Bunnings has teamed up with hipages, the online platform to find and hire trusted local tradies, to offer customers a complete and affordable solution for installing a toilet suite at a fixed price.
Making access to qualified, licensed tradies, easier than ever before, customers can add a fixed-price installation fee when purchasing a toilet suite from Bunnings.“This is an exciting offer for Bunnings customers and local tradies across Australia, making it easier and more affordable for customers to update their bathroom and connect with local tradies to assist with those jobs that require a licensed tradesperson,” said Michael Schneider, Bunnings managing director. This service is now available at all Bunnings stores across Australia, following a successful four-week trial in 15 Bunnings stores across Newcastle and the Central Coast, earlier in the year.
David Vitek, co-founder, CEO & executive director, hipages, said “We’re thrilled to partner with Bunnings, to help more Australians experience the benefit and ease of being able to instantly book a qualified, local tradie online. Bunnings customers simply purchase the installation in-store with their toilet suite, then follow a simple process to connect with a hipages tradie.”
hipages collaborates with over 4,000 plumbers nationwide. These professionals go through a vetting process on signup, which includes license and ABN checks. Installation of a Bunnings toilet will cost $275 (plus cost of toilet suite) with full disposal of the old unit. It is available across the complete range of back to wall and close coupled toilets in the Bunnings range.
How it works
1. The customer purchases a back to wall or close coupled toilet suite at a Bunnings Warehouse store and can add a hipages toilet installation voucher at the checkout.
2. Using their unique voucher code, the customer then organises a time with a hipages plumber to install their toilet suite. Booking can be made online, in store at the Special Orders desk or over the phone
3. The hipages plumber installs the toilet at the time agreed, removing the old unit for disposal.
The hipages toilet installation service includes:
- Full installation of the new unit (cistern and bowl)
- Cleaning of the area once the installation is complete
- Removal of all packaging and disposal of the existing toilet
- One year warranty on the installation.
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.
By Andrew Stenos
The day is finally here. After weeks of dust, strange people in your house (who probably aren’t all that strange anymore) and showering on your balcony (true story), your bathroom renovation is finally completed. But is that the end of this project and process?
At Integriti Bathrooms, we generally believe that this stage of the project is one of the most crucial to customer satisfaction. So here are some special steps to ensure that your newly renovated bathroom is everything you have ever wanted.
Take a walk through with your renovator
Most bathroom renovators love what they do, and want to show off their handiwork to the people we create it for, the client. So take a bit of a walk through with your renovator, ask as many questions as you like (how am I going to keep the grout clean? Are there any products I shouldn’t use on my new copper tub?) and check that every final detail is as you wanted it.
Stage the bathroom
Put in all your towels, your favourite shampoo and a gorgeous candle and look at the whole thing done and dusted, not just your new tiles or new shower head. Does that cheap body wash look totally out of place in your new luxury hotel bathroom? Use this as an opportunity to spoil yourself and buy something fitting for that new shower recess.
Photos
Once your bathroom is staged, either take some photos yourself or maybe your bathroom renovator will want to come over and take some photos for their website. This is a great chance to show off the amazing new piece of your home, share how much you loved the renovators and the new tile you imported from Mexico. The reality is this is the best your bathroom will probably ever look, so take advantage of this opportunity!
Live with it and take notes
In the heat of the renovation and the joy of having a new space, it’s easy to miss little things like a chipped tile, or you suddenly realise that the mirror is totally off. It’s okay if these things happen, but don’t let it ruin your whole renovation experience. If it’s a small fault on the part of the renovator, 90% of the time they will be happy to come out and sort it out for you. If it’s a fitting that you decide simply isn’t right, get it fixed quickly so you can enjoy that new bathroom feeling as long as possible.
–Andrew Stenos is managing director of Sydney’s Integriti Bathrooms. If you are looking to upgrade your bathroom or simply redesign the space you have, Integriti Bathrooms want to help! Get in touch via the website and one of the team will be out to provide you with a completely obligation-free consultation.
All photography of Integriti Bathrooms projects.
Building, construction and carpentry prices across NSW plummeted last quarter signalling an early indication the housing market may have finally peaked.
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Image courtesy of Tradie Point
The cost to hire a carpenter decreased by 8.7 percent compared to the previous quarter, with building and construction prices also down 5.6 percent.
“We believe the result suggests an impending downturn in the property market. Fewer property owners and investors are undertaking renovations so consumer confidence might not be as strong as it was last year,” says ServiceSeeking.com.au CEO Jeremy Levitt.
“Investors only renovate for a positive return on investment and if that potential is not there they won’t renovate. Our data shows a relative oversupply of tradespeople to current levels of demand resulting in downward pressure on tradie prices.”
The Victorian renovation sector has started the new financial year strongly with tradie prices up 2.4 percent year-on-year.
All trades in Queensland, with the exemption of electricians, recorded big revenue hikes in the past year according to new statistics. Building and construction services were the biggest winners with a monumental 20.3 percent increase in prices year-on-year and an incredible 14 percent quarterly rise. The average price now sits at $69.73 in the sector, taking it to 10 percent above the national average.
The soft housing market in WA has had a flow-on effect with a 25 percent downturn in building and construction costs. Reporting a massive year-on-year fall to $59.27 per hour, building and construction tradies are feeling the pinch. Their prices fell 7.9 percent in the last quarter alone according to data released today by jobs website ServiceSeeking.com.au.
The average cost to hire a tradie across Australia is $59.56 per hour, up 1.6 percent year-on-year and 0.7 percent on the last quarter.
The prices were derived by comparing a sample of 52,000 quotes submitted during the FY17 Q1 through ServiceSeeking.com.au, the website for getting any job done from tradies to professional services.
To view price changes across eight popular renovation services around the country, including major capital cities, see www.serviceseeking.com.au/renovations
By Sarah Nolen
I, like anyone, am a true fan of a great before & after makeover. And that’s exactly what reality TV has harnessed. The fact that you’re reading this article now assures me that you’ve been accustomed to fast-tracked renovation shows that are showcased every evening for our viewing pleasure.
The reason why they show bathrooms completely stripped out and made afresh in only a few episodes is because there is no way on earth they’d maintain your attention if you were to sit through a real life renovation. For one, it takes a considerable amount of time and two, it would be boring. The real world of design and construction is a lot less drama filled, but hey that’s the power of reality TV, who are they going to fight with next?
Keep in mind too that they also have a huge workforce on TV shows to speed up the process: double the carpenters, plumbers and electricians. This economically would not work in a typical domestic setting due to substantial additional costs.
In my 11 years’ experience working as an interior designer, I’ve designed and project managed countless bathrooms, some small and some bigger and more complex than the average sized apartment. It’s fair to say the process is very similar whether you’re completing a simple facelift or recreating the Taj Mahal. All of the same trades are going to enter the bathroom area and essentially complete the same tasks.
In my first appointment with clients, I always give a clear indication of how long a project is due to take. And when I say ‘your bathroom from start to finish will take approximately six weeks’ I get a look of utter shock. If you’re a designer or builder, I know you’ll be nodding your head in agreement. Reality TV has completely thrown out any realistic expectations for how long renovations take.
The aim of this article is to break it down for you so that you can be fully prepared and understand exactly what it takes to get yourself a new bathroom. I’ve team up with Terence Otter from Seacliff Constructions who has just completed a stunning bathroom for me. We’ve both been doing this a long time so we like to think we know what we’re on about.
In a residential setting, there are generally two types of builders. The first type will work on one job at a time. Once that job is complete, they move on to their next project. This allows their tradespeople to be working on your bathroom full time, which means overall the project timeline will be shorter.
The second type of builder (which I find to be more common) will work on a number of projects at a time. They schedule their work so that their tradespeople are constantly working but going from one job to another throughout the week. In this instance, there may be a day or two where you don’t have anyone working on site. For any domestic builder, they are more often than not smaller working teams. This enables a shorter rein for the builder to be able to move and shuffle their tradespeople about.
Below, Terence and I have worked out the basic schedule of trades for a typical bathroom renovation. At the bottom, we’ve estimated the total weeks it would take dependant on which type of builder you engage.
TYPE 1 / One project at a time.
TYPE 2/ Multiple projects at a time
DEMOLITION
The first thing a builder is going to look at is the existing space and what materials it is built from. This will give an indication of the timing for the demolition stage. Timber studs and sheeted walls are much quicker to work with than solid brick walls. During the demolition stage, the installation of structural beams to support change of walls or new windows will also take place.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 2-3 days
TYPE 2 BUILDER-: 4-5 days
If asbestos is found, it will need to be professionally removed. Allow an additional 1-2 days’ work.
PLUMBERS & ELECTRICIANS ‘ROUGH IN’
Once we have the bare structure, we then can get plumbers and electricians involved. They will begin their rough in of the plumbing points in the walls and floor and the wiring for the electrical work.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3-4 days
PREPARATION FOR TILING
Depending on the tiles you’ve selected, larger sizes will need straighter walls then smaller ones. Wall needs to be straightened and strengthened. At this time, the installation of new windows, doors and wall niches will take place. A cement slab (known as a tiling bed) will be installed, and must be completely dry before the waterproofing stage.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 2-3 days
SHEETING
Now we’re ready to sheet the walls and ceilings.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days
WATERPROOFING
Once the sheets are installed, the waterproofer comes in and waterproofs the room as required. This ensures a tight water seal for years to come and no leaking showers! Waterproofing takes at least 24 hours to completely dry, this can be at least a 2-day process for 2-3 coats.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 2-3 days
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3-4 days
TILING
The tiler spends the morning setting out the tiles. This is an important part, ensuring that the tiles are cut where they need to be (fall to the shower grate etc) and balance throughout the room. Note, I generally tile floor to ceiling for the walls. Once the tiling is complete, the shower screen can be measured ready for manufacture.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 5 days
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 7 days
FINISHING OF TILES
Now that the tiles are in place on the floor and walls, it’s time for them to be grouted and siliconed at the critical joints.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3 days
TRIMS & PAINTING
If you have new doors or windows, the timber architraves will now be installed. Once they are in place, the painter arrives to paint them along with the door and ceiling.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days
PLUMBING FIT OFF
The items that require plumbing have already been roughed in, so now it’s time to install them and connect them all up. These items include the toilet, bath, basin, tapware and finishing the drainage underfloor.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days
ELECTRICAL FIT OFF
As with the plumbing, the electrical items have already been roughed in. The electrician is now back to install the light fittings, switches, fans, and heated towel ladder.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days’
ACCESSORIES
We’re now well and truly on the home stretch. The accessories like the toilet paper holder, hand towel rail, robe hooks etc can be put in place. The shower screen and mirror are also installed on this day. Once everything is in place, your bathroom is now ready for a final clean. Once it’s looking sparkly, it’s ready for use.
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days
TOTAL APPROXIMATE TIMEFRAME:
TYPE 1 BUILDER: 3-4 WEEKS
TYPE 2 BUILDER: 6-7 WEEKS.
–Sarah Nolen is an interior designer with 13 years’ experience, founder of Birdblack Design in Wollongong.
Kitchen reno timeline: Exactly what to expect!
Interiors Addict bathroom reno 2: what I chose and why
If you’re looking to hire a tradesman, whether it be a plumber, electrician or just a handyman to repair something broken, it’s important that you choose carefully.
The best tradie for the job will be appropriately qualified, licensed, professional and have a reputation for producing great work. Being discerning in your choice will help you get work done on time, well and at a good price.
To help you hire the right tradie for the job, you need to ask the right questions. Here are four key factors to consider.
Are they legitimate?
An ABN or Australian Business Number is issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and helps businesses to identify one another. While it’s not mandatory for a tradie to have an ABN, it makes it easy for anyone to verify their business. The ATO database will enable you to see when the business was registered and whether that registration is still valid.
Are they licensed?
Most tradesmen in the building sector require a license to perform work in your customer’s home and have to hold a qualification to be awarded the license in the first place.
Trade licences are not as black and white as they might seem though, so be careful. Licensing of trades is done on a state-by-state basis, with each state having slightly different requirements. Some licences for builders, plumbers, electricians and gas fitters are licensed nationwide. Other tradesmen such as painters, are not required to hold a licence in every state.
To navigate through the confusion, searching online will quickly tell you whether your potential electrician/carpenter/tiler/landscaper needs a licence where you live. To check if theirs is valid you can look online or simply just ask to see it with your own eyes. If they push back on providing documentation then your alarm bells should really be ringing.
Are they covered?
It’s absolutely vital that the tradie you choose is covered by the correct insurance policy. Public liability insurance is compulsory and will protect you against third party injuries and property damage caused by the contractor. Without public liability insurance, they may not be able to pay for the damage, replacement or repair.
So it’s of the utmost importance that you check their insurance is current and valid, before allowing them to commence work in your home.
What’s the word on the street?
One of the best ways so check a tradie’s reputation, workmanship and professionalism, is to see what their past clients have said about them. Search their business online and look for testimonials or online recommendations. This will give you an idea of how they operate, and if you notice an alarming number of negative reviews, it would be best advised to steer clear!
Carefully considering all of these factors and asking the right questions upfront can ensure that you choose the right tradie for your home improvement needs, while avoiding any possible disappointment or disputes.
–Johanna Seton is a home improvement expert from hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest online marketplace for hiring home improvement professionals
No one wants to be on the receiving end of a shonky tradesperson, especially when it comes to protecting their property from expensive water damage. Using a licensed waterproofing professional can reduce the risk of costly damage down the track.
Each state and territory has different rules about who is permitted to undertake waterproofing work. Always use a certified waterproofing professional and ask trades a few basic questions about their qualifications and expertise to gauge if they are the right person for the job. If working with a project or building manager, remember to ensure they are asking these questions on your behalf.
1. Do you hold a waterproofing licence? Qualified waterproofing professionals will have undertaken a Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing from a body such as Master Builders Association of NSW and hold a waterproofing license, indicating they are trained in the technical and practical aspects of waterproofing. While there are specialist waterproofing professionals available, homeowners may find their current building and plumbing contractors hold a waterproofing licence.
2. Do you belong to a recognised industry association? Membership of industry associations, such as Master Builders Association of NSW, provides peace of mind that a builder or contractor will demonstrate a high standard of workmanship and integrity, and keep up to date with laws and regulations.
3. What is your waterproofing experience? In addition to a waterproofing license, it’s worth enquiring about previous experience for added peace of mind. Don’t be shy to ask for customer testimonials.
4. Will you provide a written guarantee of workmanship and a warranty? Property owners should always request a written guarantee on waterproofing work. Waterproofing defects can appear years after the work is completed, so keep paperwork in a safe place in case it’s needed down the track.
5. Does it comply? By law, waterproofing work is required to comply with Australian Standard 3740-2010 Waterproofing Domestic Wet Areas and/or Australian Standard 4654-2012 External Above Ground Waterproofing at a minimum. Depending on the property, you may require additional waterproofing work which can be discussed with your builder.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Sponsored by Allure Bathrooms
There are many reasons bathroom renovations get put off and put off (sometimes for years) despite a brand new shiny one being top of many people’s wish lists. Two of these are the expense and having better things to do with your weekend then traipse around bathroom showrooms. But did you know, as with most things these days, you can now get a great deal online and not have to leave the comfort of your own home? Yes, even with bathrooms. So long as you have a tape measure, you’re set!
Allure Bathrooms are one such supplier, specialising in a wide range of great value vanities at all budgets, delivered direct to your home. Having replaced one last year, I know a new vanity alone can transform the look of a tired bathroom, not to mention adding valuable storage space you may not have had before.
Starting at just $549, they have a wide range a range of styles and sizes, from contemporary, wall mounted bathroom vanity units to more traditional, timber ones. Whether you want one basin or two, sleek and modern or traditional, a budget buy for your investment property or something really fancy for your spacious family bathroom, Allure have you covered.
They also sell tapware, shower screens, basins, toilets, bath tubs and accessories. Pretty much everything you need except the tiles and flooring. And of course you just need someone to rip out and install at your house, whether that’s your trusted tradie, a plumber or yourself!
If you’re in Melbourne you can even visit their Collingwood showroom and see for yourself, or give them a call on (03) 9419 5282 for some advice.
“Allure Bathrooms is passionate about bringing the best in quality contemporary bathroom products to Australians at a price they can afford. With guaranteed lowest prices and the best in contemporary bathroom design, a walk through of our showrooms in Melbourne will be enough to convince you that we have the bathroom supplies you need to give you the refined decor you desire. Come in and talk to us and we will help you bring your bathroom to life.”
Sponsored by Oneflare
Imagine your Pinterest ‘dream home’ board combined with an online directory of qualified professionals to make that dream a reality. No need to: Oneflare Scrapbooks exists!
If you’re looking to build your dream home, or to renovate, a new, Australian-first design tool could help. Oneflare Scrapbooks helps you find and collect inspiring photos of your favourite home designs and ideas, then find the right people to do the work for you, all on one website. Clever, huh?
It’s essentially like a Pinterest for home design, but powered by almost 40,000 qualified Australian home service businesses (like interior designers and builders), all guaranteed by Oneflare. And just like finding a local service on Oneflare, it’s simple to use, and totally free.
6 budget-friendly bathroom updates
By Laney Clancy
If you want to give your bathroom a new look but don’t know where to start, focus on these 6 essentials and you’ll soon have a washroom wake-up that won’t wreck the budget.
1. Fixtures as a foundation
New fixtures (vanity/sink, toilet, shower, bathtub) can completely transform a bathroom; everything from the shape to the colour of a fixture can set the look of the whole room. Use fixtures as a foundation for your style. You can then embellish with other touches and accessories.
Budget tip: Save on labour costs by using the existing plumbing infrastructure; install your new toilet, shower and/or basin in the same position as the original fixtures.
2. Turn it on with taps
Taps make great style accents and changing your taps can be an affordable way to update the look of your bathroom. The change needs to be like for like, for example if you have a mixer (hot and cold through one outlet) it’s easier to replace it with another mixer, or 2 outlets for 2 outlets, (starting from $40 for a set of handles).