Upgrading a new home bathroom in Armstrong Creek, Grovedale and Lara

The south and north of Geelong are full of new homes. Armstrong Creek, Charlemont, Mount Duneed, Grovedale and Waurn Ponds on one side, and Lara, Leopold and Drysdale on the other, have whole streets of homes built in the last few years. The good news is that these bathrooms are usually well built. The less good news is that the standard selections can look a little plain. Here are the upgrades that make the biggest difference, whether you are still choosing with your builder or living in the house already. See our pages for Waurn Ponds, Grovedale and Armstrong Creek and Lara, Corio and Norlane for local details.

Still building? Check your contract first

Many builders let owners upgrade selections, supply their own tiles or tapware, or add items as a variation. Some do not, or only allow it after handover. Before you fall in love with anything, ask your builder:

• Can I supply my own tiles, tapware or vanities, and by what date?
• Will your trades install owner supplied products, and is there a charge?
• Which tapware bodies and shower mixers are compatible with your plumbing rough in?
• Can wall and niche positions, or the shower size, still change?

We can work from your plans, help you choose and supply products to your site. Bring the plans to our Geelong showroom.

Upgrade 1: bigger floor tiles

Standard selections often use a smaller floor tile with lots of grout lines. Moving up to 600x600mm or 600x1200mm porcelain makes an ensuite or main bathroom feel larger and calmer, and it is easier to keep clean. If the same tile runs through the living areas, consider large format tiles for an even cleaner look. Large tiles need a very flat floor and careful shower falls, so read our large format tiles guide.

Upgrade 2: one tile through the floor and shower

Using the same floor tile in the shower and on the bathroom floor, with a linear drain or tile insert waste, removes visual breaks and makes the room feel bigger. Ask your builder whether the shower floor can be set down or graded for this. Our floor wastes and linear drains guide explains the options.

Upgrade 3: a feature wall

A single feature, behind the vanity or along the back of the shower, gives a new bathroom personality. Fluted, fishscale and finger feature tiles and mosaics work well. Keep the rest of the room simple so it does not feel busy.

Upgrade 4: the vanity

The vanity is what you see first. A timber look, fluted or curved wall hung vanity with a stone top and an above counter basin transforms a standard bathroom. In a main bathroom, consider a double vanity if the space allows. Our vanity size guide helps you check clearances.

Upgrade 5: tapware finish throughout

Swapping standard chrome for matte black, brushed gold, brushed nickel or gunmetal across the bathroom, ensuite, laundry and kitchen gives the whole house a consistent, finished look. Choose basin mixers, shower mixers and accessories from the same range so the finishes match exactly.

Upgrade 6: a better shower

A larger overhead shower head paired with a hand shower on a rail is a daily luxury and makes cleaning the shower easier. Twin showers need the right water pressure and rough in, so check with your plumber.

Upgrade 7: a freestanding bath

Many house plans show an inset bath in the main bathroom. A freestanding bath with a floor or wall bath filler looks far more special, and is easier to clean around. Check the bath size against the room and the waste position. See the freestanding bath buying guide.

Upgrade 8: storage and comfort

• A shaving cabinet instead of a plain mirror doubles storage.
• A heated towel rail is worth it in a Geelong winter.
• A shower niche set to a tile joint looks neat and saves bottles on the floor.

Already moved in?

Many of these upgrades can be done later without a full renovation. Changing a vanity, tapware and accessories is a fairly contained job. Re tiling is bigger, so if you are planning a new floor, do it with the shower at the same time. We offer a free measure and can quote installation by our qualified trades, or supply products only to your own builder.

Common questions

Can I supply my own tiles to my builder?

Often, yes, but it depends on your contract. Ask your builder what they allow and by when, then bring your plans in and we can help you choose and supply.

Which upgrade gives the biggest change for the money?

Larger floor tiles with fewer grout lines and a better vanity usually make the biggest visual difference in a new bathroom.

Do you deliver to building sites in Armstrong Creek and Lara?

Yes. We deliver to homes and building sites across Geelong and Australia-wide, or you can pick up from our Geelong showroom.

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 and Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, or book a renovation consult, 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. See all the areas we serve.