Choosing the fittings is where a bathroom renovation really comes to life — but it’s also where it’s easy to get overwhelmed or blow the budget. Vanity, toilet, shower, tapware, tiles, heating: there are a lot of decisions, and they all need to work together and suit how you actually use the space. Here’s a practical guide to choosing bathroom fittings for your renovation, so you end up with a bathroom that looks great and lasts.
Start with the layout and plumbing
Before you fall in love with a particular vanity or freestanding bath, settle the layout. Where the plumbing sits determines what’s easy (and affordable) and what means moving pipes and drains — which adds cost. Decide early whether you’re keeping the existing layout or reconfiguring it, and choose fittings that suit the space you’ve actually got.
The key items to choose
- Vanity & basin — balance storage against floor space; wall-hung vanities make a small bathroom feel bigger
- Toilet — back-to-wall and wall-hung options look tidy and are easier to clean; check the rough-in measurement matches your plumbing
- Shower — walk-in vs enclosed, and consider the glass, tray, and drainage; get the waterproofing right (this is where leaks start)
- Bath — freestanding for a feature, built-in for practicality and space; be realistic about how often you’ll use it
- Tapware — worth investing in; good-quality mixers and valves last far longer and drip less
- Tiles & surfaces — think about slip resistance underfoot, and how much wall you want to tile
- Heating & ventilation — a heated towel rail and a good extractor fan are small costs that prevent damp and mould
- Lighting & mirrors — layered lighting and a well-placed mirror make a big difference to how the room feels and functions
- Storage — plan it in early; recessed shelving and vanity drawers keep everything tidy
Where to spend, and where to save
Not everything needs to be top of the range. The smart approach is to invest in the things that get used hard or are expensive to replace — tapware, mixers, the shower, and waterproofing — and be more relaxed on items that are easy to swap later, like the mirror or accessories. Cheap tapware is a false economy; it’s one of the first things to fail.
A few practical tips
- Check water efficiency — look at WELS star ratings on taps, showers, and toilets to keep running costs down
- Measure everything twice — especially vanity widths and toilet rough-ins
- Order early — some fittings have long lead times, and waiting on a back-ordered item can hold up the whole job
- Lean timeless, accent with trends — keep the big, permanent items classic and add personality with easily-changed details
Where we source our fittings
We source many of our bathroom fittings through Plumbing World, a trusted New Zealand supplier with a great range of quality tapware, basins, toilets, showers, and bathroomware. Their showroom is a great place to see and compare options in person before you commit — and because we work with them regularly, we can help you choose fittings that look the part, fit your budget, and are built to last.
How long does a bathroom renovation take? A typical 2-week schedule
Most standard bathroom renovations take around two weeks on site. Bathrooms need more stages than their size suggests, and the waterproofing has to cure properly, which is why the timeline can’t be rushed. Here’s how a typical two-week bathroom renovation runs:
- Days 1–2 — Strip-out: remove the old fixtures, tiles, and wall linings back to the framing
- Days 3–4 — Rough-in: plumbing and electrical rough-in, any framing changes, and prep for waterproofing
- Days 5–6 — Linings & waterproofing: new wall linings, then the waterproofing membrane (which needs time to cure)
- Days 7–8 — Tiling: floor and wall tiling, then grouting
- Days 9–10 — Fit-off: install the vanity, toilet, shower, and tapware, plus electrical fit-off (lighting, heated towel rail, extractor fan)
- Days 11–12 — Finishing: painting, shower glass, sealing and silicone, and the final details
- Days 13–14 — Final checks: testing, clean-up, and walking through any snags with you
Bigger bathrooms, layout changes, or long lead-time fittings can extend this, so we’ll always agree a realistic programme with you up front.
What does a bathroom renovation cost?
Every bathroom is different, so treat these as a rough guide only — the real figure depends on the size, whether you’re changing the layout, the fittings you choose, and the condition of what’s behind the walls. As an indication for a full bathroom renovation in the Wairarapa:
- Simple refresh (same layout, mid-range fittings): from around $15,000
- Full renovation (new layout, quality fittings): typically $20,000–$30,000
- Large or high-end bathrooms: $35,000 and up
The only way to know your number is a proper quote, so we’ll price your specific bathroom clearly and in writing, with no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy my own fittings or leave it to the builder?
Either works. Many clients enjoy choosing the look themselves while we advise on quality, sizing, and what will work with the plumbing — or we can handle the whole selection and supply for you. The main thing is to lock choices in early so nothing holds up the build.
What’s the most important thing to get right?
Waterproofing and quality tapware. Get those right and the bathroom will perform for years; cut corners there and you’ll be dealing with leaks and replacements far too soon.
Can you help me choose everything?
Absolutely. As part of a bathroom renovation we can guide you through every choice, from layout to the final tapware, and coordinate the supply so it all arrives on time.
Planning a bathroom renovation?
Wai Build handles bathroom renovations across the Wairarapa — with plumbing, building, and electrical coordinated under one roof. If you’d like a hand planning yours, our guide on how to plan a home renovation is a good next read.
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