Ensuite renovation guide for Preston homes

Adding or updating an ensuite is one of the most popular projects in Preston, whether it is a postwar brick home getting a second bathroom or a newer townhouse with a tired original fitout. An ensuite is usually smaller than the main bathroom and used by one or two people, so the priorities are different. This guide walks through the decisions in order. Our Reservoir showroom is about 5 to 10 minutes from Preston, and our Preston page has directions and local tips.

1. Decide what the ensuite needs to do

Most ensuites need a shower, a vanity and a toilet. Some owners add a double vanity, a bench seat in the shower or a bath. Write down who will use it and when. Two people getting ready at the same time will benefit from a wider vanity or two basins, while a guest ensuite can be simpler.

2. Plan the layout

If you are converting a walk in robe or part of a bedroom, plumbing is the main constraint. The toilet needs a suitable connection to the sewer, and the shower needs falls to a waste. Your plumber will confirm what is possible. In an existing ensuite, keeping fixtures where they are usually costs less.

3. Choose the shower

The shower is the heart of an ensuite.

• Twin showers combine an overhead rose with a hand shower. See our rail showers and shower sets.
• Mixers: a diverter mixer lets you switch between the rose and hand shower.
• Screens: a frameless panel keeps the room open. Our shower screen hardware guide covers hinges and brackets.
• Drainage: a linear drain allows one large tile across the floor. Read floor wastes and linear drains.

4. Pick the vanity and basin

A wall hung vanity suits most ensuites because it shows more floor. A 900mm to 1200mm vanity gives good bench space, and 1500mm or wider allows two basins. Pair it with an above counter basin for a feature, or a semi recessed basin where space is tight.

5. Tiles

Many Preston ensuites have no window, so light tiles and a matt floor work well. A marble look on the walls with a stone look floor is timeless. If you want a feature, tile the shower wall or niche in a mosaic.

6. Lighting, storage and ventilation

An LED shaving cabinet gives storage and light at the mirror in one fitting. A ducted exhaust fan is essential in an ensuite without a window. A soft night light helps for early mornings.

7. Finish with accessories

Choose a heated towel rail or towel rail, robe hooks and a toilet roll holder in the same finish as the tapware.

Converting a robe or bedroom corner

Many Preston owners create an ensuite by taking space from a walk in robe or the end of a large bedroom. Before committing, check the route for the waste pipe, the floor structure and whether there is space for ventilation. A plumber and builder can confirm what is possible during the measure. Keep the ensuite door clear of the bed and wardrobe doors.

Budget priorities

Spend on waterproofing, the shower mixer and a quality vanity, as these are used every day and are hard to change later. Accessories and the mirror are easier to upgrade down the track.

Close to Thornbury, Preston and Northcote

Our Reservoir showroom is minutes from the inner north. See our local pages for bathroom tiles and tapware near Thornbury, bathroom renovations near Preston and the tile shop near Northcote, or browse all areas we serve.

Measure, quote and order

Book a free measure in Preston. We help you choose products that fit, and can quote installation by our qualified trades as a paid service. Orders are usually ready for pickup in 2 to 4 days.

Common questions

How big does an ensuite need to be?

It depends on the layout, but many ensuites fit a shower, vanity and toilet in a compact space. A measure shows what will fit in your room.

What vanity size suits an ensuite?

A 900mm to 1200mm vanity suits most ensuites. Choose 1500mm or wider for two basins.

Can you quote my Preston ensuite renovation?

Yes. After a free measure we can quote products and installation by our qualified trades, which is a paid service.

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.