When you’re making a budget for your bathroom, first you need to get inspiration for the kind of bathroom look you want to create. Check magazines or showrooms to get ideas,then start planning out costs, seeing where you want to splurge and where you want to be more economical. As a basic guide, you should spend 40 per cent of your budget on fixtures, 35 per cent on tiling, 20 per cent on plumbing, and the remaining 5 per cent on electrical. Here are some tips on each of these categories so you can stay on budget while buying bathroom supplies.
Fixtures
Out of all bathroom supplies, you should spend nearly half your budget on fixtures, as they can really elevate the look of your bathroom. Invest in good cabinetry, a toilet and a bathtub (if you’re choosing to have one). Cabinetry is important because without enough storage space, your bathroom is destined to become cluttered. A wall-hung vanity is a good option for freeing up floor space and making the bathroom look bigger. When purchasing a toilet, take into account water efficiency and ease of keeping clean. Freestanding bathtubs add a touch of class while making the best use of space. Be wary of blowing your budget on bathroom supplies like fancy mirrors, robe hooks, tapware, basins and towel racks, which are not as essential and can be updated later on.
Tiling
When it comes to bathroom supplies, size affects cost. If you want floor-to ceiling wall tiles in a large bathroom,this will cost you more than ending the tiling half way up the wall in a smaller bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling wall tiles are a feature in luxury bathrooms, so it depends if you have the budget for it. There is also a great range in price between different tiles – anywhere from $30 to $200 per square metre, depending on if you want a simple or more sophisticated look. Mosaics and herringbone patterns are more complex to lay, and thus are more expensive to buy and get installed. You will find installation of your tiles will cost around $40 per square metre, so don’t forget to pencil this cost into your budget. You will also need to get your bathroom makeover waterproofed to protect the structural integrity of your home against moisture, rot and termites, so that’s an extra cost as well. If your original tiles are in reasonable condition, you may consider regrouting rather than completely replacing them to save some cash.
Plumbing
Plumbing is an important part of any bathroom renovation, so don’t try to save money here. Bad plumbing can have consequences,and some bathroom supplies must be professionally installed for the warranty to be valid. Plumbers usually charge $80 per hour give or take, or they can charge per task. If you’re completely changing the layout of your bathroom, the plumber will have more work to do and so it will be more expensive. If you keep the current layout, you can avoid unnecessary costs. Get a quote at the outset and try not to change your original plans.
Electricals
Electricals are another area where you shouldn’t try to cut corners, as you need a professional to install bathroom supplies like exhaust fans, downlights, LED mirrors, heated towel rails, power points and light switches. Get your electrical work sorted out before you get tiling done, so that wires and cables can easily be run along walls. Choose lighting for the vanity unit that will allow you to see clearly when shaving or putting makeup on – LED lights are a great option for this. Consult with the experts – your plumber, tiler and electrician – to make sure everything is done in the right order.
