Bathroom renovations in Oak Flats by Milliken Builders

Just before the Illawarra went into COVID-19 Lockdown we were fortunate to finalize this en suite bathroom renovation.

ensuite before 1
En suite ‘BEFORE’

Our client’s en suite was originally built back in the early 2000s as part of a larger extension and renovation. It is probably the most used room of the extension and the wear ‘n’ tear was definitely showing. The fixtures were falling apart, the shower screen was badly stained but the biggest headache was a recurring mould problem.

Many clients don’t realize the processes and the length of time required to carry out each stage in a bathroom renovation. We tell clients it will take a minimum of four weeks but this renovation flew through and was completed sooner than expected at three and half weeks. We didn’t encounter any asbestos or structural issues or any other unexpected delays which can slow the process. Check out our photo journal of this bathroom renovation (note: weekends and non construction days not included).

Day 1

The old sliding window was replaced with a new louvre window supplied by Hanlon Windows Australia, Oak Flats. This window was replaced along with four other original house windows so that all the house windows now match in Primrose.

Ensuite louvre window
New louvre window – Hanlon Windows Australia

Day 2

 

Day 3

 

Day 4 and Day 5

First and second coats of waterproofing applied. Each coat needs sufficient drying time in between. Because of cold and damp weather we ran a fan heater during the days between coats.

first and second coats of waterproofing applied

Day 6

electrician installed in floor heating

Day 7

tilers laid the floor tiles

Day 8

tilers hung the feature tiles and two thirds of the wall tiles

Day 9

tilers finished hanging wall tiles, inserted wall and niche edges and grouted whole bathroom

Day 10

plasterer set the cornice (and carried out other patch work in house)

Day 11

Over the weekend the homeowner painted the ceiling.

Day 12

 

Day 13

 

Day 14

Shower screen, mirror and toilet roll holder were installed. Bathroom (mostly) complete.

 

Final bit…

The window for this renovation was ordered a couple months before the clients chose their bathroom tiles and fixtures. They ordered a louvre window in Primrose to match the other house windows. When the en suite was completed our clients were not happy with so much yellow. They felt it clashed with the white and warm grey tones of the tiles and the black fixtures.

We came up with a creative solution to cover most of the yellow. It is a box made from recycled fence palings and finished with an oil coating. It fits inside the existing window frame and can easily be removed if/when the en suite is renovated again in the future.

Headache reliever – steps to improve ventilation and minimize mould

At the beginning of this post we mentioned that the biggest headache for our client was battling a recurring mould problem. Here are a few steps we took to help prevent this happening again.

  • Installed vents in lower house brickwork to reduce moisture gathering under this piers and joist home. (This was done previously as part of other renovation work carried out by Milliken Builders.)
  • Installed new louvre window for ease in opening and closing to increase air flow.
  • Installed a ducted exhaust fan so steam is sucked to the exterior of the house.
  • Installed floor heating and heated towel rails to alleviate moisture being held in towels and floor mats.

Collaborators

Reece Plumbing Oak Flats – Mizu, Kado, Milli, Scala and Posh ranges
21st Century Tiles and Tilers – Artemis New Grey Herringbone Honed 35×150 feature tile, Gascogne Light Grey 300×300 Matt floor tile, Dualtech Matt White Rectified 300×600 wall tile.
Hanlon Windows Oak Flats –  Light Frame Louvre Primrose
GADS Glass and Shower Screens – Matt Black, Clear Glass Semi Frameless Shower Screen with Pivot Door
Midnight Owl Plumbing
McLeish Electrical
Paul Watts Plastering

If you would like more information about the bathroom renovation process or the trades and products used feel free to contact us on 0409 129 840, submit an enquiry form via our contact page or check out this related blog.

Related Articles

Let us bring your vision to life