Best ways to maximise the benefits of kitchen & bathroom renovations
A kitchen or bathroom upgrade can bring many benefits, such as making your spaces more practical and stylish. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly food preparation area or a spa-like ensuite in the master bedroom, the renovations can be tailored to your needs.
However, a home transformation project often involves numerous decisions, from updating fixtures and changing layouts to selecting durable materials. To simplify the process, we’ve created this list of bathroom and kitchen renovation tips to help get you started.
Why renovate your kitchen and bathroom?
Boost property value: Renovating your kitchen and bathroom increases your home’s appeal to buyers and can result in a higher resale price and return on investment.
Optimal living: Makeovers optimise the layout and features of your home, improving usability and efficiency to better fit your evolving lifestyle and needs.
Stylish transformation: Updating your home with the latest design features, neutral colours and other enhancements can turn it into a relaxing retreat from the outside world.
Safer home environment: Renovations can eliminate hazards such as old wiring, inefficient appliances and slippery floors, which can be replaced or upgraded, providing your family with enhanced safety.
Top tips for your kitchen and bathroom renovation project
Tip 1: Develop a plan
Planning is crucial for successful home renovations. Lay a strong foundation for your project by considering these factors:
- Revamp your rooms: First decide whether you need an ensuite, powder room or family bathroom. Use 3D planning tools to help visualise your ideal layout, which should also take future mobility needs into account. For a kitchen, create efficient workflows that accommodate high-traffic zones.
- Budget: Account for all expenses, including labour, materials and permits. It’s a good idea to set aside some funds for unexpected costs, such as hidden damages or utility upgrades.
- Set timelines: Depending on the level of work involved, bathroom renovations can take three to four weeks, while kitchen remodels take longer. Plan ahead to help keep everything on track for you and your family.
Tip 2: Optimise space and storage
Kitchen and bathroom areas often have limited space. To make the most of the available space, focus on smart design and storage solutions to keep your spaces practical and neat.
- Storage organisation: In bathrooms, install double vanities with built-in organisers to free up floor space. Kitchen storage solutions can include cabinets that reach the ceiling, pull-out shelves, deep drawers, corner cabinets or a pantry.
- Lighting: Use different types of lighting, such as LED-lit mirrors in bathrooms and under-cabinet lighting in kitchens, to improve visibility and add a contemporary feel.
Tip 3: Invest in durable materials
Ensure your kitchen and bathroom renovation is a long-term investment by considering the following:
- Material quality: Choose durable options, such as porcelain tiles for bathrooms and granite or quartz countertops for kitchens, to minimise future repairs or replacements.
- Water-saving fixtures: Install low-flow taps and toilets to conserve water and help lower your utility bills.
- Professional installation: Hire licensed experts for plumbing and electrical work to ensure proper installation and prevent costly mistakes that can result in rework.
Tip 4: Integrate waterproofing and ventilation
Prevent mould growth and structural issues by incorporating the following into your design:
- Sealing and waterproofing: One of the most important kitchen and bathroom renovation tips is to waterproof your showers, bathtubs and sinks with protective sealants to prevent mould, damage and leaks.
- Easy airflow: Windows or skylights invite fresh air and natural light inside to enhance air quality. Exhaust fans help boost air circulation and extract steam and moisture to reduce humidity and odours.
Tip 5: Ensure design consistency
A cohesive design helps create a classy, attractive finish for your home. Here’s how to create visual harmony between your spaces:
- Determine your style: Speak with our home design consultants for personalised design inspiration and advice to guide your renovation.
- Colours: A neutral palette throughout your home achieves a timeless and clean aesthetic. Light colours enlarge small spaces, while dark tones add depth to larger areas.
- Add character: Accents like splashback tiles or fancy tapware and fixtures are a great way to reflect your personal style while keeping the design elements consistent.
- Surfacing and tiling: Update your bathroom with marble or ceramic tiles, and choose kitchen countertops made from hard-wearing materials such as stone that match your cabinets.
Bonus kitchen and bathroom renovation tips for a stress-free experience
Ensure your project runs smoothly with these five extra tips for home renovations. Use them for all types of residential makeover projects:
- Select a reputable builder: Choose a builder well-known for excellent communication and project management skills to help meet your expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
- Temporary living arrangements: Plan your home setup during renovations. For example, if you intend to stay in your home throughout the process, consider using a microwave and kettle for cooking and arrange alternative bathroom access.
- Product testing: One of our favourite bathroom and kitchen renovation tips is to test each product before installation. Try out fixtures and fittings, like faucets and cabinet hardware, to ensure they meet your expectations.
- Energy-saving solutions: Installing energy-efficient appliances and low-flow fixtures helps save money and conserve resources over time. They reduce power and water usage while maintaining performance, benefiting both your wallet and the environment.
Take your renovation project to the next level with Spacemaker Home Extensions
Make your bathroom and kitchen renovation stand out with high-quality fixtures, fittings and renovation supplies. Our design team will work with you to choose your tiling, bathroom wares, hard flooring and kitchen accessories. We are dedicated to collaborating closely with you to help you maximise the quality and style of your bathroom and kitchen renovations. The result? Beautiful spaces that you’ll be proud to have in your home! Request a home design consultation or call us on 03 8873 7800 to discuss your next project.
