Beyond Aesthetics: Questions You Need to Ask Before You Begin a Bathroom Renovation Project8/23/2023 Are you ready to say 'Hooroo' to your old, daggy bathroom and 'G'day' to a new one? At Konnect Building Solutions, we offer timely, on-budget, and high-quality renovations and more. We also undertake bathroom renovations Kogarah residents endorse. Plus, our experience spans 20+ years, implying you can bank on us for all your renovation needs. That said, we realize that aesthetics are top of mind when renovating your bathroom. Who doesn't want others to ooh and aah over their tiles, colour scheme, fixtures, and finishes? We get it - you want your bathroom to look 'the part'. But are looks the only thing you should be worried about? Not quite. Before committing to a bathroom renovation and calling in your go-to contractor, it's advisable to ask some key questions to ensure your ducks are in a row once the project kicks off. Here're some core aspects to consider: Is a Warm Floor a Priority?Yeah, you probably fancy some heat under your feet when you step out of the shower. You can achieve this by installing radiant heating systems like electric coils or warm water tubes. While at it, consider your bathroom door's threshold as it impacts the layout of your space. In other words, adding heating to your floor may constrain the door's swing. Hence, accommodate this factor in your plans. Will You Need to Upgrade Your Plumbing?Stepping up the aesthetic may require some rejigging of your plumbing setup. If you intend to swap out an old shower for a modern one, you'll need new valves and connections. You may also have to reconfigure the space for proper drainage. This can be challenging if there are other fixtures, such as a dropping ceiling or tub, in the way. Also, old plumbing systems usually require upgrades to meet current building codes or waterproofing requirements. Does the Bathroom Offer Ample Privacy?Oops! You've probably been there - you're enjoying a private moment in the bathroom when someone walks past the window or opens the door. You leap for the towel, but it's too late as you’ve been spotted in your birthday suit! Well, privacy shouldn't be an afterthought when designing your bathroom. Think of it as your family's private oasis where you can sing like a kookaburra in the shower without fear of prying eyes or unexpected interruptions. For shared bathrooms, ensure all your family members have the necessary privacy. This could mean adding blinds or curtains or using an opaque shower door for maximum privacy. Alternatively, you could opt for frosted glass or patterned material for extra coverage. Do You Plan To Hide Plumbing or Make It a Standout Feature?The sight of shiny copper pipes exposed and snaking their way along the walls creates a charming industrial vibe. If such a look is more your thing, go with it to add a 'fair dinkum' touch to your bathroom space. But beware of the potential downside - it can be a dust and grime magnet. You could also hide your plumbing behind the walls for a more modern aesthetic. Even so, bear in mind that all the pipes need access for maintenance or repairs - so don't box yourself in when taking your pick. Can You Avoid or Minimize Cold Spots?Do you ever step into the shower only to be greeted by a faceful of chilly tiles? Or maybe the floor feels like an icy tundra under your feet as you step out of the tub? Then you may have stumbled upon what we in the biz call “cold spots”. Cold spots are parts of your bathroom that are colder than the rest. They're often the result of less-than-ideal thermal insulation or heat distribution in your bathroom. Besides giving you an unwanted goosebumps-inducing surprise, they can make your bathroom feel less comfortable and welcoming. Before renovating your bathroom, think of ways to eliminate these frosty foes. For instance, you could install heated floors or deploy a more efficient heating system. Likewise, to enhance the quality of showers on exterior walls with soap nooks, consider placing rigid foam insulation behind the backer board before tiling the nook. This clever technique minimizes potential cold spots inside the bathroom, ensuring a fulfilling shower experience. How Many Bathrooms Should You Install?Think about the number of bathrooms to include in your renovation project. Are you a bloke living alone in a bachelor pad, or do you have a hoard of rugrats zooming around the house? Your family's needs significantly influence the decision. If you have more than a footy team, one bathroom might result in a perpetual queue outside the door. Hence, consider adding a second or third bathroom to calm the chaos of rushed mornings. But if you're concerned about space, en suite bathrooms or powder rooms are popular and efficient options - they occupy less space but significantly enhance your home's functionality and convenience. How Will You Deal With Puddles?Isn't it annoying when you step out of the shower and straight into a puddle? Although chic and functional, stand-alone showers can lead to a mini-lake forming in your bathroom. But how do you deal with such an issue? For starters, think about shower screens - they guard against spray from the shower, keeping the water where it belongs. Spring for a well-sealed, high-quality glass screen to reduce the number of rogue droplets. Your shower floor should also sport a slight slope to direct water toward the drain, preventing water from lingering. Also, invest in quality bath mats or step-out mats to catch the water that escapes. How Much Water Do You Use?Do you fancy luxurious baths twice daily, or are you more of a quick-rinse type? Everyone in your home will have different preferences, and that's alright - as long as it doesn't trigger plumbing issues or skyrocketing water bills. Water usage can significantly impact your bathroom renovation project. Hence, consider how much H2O your fixtures and fittings use before investing in them. For instance, some toilets feature dual-flush technology to save water. Other options might include low-flow showerheads or tap aerators to keep your utility bills in check. Get it Done RightReady to transform your bathroom? We hope these critical considerations help you plan for your bathroom renovation project. You can also connect with us by calling or exploring our site at https://www.konnectbuilding.com.au/builder-kogarah.html if you need help with your residential or commercial project - we provide reliable services from the design to the final phase.
Name, Address and Phone Konnect Building Solutions, Bardwell Park Sydney NSW 2207, 0402658244
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Sometimes, our properties need a bit of a gussy-up. And when most Australian homeowners opt to renovate their dens, they typically partner with dependable contractors such as Konnect Building Solutions. We're renovation builders in Sydney’s Inner West with two decades of experience in residential and commercial building services. So, is 2023 the right time to renovate? Truth be told, it depends. We know it sounds like a cop-out, but it’s true! Don't believe us? Ask your go-to contractor, and let's compare notes! We’d love to tell you that 2023 is your year to renovate; however, several variables typically impact renovation projects. Let's look at both sides of the coin to help you decide, shall we? The GoodLet's explore the sunny side of the reno street. That means digging into why 2023 might be the year to swing that hammer and tear down your bathroom or extend your kitchen. Below is a breakdown of the positives to consider: Your Financial SituationA renovation project is typically a long-term investment requiring your financial ducks to be in a row. So, how does your budget look in 2023? Generally, explore the cost of renovations and compare them to your budget. That way, you can determine whether to shelve your plan or proceed with the project. Nonetheless, even if you're short on cash, you can consider financing options, such as applying for a home loan. Such backup finance could allow you to undertake your dream renovation project. This could also be a good option if the loan terms are favourable (you can manage the repayments). Space ChallengesDo you have enough space to move around? If not, a renovation project might suffice. For instance, if your family dynamics have changed - you've welcomed a new bundle of joy into the family, or you're caring for elderly relatives - you may need to reconsider your space needs. Even the anticipation of change could drive you to consider a renovation project. In such cases, you could extend a room or add an extra one to make your home more functional. Envisioning your future lifestyle needs and how well they fit into your home could also drive you to undertake a renovation project. Condition of the HomeWould you continue living in your current home if some sections were in disrepair? Do you feel comfortable with the current setup or prefer something different? If you're unhappy about the condition of your home - due to wear, age, change in preferences or other factors - a renovation project could be on the cards. For instance, you could update your kitchen or replace damaged doors to give your den a fresh look. Or, if your home needs a makeover, you could consider a major renovation to give it a modern appeal. TimingRenovations take time - there're no two ways about it. Plus, they can be disruptive, causing you to live in disarray for some time. Hence, consider the timing of your renovation project. Do you have significant events coming up - like a family reunion or wedding - that the home improvement project might interrupt? Essentially, consider both the short-term and long-term impact of renovations before taking the plunge. Similarly, Mother Nature could have a trump card, delaying or halting your project. As such, be mindful of the seasonal weather changes that could impact your project. As a workaround - in case you need usable space as a project continues - have your contractor work on small sections at a time and seal off the area. They may also renovate one room at a time, allowing you to continue using the rest of your space. Alternatively, seek out alternative accommodation while the renovation contractor does their thing. That way, you can maintain personal comfort while the renovations are underway. Remember, on top of the mess and noise, some renovations might mean temporary cut-offs of essential services. And who wants to juggle life without running water or electricity or cook dinner on a camping stove? Low Interest Rates2023 looks like a great time to secure a loan (for homeowners requiring it) and fund a renovation project. With interest rates on loans at a near all-time low, you can leverage the favourable rates to finance the project. In other words, an investment in renovations now could yield greater returns in the future. Therefore, you could get more value from the project by taking a loan now. The BadBefore cutting loose and waving your renovation wand, consider the wrong reasons to take this route. For brevity, the non-exhaustive list below hopefully drives the point home:
Select A Builder Worth their SaltDeciding whether 2023 is the right time to renovate is like choosing between a sausage sanga and a meat pie at the footy - a real head-scratcher. Hopefully, the pointers we’ve outlined can help you make a smart choice. But even if things don't pan out, the coming year could bring better tidings. Meanwhile, check out our site at https://www.konnectbuilding.com.au/renovations.html or explore our gallery to see why we fit the bill - if you’re ready to pull the trigger. Now, off you go, put the kettle on, and have a good hard think about it all. No pressure!
Name, Address and Phone Konnect Building Solutions, Bardwell Park Sydney NSW 2207, 0402658244
You want a fresh start because your old home is, well, not up to snuff - for lack of a better word. We get it. If you're a resident of New South Wales scouring the web for a home builder Bexley homeowners trust, consider Konnect Building Solutions. We've been in the trade for over 20 years and constantly endeavour to exceed our clients' expectations. Whether you want to remodel your digs or have an upcoming multi-story tower project, we're the team for the job. Or maybe a renovation might suffice? As you scratch your head, trying to resolve your dilemma, you might need help. Well, you're in luck - our expert builders' insights below could help you decide
Rationale for Renovation
Sure, a radical overhaul is a costly endeavour, but it allows you to get the look and feel you have in mind. That being said, below are some of the considerations you should make if a renovation is on the cards:
Budget
Far too often, we encounter homeowners who adopt a gung-ho attitude to redecoration, only to pump the brakes when they realize they're way in over their heads. That’s after maxing out their budget before project completion.
Before putting your plan into motion, calculate the expenses (including labour) to determine if you're in a financial position to tackle a renovation. This could entail getting project estimates from contractors in your area. And if you're willing to undertake the project but money is tight, you may explore various loan options. Your Plans
What's the idea behind the renovation? Do you plan to rent out the property or sell it? Is a cozier vibe (for your family) your motivation?
Establish your reasons before committing time and resources to the project. For instance, if you intend to enjoy the home for years, you may splurge on a fancy kitchen or other features. But if you intend to flip the property, opt for cheaper materials and skip the flamboyant touches to keep the costs low. That way, you can avoid the risk of overcapitalization - basically, overspending on your property without increasing its value as expected. If you aim to sell the home, chances are you'll lose money despite the costly investment in refurbishments. Timeframe
Picture this; you've moved into a guest house because your property is under renovation. Then, a hailstorm hits your area, resulting in costly delays. Or, you've hired multiple contractors, meaning coordination should be spot on - which takes effort and time. Perhaps, the parts or materials you need are in short supply - ditto.
Unexpected hiccups can add extra weeks or months to the renovation timeline. If you're pressed for time, you may sell the property instead of spending time and money on a radical transformation. Likewise, your family's situation may preclude you from taking on a lengthy project. For instance, if you have young children or pets, the disruption associated with restorations may be too much to handle. Also, if the inconvenience of living in a perpetual construction zone and the mess therein is unbearable, you might consider putting the house on the market. Location
Would you give up a chance to live in a dream neighbourhood merely because your house needs renovation? If you already live in a desirable location, complete with all the amenities you need, it's preferable to renovate because you get to keep the locale.
In contrast, if your home is situated in an area where property prices have shot up significantly over the years, selling might make more sense. Thus, you could sell your ‘McMansion’ and purchase a modest version in the same area (or elsewhere). The Argument for Selling
Sometimes, selling your home makes more sense than a renovation. Here's a peek at some of the scenarios where this could apply.
Suburban Property
If you live in an area populated with similar-sized properties, renovations may not yield high returns when you decide to sell. Put differently, it's prudent to drop the idea of remodelling if you could purchase a similar move-in ready abode in the same neighbourhood for much less than the projected gain from a renovation.
Property Size and Age
Your property could be too large for your family (if, say, your kids have flown the coop). In that case, consider selling. Large homes are expensive to maintain, and the taxes are steeper than you'd pay for a smaller yet comparable home.
Additionally, homes with larger footprints may need more extensive renovations, resulting in higher costs. The same applies to older homes as they typically have outdated wiring, plumbing systems, fixtures - you name it. The cost of upgrading such a property could be astronomical, ruling out a restoration project. Selling Costs
The costs of selling your home could easily make you do an about-face as you may end up with less money than anticipated. Consider the following:
Market Conditions
In a seller's market, you may get more dollars for your property than in a buyer's market. In the latter, prices typically drop as buyers have more options - meaning less money in your pocket.
If the idea of selling your home and renting (as you scope out the market for a new property) is more attractive, go for it. But if that might throw your plans off track or inconvenience your family, you might be better off refurbishing your den and staying put. The Verdict: Take Your Pick
Time to pick your poison - which boils down to your circumstances. It's also advisable to seek professional advice from agents, builders, attorneys, and other experts relevant to the decisions at hand. By so doing, you can adopt the most cost-effective and least trying approach.
Nonetheless, you may need to compromise on some of your wishes - in terms of the type or location of the home you want or other aspects. If a renovation is the most feasible option, consider teaming up with Konnect Building Solutions. We're on hand to turn your home into an awe-inspiring living space. Find us at https://www.konnectbuilding.com.au/builder-bexley.html or talk to us for an enriching experience. While at it, browse our gallery to get a feel for the kinds of projects we've tackled so far. Name, Address and Phone Konnect Building Solutions, Bardwell Park Sydney NSW 2207, 0402658244 |
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