Is your bathroom small and outdated? Have you decided that 2026 is the year that you’re finally going to create the bathroom space of your dreams? Bathroom renovations are among the more common spaces that Australians choose to renovate when budgets allow.
These types of remodels can be done as a DIY job for smaller improvements or by the expert plumber Brisbane residents trust for all their plumbing needs. If you’re not sure if your bathroom renovation needs expert guidance, then this post is a must-read. We explore the top reasons why hiring a skilled plumber should be number one on your to-do list.
Bathroom Renovations Must be Done Right, First Time
An increase in online suppliers, combined with more hardware and home improvement centres, means it’s easier than ever for a homeowner to tackle just about everything as a DIY job. While the thought of doing things for yourself may be empowering, it’s essential to point out that your bathroom reno is probably not the project to start your DIY job. Here’s why.
1. Plumbing Installations are Regulated
Few new DIYers know that some renovations in their home are regulated by local Australian laws and include electrical and plumbing upgrades. This means that more extensive remodels will require permits and professional installation.
The main reason for this is that your plumbing links up with mains, and faulty installations can affect other aspects in your neighbourhood. If your renovation involves knocking down walls to make the space bigger, adding showers, bathtubs, or relocating the sink, you will need a professional plumber to ensure that all connections are done correctly and safely.
2. Plumbers Have More Experience
You may have done a bunch of DIY jobs around your home and may even think of yourself as somewhat of a DIY guru. However, it’s almost a guarantee that your local expert plumber has more experience when it comes to moving and attaching major plumbing components.
Brisbane plumbers are well known for having in-depth plumbing skills and expertise in repairs and upgrades. They are also experts at finding hidden issues that could affect the functionality and successful installation of some new fixtures.
Opting to use a professional plumber involves performing the following crucial steps:
- Upgrading pressure valves: A crucial aspect of any bathroom remodel involves installing pressure reduction valves. These are designed to protect new fixtures and tapware from the effects of high water pressure.
- Safe water temperatures: Upgrading your bathroom isn’t just about adding new components. It’s also about regulating water temperatures. Your plumber will ensure that the bathroom's hot water meets the required limit of 50 degrees.
- Sewer overflows: If your reno includes moving the existing toilet or adding a new one, your plumber will ensure that there are adequate provisions for handling potential overflows in the event of a sewer blockage.
3. Can Save You Money on the Overall Cost
If you’re planning an extensive remodel, then you will already have started researching prices and stock availability. You’ll soon discover that these costs can pile up and seriously affect your initial budget.
Using a professional plumbing team will see a basic renovation costing between $10,000 and $15,000 where whereas a major, premium renovation can cost as much as $30,000. Keep in mind that these costs can vary significantly depending on the size and requirements of your remodel.
While this may seem expensive at first glance, keep in mind that doing it yourself requires buying tools and may also involve redo’s or additional materials, all of which inflate your overall costs. It’s always a good idea to discuss your reno plans with an expert before you spend any money on materials. They can offer affordable recommendations that you hadn’t considered.
4. Can Save You Time
Many homeowners have started a “quick” bathroom renovation on a Friday morning with the intention of finishing by Sunday afternoon. This is especially if the reno seems small. However, a lack of skill combined with encountering unexpected issues can turn your quick remodel into a major disaster.
Opting for professional installation ensures that your renovation proceeds as quickly and safely as possible, saving you time and stress. Basic bathroom renovations can take between 2 to 3 weeks, as these often involve tiling and painting, which need adequate time to dry and cure.
More extensive renovations, where you’re adding bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, or moving any of these fixtures may take as long as six weeks. These renovations involve building, relocating pipes and connecting new systems to the existing mains. Keep in mind that custom requirements and the current state of your bathroom will affect the overall timeline.
Final Thoughts
Bathroom renovations don’t have to be stressful. Involving a plumber in the process from the initial design will not only save you money and time, but you’ll have the peace of mind that your new plumbing fixtures (no matter how small) are installed correctly and safely. It’s the simplest way to ensure that your bathroom renovation is all that you hope it to be!
