www.smartstylebathrooms.com.au

WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE TO RENOVATE?

TV realityThe reality V

PAGE 2

1. YOU ARE WATCHING A FORM OF RENOVATION SOLELY EDITED FOR ENTERTAINMENT;

AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY,

2. THE RENOVATIONISN’T TAKING PLACEIN YOUR HOME.

There are so many guilty pleasure renovation shows and with their increasing popularity comes increasing insight into what it’s like to renovate a home and bathroom.

The complexity and endless details to consider, the chaos, the cost and the compiling list of things that can and do go wrong. One bad trade can destroy the whole project.

When you sit comfortably on your couch and peer into the life-cycle of a renovation, there are two things to remember when that common thought – I could do that – creeps in to fulfil your creative and adventurous home renovating ambitions.

PAGE 3

TO THE UNTRAINED EYE, THESE BATHROOMS LOOK GREAT, HOWEVER, AS AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL, THE POOR QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP JUMPS RIGHT OUT.

One major misleading aspect of a renovation show is the timeline. Contestants are usually given very tight timeframes to do the impossible for that extra viewing suspense – turn a derelict bathroom into a magazine cover worthy showpiece. And, in many cases, it appears as though it is them completing the work with only a DIY skillset.

The reality...their five-day bathroom is five days of filming with many days in between to get to the next stage of filming. It is rarely completed by the contestants’ own hands but rather a swarm of trades.

Nothing great is ever created out of this level of pressure – trades working over the top of each other, film crews blocking their access and work space, and unrealistic timelines.

TV IS A BUSINESS...

TV shows are designed to keep you glued to your seat and, ultimately, consuming the intermittent chunks of ads that fill almost as much of the time slot as the show you’re enjoying.

Therefore, it’s essential for show creators to find dramatic shots, whether it be elation and excitement or arguments and disasters – leaving you with a teaser to stay tuned in until after each ad break or for the next episode.

PAGE 4

The effect…renovation shows can heavily impact people’s expectations in the lead up to their own bathroom work. Some expect drama.The arguments they watch prepare them for a battle between the trades and the clients.

But ‘drama’ doesn’t have to be part of the process with your professional renovating company.

It’s the opposite…renovations by their very nature are about finding solutions to problems. Of course, it should be expected that issues will arise when renovators are working on an assortment of homes built using a variety of methods, materials and builders over its lifetime, particularly if the home is 150 years or older.

No two bathrooms are the same, each client has their unique preference of products and requirements. As renovators, our job is simply to find an effective solution. In some cases, this can cause a delay, but we just rectify and continue the work as soon as possible.

BASICALLY, WE EAT YOUR BATHROOM PROBLEMS FOR BREAKFAST!When clients see these issues surface, panic can set in.You may feel an array of emotions and even see the renovator as the source of your upset or anger, in which case, arguments can quickly erupt.

Alternately, stepping back and allowing the professionals to carry out the job you’re paying them to perform can demonstrate all issues are solvable and limit unnecessary stress for both the client and contractors.

Your renovation company is on your side and just as motivated to get the job completed in a timely and professional manner as you are.

PAGE 5

YOU WILL REALLY ONLY KNOW WHAT A RENOVATION IS LIKE WHEN IT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR HOME.

Your home is your sanctuary – your safe place, where you can unwind and relax after a hard day’s work.

A renovation is an unavoidable inconvenience, there will be people coming and going, noise, drop sheets and boxes all invading that peaceful sanctuary, and, once it starts, you don’t have the luxury of hitting the ‘power off’ button on your remote.

So, remember, it is natural to feel discomfort but counterproductive to take out your frustration on the people doing the work.

THE TRUE COSTS OF RENOVATIONS ARE NOW BEING REVEALED

In early seasons, the overall cost of a renovation was calculated on what the contestants paid, which excluded thousands of free materials and labour from sponsors. In recent shows, it no longer seems uncommon for the show-stopping bathrooms with high-end fittings to cost well over $30,000 – which is on the mark.

PAGE 6

There will be designated areas of your choosing where products such as tiles, cabinets and tapware will be placed prior to installation.

Work such as grinding of tiles and mixing of glue and cement will be done outside, also in an area of your choosing. Although these tasks are quite messy, as they are outside, it can all be easily cleaned up and will have little to no impact on the inside of your home.

WILL I BE WITHOUT WATER OR ELECTRICITY?

Services such as water and electricity will be switched off for a few hours on each of the days the respective trades are working. We will inform you prior to disconnection to minimise any inconvenience.

WHICH PARTS OF MY HOME WILL BE IMPACTED?

The areas impacted will be the rooms under renovation and the traffic areas from those rooms to enter and exit the house.

If the traffic areas are timber or other delicate flooring, we will lay a cardboard covering down for the duration of the renovation. Other flooring will be covered with drop sheets which will be removed at the end of the renovation.

PAGE 7

RENOVATION PREPARATION

Planning is the key to a successful renovation and reducing stress for all involved.

We, at Smart Style Bathrooms, take time to ensure your renovation is unique to your home and needs.

In order that you know exactly what you’ll be getting before the construction even starts, we will take you through in-design home consultations, show you 3D imaging and working drawings, and then ensure every team member who will be working in and around your home is prepped, in communication with each other and has access to all of the important construction information.

PAGE 8

RENOVATION TIMELINEPlease remember the following is a guide only and reflects a standard bathroom renovation.

Yes, companies can complete the work in a shorter timeframe but this expectation is short sighted as corners will be cut and trades will be working over the top of each other. For the sake of saving a small amount of time and money in the short term, it could end up costing you a lot more in the future. Nothing great is ever created under that level of pressure.

4-5 WEEKS

YOUR SUPERVISORThe supervisor will visit your home periodically including before the construction begins and at scheduled inspections throughout the whole renovation.They will set up a) the coded access box to store spare keys, ensuring your keys never leave your home or delay the renovation, and b) street signs to let all of the contractors know exactly where to go. They will also keep you updated with the schedule along the way.

Each person has their different expectation and requirement for information throughout the renovation. We do our best to tailor the stream of information to the individual.

10 - 15PEOPLEYou can expect between 10 to 15 people in and around your home throughout the entire project, but only between one and four people at any given time.

THE REAL NUMBERS

JUST BEFORE THE WORK STARTS

YOUR DEMOLITION CREW

OVER THE FIRST3 DAYS

Products such as your tiles and tapware arrive.

THELAST DAY

ADD AN EXTRA 1-3 WEEKSMAJOR MODIFICATIONS INCLUDING PLUMBING CHANGES, WALL REMOVAL, WINDOW MODIFICATIONS, UNDERFLOOR HEATING, NEW CONCRETE SUB-FLOORS, ETC. CAN ADD WEEKS TO YOUR RENOVATION.

DURING THIS PHASE YOU CAN EXPECT DELIVERIES OF BUILDING MATERIALS SUCH AS SAND, CEMENT, TIMBER, BRICKS, ETC.

YOUR ELECTRICIAN

Your tiler and water proofer will prepare the work space, this could be the same person doing both jobs and may take between 2 and 4 days depending on the weather.

The cabinet maker will install your vanities before the tiler returns to tile the room, which could take about a week

depending on the size and complexity of the job.

The ceiling fixers follow to install cornice and undertake any ceiling repairs or other work.

IF MODIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED...BRICKIES, CARPENTERS, GLAZIERS, PLASTERERS

AND CONCRETERS MAY BE VISITING YOUR HOME TO CARRY OUT THE ADDITIONAL WORK

AROUND THIS TIME.

Your plumber and electrician carry

out separate final inspections and work

Your glazier installs your

shower screen.

Your carpenter and labourer may visit

at the same time or separately to install

any accessories.

Your painter will finish the ceiling,

walls and doors.

WEEKS 2 AND 3 WEEKS 4 AND 5WEEK 1

A TYPICAL RENOVATION CAN TAKE AROUND 4-5 WEEKS TO MAINTAIN HIGH QUALITY AND ADHERE TO AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS OF DRYING TIMES FOR CEMENT AND WATER PROOFING.

A skip bin will usually arrive on the Friday before the Monday work begins and stay for the duration of the renovation. If ordered, portable toilets and showers should also arrive.

YOURPLUMBER

A final inspection will be carried out by your supervisor before you’re enjoying your new bathroom!

www.smartstylebathrooms.com.au

PAGE 9

FINAL THINGS TO CONSIDER:

A good renovation company will focus on maintaining high standards over trying to rapidly finish a project.

Changing your mind about products or plans will add time to your renovation schedule, therefore, always keep your end product in mind as we are always proceeding with quality in mind and making sure your renovation will be one that lasts.

Other delays to your timeline could include unpredictability in weather, products and staff sickness.

With so many parties involved, it is very rare to make it through a renovation without an issue popping up throughout the process but we, at Smart Style Bathrooms, endeavour to keep any unpredictable factors under control and get your renovation running as smoothly and as soon as possible again.

An example of this is we have pulled off walls and found asbestos that has added an extra week to the renovation.

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM IS DUST.

We do our best to minimise it but a bathroom renovation is like having a new home construction happening within your home.

If you expect it to be dusty and noisy then it will be an easier experience for you. Let us do the worrying.

We’re professionals who cover everything, clean regularly, care for your flooring, are really mindful there are people living in the home and do our best to minimise obstructions at night for you to get a good night’s sleep.

Ultimately, the results will speak for themselves.

THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIMETO READ THIS GUIDE

We hope it has provided you with valuable information and insight onyour path to transforming your bathroom.

www.smartstylebathrooms.com.au

Happy renovating!