We often get asked questions from clients who aren't sure at what stage they will be ready to install their new bathroom vanity. Planning a bathroom renovation can seem like an overwhelming process, especially if you've never done it before. Hopefully the following steps will help break the process up into manageable steps that are easy to follow.
Step 1: Planning
Consider what is working in the current bathroom and then what you'd like to change. It might not need a complete overhaul and just tiles and fixtures need updating. If it's a layout issue, then you'll need to consider plumbing of the toilet, sink and shower/bath. You are best to seek expert advice with this, as you'll need to draw up plans to advise the builder/plumber/electrician. It's a good idea to collect lots of inspirational pictures from Instagram, Pinterest, magazines etc. You'll need to create an idea of what you'd like the finished room to look like. Then budget accordingly.
It's at this point you'll need to draw up a budget. Consider the following items in your budget.
Demolition
Waste Disposal
Plumbing
Electrical
Lighting
Waterproofing
Tiling, plastering and painting
Fixtures, including tapware, sinks, showers, mirrors, bathroom vanity
You can start to price the vanity with rough dimensions. If contacting us, we will ask if the tap is wall mounted or counter top? We recommend wall mounted, as you will then have more storage space in your vanity.
Step 2: Assemble a team
Once you have decided on a budget, this will determine what tradespeople you will need. You can co-ordinate it all yourself or if this is too overwhelming, you can ask a builder to co-ordinate it. They will then organise the plumber, electrician, tiler, painter etc.
It is advisable to have an idea what fixtures you will be having so as to help the tradespeople to quote you properly. So think about if your bath is free-standing or against the wall, type of showerhead and also if your sink is undermounted or counter top.
Step 3: Out with the old
Once contracts have been signed it's time for the plumber and electrician to step in. The electrician will disconnect the power and the plumber will remove the old fixtures, tapware, toilet valves etc.
Once services have been disconnected, then demolition can start. This involves removing wall and floor tiles, bath/shower screen etc. If doing it yourself, please make sure before you begin that there is no asbestos present. This will need to be removed by a professional.
Step 4: First Fix
This stage involves getting the plumbing pipes and electrical wires in walls and into their positions. If any pipes need to be moved, this is when it happens. It is important to ensure that all measurements are correct at this stage, as having a tap out of position can have an effect on your tiling set out and the vanity installation.
We usually speak to clients at this stage to confirm the dimensions of the vanity and plumbing arrangements.
Step 5: Wall and Floor finishes
Generally, the next stage is adding the finishes to the walls and floor. This involves plastering, waterproofing, tiling, grouting and painting. It's the stage when you can finally start to dream about the finish line!
You would ideally want your fixtures and fittings, including the bathroom vanity on site at this stage, so that they can be installed whilst you have trades onsite.
Stage 6: Second Fix - The Finishing Touches
We have now reached the point when the plumbing and electrical fixtures are connected to the services installed in the First Fix stage. Toilets, shower screen, taps and mixers, mirrors, towel rails etc are installed. After cleaning the tiles, you'll need to caulk/silicone between the plaster and tiling, or tiling and fixtures. It is now time for you to add your own personal touches to the room.
I hope that this article helped to break down the bathroom renovation process into easy to mange steps. If you found it helpful, pass it on to somebody who is in the early stages of a bathroom renovation. It might just make their renovation journey a little easier.
Anna
Plywood Bathroom Vanity, Bespoke Bathroom Vanity, Handmade Bathroom Vanity, Bathroom Renovation, Modern Bathroom Design, Sustainable Design
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