THE LAYERS
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PROJECTS — A RENOVATION, LAYER BY LAYER
The tiles and fixtures you see at the end are only one part of a bathroom renovation. This page walks through the layers of a typical renovation of an existing bathroom, in the order they’re usually dealt with, so you know what’s involved before the first tile comes off.
By Ivan Bodnar, Independent Home Renovation Specialist, Melbourne
01
LAYER 01 — EXISTING CONDITIONS
Cracked tiles, failing grout, a layout that no longer works for you. An on-site assessment looks at the condition of the walls and floor, notes what can be seen and is clear about what can’t be confirmed until surfaces are opened up.
02
LAYER 02 — STRIP-OUT
Old tiles, adhesive and linings come off so the structure underneath is visible. This is usually where concealed issues show up, and why the scope of a renovation can change after work begins.
03
LAYER 03 — SUBSTRATE
Whether tiling is suitable depends on the existing substrate and the proposed system. Plasterboard installation, plastering and surface preparation get the walls and floor ready to take tile.
Reference photo: a wall opened up during renovation, with panels, plasterboard and wiring exposed.
BETWEEN LAYERS 02 AND 03
Existing conditions and concealed issues can affect the scope once work begins. When that happens, we explain what we can see, what remains uncertain and why it matters for the rest of the job.
Because you deal directly with the person assessing and carrying out the work, you hear about it first-hand, before decisions are made.
For how this flows through to a quote, read Bathroom Renovation Costs.
LAYER 04 — LICENSED WORK
04
Some parts of a bathroom renovation need a licence. Plumbing, electrical and other regulated components are undertaken by appropriately licensed specialists. Where they form part of your renovation, Ivan may coordinate their involvement so their work sits in the right place between strip-out, preparation and tiling.
Reference photo: a wall tile set into notched adhesive beside installed tiles.
05
LAYER 05 — TILING
Tile goes onto a surface that has been prepared to suit it. Layout and levels are set out on that surface, not worked around an uneven one.
06
LAYER 06 — FINISH
Fixtures go back in and the room returns to use. The finish is the visible layer, and it holds up because of the five underneath it.
FURTHER READING
Working in Caulfield or elsewhere in Melbourne and ready to talk about your own bathroom? Request a Quote, or see what to have ready before you enquire.
