How to cover or move internal hot water system?

[LilS]

Hello!

I'm looking to do a budget renovation of a small bathroom in a rental cottage I own. The water heater is currently in a very awkward spot close to the sink and is obviously ugly in the space. I had thought about covering it but without moving the sink its quite close. I'm wondering if its possible to move the unit to the outside or if that is a expensive option. 

Hoping to get some ideas, thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @LilS 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your bathroom renovation.

It would in theory be cheaper to build custom cabinetry around the hot water heater to hide it, but the sink will need to be moved to the very right in order to accommodate the new cabinetry. The second school of thought is, if you are spending this much money for custom cabinetry, why not just have the HWC moved outside? I'm not aware of the going rate for HWC installation in your area, but it would be conservatively the same cost if you have the HWC moved outside. It would technically be like having a new HWC installed.

The benefits of having the HWC outside would be the reclamation of space. You can now install more cabinetry or even install an independent tall boy in that spot. You now have more options, and you don't have to worry about the HWC being in the way.  

Here is a handy guide that will help: How to plan a bathroom renovation by @Adam_W.

Let me call on our experienced members @OG_Bee, @mangoaqua and @daniknight4 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[LilS]

Thanks Eric, I really appreciate your response. I guess my next step is to

price out having the HWC installed outside. I have no experience in this area but I assume new cabinetry and moving of sink/plumbing would end up costing more. 

[EricL]

Hello @LilS 

I agree with your plan, my best advice is to get at least three quotes to give you an idea of what the going rate is to move HWC. I then suggest drawing up a plan on how you would like to rearrange the new space or if you would just like to add more cabinets. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[mangoaqua]

Hello!

It's a very awkward setup. I'm not a plumber, but I'd be moving that hotwater system outside. I also didn't think you could have anything less than 500mm above the top of a system either (I could be wrong here) and would worry about anything heavy being placed on the shelf, placing pressure on the system.

I'd then replace the shelf with a retro-fitted narrow open shelf unit for storage along that wall for storage.

I can't think of any other ways right now, but if I think of something, will let you know  

[OG_Bee]

 I second @EricL with getting multiple quotes.

The system itself looks quite new but it also could give you the option at looking at something a little larger seen you won't have the space restrictions outside. If it is moving outside i would make sure that it is placed off the ground to ensure it wont sit in any water like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/baytak-410mm-x-410mm-x-15mm-small-hot-water-support_p5102059 Hot water support stand,

maybe combined with a https://www.bunnings.com.au/custom-concrete-products-600-x-600-x-40mm-plain-paver_p3463497 Concrete paver as the structural base.