My clients often ask me “Should I renovate my bathroom or replace it with a new one and what’s going to be cheaper?”. The answer is always going to be “Do you want a quality job or a cheap one?”. This advice will always be dependent on your budget and your end goal however, it’s generally cheaper to renovate your existing space (where possible).
If you have no structural problems with your existing space it may be possible to renovate. Cosmetic renovations can be a great money saver and add so much value to your home. You should consider inexpensive cosmetic renovations pre-sale to increase interest and property value. Improvements such as painting throughout can often be enough to lift the overall appeal of a property. New flooring might also be an option where various different flooring types have been used, creating a fluidity throughout. You might replace door or cabinet handles and sink fitting to tie in with one another. These are all great ways to create coherence and increase appeal.
In the kitchen you might try painting your cabinetry, re-tiling or installing a modern splash-back. This is particularly important pre-sale as potential buyers will be viewing the kitchen critically and imaging themselves cooking for their families in this space.
Now in saying all of that, some spaces are just too far gone to get a face lift which is where I’d recommend a full renovation.
Kitchens and bathrooms especially can be quite expensive to replace at anywhere between $8,000 – $20,000 per room. An experienced tradesman will know all the best places to buy materials and trades to use to better meet your budget but, it can still be an expensive process.
Consider if you and your family need to live in the property during the renovations as it can be distressing as your appliances and cabinetry are ripped out, walls bare and tradesmen traipsing through your home. It can be especially uncomfortable when the shower or toilet comes out and alternate arrangements need to be made. In an ideal world, a renovation is undertaken when your property is vacant, avoiding unnecessary stress to you and your family.
Now if you have the budget, the time and the patience to fully renovate then your end result will be a stunning and value adding space. I personally love undertaking a full renovation for the sheer delight of the client at the jobs completion.