How to create a luxurious bathroom on a budget

Bathroom With Geometric Cement Tiles by Auhaus Architecture
Author: Sophie Seeger

Whether you hire a designer, an architect or decide on a DIY build or sub-contract, you can create a five-star bathroom on a set budget if you know what to do ahead of time. It is important to plan, research, source, to ask questions, and to understand the design and building processes.

Know what you want in advance so that your budget doesn’t blow out, the project doesn’t go over time, and you still end up with your dream bathroom. Put pen to paper, or finger to pad, start your planning and researching and then set your budget. The planning involves deciding what lifestyle and functions you want your bathroom to fulfil, and then what design and decor style evoke that certain look and mood.

Your plan includes your wishlist. Write down the features your ideal bathroom would have, then arrange in order of priority. Examples could include: a window to take advantage of a garden view and increase natural light; a large bath for two people; enough storage for each member of the family … and anything else that comes to mind.

With your wishlist done, begin your ‘people’ research – this will include finding a suitable designer, architect or builder, or if you are sub-contracting, then all the necessary contractors or tradespeople: draftsperson, 3-D designer, builder, plumber, electrician, carpenter, gyprock setter, plasterer, tiler, painter. Go with word of mouth if you can.

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Out of a separate toilet, storage room and super small bathroom, I created an all-in-one bathroom with a spacious feel, luxurious bath for two, and gorgeous garden views … on a strict budget.

Zippy thinks he’s in a French country hotel – fortunately, his paw prints won’t show up on the textured timber-look porcelain tiles.

Follow the following tips to bathroom luxury in your own home.

Think outside of the box
Create your look or design – tear out sheets from magazines, bookmark websites, and gather inspirational images into a Houzz ideabook (be sure to include vanity ideas, lighting options, mirrors, paint colours, and tile possibilities).

Step out the space. Measure the perimeter walls as a starting point to roughly gauge if your wishlist items can be accommodated in the space. Meet with a builder or structural engineer to confirm the existing condition of the space: consider the ceiling, walls and floor. If you are going open-plan, check there are no load-bearing walls.

The redesign of an old bathroom means there will often be ‘surprises’ lurking beneath that cladding or floor. Build a little ‘give’ into your budget for unplanned repairs. The worst that can happen is that you’ll have leftover cash at the end for a tapware or towel upgrade!

Share your wishlist
Meet with your designer or draftsperson to discuss your wishlist and have the floor plan drawn up. Include plumbing and electrical requirements on your plan. It is at this stage that you mention the B word: budget.

“How do I set a budget?” Understanding every step in the design and building process will help you set your budget, allowing for the design process, the building process and your prime cost (pc) items (bath, basin, taps, toilet, etc.).

Ensure your builder gives you a contract, specifications (scope of works to be undertaken), and a pc list. If the builder adds the cost of these, then you can research the items to see if you can beat his costs.

TIP: Check you don’t need DA local council approval for your works BEFORE you commence.

EXTRA TIP: Ask lots of questions, and don’t assume anything; this will give you the confidence to make informed decisions along the way.

Render it in 3-D
Once you have set your budget, confirmed your tradespeople, and discussed or created your mood or ideabook, a little extra luxury is having a designer do up a 3-D sketch of the new design. This will help you visualise the concept and see if you have included everything. If you’re handy, you can do it yourself in SketchUp, a free and online tool.

Daily on-site checks
If you can’t be on site, confirm you have a trusted foreman, building manager or sub-contractor available at a moment’s notice during building works so that nothing is overlooked, and no shortcuts are taken.

In a bathroom, waterproofing is vital, so check with the builder/carpenter that the old structure is still sturdy, and has no rot or mould. Ensure the walls, especially around a shower recess, have new waterproof membranes. It’s at this early stage that you need to check that the plumbing and electrical requirements are adhered to.

Source your products
Take your mood board and begin the research of your products. Keep freight costs low by sourcing locally available items.

You can research products at wholesale or trade prices, or buy direct. If you do source something interstate, confirm freight costs and lead time.

IMPORTANT TIP: You don’t want your vanity delivered two weeks after schedule. The plumber could charge every time he is called back. Ensure all plumbing and electrical items are available on the property at the same time as the tradesperson is scheduled to be there.

Don’t ever assume
Your tiler is not a designer – don’t let him make your decisions for you on tile pattern, grout colour and the distance between the tiles. Tiles affect the illusion of space, light and mood so it is important that they stay true to your design.

Shop for bathroom tiles online

Check product delivery
Know when your products are being delivered, so you or your sub-contractor can be there to check for quality and/or faults before the freight person leaves. Otherwise you will be held accountable for any scratches and dents – and this could blow your budget and time schedule.

TIP: Save money by re-using some of your old fittings/fixtures that you love. A mirror, treasured vase or hand towel rail, for example, can be worked into the scheme. These items could shave hundreds, if not thousands, off the overall expenditure.

EXTRA TIP: Retro-fit with old taps for vanities, showers and baths. Building auctions often have some unique items at a low price.

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