Laundry Renovation - Lucy J Design Bathrooms Renovations Perth Western Australia

Quality Perth Laundry Renovations

Renovating your Laundry is very similar to renovating your bathroom. We have found that it is worth spending the time to effectively plan your laundry renovation as a functional laundry along with a great kitchen and bathroom can make a big difference to your family's level of organisation.

To help you through the process lets look at some of the initial considerations and common mistakes that renovators make as well as the different tradespeople involved in the process.

Have You Considered?

Before drawing up your plans talk about your needs with the designer, architect or licensed builder. We are happy to help

• Do you need to structurally alter the space by building out, excavating,, moving Windows enlarging Windows, adding moving or resizing doors? Do you need chutes, skylights and what are your hot water requirements?
• Do you need to move your plumbing and what will be your wiring requirements.
• Is your laundry going to be part of your bathroom as this may require additional power, plumbing, cabinetry or vents.
• Provide your builder with the design plans plus accurate measurements and exact positions of existing fixtures and fittings, along with any storage or appliances you're retaining. Take a copy of the floorplan when sourcing fittings.
• In consultation with your builder determine what subcontractors you'll need when (for structural alterations or complex plumbing, allow extra time and cost).
• Are existing walls, floor and ceiling made from concrete, wood, tiles or plasterboard? Different materials, rafter configurations and cavity space can affect structural work and placement of your ventilation, lighting, circuitry, plumbing and cabinetry.
• Will you need to change existing plumbing or wiring to accommodate the new design? To save plumbing costs and increase efficiency group the tub, washer/dryer and shower stall together.
• Is existing drainage adequate or will you need to install a new drain and sub-floor waterproof membrane? If installing grey water recycling, your plumber needs to add a pipe from the external laundry output to a holding tank or garden bed (NB: grey water can be stored for a maximum of 24 hours before reuse.)
• Will any existing fixtures, fittings or appliances be incorporated into the new design? Can you resurface or refit existing fittings to cut costs?

Bring in the Experts

Laundry renovations is can be small, or they can be big. The following professionals will often be involved

• Professional Laundry Designer
• Architect or interior designer
• An integrated laundry renovation service such as Lucy J Design or a builder
• Plumber / waterproofing contractor
• Electrician
• Carpenter / cabinetmaker
• Tiler, renderer or flooring specialist
• Painter

You need to be confident in your contractors so make sure they are qualified. They should be licensed and insured. Setting expectations of what you want is critical before finalising contracts, handing over cash or beginning work.

Can I do it myself?

• Laundry renovations are often more complex than is first apparent. Many tasks require skilled work, so you will want to be confident in your own abilities.
• In particular, do not DIY plumbing, electricals and leave complex building to the experts.
• You can still add your own style by helping design the new floorplan, cabinetry; sourcing fittings, finishes or appliances;  removing anything that needs to be moved prior to the renovation and of course installing simple fittings such as towelrails, shelves, hooks and taps.  You can also do the painting or lining of cupboards.

Laundry Renovation Pitfalls

There are many of pitfalls when renovating your laundry, which you only learn about by renovating lots of them. Here are the main ones

• Bad Design: This is where the layout is impractical and the existing plumbing is not considered in the new design to maximise efficiency and keep costs low.
• Poor Scheduling: your costs and time line can really blow out if you schedule contractors in the incorrect order and not leave enough time between contractors for them to complete their work.
• Bad taste or poor understanding of materials: this is exemplified when there is a selection of unsuitable fittings and finishes such as untreated wood, low gloss paint or slippery flooring.
• Drainage and ventilation issues: if you do not put in proper drainage and ventilation then you will hasten the rate at which your new modern laundry looks old and tired thereby undoing all your hard work.
• False Expectations: There are lots of steps and parts to a a great laundry renovation.  All of these can add up in terms of cost and time.

How We Help | Your Next Step...

Lucy J Design offers  Laundry Renovation Consultations and Quotes for a small fee of $55 fully refundable if you choose Lucy J Design to build your laundry.   The process is very similar to a kitchen renovation.  If you are thinking of renovating your laundry then give Lucy J Design a call to organise an appointment or to get an idea of budget.