The bathroom has become one of the most important rooms of the house and is often considered a bit of a sanctuary. So when it comes to buying a new toilet, there is a lot to think about. There is so much choice in today’s market, it’s important to do your research as a bad decision can end up costing you money in the longer term.
There are 5 key things you need to consider before buying a new toilet.
1. The Environment
With the introduction of the Australian federal governments WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) program in 2005, retailers can now only sell WELS approved water saving products. This means that selecting an efficient water saving product has never been easier. Did you know that a dual flush toilet can reduce household water use by approximately 30,000 to 40,000 litres per household per year? Consider the WELS rating when selecting your new toilet.
2. Planning
Whether you’re building a new home or embarking on a bathroom renovation, I can’t stress enough the importance of planning. Getting the right advice and tips from an expert can help you avoid making costly mistakes that could continue to haunt you for the life of your bathroom. Expert advice can help you maximise your available space and select the right fixtures for a truly functional and enjoyable bathroom. Understanding your available space and optimal placement of your fixtures is definitely something to consider before buying your new toilet.
3. Type of Toilet
Visit a good bathroom showroom to view the range of different types of toilets available. This will help you to visualise how your new toilet will look once installed. It’s a great way to compare the available options for you to choose from and see how each different toilet suite operates. It’s also a really good opportunity to ask questions and get quality advice to help you make the right decision.
4. Cost and Warranty
Get a clear understanding of costs (don’t forget to include some budget for installation) and stick to your budget. More importantly ask about the warranty and availability of replacement parts, as a toilet is one purchase you don’t want to have to replace in the short term.
5. Installation
Leave the installation of your new toilet to a qualified expert and make sure their work is guaranteed if something does happen to go wrong relating to the installation.
For more information or advice on what to consider before buying a new toilet contact us.
When it comes to choosing a new toilet, there is so much on offer you’re spoilt for choice. Choosing the right toilet needs a lot of careful consideration to make sure you end up with a toilet that fits in with the style of your home but is also functional and designed to last.
Toilet design has come a long way in recent years and there is a large range of different shapes and models to choose from. It’s almost a little overwhelming when looking at what’s on offer.
There are usually three key elements that will determine the style of toilet that is right for your home.
Budget
Your available budget plays a major factor in style choice and there is a toilet style to suit just about any budget, ranging from the basic “Link” style toilet which features a separate cistern and pan linked by a pipe. “Link” style toilets start from about $150. At the top of the line there are the premium “Wall Hung” toilets which vary in price up to about $2,000. Most modern homes opt for a “Close Coupled” or “Wall Faced” style of toilet where the cistern sits at the top of the bowl and all pipe work is concealed. These range in price from about $200 through to $1,500. Some Wall Faced Toilets also have the option of concealed cisterns for a more streamlined look.
As with any product, you generally get what you pay for and spending a little extra on a quality toilet suite will ensure you get the longevity that meets with your expectations.
Link Style
Wall Hung
Wall Faced
Close Coupled
Wall Faced Concealed
Available Space
If you’re looking to make the most of a small space the best option is a “Wall Hung” toilet as these take up the least amount of space in comparison with other styles and are also very streamlined in appearance with the cistern concealed. “Close Coupled” or “Wall Faced” toilets are also good options if you have enough space.
Style of Your Home
Obviously, the style of your home and your individual personality will also play a part in choosing the right toilet. Fortunately with such an extensive range of toilets suites on offer you are guaranteed to find the right toilet for your home weather it’s a modern, contemporary or more traditional style you desire.
For more advice on selecting the right toilet for your home take advantage of our online Bathroom Planner or contact us.
There are many examples of successful bathroom renovations where research and understanding of a project is undertaken before commencement. There are also examples of bathroom renovators not doing their homework before they commence renovation of a bathroom. These can be as varied as not setting a budget, poor tool and material selection or ignoring safety procedures. Here are a few of our top tips for a successful bathroom renovation.
1. Do Your Homework
Do your research and understand what you are getting into. What is involved in a project of this type? Even if you are not undertaking the work yourself, know what to look for and what questions to ask so the project stays on track.
2. Hire Good Help
Meet with a couple of contractors and decide who you think would be best to work on your bathroom renovation project. Check references and test their reliability by leaving telephone messages for return calls. The person will be in your home and life for a few days or weeks so choose wisely.
3. Inaccurate Measurements
Get your measurement right! Every centimetre counts when it comes to installing bathroom products including cabinetry. If you are in doubt about how to do it, call in the experts.
4. Do the Prep Work
Not paying close attention to the preparation work for a home renovation project can spell disaster. Simple things such as cleaning the floor before laying new flooring can result in a much better effect. Do it right the first time to avoid rework, saving you time later on.
5. Don’t Forget About Safety
Your personal safety is important so use goggles to protect your eyes, ear protection to protect your hearing and gloves to protect your hands from splinters and nails. Have a first-aid kit on hand just in case – you can’t be too careful.
6. Buy Good Materials
A common mistake people make with a bathroom renovation is buying cheap materials. The bottom line is, you will get what you pay for
7. Use the Right Tools
Correct choice of tools will avoid common mistakes. It will avoid damaging the tool, damage to the project or any harm coming to you.
8. Storage of Materials
Always store your bathroom renovation materials in a cool, dry place. Keep tools away from the outside elements and use coverings where necessary.
9. Choice of Paint
Choose the correct paint for your bathroom renovation. There is different paint available for a wide range of surfaces. Use flat for ceilings and possibly for the walls. Use semi-gloss for any wood or other trim.
10. Electrical System
Walk through your home with an electrician before you finalise your bathroom renovation plan.
11. The Style of Your Home
Be sure to keep with the style of your home when you plan a bathroom renovation. If you have a Federation style home, then continue that theme with the renovation of the bathroom.
12. Set a Realistic Budget
Plan ahead by getting quotes for materials and labour. Set a realistic budget and pad it for any unseen problems.
