Things People Forget When Renovating a Bathroom in a Villa
Renovating a bathroom in a villa is a rewarding but detailed process. Homeowners often focus on finishes like tiles and tapware, but there are key factors that can easily be missed. These are the things that can create unexpected problems during the build or lead to regret later on.
As builders who have worked with many character homes, we know where people tend to get caught out. Here are the most common things people forget when starting a villa bathroom renovation.
1. The Condition of Existing Plumbing
Older homes often have original plumbing that is well past its best. Many homeowners assume they can simply update fixtures without needing to touch the pipework, but that is rarely the case in villas. In Auckland, we frequently see older copper or galvanised pipes that need replacing to meet modern standards and ensure long-term reliability.
It is important to plan for potential plumbing upgrades when renovating a villa bathroom. The pipework may need to be rerouted or fully replaced, which can add both time and cost to the project.
TIP: Allow for a plumbing contingency in your budget when planning villa renovations.
2. The Strength and Suitability of the Floor
Villa floors were not originally designed for modern bathroom setups. Wet areas place far more stress on the flooring structure than other rooms, and older homes may not have the support required to carry these loads safely.
We always recommend assessing the floor framing early in the planning process. Often, extra strengthening work is needed to make sure the floor is safe and suitable for the weight of new fixtures and consistent exposure to moisture.
TIP: Always check the condition of the subfloor and ensure proper waterproofing systems are included in your renovation plan.
3. Managing Moisture in a Character Home
Older villas are known for being less airtight than modern homes. This can make moisture management in bathrooms more complicated. A common mistake is underestimating how much ventilation is needed to prevent condensation and long-term water damage.
Simply adding a standard extractor fan is often not enough. Careful planning is required to ensure the bathroom has effective airflow that suits the villa’s original structure.
TIP: Invest in high-quality extraction and plan ventilation carefully to protect the bathroom and surrounding areas.
4. Considering the Impact on Other Rooms
It is easy to focus on the bathroom in isolation, but renovations in villas often affect other parts of the home. Updating plumbing or electrical systems can require access through walls, ceilings, or floors in adjacent rooms.
We recommend discussing this early with your builder so you understand the full scope of what might need to be touched or repaired beyond the bathroom itself.
TIP: Ask your builder to explain which other areas of the house may be affected before starting work.
5. Matching the Character Details
Villas are defined by their beautiful timberwork, skirtings, and architraves. When modernising a bathroom, homeowners sometimes overlook how important it is to retain or accurately match these heritage details.
If you replace trims or doors without considering the home’s original style, the bathroom can end up looking disconnected from the rest of the house. The best results come when careful attention is given to seamlessly blending old and new.
TIP: Plan to replicate or carefully restore original trims and features to maintain the villa’s character.
6. Access and Material Handling
Many villas have narrow hallways and tight doorways that make it difficult to move large fixtures or materials into the space. This can cause unexpected delays if you find out too late that a new bath or vanity will not fit through the access points.
TIP: Always check access measurements and pathways early in the planning stage to avoid last-minute problems.
7. Realistic Renovation Timelines
Renovating a bathroom in a villa usually takes longer than people expect. Working with older structures, upgrading plumbing, and carefully preserving character details all take time.
For most villa bathrooms in Auckland, a typical timeline from demolition to completion is around five to seven weeks, depending on complexity. It is important to allow extra time for unforeseen issues that can be uncovered in older homes.
TIP: Build flexibility into your timeline to account for potential delays.
8. Building Consent Considerations
In Auckland, even smaller renovations can sometimes require building consent, especially when moving plumbing fixtures or making structural changes.
Council processes can add extra time to the project if this is not planned for early. Your builder should help you navigate this, but it is worth knowing upfront that consent can be a factor in villa bathroom renovations.
TIP: Check with your builder whether your plans will require building consent to avoid unexpected hold-ups.
9. Planning for Budget Contingencies
When working with villas, it is almost impossible to predict everything that will be uncovered once demolition begins. Rotten framing, hidden leaks, and outdated wiring are all common surprises.
It is wise to allow a contingency of around 10 to 15 percent of your budget to comfortably handle these issues without needing to cut corners later.
TIP: Always include a reasonable contingency in your budget to deal with the unexpected confidently.
Bringing It All Together
Renovating a bathroom in a villa is not like updating a modern home. These character spaces require careful planning, respect for the original structure, and a builder who understands the unique challenges involved.
By thinking ahead and considering the details most people forget, you can avoid costly surprises and achieve a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but will last for years to come.
If you are planning a renovation or want to chat about your villa, we would love to help.
