Are you planning to renovate your bathroom? Whether you’ve recently purchased a new home or you’re dreaming of a stylish bathroom makeover, careful planning is essential.
Before diving into the renovation process, it’s important to consider several key questions:
- What budget range should you prepare?
- What processes are involved, and what details should you pay attention to?
- Where can you source high-quality bathroom tiles, fixtures, and fittings?
- And finally, which contractor or interior designer will best suit your needs?
Addressing these questions lays the foundation for a successful renovation plan.
Planning Your Bathroom Renovation
Find a Focal Point
Rather than simply asking for quotes from contractors or interior designers, start by creating your own detailed renovation plan. Begin by identifying a focal point for your bathroom—a design element or fixture that truly excites you.
This could be a designer fixture you admired in a magazine or a particular tile design you’ve been dreaming about. Use this inspiration to build your overall plan and budget.
To refine your ideas, visit local showrooms, browse Pinterest, or join local home renovation groups on social media, where you can gain insights and recommendations.
Understand your bathroom’s layout and size
Next, take time to understand your bathroom’s layout and size. Familiarize yourself with the dimensions and flow of your space, as these factors will influence everything from fixture placement to the selection of materials.
In Malaysia, common bathroom sizes include measurements such as 1.5m by 2.4m, 2m by 4m, and 2.5m by 5.2m. Knowing your space inside out will enable you to tailor your design and ensure every element fits harmoniously.
Get Recommendations From a Trusted Contractor
Once you have a clear vision and a detailed plan, share your ideas with a trusted contractor or interior designer. Their expert recommendations can help you assess whether your envisioned design aligns with your budget and whether any adjustments are needed.
Understanding the Renovation Process
Demolish Old Tiles and Pipes
A typical bathroom renovation involves several critical processes. It often starts with the demolition of old tiles and pipes—a necessary step to clear the way for a fresh design. Once the demolition is complete, the floor is leveled and waterproofed to prevent any water seepage through the new tiles.
Rebuild the Foundation
Next, the renovation process moves to rebuilding the foundation of the bathroom using a combination of cement, bricks, and plaster. If you’re considering reconfiguring the layout, the process will also include adjustments to plumbing and piping, ensuring that new fixtures are perfectly integrated into your design.
Tiling is a significant component of the renovation, and most homeowners opt for popular choices such as porcelain or ceramic tiles for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Install Doors and Other Fixtures
Finally, the installation of doors, windows, and other essential fixtures—such as sinks, toilet tanks, and bathtubs—completes the process, resulting in a beautifully transformed bathroom.
Breaking Down the Costs
Now, let’s explore the cost aspect of a bathroom renovation in Malaysia. If you’re starting from scratch, you might expect the following expenses: demolition of old tiles and pipes typically runs around RM2,000.
After demolition, floor waterproofing is carried out for approximately RM1,500, ensuring that the new installation is protected from water damage.
If you plan to alter the layout, the cost for plumbing and piping adjustments can add up to RM1,000, while wet works—which involve rebuilding the bathroom’s foundation using materials like cement, bricks, and plaster—can be around RM2,000.
The tiling process, which includes both floor and wall installations, usually costs about RM3,000, depending on your choice of materials. The installation of bathroom fittings and accessories, such as sinks, toilet tanks, and bathtubs, may cost around RM2,200.
Additionally, cabinetry—whether it’s installed above or below the sink—could add another RM2,000. For those with high ceilings and exposed piping, a plaster ceiling might be installed for roughly RM1,200, and lighting installations, such as LED fixtures, can cost about RM400.
In total, a full-scale bathroom renovation from scratch is estimated to cost approximately RM15,300.
For those looking to give their bathroom a facelift without a complete overhaul, remodeling costs can be kept to RM8,000 or less. This option is ideal if your bathroom is already functional and simply needs a refreshed look—such as new tiles or updated fixtures.
Project Timeline and Final Thoughts
The duration of a bathroom renovation depends largely on the contractor’s efficiency and the coordination with suppliers. Typically, a full renovation will take at least two weeks, though simpler remodeling projects might be completed in as little as one week.
Planning your project timeline with some flexibility will help minimize disruptions to your daily routine.
Renovating your bathroom is a significant investment, but with careful planning and the right professional support, it can transform your space into a functional and stylish retreat.
If you need further advice or planning support, feel free to reach out to us at HOMA2u. And if you’re curious about budgeting for other areas of your home, our comprehensive home renovation cost guide is also available.
Happy renovating!