The Cost of Oversight: Immediate Signs The Last Bathroom Reno Wasn’t Done Right
We’ve all heard the horror stories – a property is bought that looked fantastic on the day, and over time the lurking problems that are covered up by cheap, quick-fixes start to fall apart. Here’s where all the bathroom renovation mistakes that are often missed are finally revealed, only it’s past settlement and these issues are now the new homeowners – and their wallets.
There are a few things a new homebuyer can keep an eye out for and save themselves from leaping into a future bathroom disaster.
Trouble at first sight
Walls and ceilings can hold numerous nasty surprises. Check for mould; paint issues, warps, stains, cracks or crumbling plaster. These can often be symptoms of bigger, more expensive issues.
Additionally, fixtures, cisterns and all rubber seals are prone to leaks when not properly seated and sealed and can lead to rust and decay. Crooked cabinetry, spongy floors, wobbly tiles, shoddy grouting and bad caulking are all massive red flags.
Clues the bathroom renovation was a DIY job
Cost-cutters who try to DIY their bathroom renovations rather than using a reputable plumber are more common than expected – and they can lead to a mountain of mistakes.
Sealant can often be a clear indicator of a DIY renovation – if there’s not enough, or too much, this can be very telling. It takes a practiced hand to apply so if the job looks dodgy, it’s often a hot tip a plumber didn’t do it.
New fixtures attached to old plumbing – either someone has done a home job, or a plumber has cut a few corners.
Measurements are off, taps don’t work, things don’t line up quite right: all signs someone without experience has had their DIY renovation debut.
Poor piping throughout
Piping under the bathroom cupboards are another area in the bathroom that helps indicate the quality of the previous service provided. If the PVC pipe connectors are poorly connected, at an odd angle, the wrong size covered in too much glue or, worse, taped up it's a sign of poor installation.
Low water pressure and sluggish drainage can be a hint that the pipes need urgent attention.
Hidden bathroom issues, what does it mean?
Bathrooms and other wet areas are the most common problem places in homes, and often the most expensive to fix. Not only that, but these repairs are paid for on top of the initial property purchase.
Council can issue a notice to rectify illegal or dangerous plumbing at the property owners' cost – and often in extraordinarily tight timeframes (sometimes even 48 hours). Non-compliance could result in a fine.
Bathroom renovation mistakes can be hard on the pocket, but alarmingly, they can also have a huge impact on resident's health if not treated. Mould is a particularly insidious issue.
Unless you were planning on a knockdown rebuild anyway, facing the cost of fixing a failing bathroom in the early days of home ownership is a daunting prospect for most. Contacting a professional building and pest inspector should always be a homebuyer’s first step on the home ownership journey, helping identify property defects and issues before substantial investment.
