Bathroom and laundry upgrades in Bundoora, Kingsbury and Greensborough

Bundoora, Kingsbury, Macleod, Watsonia and Greensborough have plenty of busy family homes, along with rentals and investment properties. In these homes the bathroom and laundry work hard, so the best upgrades are durable, easy to clean and sensible on budget. Here is how to plan them, with links to our showroom page for Bundoora and Greensborough.

Refresh or renovate?

If the tiles and waterproofing are sound, a refresh can make a big difference without a full strip out. If tiles are drummy, grout is failing or there are signs of leaks, a full renovation is usually the better investment.

A refresh might include

• New basin mixer, shower and accessories in one finish.
• A new vanity and shaving cabinet.
• A new toilet suite.

Check the existing tap holes and wall mixer bodies so new tapware fits without opening walls.

A renovation adds

• Strip out, new waterproofing and tiling.
• Possible layout changes, such as replacing a bath with a larger shower.
• New lighting and ventilation.

Choose tough, easy care products

• Floor tiles: matt porcelain in a mid tone hides marks and gives grip. Avoid very dark or pure white floors in busy homes.
• Grout: a mid grey grout hides dirt, and epoxy grout in the shower resists stains. See our grout guide.
• Tapware: warm or cool brushed nickel and chrome are easy to keep looking clean. Check the WELS rating for water use, see WELS and WaterMark explained.
• Showers: a rail shower suits everyone in the family.
• Vanities: drawers rather than doors make storage easier to use.

Planning for every age

If you are planning for older family members or want the bathroom to work long term, consider a hob free shower, a hand shower on a rail, good lighting and grab rails. Our care and accessibility range includes grab rails and shower seats. Your trades can advise on fixing points and layout.

The laundry

A laundry upgrade is often one of the best value changes in a family home.

1. Replace the trough with a laundry sink and cabinet.
2. Add a mixer with a pull out spray for rinsing.
3. Use a durable matt floor tile and a splashback that is easy to wipe.
4. Plan storage above the machines and a place to hang clothes.

Rentals and investment properties

For a rental, choose products that are robust, widely available and simple to maintain. Neutral tiles, chrome or brushed nickel tapware and a sturdy vanity keep the bathroom appealing to a wide range of tenants.

Ventilation and mould

Mould on grout and ceilings is one of the most common complaints in family bathrooms. A good exhaust fan, vented outside and run for a while after showers, makes a real difference. Pair it with a heated towel rail and mould resistant silicone at junctions. Regular cleaning with a pH neutral cleaner keeps grout looking fresh.

Bathrooms that work for children

A bath is still useful for young families. A hand shower makes bath time and cleaning easier, and a wider vanity with two drawers gives everyone space. Rounded vanity edges and mid tone tiles are forgiving of knocks and splashes.

Choosing a toilet

A new toilet suite is a quick win. Look for a rimless pan, which is easier to clean, a soft close seat, and a WELS rated dual flush. Check the set out, the distance from the wall to the centre of the waste, so the new suite fits your existing plumbing.

Measure and quote

Our Reservoir showroom is about 5 minutes from Kingsbury, 10 to 15 minutes from Bundoora and 20 to 25 minutes from Greensborough. We offer a free measure, and you can order products only or ask us to quote installation by our qualified trades.

Common questions

Should I refresh or fully renovate my bathroom?

If tiles, grout and waterproofing are in good condition, a refresh of tapware, vanity and toilet can be enough. Signs of leaks or drummy tiles usually point to a full renovation.

What is the most durable bathroom floor tile?

A matt porcelain tile in a mid tone is hard wearing, gives good grip and hides marks.

Do you sell grab rails?

Yes. Our care and accessibility range includes grab rails and shower seats.

Shopping from the inner north?

Customers from Preston, Thornbury and Northcote can reach our Reservoir showroom in minutes. Each local page covers drive times, product advice and a free measure. See all areas we serve.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.