There are essentially two elements of a stunning apartment bathroom reno. Firstly to update the interior style towards your personal preference. Secondly, to change the layout. Changing the layout may not actually be possible in your apartment and it’s more expensive. Here are my tips on how to decide what kind of bathroom renovation to undertake.
Addressing functional problems in your apartment bathroom
When I have an initial conversation with my clients about a bathroom reno we talk about many things. Such as function. What are the functional problems in the apartment bathroom that need rectifying.
We also talk about aesthetics. The interior style goal the client would like to achieve in their apartment bathroom renovation. So that they realise their version of an aspirational space.
Another topic of conversation in the initial chat is over capitalisation. There is a general rule of thumb not to spend more than 20% of the value of the property on any renovation project.
Primarily, due to return on investment. Your budget is key deciding factor in what kind of apartment bathroom renovation you do.
But, let’s circle back to functional problems. Some examples of functional problems in apartment bathroom renovation projects I’ve worked on include an unused bath that takes up too much space (see below).
A shower that’s too small for an integrated bench. Not enough storage in the vanity or shaving cabinet.
A toilet roll holder that’s in an awkward location. As well as other hardware such as hooks and rails.
Poor or unflattering lighting in the bathroom. Including no natural light. Which is the case is many apartment bathrooms. Space is simply too small. Poor ventilation and so on.
Some of these problems may be overcome with a change in layout. But in many cases a change in layout may not be possible. Due to the locations of services and how the apartment is built. What the floor and ceiling is like and neighbouring apartments.
Updating the aesthetics in your apartment bathroom
By far the most common apartment renovation project I do is specifications only. So not change in layout.
This type of bathroom renovation can address some functional problems. Such as the type of shower door. Whether is slides, swings in or out.
Lighting and ventilation can be updated. As well as ensuring hooks and rails can be installed in suitable spots that make sense.
Storage can be increased with the new vanity, shaving cabinet, floating shelves or similar. A bathroom is a highly used space that requires some consideration based on the users functional requirements.
There are ways to improve the function of your apartment without changing the layout. Of the two key elements of an apartment bathroom renovation an aesthetic update could be all you need.
