth are right for you.

What is the benefit of using a mixer tap instead of a separate hot and cold water tap?

A mixer tap combines the hot and cold water before it reaches the spout and allows you to adjust the water temperature as it flows, rather than adjusting it when it’s already in the basin.

How can I heat my bathroom?

Heat lamps are popular. They usually come with a built-in extractor fan and as long as you have the adequate ceiling space, you will feel the maximum warmth from the lamps. A more luxurious option is electric floor heating. Electric elements are installed under your bathroom flooring and provide heat from the ground up. A plug-in or direct fix heated towel rail is another relatively inexpensive option.

Is an extractor fan necessary or can I just open a window to get rid of the steam?

The best ventilation for a bathroom is a window to the outside. An extractor fan removes steam, moisture and odours quickly and most importantly, prevents the growth of mould. Make sure there is adequate roof space above the ceiling (generally a pitched roof is adequate, definitely not a flat roof). Or alternately duct it to the outside.

Are there any safety rules I need to consider when deciding where to place electrical switches and outlets in the bathroom?

Yes, there are rules and regulations in Australia that govern how switches and outlets can be placed in relation to water outlets. You must use a licensed electrician to carry out the work in accordance with the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2007). Talk to your renovation specialist about assisting you with these guidelines.

Will an instantaneous or continuous flow hot water system meet the needs of my family?

These systems heat the water as and when required. It can take a few seconds before the hot water starts to flow and they tend to deliver water at a reduced pressure when compared to some storage systems. The size of the heater is measured by flow rate in litres per minute and is dependent on the number of hot water outlets the heater has to serve, rather than the number of people in the household. As a general rule, a home with two bathrooms will need a flow rate of 22-24 litres per minute.

How much water would our household save by installing a water-efficient toilet?

Using a water efficient dual flush toilet reduces an average households water usage by around 30,000 to 40,000 litres per annum.

How do I know I’m buying a water efficient bathroom product?

Australia uses the WELS (Water Efficiency Labels and Standards) star-rating system to indicate a products’ water efficiency and all WELS-rated products will carry the star-rating label. The maximum rating for taps is 6-stars, for showerheads 3-stars and for toilets 4-stars. The more stars a product has, the greater the water efficiency.

Get in touch with Spinryde Home Renovations to discuss your home renovation project

If you would like to discuss bathroom ideas and options for your home renovation project, please use the enquiry form to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project.

*All information is believed to be true at time of publishing and is subject to change.

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