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TESTIMONIALS:
Dear Garth, I wanted to write a brief email to thank you and the Brown and Brown team for your outstanding service through a difficult house sale. As you know we live outside Australia so it has been very challenging dealing with the real estate agent, the tenant and the purchaser from my base in London. From start to finish you managed the negotiations thoroughly and professionally and were very proactive in keeping my wife and I informed at every step. You even managed to negotiate better terms than I was expecting. I would recommend Brown and Brown Conveyancers to any prospective clients.
Clive Robert - Director IBM, London England UK
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Hi Garth,
You are a champion!
Many thanks - I know it wasn't easy!
I'll be in touch on Monday.
Thanks again,
Bruce
Dr Bruce Schaefer
GEMOC, Earth and Planetary Sciences
Macquarie University
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| Brown & Brown e-Newsletter
by Garth Brown
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'7 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL BATHROOM RENOVATION'
Bathrooms are no longer just the washroom in the middle of house where we bathe and toilet. Today’s modern bathroom has taken on a whole new dimension through the creation of luxurious ambient features with designer tubs, spas, showers, bidets, accessories, mirrors, lights, heating and colour tones to create a relaxing, soothing atmosphere where you can retreat to for a revitalizing shower or a long, indulgent soak in the tub or spa.
But what if you don’t have a designer bathroom? Custom bathrooms are now the norm and can be designed to suit your specific needs and budget so you can have the bathroom of your dreams. Whether you are looking to modernise the finishes in an existing bathroom, or transform that tired, rundown bathroom into a real masterpiece through a complete renovation here are 7 Tips to help you have a successful bathroom renovation.
1. BATHROOM BUDGET & DESIGN
Step 1 Budget include: Design professional (if you work with one); Builder; Plumber; Electrician; Tiler. Compile a list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘lust-haves’ and ensure the essentials – such as a good-sized bath, shower system, vanity, lighting, plus adequate storage are in the budget breakdown, while splurges like a spa or underfloor heating are in the contingency list. Do not compromise on the design process, a good design will help you to end up with exactly the bathroom renovation you want. Obtain comprehensive and itemised quotes which are not just lump sums from Registered Builders and Licensed Tradespeople. Do not work with any unregistered or unlicensed supplier.
Before signing any contracts, ask for references, check their previous work and talk to owners who have used them. Fixed price contracts will help you to keep your budget under control.
2. BATHWARE CHOICES
Before you start research the latest bathroom designs and what modern bathware is available in your price range. Discuss these items with your Designer and Builder ensure the bathware you select fits into your bathroom and budget.
- SHOWER SYSTEMS: various options include showers on rail, hand showers, fixed showers, overhead rainshowers.
- SHOWER SCREENS: for a spacious feel to your bathroom choose a clear shower screen or consider a frameless shower screen, or for the most modern ‘wet room’ look no screen at all.
- BATH TUBS: there is a vast array to choose from including freestanding bath tubs that blend old-world charm with high-tech materials. The latest ranges are very affordable and add a definite designer look.
- SPA: if you have the space, a spa is an absolute luxury.
- TOILET SUITE: a streamlined wall-hung toilet suite can be positioned below the vanity, maximising valuable floor space the only visible features are the designer buttons and pan and there’s no need to modify the existing wall structure.
- ENSUITE: a wall-mounted basin instead of a vanity is a real space saver, with a mirror-fronted cabinet above the basin for toiletries.
- BASIN & VANITY: there is an endless range of basins and vanities on the market, choose the style of basin that matches your bath tub and a vanity with a contemporary storage system such as wire racks mounted inside the doors, rubbish bins, towel racks, tilt-out drawers for easy access to toiletries, hair dryer, electric shaver, other bathroom essentials.
- MIRROR: a heated and illuminated mirror resists fogging up and will save waiting when shaving or applying make-up
3. BUILDING PERMIT/COUNCIL APPROVAL
Before you undertake a bathroom renovation check with your local Council what, if any, permits are required especially if structural changes and/or changes to the external façade are planned. Having the required permits in place prior to commencement will save you time and unnecessary delay.
4. SCHEDULE
You need to know exactly when your renovation will start and finish. A carefully planned renovation will run more smoothly than one that does not have deadlines.
Liaise closely with your Suppliers during the renovation and ask for accurate updates each week to keep you informed about the progress. Ensure all the bathware, fittings and fixtures are on site at the appointed time to prevent unexpected hold-ups waiting for items to be delivered.
5. PREPARE
A bathroom renovation is a significant interruption to the household. Unless you have a second bathroom or toilet be prepared to make alternative arrangements for bathing including hiring a port-a-loo for your family and the suppliers (this needs to be included in your budget). A total bathroom renovation is a major job, you will have trades people coming and going during the project as well as the inconvenience of not having facilities, advance preparation is essential to cater for the disruption.
6. TECHNICAL TIPS
The boring shower drain in middle of floor has come a long way. Now referred to as a Grate the latest stainless-steel floor grates are extremely effective at draining away the water flow discuss the options for positioning with your Designer as the floor may need to be sloped a special way toward the grate to facilitate the new position.
- GRATES: a contemporary shower grate adds an architectural edge at a reasonable price, they are available in various widths and styles to suite your design.
- DOOR: at the design stage discuss with your Builder options as a normal hinged door can be a real space invader in a small bathroom, a sliding door that’s hidden in an in-wall cavity will create a clean, designer look.
- VENTILATION: good ventilation is key to prevent mould build-up. If you have a window ensure it provides cross ventilation, also install an exhaust fan. To be effective and eliminate problems in the roof space an exhaust fan needs to vent the moist air to the outside of the home.
7. COMPLETION
Get your paperwork in order. Ensure a final sign off process is conducted; obtain all certificates of compliance (plumbing, electrical, water proofing) together with all product warranties and building insurance. If required get Council approval to guarantee you are compliant with all their regulations so you do not have any hic-cups in the future.d Guardian/s then Social Services may be called in to make the decision for you.
GARTH BROWN’S COMMENT
A bathroom renovation is an exciting process but in order for it to be successful and give you the bathroom of your dreams ensure your Designer and Builder are on the same page as you are, you may not be aufait with technical issues so keep an open dialogue with them to help achieve the style and bathware you want with the reality, if there are any variances knowing in advance will help you not to be disappointed after so much planning and dreaming.
The 2013 Federal Election is almost upon us and the media are having a frenzy – some of the adverse effects of press reports is the hype about Interest rates going up (or down) that may affect property prices. This perception can influence both Sellers and Purchasers into not taking action until after the Election has been decided. However, from experience with pre and post Election real estate records, there is very rarely a variance in the first 6-12 months and delaying now can actually cost money. This is still the best time to make your real estate decision.
If you are considering selling or buying property pre-Election please talk to us to assist you with any concerns you may have at this time.
At Brown and Brown Conveyancers we are always available to discuss your real estate questions. Our new information hotline has been established for your convenience, just call: 1300 ASK CPC
Thank you for your referrals!
Garth Brown
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Next eNEWS: "Mould & Condensation" September 2013
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We appreciate the referrals.
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