how to get t he bathroom of your dreams...defined by simple, minimalist lines, contemporary...

How to getthe bathroom of your

dreams

Inspiring ideas

How to avoid costly mistakes

Easy style options

Tips to get the best value for your budget

ContentsWhy renovate your bathroom 3

Inspiring ideas 4

Trends to know about 7

Easy style options 12

Fixtures with style - basins and vanities 16

Fixtures with style - showers 19

Fixtures with style - baths 22

Fixtures with style - toilets 27

Fixtures with style - tapware and mixers 29

Tips to get the best value for money 34

Checklist 36

5 most costly mistakes 38

Beware perils of bathroom renovation 39

Protect yourself from perils 42

Guarantee - what to look for 44

About the authors 46

A little about us 47

Why renovate your bathroom It’s one of the busiest and hardest working rooms in your home. But gone are the days when the bathroom was a purely functional place. Most of us now regard our bathroom as a sanctuary, a retreat from the cares of the modern world, a place where we de-stress and inspira-tion strikes.

Because of the growing recognition of the importance of a bathroom in a home, more and more New Zealand homes now have more than one. In fact, the average new house now has two-and-a-half bathrooms.

Little wonder bathroom makeovers and renovations are one of the most common improvements we make to existing homes. Bathroom renovations make a real difference to the quality of our lives and they also add more value to homes than virtually any other type of renovation.

It‘s crucial to get bathroom renovations right first time. If the correct planning and preparation isn’t done, they can be needlessly expensive. If the plumbing is not com-pleted to a high standard and alterations need to be made, they tend to be more costly than in any other room - mostly because of the invasive nature of water leaks and other potential issues.

That’s why we at Pzazz Building have become specialists in bathroom renovation,and we’re pleased to present you with this book How to Get the Bathroom of yourDreams. It’s full of inspiration, ideas and tips that we’ve learned over the years, as wellas your guide to avoiding unnecessary costs and potential pitfalls.

Best wishes for your dream bathroom.

Russell Poole

page 3

Inspiring ideas

Because of all the hidden plumbing, electrical and waterproofing involved in a bath-

room, renovations in this area are complex. The role of your bathroom renovator

is to make the process easy for you. They do this by providing you with a project man-

ager who becomes your single point of contact on the project and who is responsible for

overseeing and managing the entire project.

There are five steps to the bathroom renovation process.

1. Getting to know you

Before project managers do anything else,

they get to know you. They check out your

bathroom or bathrooms, take measurements,

consider existing the building

structure, plumbing,

electrical and energy systems.

There is a lot going on behind

the walls that you may not

know about.

Then they listen carefully to

your ideas and dreams. They give you the benefit of their ideas as well as their knowl-

edge of bathroom renovations and innovations in the industry.

When done by a professional with expertise you end up with a no-problems bathroom

that will function flawlessly and add tremendous value to your home for many years to

come.

page 4

Things to consider when renovating the bathroom “ ”

Inspiring ideas

2. Concept and design

When starting out, think about the look you want for your bathroom and how it will fit

in with the style of the rest of your home. Is it modern, classic or heritage? There are

many other factors to consider and the whole process can quickly become

overwhelming. But the best place to start is by doing your research - on the internet, in

brochures, at homeshows, home tours and showrooms. Piece together elements you

like. Or choose a design item you want to feature in the bathroom and work the rest of

the bathroom design around it. But be wary of purchasing anything until you have

consulted a project manager. An appealing tap might seem like a good buy, yet it may

not be suitable for the water pressure or energy system you have in your home.

3. Finance

Before you sign the contract for the project, you need to agree on a payment plan. This is

usually based around a deposit on acceptance, then progress claims if the job exceeds

two weeks, and a final claim. Your renovators may be able to help arrange finance or for

payments to be made by credit card.

page 5

Inspiring ideas

4. Construction

Bathroom renovations require a number of different tradespeople – plumbers,

electricians, tilers, waterproofers, glaziers and so on. They all need to work in a fairly

confined area over a relatively short period of time – not something that’s easy. This is a

logistical exercise that requires considerable skill. A good project manager can make this

effortless by organising everything, from concept to completion, including any building

consents that may be needed as well as all materials and trades required to complete

your project.

5. Results guaranteed

All renovators aim to get it right first time. But even the best in the business don’t get it

right all the time. And when they don’t, repairs and replacements can get expensive. Of

course, that won’t matter to you if you’ve insisted on a guarantee that’s worth more

than the paper it’s printed on. And if you’re working with a respected local renovator

backed by a well-established national group whose reputation means everything, you

can be sure they will go to great lengths to ensure you are completely

satisfied with your

new bathroom.

page 6

Trends to know about

1. Asian style retreats

- as our lives get busier, we want spaces in our homes

that help us rejuvenate, rest and revitalize. Spa-like

bathrooms that we have encountered on holidays in

places like Bali and Thailand epitomise this idea.

Inspired by classic Japanese elements, the latest

bathrooms are filled with sensory elements and natural

materials, water features, steam showers, sound

systems, gently changing lighting, revitalising shower

heads, textures and minimal aesthetics.

2. Natural and sustainable

– for a calming vibe, natural materials such as wood,

stone and bamboo bring inviting warmth into an

otherwise sleek, contemporary bathroom. Living walls

of planting or indoor plants transform the room into a

dramatic natural environment. Feature pebbles, stone

inlays and timber decking style floors are hot.

3. Freestanding baths and generous showers

– bringing the spa retreat home, freestanding baths

make a striking sculptural statement, setting the mood

for rest and relaxation, while bigger showers with

more than one water source are spaces for rejuvenation

and wellness.

page 7

15 Current trends in bathroom design“ ”

Trends to know about4. LED and Sensor Lighting

– lighting plays a key role in creating the right mood in

a home and LED lights in bathrooms are great for both

ambient and accent illumination combined with

dramatic chandeliers to shape a truly spectacular room.

5. A sense of warmth

– floors can be cold in wet areas so heating is crucial.

Heated flooring brings a feeling of luxury to a

bathroom.

6. Find your niche

– niches in the walls of a shower or bath area provide

space for shampoo and conditioner bottles, soap or

candles. They are a welcome alternative to a plastic

shower caddy and free up floor space. The trick is to

having niches that coordinate their placement with the

tiling pattern.

7. Multiple showerheads

– today’s showering experience has unlimited

possibilities. There are body sprays, handheld nozzles,

rain heads, musical shower heads, spa shower heads

and more. Many people install a combination of

shower heads to suit every mood. Bear in mind that

each of these items adds to the cost of your project.

page 8

Trends to know about8. Dual person usage

- the ensuite has created the need for design flexibility

with twin basin vanities and full height privacy

partitions.

9. Places to rest

– a shower seat isn’t just a comfortable place to sit and

relax, it can also provide support for shaving your legs.

For a small shower, consider a folding bench.

10. Seamless shower cubicles

- create wet areas – forgoing the lip of a shower cubicle

can cost extra but it makes entry easier for older and

less able users.

11. Add some steam

– steam showers are a great idea for those who exercise

a lot and a great alternative to a sauna.

12. Black is big

– white and neutrals have been popular for many

years, but now black is the new frontier. A host of

baths, vanities, basins, fittings and fixtures are

available to transform the bathroom into a dramatic

and elegant statement.

.

page 9

Trends to know about

13. The semi-industrial aesthetic

– using rustic concrete and steel effects.

14. Wallpaper

– designers are mixing up patterns to create a bespoke

effect.

15. Timber

– it’s everywhere! Not just solid timber but beautiful

veneer surface treatments bring individuality and

warmth.

page 10

Easy style options

1. Contemporary

Defined by simple, minimalist lines, contemporary bathrooms are practical modern

sanctuaries where ease and luxurious comfort reign. From bright and cheery to cool,

sophisticated and imposing, they offer welcoming places to relax, rewind and

re-invigorate. Themes can be as diverse as industrial chic to Scandinavian cool and

Japanese spa retreat.

Characteristics of a contemporary bathroom

Uncluttered, minimal

Open and light

Sharp, clean, geometric lines

Clever, well-considered mood lighting

Two person tiled showers with full

height glass frames that keep the room

feeling open and spacious

Wall hung fixtures such as vanities and

floating storage units that leave clean

floor lines - both easier to clean and

giving the impression of a larger space.

Sculptural, modern, freestanding baths

Sleek designer accessories

page 12

Choose the style to suit you“ ”

Easy style options

2. Classical

Classical bathrooms are timeless, elegant and beautiful. Materials and finishes are often

neutral, white, beige or cream but dark moody tones including chocolate and black

(now hugely popular in baths, vanities, fittings and fixtures) as well as a growing array

of metallic textures can also create drama. Traditional shapes, curves and detail add

interest while lighting – from sconces to downlights, chandeliers to LED - lends a

romantic flavour. This combination of effects is key to achieving a sense of warmth

balanced by a feeling of luxurious calm.

Characteristics of a classical bathroom

Use of natural stone

Use of white or black in both the colour

palette and accessories

Freestanding baths – both clawfoot and

flat to floor

Hinged door cabinets above vanity units

Antique or vintage mirrors

Use of framed prints

Use of wallpaper

page 13

Easy style options

3. Heritage

A true heritage bathroom takes us back in time to our Victorian forebearers, yet thank-

fully incorporates all of todays modern comforts. From slipper baths on claw feet to

pedestal basins with ornate styling, Victorian styled vanities, beautifully restored

antique furniture - heritage bathroom style is designed to complement the character of

the rest of your home.

Characteristics of a heritage bathroom

Styled toilets with wooden seats

Clawfoot and slipper baths

Pedestal basins

Dados on the walls

Hinged door cabinets above

vanity units

Bidets

Ornate vanities

Antique and vintage accessories

Brick style tiles

page 14

Fixtures with style

Basins and vanities

From the softest curves to sleek architectural designs, today’s basins make visual state-

ments in a huge variety of styles and materials.

Choosing the right basin can greatly enhance the appearance and efficiency of your

bathroom. Your selection will depend not just on the look and how it complements the

overall effect of the room, but practicalities like the amount of space available; whether

it is incorporated into a vanity and whether or not two people will share the basin at the

same time.

The basin may be on a freestanding pedestal,

inset or under-mounted into the vanity or a

stunning vessel balanced on top. The basin

design may even morph into the benchtop

and take up the entire vanity surface.

Before you search for a basin, make sure

your vanity can accommodate all basin

styles or if it’s limited to a one or a few.

Some vanities have pre-cut placements that

can only fit a certain size and style – a rectan-

gular or oval for example.

Other vanities are more flexible. Be sure to

do your homework.

page 16

Compliment your style with fixtures and fittings“ ”

Fixtures with style Basins and vanities

The variety of vanity designs makes it easy to find what you need in terms of design

and storage. Many designers recommend a custom design for personalized styling and

greater efficiency. Custom vanities are not always more expensive than store bought.

And they have endless design styles and configurations.

Is the vanity going in a master bathroom or a

powder room? A guest room or a kids’

bathroom? Think about your particular needs.

If you use this bathroom every day, then

ample storage space (including drawers and

countertop space) is going to be important.

Your vanity size should always make sense for your bathroom's size. Cramming a huge

vanity into a tiny bathroom looks odd, no matter what your storage needs are.

As a strong piece of furniture, the vanity can

dictate the overall look of the bathroom. When

selecting, choose a position that won’t mess

with the bathroom traffic flow or block the

bathroom door. Make sure to leave enough

room for door openings. Every space is

different so make sure you open the vanity

doors and drawers and measure them against

the dimensions of your bathroom. Bear in

mind features such as mirrors, electrical

switches and outlets.

page 17

Fixtures with style Basins and vanities

Check your plumbing location, which could determine the width, height and location of

the vanity. If you need to change your bathroom's plumbing to install your new vanity,

it's going to account for a chunk of your budget. Even switching from a traditional

floor-mounted vanity to a wall-mounted version will mean re-routing pipes and drains.

Freestanding vanities are good for small

spaces and come in many different styles.

Built-ins are better for larger spaces,

typically offering more countertop space

and storage. Floating vanities have many

advantages. Being off the floor, they help

create the illusion of more space in a room.

And concealing a neon light under the

vanity as a downlight is a great way to add

a soft mood to the room. The light can be

left on at night for guests or children.

Vanities are placed in environments that are humid, wet and busy. The materials

that make up your vanity of choice should be able to stand up to such an environment.

Wood veneers, stone, laminates and thermofoil tend to work well in bathrooms. Wood

should be properly sealed and lacquered.

Putting electricity in the cabinet box can be a nice touch as well — if you want to keep

hair dryers, toothbrushes and other necessities ready to go. Having a custom vanity

design can help with the small details that often get overlooked, for example features

that work whether you're left-handed or right-handed.

page 18

Fixtures with style Showers

New shower design has transformed bathrooms – from cubicle showers through to

showers featuring frameless glass and those that are completely open, there is a design

and size to fit any bathroom or ensuite. Many visually stunning designs give today’s

bathroom the WOW factor.

With good planning it is possible to fit some

sort of shower into an area with limited space.

Some ensuites are tiny but still manage to

accommodate a shower. Many homeowners

install showers in their laundries to ease the

stress on the main bathroom.

Showers can be made to suit just about any

room shape or size with custom-made shower

trays and frameless glass panels made to

order.

And when it comes to shower entries you can select from a variety of sliding doors,

hinged doors and no door options which simplify the cleaning task and open up the

room.

Walk-in showers offer uninhibited entry and can have vinyl, stainless steel, stone or

tiled floors with waterproofed wall options such as tiles, stone, laminate and specialist

wall panels. Remember, tiled showers require a waterproofing sub-trade and can be

subject to building consents.

page 19


If you are replacing an old shower enclosure, it makes sense to place your new shower

in the same position as your old one as this will require a lot less plumbing work.

Drainage plus cold and hot pipes will already be in the right place.

Wet rooms and walk-in showers are popular

choices for modern bathrooms. A wet room

is an entirely waterproofed room, usually

clad in tiles or vinyl. It needs to be

waterproofed before it can be used and

once it has been sealed, any moisture

problems are eliminated. As there’s no

need for a shower tray there’s no step to

get into or out of the shower, which makes

them a great option for those with mobility

problems.

Walk-in showers maximise the space

you have. You can opt for pivot or

sliding doors or can even purchase an

entire walk-in shower pack that will

provide everything you need to create a

cool and contemporary walk in shower.

Some built-in shower enclosures come with integrated channel drains, otherwise you

must select a drain to inset into the enclosure.

page 20


Most modern showers also provide space for shampoo bottles, conditioner bottles and

even things like candles in a niche or series of niches in the wall.

These are a welcome alternative to

a plastic shower caddy or the

shower floor and they are

inexpensive to construct if you

plan for them prior to putting the

tiling or shower wall in place.

A lot of beautiful modern taps,

flexible hand-held tap systems and

jets, pulsating spray heads and

sliders are available to create

luxurious full body spa sensations

in the shower. But not all homes

can accommodate these systems.

The hot water supply and type of water pressure are critical to determining what taps

and mixers you can have in your shower. If you are on a low pressure system with a

small hot water cylinder, then you should not install a demanding rain shower head

and dual or multiple shower heads. For elaborate modern showering systems, you need

a plentiful supply of hot water. Your renovating expert can advise on what system will

work best for you.

page 21

Fixtures with style Baths

Bath design and features have come a long way. They come in all shapes and sizes with

accessories such as whirlpool jets, hand-held flexible tap systems, lighting, head rests,

grab bars, slip-resistant flooring, automated cleaning systems and even drink holders

for that long relaxing soak. But

the reality is, the more elaborate

the bath, the more expensive it

will be.

Baths can be built-in,

freestanding, single or dual

occupancy, corner baths,

circular baths, spa baths, built

for six - and if you’re

adventurous - they can even

be positioned outside in the

garden.

The amount of space you have

and the strength of your floor

will determine what type of

bath you can choose.

page 22


They come in various materials including steel, stone, engineered composite, glass,

copper, fibreglass and acrylic. Acrylic and fibreglass baths are lighter and more

affordable, whereas heavier steel baths have heat-retaining properties that some people

prefer.

Stone and copper baths can make dramatic focal points to a room but they require

special care to maintain their beauty. Engineered composites have a gel coat surface

finish that makes them impervious to bacteria and staining.

If you’re considering a heavier material, it may be necessary to reinforce the floor

beneath the bath with supports or bracing.

page 23


Freestanding baths are very much in vogue, creating a bold and beautiful statement and

giving a resort-like feel to a bathroom. They work best in larger bathrooms where there

is plenty of space to walk around the tub, and they offer the opportunity to place the

bath anywhere in the bathroom.

Clawfoot and slipper baths look elegant and classic, perfect for character homes.

Alternatively, they can feature in more contemporary design schemes for a distinctive

look.

page 24


With their heated water jets, spa baths are designed for a deep relaxing soak. There are

many kinds – square, round, rectangular and oval with a variety of different jets. Some

are freestanding and others can be dropped into a custom-built surround providing

space for the heater and pump.

In a spa bath, water is drawn from the bath and forced back in through whirlpool jets.

The result is a powerful, invigorating effervescence throughout the water, known as

hydrotherapy.

There are three significant benefits to spa baths. Firstly, the heat of the warm water

raises the body temperature resulting in increased circulation, allowing aching and sore

muscles to heal. Secondly, buoyancy supports body weight and relieves the pressures

on muscles and joints, helping relaxation. Lastly, the massage effect of mixing air and

water and dispersing it across areas of the body, give a gentle deep massage or an

invigorating pulsing effect.

page 25


Corner baths bring a touch of style and luxury to the bathroom. They don’t require the

long wall space that straight baths do and can be tucked into corners where baths would

traditionally not fit. This can be useful if you’re creating a new bathroom from a room

that isn’t the usual long,

thin bathroom shape.

Corner baths typically

use more hot water than

their straight-sided

equivalents, so it’s

important to be sure

that your hot-water

system can cope.

A long soak in the bath is a relaxing and sensual experience, so why enjoy it alone?

Double-ended baths are perfect for two offering an intimate and relaxing experience,

although some people simply enjoy the more generous proportions for one!

The shower bath or shub is popular for smaller bathrooms and cleverly provides the

relaxation of a soak in the tub with the more practical side of showering.

When choosing taps for baths try to select taps that complement the design of the

bathroom. Generally a three piece provides a more traditional look, while mixers that

combine hot and cold water distribution are more contemporary. Sculptural

floor-mounted spouts and taps on standpipes rise straight from the floor giving the

freedom to locate the bath anywhere you wish

page 26

Fixtures with style Toilets

Toilets are no longer simply toilets as Gertrude Stein once asserted. They offer a whole

range of possibilities – not just style and colour - but the way they function. With

features like adjustable height, self-closing seats, sensors that open and close the seat

with the flick of the wrist, heated seats, blow drying, lighting, composting, deodorising

sprays and sanitising, they can hardly be considered a basic utility anymore.

Before selecting a toilet you should consider the amenities you need – such as what type

of flush you want, the budget, the size and layout of your bathroom.

A good toilet conserves water and generates enough power to clean the bowl in a single

flush. High efficiency toilets save thousands of litres annually.

Most toilets these days are either one piece, which eliminates the seam between the tank

and the bowl - or the cistern in the wall type, where all you see is the toilet and the flush

panel. Wall mount toilets result in more useable floor space and make it easy to clean

under the bowl.

page 27

Fixtures with style Toilets

There are many different types of toilet seats to choose from. Heated seats use

low-voltage elements to keep the seat at the optimum comfort level. Soft-closing lids

close gently and quietly, preventing seats from crashing noisily onto the toilet bowl.

Anti-microbial coatings inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing molds,

mildews and odours.

Bidets with their flushing jets of warm water have always been popular in Europe and

Japan. Now they’re making a comeback here too. You can also retrofit your existing

toilet with temperature controlled jets to create a bidet effect.

Urinals for men are also enjoying a surge of popularity. Some are equipped with an

automatic flush sensor.

If you are renovating a bathroom, you need to know the distance from the wall to the

sewer pipe so the pan will fit neatly onto the sewer. If you don’t you will have to shift

the sewer pipe, which is a major job. It’s the first thing you need to tell a supply when

you ask to look at toilets.

page 28

Fixtures with style Tapware and mixers

There has been huge innovation in tapware and mixers in recent years – not just the

looks but the technology as well. A host of designs are available, from graceful and

elegant curved spouts to sleek geometric structures, vintage Victorian era levers and

futuristic LED studded mixers.

A great deal of time and effort has been

spent on research and development to

improve on the hardware. You can now

buy taps that extract the chlorine from

the water to protect your skin and hair.

There are faucets that improve the

texture of the water to turn the everyday

shower ritual into a luxurious spa

experience.

Technology is available to control the

hot and cold mix in the shower to

maintain a constant flow and

temperature. Ceramic disks are

replacing conventional washers to give

greater durability. A special LED light

feature with its changing colour

intensity provides a visual gauge of

temperature. New technology is

radically changing the bathroom

experience.

page 29


But if you are choosing taps, note that not all taps are created equal. Cheap often means

low quality and you get what you pay for. There’s a lot going on behind bathroom walls

that will affect the performance of your taps. When choosing, you need to consider your

water pressure system and your home’s energy source – whether you are on electric

cylinder, gas or solar. Check with your renovator before you buy.

page 30


For basins

Choose from single hole taps, widespread mounts with three separate pieces, centre-set

taps or wall-mounted taps. Wall mount taps that extend over the top of the bowl have

gained popularity. There are also taps that integrate into mirrored wall cabinets

allowing the mirror to sit flush with the benchtop.

Tap finishes come in many different finishes – polished chrome, brushed chrome,

nickel, stainless steel, bronze, brass, black, white and decorative ceramic. A general rule

of thumb is the heavier the tap, the better quality it is.

Standard brass is regularly used for mid-priced good

quality taps. Brushed finishes are great at

hiding water spots and fingerprints, which

is good if you have children.

When comparing two taps always

ensure they use the same

mechanism. They may look the

same, but if one uses ceramic disk

technology and the other uses a

spindle, then the cheapest may not

be the best value.

If you’re retrofitting a new tap to

an existing basin, match the type

of faucet to the hole openings in

your basin.

page 31


For showers

The most important consideration is your water pressure. If it is low,

then you must choose your slide shower and accompanying

mixer (tap) wisely. Some

are designed specifically for

low water pressure and will

give you a good flow of

water despite pressure

issues.

Rain shower and waterfall shower heads and

body jets provide an incomparable source of

refreshment and relaxation. They envelop the body

in a dream-like sensation, gently douse you, massage and

thoroughly rinse out shampoo. But don’t buy a rain shower shower head and body jets

that require masses of water if you have low pressure and limited water supply.

Generally, low pressure requires a single-function shower head. Mains pressure can

also use a multi-function head. A multi-function head is one that can be adjusted with

the little lever for different spray patterns. Because of how they work, they don’t

perform in low pressure areas.

Remember, you get what you pay for! Cheap can often mean low quality. Quality is

essential and will greatly increase the durability of your taps. As you don’t want to

replace your shower every year, it’s better to spend a little more to start with. Look for

solid construction and check the warranty. You will live with your taps for a long time,

so pick a good one.

page 32

Tips and tricks Some clever solutions

1. Create more space by taking

advantage of room in the

ceiling if possible.

2. Re-size the windows to

bring in more natural light.

3. To create space, reduce the

furniture and fittings. Use

more compact fittings and

furniture.

4. Remove the bath to create

more space. Use a shub

under your shower if you

must have a bath.

5. Combine bathroom and

toilet room by knocking out

the wall between the two

rooms. You need an expert

to do this.

page 34

Tips to get the best value for money“ ”

Tips and tricks Some clever solutions

6. Add natural light with a skylight

or solar tube.

7. Lighten up by painting the ceiling

and walls in lighter colours and

use lighter coloured flooring.

8. Use mirrors to create the illusion of space. A mirrored wall can dramatically

enhance the feeling of space.

9. Use a corner vanity, shower or bath to utilise your space more effectively.

10. Slim basins set into slim vanities save space.

11. Mirrored cabinets that extend the length of the vanity help to visually expand

the room.

12. Frameless showers make bathrooms feel a lot larger.

13. Open shelves provide a lot of

storage in a small space.

14. Clever lighting creates a pleasant

mood and can be kinder around

mirrors.

page 35

Checklist Things to consider

Storage*Vanity drawers and/or cupboards

* Storage cabinet - freestanding or

wall hung

* Shelving, wall recess or alcove

* Behind-mirror cabinets

page 36

How to ensure you’ve got it all.“ ”Accessories* Toilet roll holders

* Hand-towel holders

* Heated towel rail

* Mirrors

Heating / Ventilation* Combination light/heater

* Wall or space heating panel

* Central heating, heat pump or air

conditioning

* Underfloor heating

* Wall or ceiling vented fan

Flooring* Tiles

* Vinyl or laminate

* Timber, bamboo or similar

* Concrete

* Marble or stone

Wall and Window Coverings

* Water resistant lining - recommended

for all walls and ceiling

* Paint finish

* Vinyl and other water resistant coverings

* Window coverings for privacy and style

* Frosted or opaque windows

Lighting* Maximise natural light with bigger

windows or skylights

* Task lighting, especially around

mirrors and sinks

* General lighting - avoid harsh

downlighting in task areas

* Mood lighting, underbench-lighting

and cabinet lighting

* LED lighting

BewareThe perils of bathroom renovation

1. NOT obtaining professional advice on the options.

2. NOT obtaining necessary consents.

3. NOT complying with safety regulations.

4. NOT using licensed building practitioners where required by the new

regulations.

5. NOT using bathroom specialists to save time and avoid risk and damage,

both now and in the future.

page 38

5 most costly mistakes“ ”


1. You need your bathroomApart from the kitchen, there is no busier room of the home than the bathroom.

So if you only have one bathroom when you are renovating, special

arrangements need to be made.

That’s why you need to use bathroom specialists - they know what they’re

doing, so they’ll get the project completed smoothly in the shortest possible

time.

2. Hidden menacesOften bathrooms hide menaces such

as rot and mould which are only exposed

when removing walls and flooring.

Do-it-yourselfers don’t always

understand these menaces

must be dealt with

effectively or they can

compromise the structural

integrity of your home.

Removal is the only option - which is

why we recommend you always allow a

contingency for potential issues in your renovation

budget, just in case. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you that you can take

shortcuts with rot and mould.

page 39


3. Repair or replace?The cost of repairing a vanity can be more than simply replacing it. A

professional can give you good advice on whether to repair or replace.

And an honest specialist won’t tell you that you need a replacement when a

repair can be done for a lower cost

4. Working with specialistsBathroom renovation is a specialist field.

Not all builders are specialists, even

though they may tell you they are.

A true specialist will save you time

and money by providing expert

advice and planning,

completing the project

on time and within

budget, and future-proofing

your bathroom to avoid potential

issues and menaces.

page 40

ProtectYourself from perils

1. Choose your bathroom specialistsWhen you choose a bathroom specialist, you benefit from their specialist

knowledge and advice. The good ones ask the right questions and listen to you

to fully understand your needs and wishes.

They add value with design

ideas and tips based on

their experience and

knowledge of the industry.

They’ll save you money by

recommending cost-effective

products and methods, by

giving you an estimate

that’s comprehensive and

accurate and by getting the

job done right first time.

2. Don’t settle for anything less than a contract and written guaranteeWhile all bathroom renovators are bound by the Building Act and the

Consumer Guarantees Act, it pays for your own peace of mind to sign a written

contract and obtain a written guarantee before the renovator starts on the

project. That way, you can be clear on exactly what you will receive for the

price you have agreed, and what the contractor is obliged to do if anything goes

wrong during the project or when the project is completed.

page 42

ProtectYourself from perils

3. Look for the backing of a nationwide groupIt pays to deal with a local business owner who is a member of a larger group -

the Certified Builders Association or a well-established franchise group. These

groups have codes of conduct for their members and they will step in and act as

mediators to resolve disputes.

4. Work with a “one call does it all” project manager

The building industry is rife with “finger pointers” - individual tradespeople

working on the same project who blame each other when anything goes wrong.

The best way to avoid this is to appoint one experienced project manager to

oversee all tradespeople.

page 43

GuaranteeWhat to look for

1 A guarantee to do the job right first timeYour bathroom renovator should guarantee that the work carried out on your

home or premises has been carried out:

• to the specifications and standards set out in your Building Consent (if

applicable) and the Scope of Works provided by them

• in accordance with good trade practice

• in accordance with manufacturers’ or suppliers’ instructions for the

installation or use of any product or material in your home

2 A guarantee covering a specific timeframeClearly, the longer the guarantee period, the more protection you will get in the

event that any workmanship does not meet the standards above.

3 A manufacturer’s guarantee on productsSome contractors use products and materials which are imported or supplied

by dubious agents. While these are technically covered by the Consumer

Guarantees Act, these agents may not be possible to track down if you find a

defect. Check that all products have come from reliable suppliers and are

covered by a manufacturer’s guarantee.

4 A guarantee of the right person for the jobIf your project requires a tradesperson, as many bathroom renovation tasks do,

it’s essential that your renovators use a qualified tradesperson, not a handyman

or unqualified person.

page 44

GuaranteeWhat to look for

5 A guarantee of service standardsA guarantee that the renovator will:

• turn up when they say they will, or let you know if they are delayed

• be well presented and polite

• listen to you

• treat your home or premises with respect

• leave the work site in a better condition than they found it

6 Public Liability Insurance ProtectionIt is essential but not compulsory that your renovator carries Public Liability

Insurance for your protection in case any damage or injuries are caused by

them.

7 Health and Safety ComplianceFor the safety of everyone on and around the project site, your renovator must

implement a health and safety site programme complying with relevant OSH

legislation.

8 A guarantee of fixed priceToo often in the renovation industry, the customer gets a surprise when they

receive the bill ¬¬for the project. The price you pay should always be the price

you were quoted, unless you have specifically asked for changes or extras

during the project. Be aware that any changes you ask for will affect the price.

page 45

About the authors

Russell Poole is the Managing Director of Nuovo Group, the home of leading design and renovation franchise groups Pzazz Building and Fix It Building Services which together have renovated hundreds of New Zealand homes. You can contact Russell at [email protected] orfind out more about by visiting www.pzazz.co.nz or www.fixit.co.nz

Vicki Holder is a freelance writer and owner of Realwords, specialising in writing property and design related editorial. Until recently she was the editor of NZ Property Investor magazine. She was previously the New Zealand editor of Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly and NZ Home & Building magazine. Visit www.realwords.co.nz or call her on 0274 843 052.

page 46

A little about us

page 47

We trust you have found this booklet helpful as you contemplate your renovation or building project.

If the team at Pzazz Building can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us to arrange an initial in-home consultation. We offer the following services through our in house team of builders and our regular and trusted partners:

Free In-Home Consultation

Design

Drawings

Consents

Project Management

Build

Handover

Follow-up

A written Guarantee cover-ing all work carried out

We can be contacted on either 0800 792 992

or by email at: [email protected]

or our website:www.pzazz.co.nz

P: 0800 792 992E: [email protected]

how to get t he bathroom of your dreams...defined by simple, minimalist lines, contemporary...

Documents