3 ways to give your bathroom a mini makeover this weekend

An inexpensive bathroom makeover and renovation can add a surprising amount of value to your home. And something as simple as new taps or a bath splashback can give this well-worn space a much-needed facelift. So, if your budget is on the low end (under a grand), we suggest you stick to cosmetic changes like these.    [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI3vMSjFqh4[/embed]  

1.  Remove old grout

If you have grout that is chipping or discoloured and making your bathroom look shabby, then it might be time to replace it. This step-by-step video demonstrates just how easy it is to remove old grout and the tools you'll need to finish the job. 

    [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k95Lakoj3Lg[/embed]  

2.  Replace tapware

Fresh bathroom fixtures like taps, and faucets can instantly upgrade the look and feel of your bathroom. Bath taps generally fall into three categories: 

• Mixer taps– one tap that combines hot and cold water 
• Pillar taps– two separate taps for hot and cold water 
• Bath shower mixer taps– one tap that combines hot and cold water with the ability to switch between the taps and a handheld shower 

Grays Online has a wide range of tapwear, as does Bunnings, Bathroom Trade Shed and Taps and More.      [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW2iSlbNhnc[/embed]  

3.  Tile a bath splashback 

A splashback not only gives your ageing bathroom an instant upgrade but will also make cleaning the wall much easier. 

  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQG6qKeMrK4[/embed]   [alert dismissible="false" style="alert-at-home-inverse"]

Is your shower leaking through the tiles? 

If your bathroom smells musty, the tiles are changing colour or damp patches are appearing on the other side of a wall, Beaumont Tiles says it could be due to any of the following: 

• Pinholes in grout
• Poorly grouted tiles
• Leaking pipework behind the wall
• No puddle flange installed under the floor grate
• No fluid aprons installed around tapware in wall penetrations
• Internal corners and bottom row of tiles not grouted with silicone
• Cut edges of tiles exposed in shower
• Structural movement of the building
• Waterproofing membrane not included in it

As a leaking shower recess can lead to structural damage and expensive repairs, we recommend calling a professional plumber or tiler as soon as you spot a leak.  [/alert]