If you’re in the process of renovating your bathroom,
the following tips from Sam The Bathroom Man could
save you a lot of money, time and heartache.
Step 1 - Know What You Want
• Know exactly what you want done to your bathroom and have a budget in mind (i.e. full scale renovation, mini makeover, replacing fixtures and fittings)
Step 2 – Do Your Research
• Do you want to reposition any plumbing?
• Have you seen any leaks or other potential problems?
• Do you want the tiles removed and replaced?
• Is there any electrical work needed?
Step 3 – Getting A Quote
• Always get more than one quote (3 quotes minimum)
• Quotes are free, so all it costs you is a bit of time
• Never decide on price alone
• Make sure when comparing prices that you are comparing "apples with apples"
• Check quality of materials used
Step 4 - Finding a tradesman
• Look in local papers
• Ask friends (recommendations and word-of-mouth advertising are very helpful, people will only recommend if they were happy with their end result)
Step 5 - Choosing a tradesman
• Ask questions (how long did it take? did they leave your premises clean and tidy? what was the quality of the workmanship?)
• Do a license check (call department of fair trading - different bodies in every state - do they have any existing claims against them? etc)
• Are they insured?
• Are they licensed in the correct categories?
• Are the other tradesmen they are proposing to use (i.e. tillers, electricians) also licensed?
• Ask for references or get them to show you previous jobs
• Never feel pressured to make a decision on the spot, take your time if you need to
Step 6 – Get A Firm Commitment
• Make sure your quote includes an estimated start and finish date
• Get everything in writing
Step 7 – Selecting Your Products
• Check your quote to see if it includes any fixtures and fittings
• Select your products carefully
• Make sure the selected products comply with various state and federal government standards in relation to water saving and energy efficiency
• Read the warranties that come with each product you select
• Check the quality, the brand, the spare parts availability
• If your quote includes all products, make sure you ask for all the warranty papers
• Why not visit a bathroom selection centre for ideas (i.e. Home Ideas Centre or Caroma Dorf Concepts Centre)
Step 8 – Trust Your Instinct
• If the price is right but the feeling is wrong, trust your judgment
• Make sure you feel comfortable with your selected renovator. Remember, this person will be working in your home. You want to trust them completely.
Step 9 – Identify Your Role
• Are you going to do any prep work or is the renovator doing it all?
• If they are doing everything, remember, they are working for you.
• You have a right to demand high standards.
• It’s your money, your bathroom.
Step 10 – Job Completion
• Make sure all rubbish is removed
• Make sure all fixtures and fittings have been tested (check them more than once over a few days)
• All jobs are under warranty. If you have any problems, contact the renovator first.
• Make sure all rubbish is removed