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How to Choose the Ultimate Ensuite for Your Home Extension

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While the average ensuite is often used by the one or two people who occupy the master bedroom, it’s still a frequently used and therefore incredibly important part of the house.

For this reason, if you’re adding new bedrooms and an ensuite to your next home extension, it’s important that you have it professionally designed and built so that it meets your budget and lifestyle needs. If your goal is to enhance the resale value of your home, you’ll want to be sure the cost of the renovation does not exceed what you hope you get back as a return on your investment.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the different types of bathroom renovations, and how to choose the ultimate ensuite for your home extension.

SETTLE ON A REALISTIC BUDGET

The average cost of a bathroom renovation can vary wildly from $12,000 to $28,000 depending on your exact needs.

Obviously, there are a lot of factors that determine how much your extension will cost – including the number of occupants, quality of materials, desired storage space, cost of showers and baths, waterproofing, and basins. Other cost factors include the installation of windows, mirrors, and exhaust fans.

By far, the best way to find out exactly how much you should be spending is to get at least 3 separate quotes. Make sure each quote you get provides a detailed breakdown of what’s included such as the cost of labour, materials, and project management. This way, you can compare quotes and decide which one meets your needs at the most reasonable cost.

For advice on how to design and build the ultimate ensuites for your home extension, contact APEX Alterations & Additions.

MATCH YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE LIFESTYLE NEEDS:

When it comes to extending your home, you should take into account not just what you need today, but what you may need in the near-future. Now, since we’re talking about ensuites – a room predominantly used by one or two people at most – your lifestyle needs probably won’t change much between now and a few years’ time.

However, it’s still worth thinking about, especially storage space. Will an under sink cabinet be enough to store all your accessories, toiletries, and towels? Or will you need an extra cabinet later? If you’re sharing with a partner, is there enough space for both of you to store your goods separately with zero-fuss?

Also, decide whether you need both a shower and bath. If you rarely take baths in the first place (not just because you didn’t have one to begin with, but because you have no desire to), then you may not need one. This can also be a great way to free up some space.

Of course, if you’ve been longing for a bath, go for it. Just make sure you have enough space for a separate shower (or install a shower head above the bath for a two-in-one solution), cabinets, toilet, and anything else you require.

HIRE ACCREDITED TRADESPEOPLE WHO STAND BY THEIR WORK:

This should go without saying, but resist the urge to pick the cheapest quote. Sure, you may save a bit of money upfront, but you’re then at a greater risk of experiencing building defects later on.

For instance, if the quality of the waterproofing is subpar, it could deteriorate sooner than it normally does. When this happens, water will leak into parts of the home that are ill-equipped to deal with moisture, which could compromise the structural integrity of the building. On top of this, the presence of moisture in these parts of the home could attract termites, and encourage them to feast on your property.

For this reason, it’s vital that you enlist the help of accredited trades people who know what they’re doing, and who stand by the quality of their work with a warranty for all products and services.

To hire the right people, make sure the tradespeople are qualified, insured, and have relevant experience with bathrooms and ensuites. You’ll also need to make sure any plumbers you hire (or are arranged by the builders on your behalf) have relevant skills and qualifications too.

You can confirm this information by visiting your state, territory, or local government website. Search for their business name to see if they have a current license that is up-to-date. In addition to this, refer to Master Builders Association or HIA (Housing Industry Association) for advice too.

PICK THE RIGHT ENSUITE STYLE:

With so many configurations to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.Here are some of the most common bathroom and ensuite configurations to help you decide:

  • All-in-one: In this configuration, everything is in one room. This includes the basins, storage space, toilet, shower, and baths. At least one of these fixtures will occupy each wall in the room (besides the entrance). Alternatively, the fixtures may be strategically placed in each corner of the room.
  • Split configuration:With this arrangement, not every fixture occupies the one room. For example, one section may have the basins, mirror, and cabinets, while the section next to it has the shower/bath and toilet. Generally speaking, the two sections are separated by a door for privacy reasons. As a result, people can still use the basins, even when someone else is having a shower. This is a desirable option if two or more people plan to use the ensuite as a primary bathroom.
  • Dedicated bath room: These days, having your own bath is considered a luxury as opposed to a necessity. For this reason, if you do have the option to include a bath – but you want a more luxurious experience – then you could give the bath its own room.

These are just some of the many ways to personalise your ensuite. If you’re unsure where to start, your home additions builder will be happy to help you create a design that fits your needs and budget.

APEX Alterations & Additions have over 30 years of experience designing and building quality bathrooms that enrich every home. To start your bathroom extension and renovation journey, request an online quote today.

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