When people picture a bathroom renovation, they usually focus on the obvious things like the tiles, vanities and fittings. But what makes the biggest difference to how a bathroom function is often hidden behind the walls. Renovating is the perfect time to assess and upgrade what’s underneath it all, because if your home has older piping (such as galvanised steel or early copper) it could be time for a refresh as these materials tend to corrode over the years, affecting water pressure, flow and even water quality.
Swapping in newer materials like PEX or PVC during a renovation is both a smart and potentially cost saving measure as it will mean less chance of bursts or leaks any time soon. With modern plumbing comes better pressure, cleaner water and fewer headaches. It’s also a key move if you’re planning to shift any major fixtures like the shower or toilet. Rerouting pipes can sound daunting, but if you’re already pulling a bathroom apart, there’s no better time to get it sorted right from the start.
Smarter Fixtures Mean Long Term Savings
A renovation is also a prime opportunity to replace old fixtures with water efficient models that meet current standards. If you’re swapping out your toilet, showerhead or taps look for those with a solid WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating as these fixtures are designed to use significantly less water without compromising performance.
Over time the reduced flow can lead to serious savings on your water bills, especially in households with multiple people. Plus you’re doing your bit for sustainability which is something more and more buyers look for if you ever sell. These days, efficiency doesn’t mean clunky or basic either as there are plenty of stylish designs to suit both modern and classic bathrooms. A sleek mixer tap or a compact dual-flush toilet can make a big visual and functional impact.
Rethink the Layout for Real Life Use
Sometimes, the issue with a bathroom isn’t the styling, it’s the layout. So if you find yourself constantly bumping elbows, stepping around open doors or reaching awkwardly for the tap, it might be time for a layout rethink. Moving things like the vanity, shower or toilet around does involve more plumbing work, but the benefit is a bathroom that actually suits your lifestyle.
Renovations offer a rare chance to reset your space. Maybe you want dual sinks for smoother mornings or a repositioned toilet for more privacy. You might be working with a compact space and looking to free up room with a wall hung vanity or inwall cistern. All of these changes will require expert plumbing, but when done right, the transformation can be dramatic.
Embracing Technology in the Bathroom
Technology has well and truly made its way into the modern bathroom, and it’s not just about smart mirrors or LED lighting either. Touchless tapware and smart toilets are becoming more and more common, and they’re a great way to add a future forward touch to your renovation.
Touch free taps reduce the spread of germs and are ideal for households with kids or elderly members. Smart toilets often include features like built in bidets, heated seats and self cleaning functions all of which bring a sense of modern luxury and practicality. While they come at a higher upfront cost, these innovations are becoming more accessible and widely adopted in homes across the country. If you’re already pulling the room apart, it’s the perfect time to wire in any tech features you’re eyeing. Plus, the “wow” factor never hurts, especially if resale value is on your mind.
A Bathroom Built to Last
There’s a lot to think about when renovating your bathroom, but one thing’s certain having good plumbing underpins it all. Whether you’re improving water efficiency, reconfiguring the layout or installing the latest smart features, these upgrades ensure your bathroom works better, lasts longer and feels more comfortable. For homeowners looking to make the most of their renovation, these behind the scenes changes often make the biggest impact. And when you’re ready to start, our team is here to help with the kind of expert advice and workmanship that ensures everything runs smoothly from day one.
