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What flooring is cheaper than bathroom tiles?

ivanptr

Hi,

We’re planning to hire builders to convert our garage into a bathroom.

Previously, when we renovated an existing bathroom, the process was as follows:

1. Remove old tiles

2. Waterproof

3. Plumbing

4. Install new tiles

5. Grouting and silicone

Our question is: Are there any alternative flooring options that are simpler and more cost-effective?

For example, could we request the builder to create a concrete/cement floor instead of installing new tiles?

download (62).jpeg

Possible sequence:

1. Waterproof the existing concrete garage floor

2. Plumbing and additional waterproofing as needed

3. Pour new concrete/cement

What specific details should we be aware of if we go this route?

It seems like installing tiles involves a lot of extra work and incurs significant material and labor costs.

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JacobZ

Hi @ivanptr,

Thank you for your question.

Can you upload some photos of the space? This would help our members better understand the space and what you are trying to achieve.

If there is already concrete in your garage, there may be no need for anything additional as long as it can be waterproofed to the required standard. They may be able to polish the existing concrete, which would save on material costs.

Polished concrete is often a great option in bathrooms, but I couldn't say whether it would be cheaper than tiles, as there is still significant labour involved. The only way to know which option would be cheaper is to speak with a builder and have some quotes done up.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag and @Dave-1 to see if they have any advice.

Once you've uploaded some photos of the space, I will be happy to assist further.

Jacob

Dave-1

Good Evening @ivanptr

I am also thinking of the fall of the existing floor, Garage floors may have a slope towards the entrence (mine does but its older) that plus having a floor fall towards the waste holes is why bathrooms have the mud and tiles to help create that tint much needed angle for the water to flow away naturally.

Thinking of your garage floor and some pics could help with ideas. Does it slope at all? And where are your existing waste serices located compared to where you want the new bathroom. The last question is "Does your local council allow" garages to be converted into bathrooms? I know my council frowns on garages being repurpurused into rooms as it means the car spot thatw a sthere gets bumped and so on until its on the street. Its not illegal but not keen. It may be an idea to check.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @ivanptr

Plumbing will be required "before" waterproofing" and yes you could have a polished concrete floor in line of tiles.

However step 1 if you haven't already is to find out from council or a local draftsperson if this is a doable project as you're turning a garage into a living space. If thats all a go, then personally I don't believe we can provide advice on specific details of the build. This can only come from the outcome of the approved plans. A decent registered "builder" is also qualified to provide this advice, prior to submitting the plans.

Nailbag

ivanptr

@Nailbag @Dave-1 @JacobZ

So the general idea is to handle the plumbing first, then apply a waterproofing liquid membrane on the existing concrete floor, pour new concrete to adjust the slope, and finally finish by polishing it ? Please let us know if we have misunderstood anything.

Regarding the pipe location:

Red line: Waste line

Blue line: Water supply

Black arrow: Fall direction (0.5°)

Yellow: Glass screen door

Green room: Current toilet and bathroom

Screenshot_20250115_143646_Samsung Notes.jpg

We’re considering converting half or 1/3 of the garage to save costs. Limiting the floor area might make using tiles more feasible.

Yes we plan to consult with a builder, but we’d like to have a general idea 🤔 before discussing it with them. Would love to hear your advice 🌳

We hope to build this purely for our own use and don’t plan to sell the house.

EricL

Hello @ivanptr

As you are aware there are many rules to be followed in regards to conversion. But the steps you've outlined are generally what needs to happen. Your builder will give you more details such as how thick the concrete should be, what type of waterproofing to use and the layout of the plumbing for the area. My best advice is to ask for a detailed quote for materials and work to be done.

Please keep in mind to make provisions for ventilation, its best to have an exhaust fan in the bathroom to pump out all the moisture in the room when showering.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Evening @ivanptr

I was looking at the steps you are thinking of following "So the general idea is to handle the plumbing first, then apply a waterproofing liquid membrane on the existing concrete floor, pour new concrete to adjust the slope, and finally finish by polishing it ?"

I would change the second part, fix your concrete leveling and then the weaterproofing of the entire area.

Your builder (which I strongly suggest to engage) will help you with the rules needed. Even if you dont intend to sell the house you still need to have certain rules followed.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @ivanptr

The steps will be to mark out the plumbing lines. Cut out the concrete channels from the slab. The shower area will need to be rebated out of the slab approximately 40mm. This will be a major challenge and would recommend going for a shower base instead. The plumbing channels then concreted over. You can't apply waterproofing to a concrete slab you intend to polish it. That would only apply to a conventional bathroom floor and wall design. You would need consult an expert on this.

Again my advice is still to have a qualified draftsperson look at the project and advise on what needs to be done as you have agreed. They are the only ones other than a registered builder than can provide this. But then carry this through to proper approvals. Should you decide to go ahead without council approval. Just bear in mind that even if you never sell the house, if something should happen to the home regardless if it being caused by the bathroom, insurance companies love to use any excuse to void warranty claims.

Also bear in mind, that all plumbing required will be refused by a registered plumber as they will not risk losing their licence. I have seen this scenario on many occasions.

Nailbag

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