Plumbing advice on bathroom renovation from Darling Point

Jim Mahoney has been working with a popular plumbing agency for the last 15 years. Amongst other things, Jim is a renovation specialist. He is called in when there is a kitchen or bathroom renovation. So, we asked him to give us some tips on cost effective bathroom renovations.

“Jim, you have been doing this for the last 15 years. What, to you, is the biggest challenge that homeowners face when they want their bathrooms or kitchens remodelled?” “Renovations always run the risk of wiping your bank account clean. One thing leads to another and you soon overshoot your budget. Homeowners need to identify ways of keeping within their budget.”

“Can you give us some tips on budget bathroom renovations?” “The best thing to do is to contact your plumber and discuss with him what your options are. The next thing is to be very clear of your needs. Taps, showers, tubs, basins, cupboards – have some idea of what you want and where. Also, it gives your plumber a good idea of what you need.”

“So, what are the most common features people want when they renovate their bathrooms?” “ The average person wants to change their tiles, put in a new tap or two, change their lighting and that’s about it. You have people putting in spa type baths fitted with multiple nozzles, steam baths and the works. Jacuzzis are in, so are eco-friendly bathrooms. These are expensive but then, it depends on what gives you joy.”

“What aspects of the bathroom need replacement when there is a renovation?” “Depends on how extensive the renovation is. Generally, walls do not need replacements. On the other hand, drywall is generally completely replaced during bathroom renovations because of their moisture content.”

“How can people bring down the cost of renovation?” “When you replace taps, replace only those that are non-functional. If they are operable, you can replace them yourself at a later date. If you feel that the bathtub looks ugly, you don’t really have to replace the whole thing. How about refinishing the bathtub? Installing a new toilet is a DIY job. Call in the experts only where necessary.”

“What, according to you, is the most important thing that homeowners have to do when considering a renovation?” “I’d say it is having the right plumber or contractor. Most people just do not have the know-how and the time to do the renovation themselves. Besides, you are bound to run into tricky problems where you need an expert. So, if you have an expert who really knows what they are doing, you can work with them from the very beginning to cut costs, to realize your vision and to enjoy the money you spent on remodelling.”

So, there you are. These are some of the important things to remember when you renovate your bathroom or kitchen.
Looking for a renovation expert? Call us on 0422 006 126