How To Renovate Your Bathroom On A Budget?

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Bathroom renovations are one of those things that are usually a net positive for the value of the home. Unfortunately, they are also relatively expensive. A complete remodel running somewhere between $10,000 to $50,000. 

However, if you haven’t the money to spend on a complete remodel, don’t worry. There are many things you can do to upgrade and update your bathroom, without having to break the bank. That said, here are some ideas on how to renovate your bathroom on a budget.

Install new fittings

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to update your bathroom without spending too much money is to install new fittings on your sink, bath, and shower. This could mean a complete replacement of the taps if you want to spend a little more. Brass and gold fixtures are back in style this year. 

However, if you want to opt for something a bit more modern, you could always stick with the stainless steel look. For the shower, again, if you want to spend a bit more money, try going techy, with a new ‘smart’ shower system. But, if you haven’t the money to spend on that, stick with the new fittings for now.

Paint

Another relatively inexpensive way to give your bathroom new life is with a splash of paint. Whether you’re looking for a brightly coloured bathroom or something a bit darker — black and white are in style, as grey was last year’s colour craze. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to any space.

Replacing the toilet

One of the best upgrades you can give to your bathroom is a new toilet. If your old one is looking a bit antiquated or is starting to provide you with issues. If you’d like to switch to something a bit more environmentally friendly, it’s time to upgrade your old toilet. 

New toilets don’t have to be particularly expensive, either, but you should always get a professional plumber to install them. If you’re going green, consider the purchase of an eco-friendly, low-flow toilet, this will save your water and save you money in the long run, as your water usage goes down, so does your water bill.

Go pre-fabricated

Typically, one of the most expensive parts of a bathroom remodel is the shower unit. But it doesn’t have to be very expensive — you can cut down on the costs by going prefabricated. These prefab shower units come ready to install. All you need to do is pop them into place, seal them and hook them up to your water supply.

Another prefab option is your countertops. If you’re looking to redo your countertop space, you don’t need to buy quartz or granite; you can install your own vanity countertop — a laminate alternative that is far cheaper (and lighter than the stone alternative). This typically comes with a pre-cut sink and faucet hole, up to 60 inches long, and can be easily popped into place without much fuss.

Don’t move too much around

It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of a remodel of any space, and by the time you stop and think, you’ve torn out the sink and cabinets and the toilet and you’re left with a big mess but no real plan of what’s next. Take the time to think carefully about your space and resist the urge to move major items around if instead, you could spruce them up a little.

Do what you can yourself

One of the easiest ways to spend a lot of money is to get professionals to do everything for you. And while they certainly have their place and are certainly beneficial to any home renovation or remodel, the more work you can do yourself, the more money you’ll save. YouTube is a great teacher for all the simple things — and in general, the simpler you make your bathroom remodel, the more money you’ll save. You’d be amazed at what you can do by yourself.

If you’re looking to remodel your bathroom, know that it doesn’t have to be a very expensive endeavour and that there are many different ways to save money. A new bathroom simply requires a bit of ingenuity and a willingness to do some of the work yourself. And, if you need a hand with your bathroom plumbing, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

How To Make The Most Of A Small Balcony?

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There is nothing better than waking up on a warm morning and taking breakfast on the balcony. Or, escaping the stresses of a trying day to enjoy a crisp glass of white on the balcony as the sun goes down. It always sounds so much better than reality. 

A lot of people, particularly those with smaller balconies, end up as a waiting room for dying plants. You had such high hopes initially, but the reality just didn’t live up to expectations. A small balcony is a challenge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the space. Let’s make sure you’re making the most of yours. 

A privacy screen 

This is a simple DIY job that isn’t going to break the bank. It provides you with privacy and it’s a cheap enough purchase from any major retailer. All you need to secure them is rope and/or zip ties. Once your screen is in place you can add fairy lights to finish the job. 

You’re already dealing with a small place, but adding the warmth of a privacy screen and string lights makes it feel cozy rather than small. Alternatively, you can use plants and flowers to create privacy. Cover the railings in greenery to kill two birds with one stone. 

More and more, people want their balcony to be another room of their home. It should be just as cozy as chilling on the couch. You can achieve this by creating a space that works for what you plan to use it for. Here are some things to consider:

When you go to these lengths to create a comfortable retreat, you should also be proactive about protecting your balcony against leaks. You need to know the early warning signs and you need to know what to watch for to prevent it from becoming a major problem. 

An oasis 

If you live in the city, then you know how challenging it is to inject a bit of nature into your daily life. You can create an oasis for yourself, even if your balcony is only a little one. Consider adding ledges to the existing walls to create space for potted plants. There are also hanging options if your DIY skills aren’t advanced enough to install ledges or shelves. 

Potted plants will add life to your balcony and you can use the privacy screens we mentioned above to finish the look. Perhaps white lattice is the energy you’re looking for. You can also use a storage bench to keep your gardening supplies in and add cushions to make it comfortable seating. 

If you are dealing with an incredibly tight space, then you may want to consider a planter wall for a vertical garden instead of ledges or hanging baskets. 

Functional, but stylish 

With the right plants and furniture, you can create a stylish and functional balcony space, even if it is the tiniest balcony in history. You only need one comfortable chair, a folding table that can be stored when it isn’t needed, an old crate that can provide storage while serving as a plant stand. A washable rug provides warmth and a soft floor for bare toes. 

Great for dog’s 

If you want to make the most of your balcony, but prefer to decorate it with your dog in mind, then there are still plenty of options. Synthetic grass gives your pup a comfortable ground to explore, fencing offers privacy and an improved décor, and some plants add to the park look. It’s a great spot for your dog to hang out when you can’t get out for a walk. 

Seeking shade 

If your balcony requires shade you can get it while maintaining your style. Consider a fabric awning. It’s nice to spend time on your balcony knowing you’re not putting your skin at risk. If you have gone to so much trouble to create a cozy space, then you have to consider the practicalities of spending a lot of time in the sun. And, if you need a hand with plumbing for your balcony, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

How To Make The Most Of A Small House Or Apartment?

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Living in a small house or apartment can sometimes feel stifling. 

For many people looking to rent or buy apartment units and small houses, space is a luxury that cannot be afforded. But learning to live with less space can help people on lower incomes save money on rent and mortgage payments over time. 

The number of people living in urban areas — where there is a higher density of small, confined housing — is rising. According to UN data, in 2018 55% of the world’s population lived in cities. This is projected to increase to 68% by 2050. 

Particularly in the central areas of world cities like New York and London, where the cost of property development is at its highest, housing can be very cramped. Homeowners have their work cut out to repel feelings of claustrophobia. 

Luckily, there are a number of inventive ways to make the most of the limited space you have. Apply these ten tips and be amazed at how expansive your living space can become. 

1. Clear out unnecessary items 

Having a clear-out is the first place to start in freeing up space. When you look around your room, kitchen, or living area, consider which items you actually need. 

If you haven’t used it in the last six months, the chances are it can go. Scrap any duplicates lying around. Do you really need two airers? Or two carving knives?

2. Use vertical space

The further up from the floor you go, the more free space becomes available. With the exception of bookshelves and mounted shelves, vertical space in your home is probably largely unoccupied. 

Of course, gravity stops us from filling vertical space to the brim. But by stacking things on top of each other, you can maximise storage space and free up other more valuable gaps elsewhere.

Make the most of any space above cabinets in the kitchen and place shelving units on top of each other for some easy fixes. 

3. Use foldable furniture 

Investing in foldable furniture is a great way to free up extra space when you have visitors. 

You’re probably most familiar with couches that double up as beds, but the foldable furniture scene is expanding rapidly and developing lots of new ways to save space. Foldable tables, chairs, desks, shelving units, and even kitchen islands are all options. 

4. Maximise natural lighting

Let as much natural light flood into your home as possible. This will illuminate your rooms, giving the impression of more space. 

5. Paint your walls with light colours 

Following on from the previous point, this is another way to get the most out of your small flat or apartment. Light walls are just one of many visual tricks you can use to give the illusion of more space.

6. Go paperless 

Gone are the days when we needed a large filing cabinet in our homes to store reams and reams of documents. The growth of digital technology means that you can now transfer many of your important files onto a computer. 

Of course, there will still be some documents you need to keep in physical form, but this is another way to clear some extra space. 

7. Opt for minimal decor

When living in a small space, avoid the temptation to over-decorate. Adorning every wall with pictures and paintings will only make the room feel more confined. Instead, hang just two or three statement pieces on the wall. Less is more. 

8. Buy multipurpose devices and utensils 

Where possible, buy devices that perform multiple functions. Single-purpose items are deadweight. 

This might be as simple as an all-in-one opener that can tackle cans and bottles simultaneously or as advanced as a smart TV that can broadcast cable, Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu.

9. Use door hooks

Buying some hooks to attach to your door frames is a cheap way to use vertical space. Using the hooks to hang up outerwear should spare you from needing a coat rack. 

10. Mirrors are your friend 

Mirrors are effective for two reasons. They trick your eyes into thinking the room is bigger than it really is. They also help to bounce more light around your rooms, which has the same effect. 

How Do You Make An Accessible House?

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Out of all Australians who live with some kind of disability, 1.9 million of them are older than 65. That’s almost half of all disabled people in the country, many of whom would rather remain living at home as they get older.

That said, here are some safety modifications to help seniors age a little safer and live a little easier in their homes.

1. Bathroom

The bathroom is easily the most dangerous area of the home for people with mobility limitations. This is because the combination of water from showers or sinks with all the smooth surfaces makes it all too easy to slip over.

Not only are falls in the bathroom a common occurrence, but disabled people and older adults can be severely injured or even die.

While grab bars are a good idea here, many people don’t want their bathroom to look like a public disabled restroom. A curbless walk-in shower would be a better choice for those who want their accessible bathroom to still be inviting, with a separate bathtub if there’s enough room.

Curbless showers are ideal for wheelchairs, walkers, or anyone at risk of falls, but they also look stylish and can be used by anyone regardless of their ability.

2. Kitchen

Just like bathrooms, kitchen surfaces also get wet and slippery very easily. Combine this with the frequency of use and the potentially dangerous implements, kitchens are another room that needs to be modified correctly to ensure safety and accessibility.

Anti-slip flooring is important for the kitchen, and ensure the stove has controls fitted at the front.

All kitchen cabinets should be lowered with slide-out drawers installed. In fact, all cookware, tableware, and appliances should also be at an accessible height for everyone, typically around waist height to avoid crouching down or use of a step stool.

Installation of new kitchen taps such as highly accessible one-touch, single-lever, or fully automatic faucets is also recommended.

3. Bedroom

When it comes to personal spaces like bedrooms, they should be designed to suit individual preferences as well as for optimal safety and sleep.

As the most important part of any senior’s bedroom, the bed should be at a suitable height for ease of getting in and out of it. There also needs to be enough space for two people to manoeuvre around it while also using a mobility aid if required.

It’s also important to avoid trips by ensuring all bed sheets, skirting, comforters, or doonas aren’t hanging to the floor.

And if any bedroom furniture like the bed frame, side drawers, or end tables have sharp corners, they should all have padding to avoid painful knocks and accidents.

4. Lounge

Seniors spend a lot of time in the living room, so it’s important to ensure it is both comfortable and safe.

Discard and replace any unsteady and wobbling furniture to prevent accidental falls, and ensure all seating is at the right height to easily go from standing to sitting and vice versa.

Only keep the furniture you need in the lounge room with plenty of space to move around safely. To avoid any tripping hazards, add anti-slip strips to increase traction beneath mats or rugs and cover sharp edges of furniture with plastic corners.

Also, arrange everything around the power outlets so they’re easy to reach and so that lamps and other appliances don’t need long extension cords.

5. Exterior

To reduce the risk of trips or falls outside, all exterior areas should always be level and highly visible, especially when it’s dark.

That means adding appropriate exterior and landscape lighting to cover all high traffic areas like entryways, and stairs.

Automatic lights that turn on when motion is detected are the best for this so that anyone who is moving around outside can see without finding switches or wasting electricity.

The front exterior door should have a peephole installed, and at least one entry into the home needs to have no stairs.

If that’s not possible, install a fixed or temporary ramp in order to smoothly transition in and out. It’s also a good idea to have some chairs or a bench along paths or walkways where seniors can rest.

Major Plumbing Problems: 8 Signs To Look Out For

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Drip. Drip. Drip-drip. It’s late, you were drifting into a pleasant sleep, but you’ve jumped awake at the sound of a distant drip only to find out that you have major problems.

It sounds far louder than it is, but as you race to tighten the taps, you’re doing the maths in your head. Even if it’s a plumbing issue that requires a late-night phone call to a professional, at least it’s one that made enough noise to tip you off to the problem. 

The scariest plumbing problems are those that silently wreak havoc throughout your home and come with a large bill after quietly damaging everything around them. You need to know what to look for in terms of the symptoms because you may have a big plumbing problem on the horizon. 

1. A smell 

Every drain should have a trap, and every trap should have a vent. This system was devised to prevent smells from seeping into your home. The vents should push smells to the roof, and the drain should act as a barrier to prevent them from coming up through your drains. If there is a sewer smell inside your home you have an issue that requires a call to the professionals. 

2. Climbing water bills 

If your water bill is increasing, but your usage hasn’t, then there’s likely a plumbing issue. You can start this journey by playing troubleshooting detective. The most common source of this problem is a running toilet. If your toilet isn’t the problem, you can take your detective work to the next level. 

Take a look at your taps, the walls behind those taps, and then take your walk to the dark spots where damp and moisture collect. You should also walk around the outside of your home to look for potential problems. Whether you find something obvious or not, you will need to call in a professional plumber to look into the problem for you. 

3. Blistered paint 

If there is blistered paint, whether, on the ceiling or walls, you have a moisture problem. The most common reason for this is a leak. This leak might be within your plumbing system or in your roof. In addition to blistered paint, you should keep your eyes peeled for brown spots. If you see either of these issues you need to launch an investigation to find the source. 

4. Discoloured pipes 

It’s always wise to keep an eye on your pipes. Don’t just look for obvious leaks, take a look at the colour of your pipes too. If there is discolouration present, particularly around joints, then you have a moisture issue somewhere in the line. It could be a simple drip or, it could be a serious issue such as a slow leak in your supply line. Either way, you need to call in a plumber before it spirals out of control. 

5. Water flow issues 

If you have low water pressure, whether it’s in one tap or several, there’s an issue. If it’s only one tap then it’s likely an easy fix as it’s generally a faucet aerator. However, if it’s several you have a distribution issue with the mains. This could be the result of a leak. If there are other signs of water problems, you could have a serious problem on your hands. 

6. Wobbly toilet 

Does your toilet give a little wobble when you take a seat? Hopefully, the seat just needs a little bit of a tightening. If the wobble is the bowl itself, however, it could be a bigger issue. First, check the floor bolts and tighten them. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it’s possible the seal around the drain has let you down, and there is water wearing your sub-floor away. 

7. Green patch 

If part of your garden is greener than the rest it may suggest a plumbing issue. It’s particularly concerning if that patch is between the street and your home, as that’s a common path for sewer lines. A sunken area may also suggest the same issue. 

8. Slow drains 

A slow drain might be silent, but it should be an obvious sign that you have a water problem. It might be a straightforward fix with a plunger or a snake, but the further down the line the clog is the more challenging the solution. If it’s more than one drain, then it suggests a much bigger problem. If a drip is continuing to cause you sleepless nights, get in touch with our team today!

How To Plan A Bathroom Renovation?

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If your bathroom is old and outdated, renovation may be the best way to turn it into a functional, durable, and stylish throne room fit for a Lannister. Simply by following the advice below, you can ensure your bathroom renovation will be a total success.

Step 1: Plan ahead

Your bathroom reno will involve a big chunk of money and time, so before you dive right in, it’s a good idea to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Once you’re adequately equipped with information, you can start planning everything out by setting a proper schedule.

This will ensure things are done right the first time and in the right order too. This is also handy to know if you live in a single bathroom household so you can plan somewhere you and the family can all “go” during the renovation.

Step 2: Get some design ideas

This is when you can start thinking about the intricate details of your dream bathroom and get a little creative. Go through lifestyle websites, read house magazines, and watch those reno shows on TV to get new ideas for your bathroom reno. 

With so many cool and new design ideas for bathroom renovations, it’s a good idea to create a mood board with materials, designs, bathtubs, tiles, colour swatches, and magazine pictures.

Step 3: Create a functional layout

Start by measuring up all of the dimensions of your existing bathroom, including the location of the existing fixtures. You should also draw the floorplan from above with toilet, basin, shower, and bath clearly marked, as well as each wall individually showing doors and windows. 

Don’t forget to include where all of the plumbing is located. If you’re unsure, you can always ask any plumber who has come to your house in the past to fix your blocked toilet or broken pipe. This will ensure you understand any limitations so your new layout maximises all available space.

Step 4: Avoid open shelving

There are a few reasons a bathroom with open shelving is a bad idea, especially if it’s only small. For starters, it’s very difficult to make open shelves look organised. 

It’s also impossible to keep bacteria out of open shelving, especially when they’re used for the storage of clean towels or toothbrushes. Design all of your bathroom storage to include cabinet doors and drawers, as well as drawer dividers and baskets to help keep things organised.

Step 5: Plan for easy maintenance

When choosing floor and wall coverings, remember how annoying it is to keep white tiles and grout lines looking clean and pristine. The best way to avoid creating a bathroom that always needs cleaning and keeping maintenance to a minimum is by staying away from light coloured tiles and excess grout lines. 

When choosing your bathroom’s design style, using large size tiles will also help, especially around the shower area.

Step 5: Consider bathroom space

Sure, plenty of people love having a bathtub. But just as many people much prefer showers and barely even look at the tub unless it needs to be cleaned. 

Bathtubs can be nice to offer guests, and great if you’re actually going to use it often enough, but will it really be worth it if you don’t use them? 

If you decide it’s simply taking up too much valuable space which could be better used in other ways, try designing your bathroom without it and consider the money you could save.

Step 6: Leave it to the pros

While some homeowners are pretty handy with a little DIY, a full bathroom reno is best left to the professionals. You can save money by doing a little demo work or some painting if you really want to. 

But trying to cut corners with a bathroom reno might otherwise end up costing you much more than letting tradies do it all properly the first time. This is particularly the case for skilled jobs like tiling the floor, laying bricks, and electrical or plumbing works that legally must be completed by licenced and qualified trades.

Step 7: Don’t be boring

Not everyone gets the chance to renovate a bathroom however they like, so get creative with it. Let loose and throw in some unique design ideas that are as individual as you are. 

You have the chance to create an updated, elegant, or stylishly functional bathroom, so make as many changes as you can afford to make. Change the tile styles, repaint the walls, and include some of the latest smart home functions if you like. 

If you want your bathroom renovations to be as amazing in reality as it is in your head, remember to plan ahead, listen to the experts, and design equally for style and functionality. And, if you need a hand with the plumbing for your bathroom renovation, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

How To Fix A Leaky Tap By Yourself?

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When you have a dripping tap in your home, it isn’t just irritating, it’s a massive waste of water. Plus, the leak might get worse and cause all kinds of damage to your home.

Thankfully, fixing a leaky tap is usually a pretty easy job that you should be able to do yourself, so below is a step-by-step guide to help you. The first thing you need to know before you start is what type of taps you have so that you get the correct replacement part.

There are generally two main types of taps — traditional taps with a handle or knob, which are turned on by spinning it multiple times, or mixer lever taps, with a single handle, which is used by lifting and rotating it a quarter or half a turn. 

Most taps have either ceramic or rubber parts — to determine this, if the tap turns ¼ or ½, it likely has a ceramic washer; if it turns more than ½ it is likely to have a rubber washer.

What causes leaky taps?

The first thing you need to do before you fix your leaking tap is to determine the problem. The most common cause of taps leaking is the rubber washer or ring in traditional taps or the ceramic cartridge sealant ring in mixer taps that have worn out or broken and need to be replaced. 

If the tap drips after you’ve turned it off, that means the washer needs replacing. If the water flows between the body of the tap and the spindle, or from underneath the cover plate, it’s likely you need a new ring. In either of these cases, you should be able to fix it yourself.

Tools and parts needed

  • Adjustable spanner.
  • Flathead or Phillips Head screwdriver.
  • Small Allen key.
  • Assorted washers and O-rings or a replacement cartridge.

Before you start

Before you can start fixing your leaky tap, you need to turn off the water supply. Most Australian homes have water meters located above the ground and this will usually be located somewhere along your water supply pipes, either outside or maybe even under the kitchen sink. 

After the water supply is off, find the lowest height tap in and around your house, put a bucket underneath, and turn it on until no more water comes out. Don’t forget to turn it off again. Then do the same with the tap you are fixing to release any water that is left in the top of the pipes and put a plug in the sink.

Step 1: Find and remove the handle retaining screw

First, make sure you plug your sink — a simple step, but one that is often overlooked. Why do you need to plug it? So you don’t lose anything down the drain!

Then, you obviously need to take the tap apart to repair it, so you’ll need to remove the nut or screw that holds it together. The nut on traditional taps is underneath the decorative hot or cold cap on the top of the handles, which needs to be removed by hand or with an adjustable spanner. Start by removing this hot or cold button.

Mixer lever taps on the other hand have a small Allen or screw hidden underneath the lever, often beneath the hot /cold indicator which needs to be removed using a small flathead screwdriver or an Allen key.

Step 2: Take the tap apart

Once the cap or screw has been taken out, the next thing you’ll need to do is take the handle off. If there is a metal shroud surrounding the neck of the tap which protects the valve, you’ll need to lift that up to take it off too. 

If you should see a hexagonal nut that needs to be undone using an adjustable spanner. Make sure you hold the spout while you are undoing the nut so that the tap doesn’t twist around.

Step 3: Replace the faulty parts and reassemble

For traditional taps, lift the stem out and replace the faulty washer and O-ring underneath. For mixer lever taps, you’ll simply replace the faulty cartridge. Follow these instructions in reverse to put everything back together, making sure it’s clean, turn on the water main and test the taps. If the leak is fixed, congratulations!

However, if the leak isn’t fixed then it’s most likely due to a more major issue, like a corroded valve seat or some other plumbing issue that’s not a DIY one. If that’s the case, simply call a licensed plumber to come and fix the problem for you.

Why you need to fix a leaky tap asap

A leaky tap might not seem like such a big deal, but it can easily lead to major problems:

  • Health: Leaking water is one of the most common causes of household mould and mildew — which in turn, can create a number of health hazards. Mould, in particular, can lead to respiratory problems and allergies.
  • Water wastage: A leaking tap that drips twice a minute can waste up to 260 litres of water on average per year. If your taps drip significantly, they can waste anywhere up to 20,000 litres of water per annum
  • Structural damage: Water build-up that’s left untreated can lead to structural damage around your property, impacting the foundations, walls and floors of your home.
  • Expensive Repairs: Not only does a leaky tap lead to water wastage, which you’re paying for, but if your leaks do lead to damage or mould, you’ll end up paying a substantial amount to have it fixed.

It’s important to note that in Australia, it’s illegal for homeowners to work on any system that is connected to the main water supply or your home’s sewer system so if you’re unsure, check with your local plumber, or give City Council a call to confirm you can complete the task at hand. If you have any concerns about fixing your own taps then simply get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today to assist.

6 Ways To Stay On-Track During A Home Makeover

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We all know home makeovers of any sort are stressful, particularly if you’re struggling to enact whatever vision you have for your space. It can be easy to get lost in the process and start to think ‘why did I change anything at all?’, but it’s essential that you ask yourself that question and really think hard about it before you go full-speed ahead into a home makeover of any scale.

Here are some things to consider before starting a home makeover, so that you don’t lose yourself:

1. Think and plan long and hard

Ask yourself that all-important question: “Why?” What don’t you like about your current home? If you have the money to change it, what would you change and why? Is there anything you can do to make it more liveable, rather than throwing out the baby with the proverbial bathwater? 

You could make a list of all of the changes that you seek to make in your space and then cost them out. See if you can wait to make certain changes. See if there are alternative options. Explore all of your options before you get into the process of remodelling.

2. Take all the help you can get

One of the nicest things about home remodelling is the number of friends and family that’ll often offer to help you with certain things, like painting or deck-building, or whatever. Take that help. You’re going to want all the help you can get to take as much stress off you as possible.

3. Maximise your problem-solving

One of the best things you can do for your current space is to maximise it. This doesn’t mean throwing everything into it that you can, but see where the space is being lost. Walk into a room and rather than focusing on the clutter and ‘stuff’, envision what you’d like it to look like. 

Think of solutions, rather than problems. Could you remove a wall, thereby creating an open concept? Could you get rid of one piece of furniture that you don’t use very often to create space to move things around? There’s always a solution to a problem.

4. Boost the amount of natural light

If one of the issues you have with your space is that it isn’t bright enough — rather than painting (although this is an option), one of the solutions could be to boost the amount of natural light. Install new windows in the chosen room and let more light in. It’s incredible what a burst of natural light can do to an otherwise dark space.

5. Don’t forget about the bathroom

One of the often neglected areas of the house is the bathroom; so if you’re planning on giving your home a makeover, you might consider a bathroom remodel as well. 

There are several simple steps you can take to revitalise the space, and they don’t have to break the bank. This includes new taps and faucets, a fresh paint, a new tiling, a different prefab shower and much more.

6. Function over form

Think logically about your space. Walk through each space in the house that you want to change and imagine how best you might do that, with functionality in mind. 

Too often, homeowners lose themselves in the ‘stuff’ they’ve accumulated and don’t consider the functionality of their space. Bear in mind that you can only occupy one space at any one time, and that space is only as wide as your body. Choose functionality over form.

Final thoughts

Whatever your reason for doing a home makeover and however far you want to take the project — bear in mind that it will be a stressful time, but that stress can be mitigated and solutions can be found to every problem. Your home makeover can go smoothly and easily, so long as you go into it with a plan but are okay with things changing on the fly and can adapt easily to changes in your plan.

Following some of the above-mentioned simple steps can help make your home makeover easier on you, your wallet and your home. And, if you need a hand with your home remodel plumbing, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

Top 5 Bathroom Designer Favourites You Need To Know

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The bathroom is one of the most visited rooms in a house, and yet it’s also often the most overlooked when it comes to interior design trends. With research suggesting that adults spend an average of 416 days out of their lives in the bathroom, it is worth making sure your bathroom is a place that you love — both in terms of practicality and trendy designs. 

The following is a list of favourite bathroom designs, separating them by themes to help you grasp a wider sense of inspiration. If you’re looking to upgrade and renovate your bathroom, then here are 5 bathroom designer favourites that you need to know.

1. Nice and natural

There is nothing more relaxing than nature, so look outside for some inside inspiration. Adding plants to your bathroom is a great and inexpensive way of incorporating natural themes, adding a touch of freshness for even the most minimalist of styles. Partner your greenery with wooden shelves and a subtle colour palette to complement a captivatingly simplistic yet elegant space, all ready for your relaxation. 

Use a large mirror in a strategic place to aid any natural light, and delicately scatter your favourite smelling lotions and candles within reach of a clean white bathtub. This design is fresh, durable and easy to maintain. 

2. The functional family 

Revise your bathroom decor to suit your family’s busy routine. Whether you’re potty training little ones or trying to manage a speedy school morning schedule, enhance aspects of your bathroom to help you save time and space. Think fun colourful bath mats, child lock cupboards, labelled hooks for pyjamas, and cupboards or shelves dedicated to bath toys. 

If you’re open to some renovations, there are plenty of ideas around that will help you to create a great design for a busy family. For more lowkey decoration ideas that don’t require professionals, keep in mind that a tidy bathroom could make all the difference, so think about the must-haves, where you’re going to store them, and how organised you want your bathroom to be. 

3. Fun and funky 

Modern design trends are often inspired by past interior favourites, and this theme is no exception. Consider giving your bathroom a retro redo with bold 70s style photo prints against peachy pastel or classically coloured walls. Add some personal touches, like photo frames and uniquely patterned towels, to style it to your taste. 

Use big plants and circle-shaped mirrors to add a bohemian Woodstock style twist. Or you might opt for a vintage bathroom look that’ll have you listening to the sounds of the 70s whilst you soak the day away. There are plenty of options available; just let your imagination go wild and find a design that best suits your personality and your home’s style.

4. Romantic oasis

For couples old and young, nothing says romance like a hot relaxing bath. Utilise empty spots on your vanity to add aromatic candles and flowers, and keep your feet warm with a luxury cream bath mat. Keep to a neutral or light pastel colour scheme to avoid a cluttered-looking bathroom. 

Consider adding a double shower or a free-standing bath to add an elegant focal point, truly embracing that honeymoon hotel style. Lighting is so important when it comes to setting a mood for a room, so for the romance aspect, look into dimmable lights to create a perfect day to night contrast. 

5. The modern must-have 

Our final trend mixes accessibility with ease and class, adding a luxurious look to your bathroom. Though this design may at first glance seem intimidating to the less tech-savvy, it is actually created to reduce the number of steps in your bathroom routine. 

A jacuzzi bath, heated flooring, and spa-like decor are no longer reserved for the rich and famous, speak to a consultant to achieve that bespoke celebrity style for a fraction of the cost. 

Which bathroom trend is your favourite?

Incorporate these ideas with your favourite bathroom essentials, or take yourself shopping for great products that will help finalise the overall look of the room. 

Upgrading your bathroom decor can be as simple as you like, with adding plants or a lick of paint to walls and existing furniture, producing incredible results. Make your bathroom worth your time. And, if you need a hand with upgrading your bathroom, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today! 

A 2021 Guide To Remodelling Your Bathroom

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It can be intimidating to approach a bathroom from a design perspective, especially if you’ve just moved into a new home. That said, here is everything you need to know about remodelling your bathroom.

A solid plan

Having a vague idea of what you want isn’t going to be helpful when trying to communicate with several builders and other professionals. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to interpret ‘fresh’ or ‘open’ the same way. As such, it’s important that for purposes of remodelling, you can have specific measurements taken and decisions pre-made before the actual work begins. 

Think about where you want the bath or shower, and any lighting or electrical requirement you might need. Of course, there is always a certain level of wiggle room in this, so don’t worry too much if you still want to make some adjustments along the way. 

If you are renovating more than one bathroom in your home, think about functionality. Who uses that bathroom most? Is it more for family use or is it a private ensuite? Cater your bathroom design accordingly for more variety and fun.

It’s recommended you liaise with plumbing professionals to make sure your plan is doable within the structure of your bathroom. No matter if it’s a hand drawn floor plan or a 3D photo realistic design, having this available will enable you to truly picture what the bathroom will eventually look like.

Know your budget (and stick to it)

Successfully planning an achievable layout of your bathroom is the key to creating a financial budget. With the average price of a bathroom renovation costing Australians $17,522, it’s important to make sure you have a general idea of the amount you’re willing to spend. 

For a tighter budget, evaluate the main changes you want to make in your bathroom, and have a professional complete this work for you. It is so important to not compromise on quality when it comes to remodelling, as what may seem like small flaws now will compromise the longevity of your bathroom, causing you to spend more money in the long run. 

Once a professional has finished the main body of work, cut down costs by doing more simple tasks yourself. This can be from painting to furnishing — just make sure you are confident in your capabilities.

For a more extensive renovation, consider breaking down the budgeting by using a budget tracker. This will ensure you don’t accidentally miss out on any costs and will simplify the break-down prices for you. It’s also worth having an ‘extra’ spot on your budget, for any last-minute changes or new ideas that arise. 

The main focus 

As you move away from structural design and more into the interior, decide what sort of bathroom fittings you want. For example, perhaps you would like a free-standing bath for an elegant main focal piece, or maybe a double shower to ease a busy routine? Your plan may have incorporated these aspects already, so once you have made your decision, it is time to shop. 

Shopping for a renovation may feel overwhelming at first, with lots of intricate products and jargon you’ve never heard of. But, fear not, shopping with the help of a bathroom interior consultant can massively help with those tricky decisions. Take the time to talk to a professional consultant about what your vision is for your bathroom, detailing what you’d like as the main focus and where you want it. Feel free to present colour schemes or textures you’ve taken an interest in, and your consultant can then provide you with several options that match your taste. 

Choosing lighting

So you now have a plan, budget, and potential bathroom set picked out — but what about the lighting? Dark and dim lighting can instantly make bathrooms look smaller and less visually appealing. 

You want to be able to show off your hard work, so don’t let bad lighting ruin it. Maximise natural light by using frosted glass on windows instead of blinds, and use a large mirror to help light bounce around the room. With these key renovation aspects nailed, you’ll have a beautiful bathroom in no time. If you need a hand with remodeling your bathroom, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

Request an EstimateCall us for an estimate on 0403 654 870 or complete the following form.

    
Get an Estimate

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Call us for a quote on 0403 654 870 or complete the following form.

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