As of 1 March 2027, all gas-fired hot water systems in Victorian residences should be replaced with an electric one once their lifespan expires. For Brighton homeowners planning a bathroom renovation, this law poses one of the initial issues. What hot water system will the house have after the old one, and how will it feed the new shower?
When talking about “bathroom design Brighton”, tiles and tapware usually come first. Yet, it is the choices that lie behind the finished bathroom that determine its longevity.
Why Waterproofing Determines Everything?
The waterproof layer becomes invisible when the tiles are laid, making it hard to detect any errors. To function properly, a waterproof membrane should be installed correctly on the walls and the floor. The worst spots for failures are shower junctions, floor wastes and corners of the wall.
The correct slope of the floor is equally important to the membrane itself. Water needs to be drained towards the waste, not to stand against the walls. The incorrect slope forces the water to go beneath the screen into other rooms.
All the plumbing jobs need to be done by licensed or registered professionals in Victoria. Requesting compliance certificates ensures safety from further problems.
Ventilation in a Bayside Environment
Due to the proximity of Port Phillip Bay, humid salty air dominates in Brighton for most of the year. Steam generated during showers adds to the moisture level. Without a good ventilation system, mould starts growing on the ceilings and grout within several months.
An exhaust fan should always vent the moisture outside and not inside the roof cavity. Otherwise, the steam will create condensation on the wooden surfaces and insulation. An adequately sized fan makes clearing out the steam much quicker.
Heated towel rails allow drying up the surfaces. An openable window still remains important too, especially for older houses.
Planning Hot Water and Water Use Together
It’s no coincidence that gas hot water systems tend to get replaced with electric ones at the end of their life, so when you’re renovating, it’s a good idea to get a head start on planning ahead. Heat pump water heaters are a game changer in this regard, using up to 75% less electricity than their conventional electric storage counterparts. Of course, you do need to find a spot outside that’s got a bit of space around it for the unit, so that’s something to think about early on.
The game has changed when it comes to water efficiency too. Gone are the days of a weak shower just because you’re trying to save water; the national WELS star rating scheme makes it easy to see which showerheads, taps and toilets use the least amount of water, with more stars meaning you’re using less. And it’s not like you have to compromise on pressure, modern efficient showerheads mix in air with the water to keep the pressure feeling strong.
The less hot water you use through the shower, the less work your new hot water system has to do, which means the two decisions really are best made together.
Choosing Surfaces That Stay Looking New
Bathrooms are a cruel environment; every surface is exposed to water, steam and cleaning products on a daily basis. Porcelain tiles are a great choice here as they absorb hardly any water at all, and they’re suitable for both floors and walls. Natural stone is a beautiful option, but be warned, it often needs a bit of TLC to keep it looking its best, and it needs special cleaners to boot.
But it’s the grout that tends to show the most wear; even the most well-designed bathroom will start to look a bit worse for wear after a while as the grout gets stained and mouldy. Epoxy grout is a far better option than standard cement grout in this regard, but it does cost a bit more and requires a bit more skill to apply. Plus, lighter grout colours can end up showing off every little mark, while mid tones do a better job of hiding wear and tear.
Designing for Every Age
The thing is, a bathroom you build today could end up serving the same household for decades, which is why planning for future needs is so important. The cost of including some simple features now is negligible compared to the cost of having to make changes later.
Some simple tweaks can make a world of difference:
- Level entry showers with no step at all, which makes a huge difference for people who use a walking frame.
- Reinforced wall framing that’s ready for grab rails later on in life.
- Wider doorways that can take a walking frame if that’s what’s needed.
- Slip-resistant floor tiles that are designed to withstand wet conditions.
- Lever tapware that’s easy on the hands, even for people who are struggling with arthritis.
Even if you don’t have to do things by the book, the livable housing features in the National Construction Code offer some really useful guidance to keep in mind.
Making Small Ensuites Feel Bigger
A lot of Brighton homes have ensuites that are a bit on the small side, but there are a few things you can do to make the room feel a lot more generous.
First, consider wall-hung vanities and toilets, which can make a big difference to the way the room looks. These types of vanities and toilets take up less floor space, so the room looks wider and more open. And rather than using bulky shelves, a recessed shower niche can be a great way to keep clutter at bay. Plus, large tiles mean fewer grout lines, which is a win-win. And while you’re at it, why not go with a single fixed glass panel instead of a framed screen? Not only does this let light flow in more freely, but it’s also a lot easier to clean.
Storage and Lighting That Work Daily
A cluttered bathroom is never a happy bathroom, which is why you need to think about storage and lighting when you’re designing yours. One trick is to use mirrored shaving cabinets that are recessed into the wall; these add storage without taking up any more space. And rather than using open shelves, deep vanity drawers are a great option for holding all sorts of bathroom essentials out of sight.
Layered lighting can also be a lifesaver; task lighting at the mirror is great for shaving and makeup, softer general lighting sets the mood, and a low nightlight is perfect for those late-night visits to the loo.
The best bathroom design in Brighton that you can go for is one that’s built from the ground up, literally. Get your waterproofing, ventilation and hot water sorted out first, and then, and only then, can you start picking tiles.
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