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Hi, We own a townhouse and want to renovate our ensuite bathroom. We don't need to change layout or change any plumbing but replace the old stuff with new and install some more tiles. Here's what we want to do:
- 1. Remove the old toilet and install a new one
- 2. Replace vanity and install a mirror with back lighting
- 3. Shower chamber replacement - ideally we'd like to remove this and create a new one with floor to sealing tiles. I don't know how we can remove this one.
We're looking to manage this ourselves by sourcing the materials and hiring professionals (plumber, tiler etc.) to do the work. What would be the order of activities here? Would it need a builder to oversee the removal of existing shower space? Basically how can we do this? Will it be complicated being upstairs? We'd highly appreciate any suggestions 🙏
Bathroom dimensions:
width - 142 centimeters
length (excluding shower area) - 220 centimeters
Shower area length - 85 centimeters
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @SBA. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about renovating your bathroom.
You’ll want to remove the old toilet and vanity first. We offer a convenient Toilet Installation Offer for this.
The shower is the biggest consideration. If you want floor-to-ceiling tiles, you need to either remove the old tiles or consider tiling over them. Removing tiles will likely damage the existing waterproof membrane, which is a important part of an upstairs bathroom. If the membrane is compromised, it will need a full replacement, which is more involved and usually requires a tiler or builder to oversee, especially since it’s above a living area. Tiling over existing tiles can work if the old tiles are in good condition and the surface is stable, but a professional tiler should confirm whether that’s possible. Removing the existing shower screen itself is usually not complicated structurally, but careful work is needed to avoid damaging the floor and walls.
Once the demolition and preparation are done, the tiler can do the wall and floor work in the shower. After that, you can install the new vanity, mirror, toilet, and any fittings. Mirrors with backlighting usually just need a power source and secure mounting, so an electrician may be needed.
Order of activities for clarity: first demolition (toilet, vanity, shower tiles), then wall/floor preparation, shower tiling, install new fixtures (vanity, toilet, mirror), finishing touches like grouting, silicone, and caulking.
Being upstairs doesn’t add much complexity for this scope, but ensure all trades know it’s an elevated area for handling heavy or awkward materials. Managing your own material sourcing will help keep costs down.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
