Home Renovation Blog

Even the most little renovations can be a daunting task for many people. Even in the bathroom, a location that must be both useful and serene, practical and a little bit luxurious—the stakes are higher. From the mirror to the grout, there are a zillion choices to be made—and the price tag can be unexpected. 

We list down a few things that people may not immediately tell you when it comes to toilet renovations. We are confident these will help you make the most critical decisions on remodelling your bathroom.

• Be wary of assuming that your subcontractor shares your vision.

When you’re acting as the general contractor—or even working with a general contractor—you have to spell out every design component. Never assume everyone is up to speed. This will minimize miscommunication, which will be painful in the end.

In the same way that you wouldn’t want the doctor to perform the wrong surgery, you should make sure that you all agree on the details.

• Bathroom remodelling costs? There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Is it possible to completely redesign your bathroom for a few thousand? In reality, a bathroom redesign costs far more than you’ve believed. There are seemingly small costs that ultimately add up to more than you expected.

When broken down, fixtures and plumbing (approximately 29 per cent), followed by counters and surfaces (21 per cent), labour, and cabinetry and hardware (20 per cent) make up the bulk of this expense (16 per cent). Keep in mind that a bathroom renovation should not cost more than 5% to 10% of the worth of your home.

• You might want to reconsider installing that eye-catching tub.

You may want to add a spectacular freestanding bath to your bathroom. That said, it may not be the most practical option in the future. This is the case, especially if you have a small or old shaky house, dislike cleaning and long baths, or take more baths than a shower.

• Lighting is essential for a flattering effect.

Installing lighting in a bathroom is more complicated than it appears because of the number of mirrors and other reflective surfaces present. These make it difficult for light to bounce evenly. Bath lighting can be as simple as placing a single, even source of illumination directly overhead.

Have a bathroom that’s already relatively well-lit? There should be no problem with two wall sconces. Considering installing ceiling-mounted downlights in your home? If possible, keep the fixture as close to the wall as possible above a vanity to see yourself more clearly when using a makeup mirror. Consider installing vertical fluorescent lights on either side of the mirror if you spend a lot of time doing your makeup.

• Don’t forget to include outlets that are easy to reach.

In a remodelling project, you don’t want to forget to include outlets in the end. You wont’ be able to see yourself in the mirror if your hair dryer isn’t close enough to the mirror to be helpful. To keep your automatic toothbrush charged at all times, you need to add an outlet inside your medicine cabinet. Another option is to install an outlet on both sides of the vanity if you and your spouse share a bathroom.

• Familiarize yourself with types of tiles.

Don’t be intimidated by your contractor’s plethora of tile samples—just remember a few crucial ones. Picking a colour and form is much easier once you’ve narrowed your choices down to these tried-and-true possibilities.

• The quality of your bathroom’s grout may make or break the room.

Grout is a minor and unglamorous part of the bathroom that you might overlook during your remodel. But it’s a highly crucial factor. Besides providing a barrier against dirt and water, it also evens out slight discrepancies in tile size and strengthens the structural strength of an installation.

If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help. How noticeable do you want your tile’s grout to be? Is there a lot of water splashing around, or is the grout in a dry area? It’s best to use synthetic grout in areas where water is frequently present, such as a shower stall. Is a filthy grout line driving you insane? White should be avoided if possible in this case.

• Do you have a little room? For those who want a smaller bathroom, a tiny toilet is available.

If you have a small area, you may want to consider a petite toilet. Floor-standing toilets, water-conserving toilets, and wall-mounted toilets are all options as well.

• Don’t forget about storage.

Storage is a massive part of making a relaxing and functional bathroom. Even the tiniest storage spaces may make a big difference in making your home feel like a cohesive whole.

• You might avoid the necessity of a redesign.

You may dislike the bathroom tile in your new home but lack the funds to replace it entirely. Alternatively, if you’re a renter, you may be unable to make any significant changes to your home. Fortunately, you may not have to start over from scratch. Consider tile refinishing as an option if you want to improve the look of your tile. Even the most basic fixtures (lights, faucets) can make an enormous difference in a room.

In the end, it would be best to ask for the help of professionals. A reliable and trustworthy bathroom renovation company in Perth can remove all the stress and headache with such a renovation. 

The restroom is an essential component of every home. It could potentially be among the most frequently utilized rooms in your house. The depreciation of your bathroom is significant as a result of continuous use. Minor services and repairs are commonly required to keep it in good working order. This involves replacing and regrouting your bathroom tiles.

The tiles in a washroom are frequently disregarded – you may not pay much attention to them during your showers. Keeping your grout in good condition and replacing your tiles at the appropriate time, on the other hand, can extend the life of your bathroom. 

Importance of regrouting

You may be wondering why grout is so vital for your bathroom floor and the tiles that embellish it. There are various reasons why grout is necessary for tiling and how it helps you preserve the quality of your bathroom floor.

• Grout is critical to avoiding water seepage between bathroom tiles. This prevents the substrate beneath it from rotting and decomposing.
• Because of the grout, adjoining tiles are prevented from colliding.
• Grout smoothens any discrepancies in the size and texture of the tiles.

While these are the primary purposes of grout, it gradually loses its characteristics over time. This leads to severe issues such as water seepage, yellowing, and mould growth. It is preferable to evaluate these difficulties as soon as possible and find solutions to them rather than allowing them to worsen.

Here are several tell-tale symptoms that you should start replacing the tiles in your bathroom right away.

Signs that you should replace your bathroom tiles include:

• Tiles with Stains

Are your bathroom tiles discoloured and tarnished? If so, you should think about regrouting and replacing your tiles. The stains on the tiles are difficult to remove, and they present an unfavourable impression of your restroom. This may be even more of a drawback if you intend to rent out your property. A bathroom’s spattered and damaged features make it appear undesirable.

Replacing your tiles and employing a professional sealer might help you avoid further stains. The new tiling treatment will improve the appearance of your bathroom while also assisting in maintaining the room’s good condition.

• Mould

Obviously, the formation of mould and algae in the bathroom makes sense – and besides, it is the dampest area in the house. However, if you notice mould growth in your toilet, don’t be afraid to take the required steps to replace your tiles. Mould and mildew growth makes the tiles slippery, opening the door to a slew of mishaps. It also helps to weaken the bond between the tile and the grout.

Mould also emits a distinct, unpleasant odour that may be dangerous, particularly to asthmatic people. So, if you feel that algae are growing in your bathroom, it’s time to renovate.

• Grouting Issues

Discoloured grout is another tell-tale indication of an old bathroom. The grout, like the tiles, becomes worn and shabby, making them appear doubtful. Because grout is porous, it collects a variety of liquids found in the bathroom, ranging from bathwater to floor cleanser. Your grout may absorb these fluids and become weak as a result. While stained grout does not necessarily indicate a weakening structure, it does appear unclean.

Weakening grout suggests that the foundation of your tiles may be shaky. There are several grouts available on the market today, so pick one and make your bathroom look brand new!

When should you replace your bathroom tiles?

When properly maintained, a good quality grout will last for several years, but it will still become thin and crumbly after several years of use. There is no set time for changing the grout and flooring in your bathroom. It all depends on how frequently you use the tiles and how well they are maintained.

One solution is to inspect your grout regularly. In this manner, you will be aware of the damages that it has sustained and the quality of its texture. The same is true for your tiles. If you believe your tiles are in poor condition, make plans to replace them.

Texture and mould growth are two significant symptoms of poor grout. Scratching your grout will reveal its texture. If it weathers down and crumbles under mild pressure, your bathroom has to be regrouted. Mould, as previously stated, indicates the same, as it grows in the spaces formed between the tile and the wall.

Increasing the life of your grout

As we all know, taking precautions is usually preferable to dealing with a problem. It’s no different with your bathroom floor and walls. You can prevent your grout from deteriorating by following these instructions.

• In your bathroom, always use the exhaust fan. This ensures that the wetness on the floor does not remain for long. 
• If you believe your exhaust fan isn’t doing enough to remove the moisture, wipe it dry with a cloth. 
• Clean the floor of your bathroom regularly. Tile discolouration can be avoided by giving them a good washing now and again. 
• Avoid using acidic or basic cleaning solutions on the tiles and grout. They create more harm than they do good. Instead, use a shower cleaner.

Grout aging is unavoidable; you can delay it, but it will eventually become a problem. Changing the tiles and regrouting your bathroom offers it a new aesthetic while also keeping the geometry of the space. If you need a Perth bathroom renovations company, go to one that has a track record of sterling service like GIB Tiling.

Showering every day is common practice in many regions of the world. However, most people do not need to shower as frequently, from a strictly medical standpoint.

Personal hygiene is beneficial to one’s health, and most people should shower regularly. Water may be used for more than just bathing and grooming; it can also be used for pain relief and therapy through hydrotherapy.

Baths, steam baths, saunas, and other types of bathing can help:

• boost your immune system
• relieve muscular aches and pains 
• lessen swelling
• enhance the flow of blood
• increase your concentration
• reduce tiredness
• make breathing easier.

Spending more time in the shower can have similar effects. Showering clears the pores and allows the skin cells to work by cleaning and removing dead skin cells. It eliminates bacteria and other irritants that might lead to rashes and some other skin issues.

People wash as often as they do to keep up with social norms of hygiene and personal beauty. Meeting these standards allows people to feel at ease in their workplaces, social settings, and bodies.

Showering at various times of the year

Dry skin can be avoided by limiting daily showers to no more than 5–10 minutes.

Winters are harsher and dryer in most locations, while summers are hotter and humid.

The appropriate showering frequency is affected by changing environmental circumstances.

Freezing weather and indoor heating both lead to dry skin in the winter. To protect oneself against dry skin, several physicians recommend that people adjust their bathing regimens throughout the winter.

The following methods may assist persons in reducing their chances of developing dry skin:

• Showers should last no longer than 5–10 minutes.
• To absorb the steam and boost the humidity, close the bathroom door.
• Use warm water and delicate cleansers instead of hot water and soap.
• Clean the skin with the minimum amount of cleansers.
• After showering, gently dry the skin.
• To retain moisture in the skin, apply an oil-based hydrating cream or lotion within 3 minutes of washing.

Showering at various ages

A person’s bathing requirements fluctuate with time.

• Babies

According to pediatricians, bathing babies every day isn’t required. They recommend initiating regular complete body washing when kids crawl around and eat solid foods.

• Children

Although everyday bathing is healthy for kids aged 6–11 years, dermatologists recommend that they only shower every few days.

When a child reaches puberty, the amount of time they need to shower varies from individual to individual. Many people believe that showering every day is vital at this time.

• Teenagers

Showers are a fantastic idea after hard sports events or practices, such as swimming, exercising, and other forms of exercise, because many teenagers are pretty physically active.

• Adults in their later years

Showering, which was once a simple task, might become more difficult for senior citizens.

Showering every day may not be necessary for older persons to maintain the level of hygiene required to protect their skin, fight off infections, and meet general grooming standards. Showering once or twice a week will typically suffice to meet these requirements, and warm washcloths can be used in between to keep patients feeling clean.

Caregivers can help older persons who can no longer wash themselves preserve their independence by assisting them with everyday routines.

Work and showers

Showering frequency is affected by the type of jobs people do.

People working at desk occupations and spend a lot of time inside may not have the exact washing requirements as those who engage with hazardous substances, wildlife, or in any other unsanitary occupation.

People may associate “dirty labour” with the following occupations:

• butcher
• miner
• trash collector
• miner
• exterminator.

Showering is required for anyone who deals with caustic materials, hazardous chemicals, disease agents, or radioactive materials at the end of each shift.

Horticulturists, roofers, amateur landscapers, and anyone who spends a substantial amount of time outside amid various plants should shower as soon as they enter the house. This is to lower their chances of rashes and other skin ailments. It will reduce their contact with plant sap, pollen grains, and other possible allergens, decreasing the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

One can minimize sick days at work, according to research, if they take cold showers. Individuals who finished their baths with a minimum of 30 seconds blast of cold water were missing 29 per cent less frequently at work than those who did not.

Is it possible to take too many showers?

Showering removes germs from the epidermis, eliminating microorganisms that help the body defend itself against infection.

When people walk out of the shower, their skin feels tight. This is not a sign that they are clean. Instead, it denotes that the skin is dehydrated.

Researchers discovered that nurses with damage to the skin on their hands from repeated washings and wearing gloves retained more infectious organisms than other nurses. The researchers concluded that bathing too frequently causes skin damage and is unhelpful.

Showering has a substantial environmental impact as well. Soaps and shampoos, as well as extra components like microbeads in certain skincare products, can end up in waterways, lakes, streams, and even the ocean. The mere act of showering depletes crucial freshwater supplies.

Showering has physical, psychological, and emotional benefits, but the daily shower that many are accustomed to having is likely more than most individuals require. Showering wears out the skin and hair, depletes natural resources, and adds to the pollution of the water supply.

Trying to figure out how often to shower requires striking a balance between conserving natural resources and what makes people feel good and clean while also fitting into their schedule.

It is usual for showers to have issues because you use them often. If you are looking for a company that offers shower repairs in Perth, message GIB Tiling today.