Top tips for planning your bathroom renovation

Renovating a bathroom is a big job, and one that you’ll need to set aside a good amount of time, and budget, to get right. 

If you’re right at the beginning of the process, it’s always a good idea to chat with people who have completed a bathroom renovation and can give you some handy tips. Our Bathroom Reno videos follow Kiwis through their kitchen, bathroom and laundry projects, and include their timelines and budgets, and they’re a great place to start. 

Our bathroom specialists in-store help people every day to plan and purchase their dream bathroom. Here are their top tips for planning your renovation:

1. Know your budget

Have a clear idea of your budget for the renovation, this is important to know at the outset! Your budget can be influenced by so many things, so if you’re wondering what a realistic budget is and what you need to include in it, check out a few of our Room Reno videos on our YouTube page. And, remember to include budget for the extras like accessories and a buffer for any unforeseen costs.

2. Know your space

Measure up your bathroom and any additional space you have to work with, including where the doors, windows and fixed features are, as well as existing plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. You can move plumbing and wiring - even your toilet if you want - but it adds time and cost, so think carefully about whether it’s worth it. Also keep in mind which way doors open and how far. Use our bathroom planner grid to mark out all your bathroom measurements.

3. Get inspired

Look around our in-store showrooms or online to decide what style of bathroom you want to have – this really helps when you’re making decisions on colours, fittings, fixtures and flooring.

4. Get advice

Talk to a designer in the bathroom department to get advice on the latest products and trends, and how to get the best use of your space. They’ll also be able to give you ideas on what products and brands will fit your budget and style. 

5. Big items first

Start your design by giving the right amount of space for the main items like the toilet, shower, bath and vanity. Add to it from there! If you can’t find the right size, shape or style of product in-store, chat with our bathroom specialists in-store about making a special order.

Here’s a few guidelines to help:

• Toilet: allow at least 600mm in front of the toilet and 200mm either side of the bowl.
• Bath: An average bath is usually 1700mm long and 800mm wide.
• Shower: You need at least 800 x 800mm for the shower recess.
• Basin: Ensure you have a clear space of 700mm from the front of the basin to the nearest wall.

Our helpful planner grid and cut-outs are an easy way to find a combination that will fit within the space you have available.

6. Check with the professionals

It's always a good idea to chat with a certified plumber, licensed building practitioner and/or your local council to check what consents you may need and what work needs to be completed by the professionals. 

7. Consider efficiency

A bathroom renovation is a great time to consider water and energy efficiency, and any improvements you could make with LED lighting, low flow showerheads, taps and toilets, and by ensuring your hot water cylinder is operating efficiently. Your plumber, builder and our in-store bathroom specialists can give further advice on this. 

8. Check what you can do yourself

Even in a full renovation there are plenty of jobs that you can do yourself, such as demolition, insulation, painting, or fitting cabinetry to save some money along the way. Your plumber or builder will be able to let you know what work you can do yourself.

If you’ve got any questions, head in to your local Mitre 10 store and have a chat with the bathroom specialists.