Bathroom Makeovers
Update the look without a full strip-out. Matched to a specialist who can refresh a tired bathroom without touching the layout.
A makeover keeps the existing layout and plumbing in place and updates everything visible: vanity, tapware, tiling, lighting, and paint. It's the faster, less disruptive option when the bones of the bathroom (plumbing, waterproofing) are still sound and what's actually bothering you is how dated it looks.
The honest caveat is that a makeover is only the right call if the waterproofing underneath is still doing its job. Re-tiling over a failed membrane just buries the problem for a few more years until it shows up as a soft floor or a damp patch on the ceiling below. A good specialist will check this before quoting a cosmetic-only job, and tell you plainly if what you actually need is a waterproofing fix first.
Where a makeover really earns its keep is speed and cost. Because the plumbing isn't moving, there's no need for a building consent, and the on-site disruption is measured in days rather than weeks. It's also a common choice before selling, or for a rental between tenancies, where a full renovation budget doesn't make sense but a tired 1990s vanity is genuinely putting people off.
What's typically included
- Vanity, mirror, and cabinetry replacement
- New tapware and fittings to match the updated look
- Re-tiling over sound existing waterproofing, where that's confirmed safe
- Paint, lighting, and ventilation updates
- Toilet and basin swap-out
- Minor accessibility additions, like grab rails, where wanted
Frequently asked questions
Can I still do a makeover if my waterproofing might be old?
Get it checked first. A specialist can usually tell fairly quickly whether the existing membrane is sound enough to tile over, or whether it needs replacing before any cosmetic work goes ahead. Tiling over a failing membrane just delays a bigger, more expensive problem.
How long does a typical makeover take?
Because the layout and plumbing aren't changing, most makeovers run from a few days to around two weeks, depending on how much is being replaced. A vanity and tapware swap is quick; full re-tiling adds more time for tile setting and grout curing.
Will a makeover actually help if I'm selling?
A visibly dated bathroom is a common sticking point for buyers, and a cosmetic refresh is often a lower-cost way to address that than a full renovation. Whether it's worth it depends on your specific property and market, which is worth a separate conversation with an agent, but it's a common enough reason to enquire.
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Learn moreWhere we match
Bathroom Makeovers across New Zealand
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