Hey I thought I would share my experiences in updating my daughter's 1980's wet areas without spending a whole lot of money.
Laundry.
First I removed the old school taps and replaced them with 1/4 turn ceramic disc Lollypop set. Then removed the old tiles from around the tub and replaced them with subway style. I have never done any tiling before but as it was not a big job I thought I would give it a go. (In retrospect I should have renewed the tub)
Next I replaced the running tiles at the base of the walls with large white 400 x 200 tiles.
Finally, I laid 4.5mm hybrid waterproof floor planking directly over the old tiles. These are easy to work with - you can score them with a hardiplank knife and then they easily snap. The manufacturer requires that there is an expansion gap between the wall and the edge of the board and not to use silicon sealant - I ignored this so sue me. The effect is better and so far there has been no warping especially since the expanse of flooring is so little. Some photos..
Bathroom
Taps were replaced with Lollypops and a fancy shower rose.
I replaced the vanity unit with a relatively inexpensive replacement. Then the hybrid floor planking again. The sealant is essential here to stop water from entering under the boards. The planking cannot be used in the shower alcove so the original tiles still show.
Next I decided to paint the tiles. I was looking at the Dulux renovator range but I believe they have changed the formula and is purely water based. So I decided on a cheaper option and bought Dulux Precision Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer (which is white unlike the clear renovator primer). Naturally good preparation is in order cleaning dirt and grease and soap residue with a scourer and sugar soap. I did not bother to sand the tiles as a trial showed that it was not effective in roughing the surface. A 4mm nap roller was used. I then used Dulux full gloss Aqua Enamel in Vivid white - 2 coats. And finally 2 coats Dulux Design Clear Top Coat which provides a durable shiny hard coat over the tiles. I have yet to do the shower alcove because of logistic issues - the top coat should not be exposed to humidity for 48 hours.
Towel rails were replaced with the Caroma Cosmo range and lastly a new mirror.
Toilet
As there was nothing wrong with the toilet bowl I replaced the cistern and seat with the Estilo replacement cistern with seat which is good value. Running tiles at the base of the walls were replaced with the same 400 x 200 tiles and the same hybrid planking.
Just a tip with applying the sealant. As you can see from one of the photos, I masked both the tile and floor area about 4mm from the edge and then applied a bead of silicon without worrying too much about getting it perfect. Then I dipped a pop stick in a solution of dishwashing liquid about 1 tablespoon of water and ran that along the silicon to get a nice smooth finish with the excess running onto the masking tape. Then carefully remove the tape.
In conclusion, the tapware unsurprisingly was the most expensive part of the renovation but all up I am sure it was less than $2000
