Bathroom Renovation Case Study: A Modern Family Bathroom in Whakatāne
When a Whakatāne family came to Bay Construction for a bathroom renovation, the brief was clear; more space, a bigger shower, a deeper bath, and a design that would still feel current in ten years. Here is how we turned a tired, cramped family bathroom into a bright, practical space by rethinking the layout, not just replacing the fittings.
The Problem: a small, dated family bathroom
The existing bathroom was well overdue for an update. The shower was small and enclosed by a curtain, which was never practical in a home with kids, water always found its way to the floor. The layout did not make the best use of the available space, and the shallow bath no longer met the family's needs. Overall, the bathroom felt tired, dated and ready for a proper refresh.
What the client wanted
The client wanted a modern, practical bathroom that would be comfortable to use every day and hold up to years of family life. Their key priorities were:
- A larger walk-in shower with a glass door instead of a curtain.
- A deeper bath for relaxing and family bath time.
- A timeless design that would still look great in years to come
What we recommended: reworking the layout
To create more space without a full addition, we looked beyond the existing bathroom footprint. The room behind the bathroom had a wardrobe that was not earning its keep. By repurposing that unused wardrobe area into the renovation, we were able to significantly increase the size of both the bathroom and the shower.
The new layout included:
- A spacious walk-in shower with a glass door.
- A deeper bath for the whole family to enjoy.
- Modern fixtures, cabinetry and finishes.
- Classic white tiles paired with modern cabinetry and black accents.
The outcome: a brighter, more practical family bathroom
The finished bathroom is brighter, more spacious and far more practical than the original. By repurposing the wardrobe, we created a generous walk-in shower and a functional family bathroom without giving up the bath the family wanted. The result is a modern, timeless bathroom featuring a large enclosed shower and a deeper bath, delivering the comfort, style and functionality the family was looking for.
Three things worth knowing if you are planning a bathroom renovation
- Waterproofing matters more than tiles. Proper tanking is what keeps a bathroom dry for decades, not years. Choose the trade doing your waterproofing carefully.
- Layout beats fittings. Getting the layout right first usually has more impact than the finish choices you make later. A wardrobe, an oversized hallway or an underused ensuite can unlock a much better result without moving external walls.
- Building consent probably applies. Most bathroom renovations involving structural changes, plumbing relocation or waterproofing need building consent from your local council. Bay Construction handles the consent process as part of the job.
Planning a bathroom renovation in Whakatāne or the Eastern Bay?
Bay Construction is a local, family operated NZ Certified Builder based in Whakatāne. We handle bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations and full home renovations across Whakatāne, Ōhope, Thornton, Awakeri, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki and the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Have a look at our Bathroom Renovations service page for more on how we run a bathroom renovation, or get in touch to talk through your project. A call or conversation costs nothing.