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Bathrooms Expert Tips Kitchens

What tradies do I need for my kitchen or bathroom renovation?

By Josh Mammoliti

A complete kitchen or bathroom renovation will require the services of a number of trades to create your Pinterest-worthy space. Tradespeople you may need to hire include:

FOR KITCHENS

Kitchen installer
A kitchen installer may be necessary for the first step in your kitchen renovation: the demolition. Like a Blockhead, you may choose to do this step yourself, however if you’re not entirely confident, your kitchen installer is the right trade for this job.

Electrician
It is the electrician’s job to ensure any electrical outlets or lights are safe prior to the demolition. They will also be responsible for cutting out appliance holes in your bench top and the installation of appliances, lighting and electrical outlets. Don’t run the risk of any DIY work on anything electrical!

Plumber
A plumber will make sure any gas or water outlets are safe before the demolition can start. They will also cut out space for the sink in your benchtop, install the sinks and taps and any gas appliances or dishwasher drainage.

Cabinetmaker
You’ll need a cabinetmaker on hand to install your beautiful new kitchen cabinetry.

Stonemason
A stonemason will be necessary if you’ve opted for a stone benchtop. They will measure and install your stone benchtop including cutting out holes for your sink and appliances.

Tiler
A tiler will take care of all things tiles including your splashback and flooring.

FOR BATHROOMS

Waterproofer
Waterproofing your new bathroom is a critical stage in your renovation. Always use a qualified waterproofer who can provide warranty on the job in case of any leaks in the future.

Gyprocker/plasterer
Depending on the extent of your renovation, if you are removing tiles or have existing water damage, you may need a plasterer to re-sheet your bathroom or fix cornices.


Electrician

As with a kitchen renovation, an electrician is required to make any outlets or lights safe before demolition can start. They are also responsible for the installation of all the lighting and electrical outlets.

Plumber 
The plumber is responsible for ensuring any gas or water outlets are safe before the demolition can start. They’re also required for the installation of all your plumbing fittings including your bathtub, toilet, taps and shower.

Cabinetmaker
A cabinetmaker should be on hand to install any cabinetry, such as vanities or hanging mirror cabinets. They are also responsible for sorting out any new doors, architraves or other structural changes that are being made to the space.

Tiler
If you are opting for tiles in your bathroom, which is the most common and durable wall and floor finish, you’ll need a tiler to tile and grout your gorgeous new bathroom.

Glazier
A glazier is necessary for measuring and installing your new shower screen and hanging mirrors.

MORE TIPS

So, by now you should be ready to lock in your trades and get the ball rolling on your kitchen or bathroom renovation.

Here are just a couple more tips to make the whole process hassle free:

Have your plan and budget in place before you start consulting the professionals. Run this plan by the trades and retailers you will be dealing with and get their feedback as they’ve been through this many times before (especially if this is your first renovation). It can often save you money in the long run.

Working with a good tradesperson is a smart way to save money as they often have their own little black book of tricks up their sleeve to save you dollars. Get three quotes for trades, but remember you get what you pay for, so make sure you feel comfortable with the people you are dealing with.

Order all of your products and fittings early on. Do this before you book in your trades. It doesn’t cost anything for products to sit in your home waiting to be installed, but trades sitting in your home waiting for products to arrive will!

Josh Mammoliti is managing director of The Blue Space, an online showroom of the latest in bathroom, kitchen and laundry trends.

Categories
Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Which tradies do what in a kitchen reno?

Planning on revamping or rebuilding your kitchen? Depending on the scale of your project you are going to need the right tradies to make it all happen. Knowing who does what will help you decide who you are going to need.

hipages blum

Benchtop installer

Having tons of space to work on is essential in the modern kitchen, so a benchtop specialist can install whatever surface is right for you, including budget laminate, timber, engineered or natural stone, amongst others.

Cabinetmaker

A cabinetmaker can help you get exactly what you want in terms of storage for your kitchen including a dedicated pantry, deep drawers and all the latest hardware like soft close drawers. Don’t forget to plan for that wine rack, a must for any kitchen!

Electrician

A sparkie is a must-have tradie for any kitchen project no matter the size. Besides obvious elements like lighting you are also going to need tons of powerpoints and all your integrated appliances wired and installed.

Kitchen designer

A kitchen designer can help you squeeze the most out of your space. Let’s face it a well laid out kitchen is an efficient kitchen. Expect to chat about the kitchen work triangle, layout and cabinet sizes.

hipages phillip crouch architects

Plumber

Nowadays you’ll be installing not just your kitchen sink and tapware but your dishwasher and that fancy fridge with water/ice dispenser. A licensed plumber can make it all happen and more.

Splashback installer

Unless you like the look of raw concrete (some of you just may) a glass, tiled or stainless steel splashback are perhaps more practical options to frame your work area.

Tiler

Whether you are thinking of a snazzy tiled splashback or simply having tiles underfoot, an experienced tiler can lay these on walls or floors.

hipages ikea

Dedicated kitchen builder

If you are doing a whole kitchen reno and want someone to take care of the whole project, then a dedicated kitchen builder is definitely for you. They can manage all the above trades and save you a heap of time trying to juggle it all. Expect to pay for the convenience though.

If you are installing a flat pack kitchen there are also dedicated services that will do just that for you.

Don’t forget, like any other job all the tradies who work on your kitchen project need to be licensed for the work they undertake.

— Craig Gibson is the online editor of hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest network of trade professionals and the perfect place to find a kitchen specialist in your local area.

Categories
Bathrooms DIY RENO ADDICT

Which tradies do what in a bathroom reno?

Not quite sure who does what in a bathroom reno? As one of the most renovated rooms in Australian homes (the kitchen is the other), everyone gets round to revamping their bathroom sooner or later.

Image: Precision Constructions
Image: Precision Constructions

But if you are a first timer, you really need to know what tradies you are going to need. Here is our overview of all the essential personnel you will need, depending on the scale of your project:

Plumber

Perhaps the most important tradie in this list, a licensed plumber is critical to any bathroom reno, no matter the size of the project. He can take care of little jobs, like installing new tapware, to larger tasks such as installing a toilet, sink or that awesome freestanding bath!

Bathroom designer

If you are renovating a bathroom from top to bottom, a bathroom designer can help you decide where everything goes. This is not only important from a practical point of view – everything needs to be in the right place – but you would be surprised what can be squeezed into the smallest of spaces.

Cabinetmaker

A cabinetmaker can help you get organised with custom storage or whip up your dream vanity. One thing you don’t want is clutter. Sensible storage helps you stay organised and sane!

Image: Interiors 2340
Image: Interiors 2340

Electrician

You might think a sparkie and water don’t mix, but every bathroom needs lighting – task, general & mood. How else are you going to make sure you look just right? Other electrical elements you might need include powerpoints, heated towel rails and any other fancy smancy gadgets that require hook up to power.

Tiler

Don’t underestimate the value of a good tiler, they can make or break the look of your bathroom. Just imagine your shower recess doesn’t drain properly – small details that a quality tiler will take care of.

Image: Love to Plumb
Image: Love to Plumb

Waterproofer

A trade that is often overlooked, a waterproofer will use a variety of membranes to make sure your bathroom is properly sealed. This is especially critical around your shower and bath, but also for your floor. Who wants leaks sprouting up all over the place?

Dedicated bathroom builder

A dedicated bathroom builder is a one-stop shop for your project. They will take care of all aspects of the job, from plumbing to waterproofing and everything in between, including the design. They will have all the necessary tradies on staff or at the very least manage any subbies for you. The great thing about this option is it minimises the hassle – they project manage it all on your behalf. Expect to pay for the privilege though.

Ready to get started? Don’t forget to check that the tradie you hire is licensed for the work they carry out. It is also a good idea to check references, especially for larger projects with a big budget.

– Craig Gibson is the online editor of hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest network of trade professionals and the perfect place to find a bathroom specialist in your local area.