Is your bathroom outdated, or has your kitchen fallen out of fashion? Renovations, whether small or large, can bring a breath of fresh air to your home. But where is the best place to begin, what do you need to be aware of when renovating, and how can you finance the work? We’ve got some tips.
PostFinance can help you to plan and optimize the financing of your renovations and conversions. You can find valuable tips on our page “Renovate a property: the right financing for your renovation work”.
Are you unhappy with your bathroom or kitchen? You can often make a big difference to these spaces with just a small budget and minimal effort. Whether it’s by updating the frontages and splashback in your kitchen or replacing the taps and tiles in your bathroom. Depending on your DIY skills, you can even carry out this kind of renovation work yourself. However, if it bothers you that your entire kitchen or bathroom no longer meets current standards, a complete renovation is probably required.
First, you should always decide on the goal of your renovation and whether minor changes will be enough or a complete refit would be a better idea. Whatever your decision, there are many different factors to take into account when planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation. By asking yourself the following questions, you can ensure that your renovation is well thought out and meets your own needs and wishes:
How do I usually use my kitchen (cooking, baking, socializing)? Which devices are essential to me, and which are optional? How many people generally use the bathroom? Are any special features required (e.g. accessible shower, bathtub, etc.)?
Which kitchen layouts (e.g. U-shaped, L-shaped, island, etc.) fit best in my space? Which materials do I prefer for countertops, cupboards and floors? Which colour and style (country kitchen, industrial kitchen, etc.) should feature in the kitchen? Or in the bathroom: how can I make the best use of the available space? Is it possible to expand the bath? Which materials do I prefer for the tiles, sink and taps? Which colour and style should feature in the bathroom?
How much storage space do I need for all my kitchen or bathroom accessories? How could I arrange the storage space more efficiently than before?
Which kitchen appliances do I want to keep, and which should I replace? Are there any new technologies or smart devices I want to integrate? Or in the bathroom: do I want a rainfall or steam shower, a heated towel rail or any other special equipment, such as a mirror with built-in lighting?
How can I ensure the kitchen is ergonomically designed for all users? Are there any safety issues I should take into account (e.g. child-safe cupboards)? Is the bathroom ergonomically designed for all users? Are there any safety issues I should take into account (e.g. non-slip floors, handles, etc.)?
Whether it’s for the overall concept or for individual elements such as taps, appliances, kitchen frontages and tiles: browse through interior design books and magazines for inspiration and tips. TV programmes about homes and renovations also offer a wide range of creative ideas. On Instagram and YouTube, you can find countless posts and videos by designers and influencers who share their projects and tips. Even hotel stays, visits to friends and acquaintances or trips to specialist stores can give you new glimpses of successful ideas.
According to a survey, we each spend an average of 1.5 years of our lives in the bathroom, which equates to around 20 to 30 minutes a day. So it’s worth paying the necessary attention to this space. But how can you transform a functional bathroom into a wellness oasis with a renovation? A generous walk-in shower instead of a showerhead in the bathtub, more shelf space and a smart storage system could be a good approach. During the renovation, it’s worth using high-quality, sustainable materials and products, so that you can enjoy your new bathroom for as long as possible. If you want to make your space look bigger, large tiles in natural colours are a good choice. A sophisticated lighting design with several light sources, dimmable options and mirror lighting create a pleasant atmosphere and functional light. And a rainfall shower could be the cherry on the cake.
The right colour scheme is vital. Light colours such as white, cream and pastels on kitchen frontages and splashbacks create a feeling of space, as do high-gloss surfaces. The colour on the walls and ceiling should also be light. Instead of a bold mix of materials and colours, it’s better to use an accent colour that runs through the whole kitchen, such as on the countertops. Good lighting also makes the kitchen space appear more generous. It goes without saying that every centimetre should be used. Intelligent storage solutions such as pull-out drawers are easier to access than kitchen cupboards with doors. If you only have a small amount of space widthways, you should build upwards: wall-mounted cupboards with glass fronts and open shelving up to the ceiling don’t look too imposing. Kitchen joiners offer tailor-made solutions that make optimum use of every corner.
Would you like to find out whether your kitchen or bathroom is due for renovation soon, and what the estimated costs would be? The renovation calculator provides you with a renovation plan, including guide values, and shows you which renovation measures you could use to reduce your ecological footprint.
An especially important point when planning your bathroom or kitchen renovation is the costs. These depend in particular on whether you decide to replace the existing fittings completely, or whether you choose to remodel your bathroom or kitchen or change the layout. The type and number of planned appliances and the quality of the materials used also play a role, as well as the amount of work you do yourself during the project.
In order to finance the renovation project, you can either dip into your savings or private retirement planning (3rd pillar) or increase your mortgage.
In the article “Increasing your mortgage: what you need to know”, you can find out the criteria that need to be met before you can increase your mortgage.
A well-planned and well-executed bathroom or kitchen renovation offers a large number of advantages. It not only improves your quality of life and comfort, but also increases the value of your property. Whether you opt for small improvements or a comprehensive renovation, the investment is sure to pay off. Start planning your renovation now and turn your home into a place where you can feel fully at ease.
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