Working with Professionals
Renovation Insight: How to Choose & Work With a Bathroom Designer
A good bathroom designer will help bring your vision to life, within your budget – here's how to find the right one
Hiring a bathroom designer to renovate your bathroom can save you a whole lot of headaches – they have expertise in designing this all-important room in the house, as well as knowledge of materials and access to trades that the average DIYer can only dream of. We spoke to three bathroom-design experts to find out where to look for a bathroom designer and what to ask them to assess the quality of their work.
Dave Smith, a registered builder and the owner of Peninsula Contemporary Bathrooms, says:
Houzz is a great starting point as you can easily view a bathroom designer’s work and read genuine client reviews. Social media is another great forum – you can view a company’s recent work and connect with them to ask any questions.
Referrals are helpful, so ask friends and family, as well as the builder you have selected for the job – they usually have a preferred design partner they love to work with.
Houzz is a great starting point as you can easily view a bathroom designer’s work and read genuine client reviews. Social media is another great forum – you can view a company’s recent work and connect with them to ask any questions.
Referrals are helpful, so ask friends and family, as well as the builder you have selected for the job – they usually have a preferred design partner they love to work with.
How can you assess the quality of a bathroom designer’s work?
Embling says:
Reviews from past clients are always the telltale sign of quality work. You will soon be able to weed out poor-quality design work from the good by looking to others’ experiences. Quality is always found in the small details, such as a bathroom flowing seamlessly and materials marrying together beautifully.
Smith says:
In regards to design specifically, layout and good use of space are crucial when it comes to assessing a designer’s work. Look at previous jobs and ask yourself, ‘Does the room look spacious? Is there enough storage? Is there a large-enough shower?’ And when it comes to the finishes and the build, if you only have photos to tell from, ask yourself, ‘Does this bathroom look flawless?’
Start your search for a local bathroom designer on Houzz
Embling says:
Reviews from past clients are always the telltale sign of quality work. You will soon be able to weed out poor-quality design work from the good by looking to others’ experiences. Quality is always found in the small details, such as a bathroom flowing seamlessly and materials marrying together beautifully.
Smith says:
In regards to design specifically, layout and good use of space are crucial when it comes to assessing a designer’s work. Look at previous jobs and ask yourself, ‘Does the room look spacious? Is there enough storage? Is there a large-enough shower?’ And when it comes to the finishes and the build, if you only have photos to tell from, ask yourself, ‘Does this bathroom look flawless?’
Start your search for a local bathroom designer on Houzz
Simona Foglia, a bathroom designer at La Moda Bathrooms, says:
Layout and function are always good indicators of quality work. Also look closely at the tiling: are the tiles laid flat when you run your hands over them? Are the cuts nicely finished? Are there any odd cuts?
Unfortunately with a bathroom, a lot of the work – such as plumbing, waterproofing and electrical – is hidden, so you can’t tell whether it’s been done properly until years later.
Layout and function are always good indicators of quality work. Also look closely at the tiling: are the tiles laid flat when you run your hands over them? Are the cuts nicely finished? Are there any odd cuts?
Unfortunately with a bathroom, a lot of the work – such as plumbing, waterproofing and electrical – is hidden, so you can’t tell whether it’s been done properly until years later.
How important is it to look at previous examples of a designer’s work?
Embling says:
So important. It not only helps to determine what can be achieved, but also whether your style and vision align with a designer’s.
Embling says:
So important. It not only helps to determine what can be achieved, but also whether your style and vision align with a designer’s.
Smith says:
If you have the time – and we recommend you try and make the time – to view previous work or even a current job in person, do it. A great builder and their design team will be proud of previous jobs and will happily organise a time to show you their work.
If you have the time – and we recommend you try and make the time – to view previous work or even a current job in person, do it. A great builder and their design team will be proud of previous jobs and will happily organise a time to show you their work.
How important is it to read client reviews?
Embling says:
It’s essential to read reviews to understand people’s experiences. A key detail to look for in reviews is understanding how a designer resolves any difficulties that may arise on-site. This is a true insight into how a bathroom designer operates and communicates.
Embling says:
It’s essential to read reviews to understand people’s experiences. A key detail to look for in reviews is understanding how a designer resolves any difficulties that may arise on-site. This is a true insight into how a bathroom designer operates and communicates.
Foglia says:
Reviews are great, especially when it’s not possible to see a finished bathroom in person. Consistency is what you’re looking for when selecting a designer based on reviews.
Smith says:
While client reviews are definitely important, do be cautious of where you look as company websites are clearly going to only post positive reviews.
Reviews are great, especially when it’s not possible to see a finished bathroom in person. Consistency is what you’re looking for when selecting a designer based on reviews.
Smith says:
While client reviews are definitely important, do be cautious of where you look as company websites are clearly going to only post positive reviews.
How can Houzz help?
Smith says:
Houzz is a fantastic place to look for reviews. Clients post their feedback, and the designer or builder can’t pick and choose what gets shown. It’s a chance for those shopping around to read genuine comments about a designer or builder’s work and will give you a very good indication if they work to a high level.
By looking on Houzz, you can also see the amount of work a designer has completed – add to that a portfolio matched with reviews, and you’ve got everything you need to help make a decision.
Smith says:
Houzz is a fantastic place to look for reviews. Clients post their feedback, and the designer or builder can’t pick and choose what gets shown. It’s a chance for those shopping around to read genuine comments about a designer or builder’s work and will give you a very good indication if they work to a high level.
By looking on Houzz, you can also see the amount of work a designer has completed – add to that a portfolio matched with reviews, and you’ve got everything you need to help make a decision.
Embling says:
Houzz will help you refine your design sensibility and connect you with professionals who have delivered work in that style before. You can connect with professionals and read reviews directly from clients who have been through the design process.
Browse more images of Australian bathrooms featuring grey on Houzz
Houzz will help you refine your design sensibility and connect you with professionals who have delivered work in that style before. You can connect with professionals and read reviews directly from clients who have been through the design process.
Browse more images of Australian bathrooms featuring grey on Houzz
Should a bathroom designer have professional qualifications? Which ones?
Embling says:
Qualifications vary across the bathroom design industry, from an interior design or architecture degree, and TAFE or online certificate qualification to self-taught. When you find a bathroom designer you trust and feel safe with to bring your vision to life, then extensive bathroom experience and proof to back it up is what to look for.
Embling says:
Qualifications vary across the bathroom design industry, from an interior design or architecture degree, and TAFE or online certificate qualification to self-taught. When you find a bathroom designer you trust and feel safe with to bring your vision to life, then extensive bathroom experience and proof to back it up is what to look for.
Smith says:
Interior designers, if you choose to use one for your bathroom renovation, should be qualified in either building design or interior design, and have completed either a TAFE course or a university degree. Along with the appropriate qualifications, we would recommend hiring a professional based on their portfolio of work and reviews from previous clients.
Interior designers, if you choose to use one for your bathroom renovation, should be qualified in either building design or interior design, and have completed either a TAFE course or a university degree. Along with the appropriate qualifications, we would recommend hiring a professional based on their portfolio of work and reviews from previous clients.
Should they be part of a professionally recognised association?
Embling says:
A bathroom designer connected with a local governing body such as KBDi (Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute) or HIA (Housing Industry Association) demonstrates they are up-to-date with the latest industry knowledge and perform their duties in accordance with that governing body’s regulations, which is very important when looking for a bathroom designer.
Embling says:
A bathroom designer connected with a local governing body such as KBDi (Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute) or HIA (Housing Industry Association) demonstrates they are up-to-date with the latest industry knowledge and perform their duties in accordance with that governing body’s regulations, which is very important when looking for a bathroom designer.
What are the most important questions to ask a bathroom designer?
Foglia says:
Foglia says:
- How long will the renovation take?
- Will you be working continuously on our bathroom?
- What products will you use, such as waterproofing, materials and tiles?
- Is there any flexibility for us to make changes to the design once you start the job?
- Do you have a showroom where we can view products?
Smith says:
- How long have you been designing bathrooms?
- Are you qualified?
- Can you provide full working drawings?
- Can I have phone numbers for the last three clients you have done work for?
Embling says:
- What have you done that is similar to what I want to achieve? This will allow a designer to show you evidence that they have the ability to produce the type of design and style you’re after.
- What would the process be if I were to proceed with your services? You need to understand the designer’s process and time frame as everyone works differently and includes different services.
- What costs are involved? You want to understand all the fees and costs involved in bringing your dream bathroom to life, from the initial design phase through to completion. The design, products, finishes and build should all align with your budget.
Are there different types of bathroom designers?
Embling says:
Yes, there are. You’ll find:
Embling says:
Yes, there are. You’ll find:
- Independent designers: These designers work directly with clients and builders. They can be more flexible in their services, but have limitations as they are not supported by a larger company.
- In-house designers working for a bathroom company: They will manage everything from the design to the build of your bathroom. The benefit of working with a designer from a bathroom company is that there will be no surprises in terms of costs or what can and can’t be built.
What is the process of hiring a bathroom designer like?
Smith says:
Generally, you will start with a phone conversation and provide the designer with a brief. The designer will ask lots of questions to understand your budget, the time frame and the job description. From there, they should be able to provide you with a quote and explain the stages of the design process with you.
Smith says:
Generally, you will start with a phone conversation and provide the designer with a brief. The designer will ask lots of questions to understand your budget, the time frame and the job description. From there, they should be able to provide you with a quote and explain the stages of the design process with you.
Embling says:
The process varies. At Smarter Bathrooms+, an interior designer will meet with you in your home to understand how you and your family live and any existing design problems you want solved.
The bathroom style will be discussed as well as your budget and time frame. Your designer will then measure up and take photos and come back to you after an agreed time with an initial proposal to include your concept design and an all-inclusive quote.
From there you will sign up with your designer to take you from concept design through to the reveal of your new bathroom.
The process varies. At Smarter Bathrooms+, an interior designer will meet with you in your home to understand how you and your family live and any existing design problems you want solved.
The bathroom style will be discussed as well as your budget and time frame. Your designer will then measure up and take photos and come back to you after an agreed time with an initial proposal to include your concept design and an all-inclusive quote.
From there you will sign up with your designer to take you from concept design through to the reveal of your new bathroom.
Are there any up-front costs to be aware of?
Smith says:
It depends on the designer. Some do the initial consultation and quote for free (as we do), and some don’t.
Ask this question at the very beginning so you don’t waste anyone’s time or put yourself in a position where you don’t agree with a designer’s payment arrangement.
Smith says:
It depends on the designer. Some do the initial consultation and quote for free (as we do), and some don’t.
Ask this question at the very beginning so you don’t waste anyone’s time or put yourself in a position where you don’t agree with a designer’s payment arrangement.
What else is good to know?
Smith says:
Rapport is so important. You need to find a designer and builder who you gel with and who has great energy so you can work well as a team and the creativity can flow.
Think about what you value in a working relationship. For us, attention to detail and appreciating quality over being price-driven are what help us connect with our clients.
Smith says:
Rapport is so important. You need to find a designer and builder who you gel with and who has great energy so you can work well as a team and the creativity can flow.
Think about what you value in a working relationship. For us, attention to detail and appreciating quality over being price-driven are what help us connect with our clients.
Your turn
Did you find this story useful? Comment below and join the conversation.
More
Want to know how to choose and work with a cabinet designer? Check out our last story in this series – Renovation Insight: How to Choose & Work With a Cabinet Maker
Did you find this story useful? Comment below and join the conversation.
More
Want to know how to choose and work with a cabinet designer? Check out our last story in this series – Renovation Insight: How to Choose & Work With a Cabinet Maker
Sponsored
Caroline Embling, an interior designer at Smarter Bathrooms+, says:
If you have a friend or family member who has recently renovated a bathroom, they may have a sound recommendation for a designer. But if you’re starting from scratch, head online to find local bathroom designers in your area – Houzz is a good place to search for a designer who aligns with the look and feel you want to create.