5 things to look out for when renovating your bathroom

Splendid and luxurious, bathrooms are meant to be the oasis of your home. It is understandable to want nothing short of perfection when renovating the space where you are at your most vulnerable.

 

Yet, despite seeming like a simple space to refurbish, there is much more than meets the eye.

 

From the plumbing, to the lighting, to the vanity, a myriad of skillsets are required to put all these pieces together – underestimate these, and you could end up with a nightmare of a bathroom post-renovation. With Qanvast estimating a toilet renovation to cost upwards of $5,000, it is best to get things right the first time, for the sake of your sanity, and your wallet.

 

If you are worried about any oversights in your renovation plans, here are 5 things to look out for when upgrading your bathroom.

 

1. Vanity

The vanity is often the first thing you are greeted by when you enter the bathroom. Comprising of the sink, the countertop and the cabinets below it, it calls for attention to detail, requiring an apt coordination of materials and colours.

 

One main consideration would be your choice of sink: do you prefer your sink to be on top of your counter, or embedded within it? An above-the-counter sink may appear more aesthetically pleasing and provides you with more storage space within your vanity cabinets. On the other hand, under-counter basins appear more sleek, seamlessly integrating into your vanity, while being easier to clean. Whichever type of sink you decide to install, do also keep the height of your tap in mind, as sinks above the counter will generally require taller taps.

 

As for your vanity cabinets, it would be wise to select waterproof materials to prevent mould growth, or watermarks being left behind on their surface, since splashes of water are inevitable in the bathroom. If there is space around your vanity, you can look into building additional cabinets or shelves to store more things. For a finishing touch, mount a mirror on the wall for you to admire your reflection and create the illusion of a larger, brighter room.

 

 

2. Tiling

Lining the floor and walls, tiles set the look of your bathroom. It would be good to pick tiles that complement your vanity and other bathroom fixtures to ensure a cohesive appearance.

 

Plain tiles help to give your bathroom a clean image, while textured tiles evoke a more spa-like feel. Apart from the price and look of the tiles, do consider other factors like their physical properties. While smoother tiles are easier to clean, think twice before lining your floor with them, as they offer less slip resistance compared to textured, matte tiles. Still, non-slip mats are an option if you wish to use smooth tiles for your bathroom floor.

 

 

3. Plumbing

Proper plumbing is the foundation of well-functioning toilet bowls, sinks, showerheads and bathtubs, and enables the smooth removal of waste while ensuring cleanliness in your bathroom. It would be wise to engage a skilled plumber, as well as invest in quality toilet fixtures to keep your bathroom in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

 

When selecting bathroom fixtures, think about both their form and functionality. Consider if the colour and finish of your tap fits with the overall theme of your bathroom, or if you prefer a rain shower in addition to a hand shower. For toilet bowls, would you prefer an automatic sensor for flushing, or manual buttons to activate it? All these should be thought of before committing to any installations, as toilet fixtures can be extremely tedious to replace or reposition later on.

 

If you are looking for a good way to unwind, consider installing a bathtub for a warm soak to alleviate your aches and pains. While many bathtubs may appear to be permanent fixtures once set up, some modern bathtubs can be easier to reposition or shift, if your current house is not intended to be your lifetime nest. Look into bathtubs that require no tiling or hacking, and can be sealed to surfaces with silicone. Silicone can be easily cut through, making it convenient should you wish to take your bathtub with you when you move houses in future, or undergo further renovations down the road.

 

4. Lighting

A bathroom is nothing without appropriate lighting to set the ambience. Lights can influence the cosiness of your bathroom, based on various factors like their placement and their bulb colour.

 

For a warm, soft ambience, stick with yellow bulbs to make your bathroom more welcoming and homely. For sharper lighting, look into white bulbs to illuminate your bathroom. Of course, ceiling lights are the most common position for lighting within the space, and offer well-rounded brightness throughout. However, if you are hoping to add a touch of elegance to your bathroom, consider dressing up your vanity with peripheral lighting. These can be fixed to the walls framing the vanity, or be mounted above a vanity mirror. Scented candles are an alternative for providing mood lighting, infusing the air with delightful fragrances to elevate your bathing experience. It would be advisable to stay away from lights connected to power sockets, as these can pose an electrical hazard, particularly in close proximity to water.

 

Good lighting is essential in enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your bathroom, so take the time to experiment with different options to find what suits you best.

 

 

5. Ventilation

You might not realise the importance of good ventilation in your bathroom till your walls and ceiling start filling with mould spots. Singapore’s hot and humid weather, combined with the perpetual dampness from the shower and sink, make bathrooms the perfect breeding ground for mould. As such, to avoid having to deal with an infestation, ensure that there is adequate ventilation. This can be in the form of having windows, or installing an exhaust fan within your bathroom to allow for the circulation of air and evaporation of water.

 

Last things to note…

With these tips in mind, always remember to engage only a certified contractor to carry out your renovation works. You deserve to have a bathroom fit for your specifications, so do plan carefully beforehand to reduce the risk of mishaps!

 

If you’re skipping the interior designer to save costs but want to avoid future headaches with fittings and dimensions, try one of our bathroom packages! Our specialist can step in and advise you like a pro—no obligation, just a helpful chat.

 

We hope that these tips have helped you in your pursuit of the bathroom of your dreams!