Modern Bathroom Renovation: The Final Piece of a Home's Transformation
When Andy and Char Hannah completed the extension and renovation of their home several years ago, one space remained untouched, the main bathroom. As time passed, what had been temporarily overlooked became increasingly problematic as a leaking shower caused water damage to the floor and surrounding walls. This final untransformed space stood in stark contrast to the rest of their beautifully updated home. It was time to address the last piece of the puzzle.
A Long-Standing Relationship
The Hannahs didn’t need to search for a builder, they already knew who to call. Having worked with Pete and Build Unlimited on numerous projects over the years, from a new spa deck to a pool pump shed and various renovation fixes, they had complete confidence in the team’s ability to deliver quality results.
“We have contracted Pete numerous times over the years,” Andy and Char explain. “The quality of his work is outstanding, we really appreciate the open communication and guidance on design choices.”
This established relationship meant that Build Unlimited already understood the Hannahs’ preferences and the style of their renovated home, providing a solid foundation for transforming the outdated bathroom into a space that would seamlessly integrate with the rest of the house.
Beyond Aesthetics: Functionality for All Ages
While bringing the bathroom up to date with the rest of the home was a priority, the renovation also needed to address practical considerations. With elderly parents who visit regularly, the Hannahs wanted a bathroom that would be accessible and safe for all generations.
“The client wanted a flush entry frameless glass and tiled shower for elderly parents when they came to stay,” Pete notes. This zero-threshold design eliminates the need to step over a barrier, reducing the risk of trips and falls a thoughtful feature that benefits visitors of all ages.
Comfort was another consideration, particularly during colder months. “Warmup underfloor heating was used to keep the floors nice and warm in winter,” Pete explains. This invisible luxury transforms the bathroom experience, especially on chilly mornings when bare feet on cold tiles would otherwise be an unwelcome shock.
Addressing Water Damage While Life Continues
Renovating the only bathroom in a home presents obvious challenges for the occupants. Add water damage that extends beyond the bathroom into an adjacent bedroom where the clients are living, and the complexity increases significantly.
“The water damage to the floor and existing wall framing meant we had to replace wall framing and flooring into the adjacent bedroom, while the clients were living in the room,” Pete explains. This situation required a solution that would allow construction to proceed while minimizing disruption to the Hannahs’ daily life.
Build Unlimited implemented their Zip wall dust barrier system, a temporary wall that effectively sealed off the construction area. “We put up our zip wall dust barrier to section off the construction area and prevent dust entering the rest of the room,” Pete notes. This approach contained the mess and disruption, allowing the Hannahs to continue using their bedroom while critical structural repairs took place.
Thoughtful Details for Long-Term Satisfaction
Throughout the renovation, Build Unlimited incorporated features and materials selected for both aesthetic appeal and practical longevity. The choice of epoxy grout for all tile work is one example of this forward-thinking approach.
“We used epoxy grout on all the tiles to make them easier to clean,” Pete explains. Unlike standard grout, epoxy grout is non-porous, stain-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing, making it ideal for wet areas and ensuring the bathroom’s fresh appearance lasts for years to come.
The design incorporated other thoughtful details that elevate the daily shower experience. “Double soap niches in the tiled shower walls for soap bottles to sit” provide convenient storage without cluttering the shower space. Perhaps most unique was the dual shower system. “We installed two shower mixers as our client wanted to use both the hand-held shower head at the same time as the rain head, which is quite unique,” Pete notes. This luxurious feature offers versatility and an enhanced shower experience.
A Statement in Black and Gray
While functionality was paramount, aesthetics were certainly not overlooked. The Hannahs chose a striking combination of tiles that would create visual interest while maintaining a sophisticated, contemporary feel.
“Client’s choice of black hexagonal mosaic tiles for the feature wall complemented the lighter grey tiles used in the rest of the bathroom,” Pete explains. This contrasting palette creates a statement wall that draws the eye and adds depth to the space, while the consistent use of gray throughout the remainder of the bathroom provides a calm, cohesive backdrop.
The frameless glass shower enclosure further enhances the visual openness of the space, allowing the tile work to take center stage without interruption. This minimalist approach to the shower screen not only serves the practical purpose of easy accessibility but contributes to the bathrooms’ clean, contemporary aesthetic.
A Transformation Completed
When the renovation was complete, the contrast between before and after was dramatic. “The bathroom looked dated, the shower was obviously leaking and in need of a refresh, and the bathroom didn’t fit with the style of the rest of the recently renovated home,” Pete reflects. “Once completed, the new bathroom became a standout feature and fitted in well with the clients’ lifestyle and home.”
For Andy and Char, the renovation represented the final step in their home’s transformation, no longer did they have to make excuses for the one outdated space in their otherwise beautifully renovated home. Instead, the bathroom became a highlight, combining luxury, functionality, and thoughtful design.
“Pete and his team at Build Unlimited are extremely professional,” they share. “Pete goes out of his way to get the job done right and makes every effort to get it done on time. We would highly recommend using Build Unlimited for your next project.”
For Build Unlimited, this modern bathroom renovation exemplifies their approach to every project regardless of size, it receives the same level of care, attention to detail, and commitment to quality that has earned them the trust of clients like the Hannahs time and time again.
