Video testimonial by Joanne & Steve Hilson for their House Renovation completed by Superior Renovations ® located in Greenlane, Auckland.
“Knowing that we weren’t there while it was being done as well was the best part, we were on the beach, and the renovation will be done”
“Working with Kevin and the team was easy because we weren’t having to ring up different suppliers ourselves, it was like one team does this, another team does that – and everything was done for us under one roof. Kevin had a contact for everything, and the experience was simple. You hear a lot of horror stories about doing renovations and I was like, well that was very easy”
The renovation included:
Kitchen Renovation
Removal of wall to become an open plan
Bathroom Renovation
Toilet Renovation
Addition of a New Toilet
New Laundry
New Custom Storage Area
Consent Process
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Are you trying to make up your mind about renovating your property or make improvements in advance before a new tenant moves in? or perhaps your renovating to increase the equity in preparation for selling?
When it comes to property investment, it is recommended you review your finances from time to time. Refinancing, at a better mortgage rate could help achieve a higher return. You may also want to contact your accountant or tax specialist to see if you qualify for any or further tax benefits.
Should I be spending money to renovate my rental properties, is it worth it?
In this article, I help you understand the maths behind improving your property and why undertaking renovations on your rental property could be financially beneficial, but also why you shouldn’t be renovating as well.
Some rental owners think that renovating their property isn’t financially worthwhile.
Common views from rental/investment property owners:
It is just a rental property. Even if I put in new fixtures and chattels in it, they will wear out anyway. Why bother?
I don’t understand much about the renovation. I’m not certain about where to begin or whom to talk to so it’s a bit of a risky investment.
If I make improvements in my rental property, it will be even better than our own home!
These are all valid points and not wrong to some extent, however we’re going to dig deeper to see what the data says. We will also address some of these questions in this article and hopefully provide you with enough information to make an informed/data driven decision that ultimately puts you financially better off.
If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools
Calculating the potential ROI of your rental property after the renovations
A simple and quick way to do so is to approximate the annual rent increase after renovations are done. Then divide that into the renovation cost.
For instance, imagine you spend $7,000 on making improvements to your kitchen between tenancies. We don’t mean setting up a brand new kitchen, but renovations such as repainting walls and cupboards, new floors, replacing bench top or acquiring a new stove.
Consequently, you can obtain a higher rent, probably about $30 every week.
By attracting higher income earning tenants
To retain existing tenants with the upgrade (after the increase in rent)
You can determine your return by calculating your yearly rent increase (52 weeks x $30). Then divide your answer into the renovation cost ($7,000). You should get 0.22, and you can multiply this by 100 to get a percentage (22.28%) – and that is your return on investment, which will pay for itself after 3-4 years (assuming you’re not increasing rent further, and you’re not selling).
Real estate investors are always looking for a high return on investment (ROI) when buying rental properties. Higher returns can be achieved and influenced in many ways. Real estate renovation is one of those ways.
Renovated rental units justify a higher rental rate – but it’s important you’re spending on the “right” renovations. There are a couple of other factors behind real estate renovation:
To maintain or improve the value of the investment property through necessary repairs or replacements
To increase equity
Rental property improvements to attract better-qualified tenants
Tax advantages
Reduced maintenance
Lower vacancy rates
Five things you need to know before you consider renovating your rental
When undertaking renovations on your investment property, avoid looking at it like it’s your own home, it should be a data-driven decision. What you want for your home is not necessarily what your investment needs to ensure best return.
Create a strict budget and research thoroughly and ensure to create room for contingency for unexpected costs – it is common with renovations – for example, if you’re renovating the bathroom, you may find that there is water damage in the subfloor which is common with the older properties.
Choosing the right renovations should not only increase the property value but also the rent.
Good renovations are “bulletproof” In the long term, a durable renovation will outdo a fancy renovation.
Don’t forget to consult your accountant, finance specialists and local renovation company (project manager) – get all your ducks lined up and make an informed decision based on data.
Renovations that add value in the property
I want to make improvements to my property to add value. To achieve this, I plan to spend $15,000 to paint the interior and replace damaged carpets to increase my property value by $30,000 and similarly raise weekly rent by $30.
Sounds good in theory! But it doesn’t always plan out that way. We can definitely speculate the return on investment, and the increase in rent (but is that what the tenant wants?).
If you are looking to renovate to add value, instead of looking at the “end result” first – begin with focusing on what you are in control of which is choosing what to renovate. By choosing the right renovations to begin with (within your planned budget) backed by data – the end result of the renovations is a given. Rental property owners tend to make the mistake of assuming what they think should justify increase the value or rent, but this subjective thinking leads to making the wrong decisions. Be careful where you get your advice from as well, everyone seems to have an opinion on what they think you should do to your property.
So we’ve put together a list of renovations that proven to add value and justify increasing rent.
Kitchen renovations
According to Realtor.com, kitchen and bath remodels offer nearly an 85% ROI, making them sound investments whether renting or selling. In lower income locations, renovating the kitchen can be extremely expensive and not worthwhile. However, there are simple kitchen cheats that you can use to ensure kitchen makeovers are cost-effective and still create an appeal. One of these is purchasing second-hand cabinetry online and using stain-block on your old cabinetwork. Perhaps even consider replacing the kitchen cupboards and draws assuming the carcass of the kitchen is still in good condition. For mid to high income locations, a full kitchen renovation is definitely worth considering because it would appeal more to the target audience. But with both options, consider the value of your property and make sure not to overcapitalise.
Street appeal
Although this appears overly simple, re-staining your fence, painting the roof and installing a new letterbox can give your home a new look that appeals to buyers and renters alike. This kind of renovation is best suited during spring when the weather allows you to paint outside, and your paint will dry quickly because of the warm weather. If you’re looking at selling the property, painting the home is the most cost-effective way to give the home a spruce up.
Bathroom renovations
A bathroom renovation is widely considered to increase the value of home significantly and it’s been stated by Business Insider that it can be up to a 70% return on investment. Whether a renovation is structural or simply cosmetic, an attractive bathroom will always appeal to the savvy buyer. But again, the decision to make minor alterations to the bathroom or to fully renovate the bathroom comes down to the location of your property (it would resonate with the target audience, eg Location with mostly growing families would prefer to have a bath), and to ensure you’re not over capitalising. Get the right lighting – Plenty of light is essential for a bathroom, but so is a warm and cosy glow. Check your lighting and see what you can change to make your bathroom appeal to your type of buyer.
Gardening & Landscaping
A smart garden appeals to everyone, and it all narrows down to your audience in the location (families, working professionals, or flatting situations). One thing to note is always go for plants that don’t need much gardening time or maintenance – don’t expect tenants to look after it (if they do, great!). These may be natives that are endemic to your area. Always ensure that your garden’s front lawn is tidy and trimmed. Also, berms ought to follow suit.
Floor Renovations
Carpets in old rentals act as hind outs for various crawling insects, including such as ants. While a carpet can be costly, there are cost-effective options to acquire one. One of these is purchasing in bulk. You will buy them at a reduced price, and you can use the extra carpets across your multiple rentals.
The most common floor renovation for rentals is converting from Carpets to Laminate flooring for multiple reasons such as:
Laminate flooring is much more durable, which means it will last longer then carpets (which leaves marks). After a while, carpet will start to fray and show obvious signs of wear. Although landlords can request for the carpets to be cleaned, it’s not going to stop it from general wear and tear. It’s important to note, landlords cannot get compensation for fair wear and tear, and distressed carpets usually fall into that category.
Tenants are becoming more health conscious and carpets are much more prone to attracting and clinging onto dirt, which means they get dirty quickly and need to be cleaned regularly. So it’s preferable to both buyers and tenants that if they’re choosing a property, laminate flooring would be ideal.
Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain, the process only requires a very moderately damp cloth and a sweep. For a thorough carpet clean, a specialist vacuum and shampoo is required, and it becomes more of a problem when there is spills/stains (which in some cases don’t come out)
Painting
Always seek professional painters to do the job – it seems like something that can be done by yourself but if not done properly, it’s very obvious and visible. Here’s an article that outlines whether you should DIY or Choose a Professional Painter. The most common painting project clients undertake is interior and exterior painting (not so much roof, normally a roof wash is sufficient), or replacing wallpaper to painted walls. Painting the property is one of the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve the perceived value of the property especially if surfaces look tired – it is also value added to potential buyers and renters. Check out blogs from Superior Painters (North Shore) for more information on painting your rental property.
New curtains and Blinds
Normally something easily forgotten – but it does make a difference. To give your property a refreshing impression before selling or renting it. Installing/purchasing new blinds and curtains can be as low as $2,500 for standard 3 bed home (8 windows).
Call in your mates
While you can have someone to provide their services in your house within a day, you can accomplish the same tasks or even more in much less time with your mates. Besides, you will have more fun doing it together.
Let there be light
Light shades offer decent and stunning looks in your rooms, but they can get pretty dingy after some years. Although it is relatively simple to get a replacement, you can restore their new and fresh look by performing an effective scrub. A common choice we get from home owners and rental property owners is replacing all the lights in the home to LEDs, for the following reasons:
LED lighting uses less energy (90% less energy)
LED bulbs last much much longer (landlords are responsible for replacing)
No need to change the fitting
LED bulbs are coming down in price every day!
And lastly, LED lighting is the preferred choice for all new builds now
What is the cost of renovating a rental property?
We need to be certain that the costs of carry out a renovation will be recovered in the long run through increased capital and rental appreciation.
The cost of renovating a rental is different (due to requirements) compared to if you were renovating your own home because:
Choice in materials – you’ll lean towards durability and what is cost effective
Features and extra amenities will be limited, functionality will be more important
Design will not be on top of the list, for example, you would rather choose to go with an acrylic shower base than a full tiled shower/bathroom.
Choice in fitting/product supplier will be on the lower end (but still good enough quality to be durable and long term) – although in saying this, taps, shower heads/fittings and mixers, always choose the better quality option over the cheapest.
Here is a break down of costs you can expect to pay for different renovations:
$40,000 to well over $100,000 (dependant on size of home and specs)
Renovation Costs Bathroom
Starting at only $8,500 for a basic alterations to an average spend of $18,000 – $22,000 for a full bathroom renovation.
Renovations Costs for Kitchen
Ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for minor alterations (changing cupboards and draws) to an average spend of $22,000 – $28,000 for a full kitchen renovation.
House Extension cost
$100,000 +
Recladding cost
$150,000 +
Common mistakes made when renovating an investment property
In most cases, the renovation of investment properties is regarded as an unfailing plan that guarantees an increase in rental returns.
While this seems straightforward, the truth is it’s not always the case because when operating in an unstable market, the monetary gains of improving a property may be outweighed by equity loss.
Here some mistakes that are made by renovators of investment property.
Ignoring market trends and audience in the location
Some people who have owned investment properties for over a decade tend to think that they are in an advantageous position to carry out renovations. But what they might not know is the market keeps on changing. Such changes range from interior designs, property value, to tenants’ tastes. Thus, you are likely to miss out on your projected returns by ignoring current market trends. So before renovating your property, undertake research on recent sales of property, analyze current trends in the market, and consult those in the property industry business. A good example is like people leaning more towards properties with LED lighting (as mentioned above).
Failing to monitor the rental market
Monitoring rental markets are often not in the priority list of most property renovators. But property prices keep of changing, and if you don’t monitor their trend, you might be left with vacant properties to fill after prices fall. If you have old properties, you need to keep monitoring the rental market to ensure they remain competitive.
In saying that, if the market is flat lining and not appreciating in value – it might be a good time to renovate to increase it’s value if you are intending to sell/ or increase rent.
Tenants living in the property
If there are tenants residing in the property you are renovating, it will cause rental income loss if they need to move out while renovation works takes place. You may also be responsible for their belongings (storage cost), electrical bill, and water bill.
To avoid all these issues associated with tenants living in the property, make renovations plans in advance and plan out the renovation in stages to minimise loss rent – try to avoid having the tenants move out or do it when they are away on holiday. For example, if you’re renovating the bathroom, hire a porta-loo for them to use for the time being (negotiate a reduction in rent as a compromise as it’s not exactly ideal). Make appropriate scheduling for delivery of renovation tools and materials to minimise issues with the tenants.
Overcapitalising
There are cheap alternatives that smart renovators use to minimize costs while providing added value to their clients. But cheap renovations doesn’t always mean the best return on investment, it may even be detrimental (dependant on the location of the property and the target audience).
You need to recognize the amenities and services that drive tenants’ demands. Some alternatives will drastically minimize cost and end up with a finish that delivers projected value and results.
Refinancing to renovate
You are likely to get into arrangements that don’t pay off, for instance, by extending your home loan to cater for your property improvement. This is because a huge portion of your returns will go into loan payment.
If you must borrow to carry out renovations, you need to be confident that your improvements will bring about higher rental returns. This will help you to evade risky situations of making zero returns, considering the unstableness of the market. We’ve put together an article exactly for this, on how to finance your renovation via loan – courtesy of Linda from Loan Market.
7 questions to ask before starting renovations on your rental property
How will renovation influence my rental returns?
This should be the first question you need to consider before considering any renovation. Understand your reasons for conducting a renovation and what you’re expecting in return financially.
For example, renovating a devastated three-by-two house can increase the weakly rental rate by $50. (at a minimum, always use minimums to determine affordability – not what you think it’s worth) – Your weekly rental rates might shoot from $320 to $380. In a year, you will realize an extra $2,600.
Remember to be realistic with your estimations and projections. Don’t invest less and expect huge returns.
Repair or replace?
Never replace things that can otherwise be repaired or fixed. Since renovation is an expensive undertaking, you need to save it for those areas that require it.
In case you are working with a limited budget, and you still want to increase your returns, try these:
You can give your kitchen a new look by replacing countertops and handles, and replacing the cabinets/draws. Replace carpets and repaint walls to give the home a new freshness to it and give the impression of it feeling new.
Instead of thinking about replacing your kitchen sink or bathroom vanity, just cut costs by replacing the tapware (makes a bigger impression, if the cabinet is still in good condition)
What you should renovate (important)
Focus on vital and functional areas like the bathroom and kitchen, where tenants are likely to spend much time. Restoring these areas will have a huge impact on the daily living of tenants and rental returns as well. Is renovation vital to tenants?
Not every renovation work is important to your tenants. Some restoration will only enhance the resale value and not the rental value. For instance, a new toilet may appear good in the house; a tenant may regard it as just a toilet.
For your rental property to appeal to tenants, focus on aspects that are regarded highly by tenants. This includes having additional space or room and installing a heating pump for cold seasons.
Which material do you plan to use, and are they practical?
Although maximizing your property’s ROI is vital, you need not compromise on quality. Cheap fixtures and repair materials are prone to wear and tear fast, and you will be called to replace them sooner than you expected (focus on long term return/cost)
Besides, analyze the prices for different materials as they are likely to vary from one hardware store to another. Ensure that the materials you have chosen are suitable for your rental. About renovation materials, think more about their durability and not just costs. You will maximize your ROI by using long-lasting materials and it’s not an area to cut costs.
Is it too little or too much?
You shouldn’t overcapitalize the upgrades. In other words, keep it simple. The majority of the tenant will not bother to know how much that you invested in the renovation. They just want to have it functional so that it can fulfil their needs.
Be flexible in terms of considering cheaper but quality accessories. Also, think about the locality of your rental property and determine whether your upgrades would warrant an increase in rent (is it important to your target audience).
Is it a legal obligation to your tenants?
In New Zealand, rental laws are continually changing. From installing smoke alarms to making sure your property is healthy and safe, you should comply with all the legal obligations about rental properties and focus on these first before any other renovations/alternations.
It is worth noting that all forms of renovations should reflect and conform to the set laws as well – so make sure you’re using companies that are able to provide certificates/warranties. Rent increase also needs to conform to established stipulations. This includes giving advance notice prior to the increase.
We hope this guide has been helpful, and it gives you enough information to make an informed decision about renovating. Do let us know if you have any questions, and we would try our best to answer every question posted. Lastly, don’t forget to share your experience and tips that’s not mentioned here that you think will be valuable to those interested in renovating your rental property.
Please note:Whilst all information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. The information may change without notice and Superior Renovations is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.
To wrap up
Should I renovate my rental property?
Depends on what you’re trying to achieve and what you’re renovating, not all renovations are equal and all delivers different returns on investment – including a number of variables to take in consideration such as location, target audience, financial circumstances, current market trends etc
What renovations can add value to my rental property?
Kitchen renovations, renovations to increase street appeal, bathroom renovations, New Curtains and Blinds, and Lighting are amongst the most common renovations.
What are common renovation mistakes made with rental properties?
Ignoring market trends and audience in the location, Failing to monitor the rental market, Tenants living in the property, Tenants living in the property, and Refinancing to renovate if they can’t afford to.
How will renovation influence my rental returns?
Understand your reasons for conducting a renovation and what you’re expecting in return financially. For example, renovating a devastated three-by-two house can increase the weakly rental rate by $50. (at a minimum, always use minimums to determine affordability – not what you think it’s worth) – Your weekly rental rates might shoot from $320 to $380. In a year, you will realize an extra $2,600.
If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools
Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Meet Maria Chubb (Showroom Consultant) from Reece – Our Trusted Local Supplier – we’ve put together a video featuring their showroom in Albany, Auckland.
When you’re renovating your home, you will no doubt be working with a variety of suppliers; we’ve forged valuable relationships with a range of reputable experts in their respective fields with a great attitude towards the end result and who also share the same values as Superior Renovations – putting client experience first.
After confirming your project with Superior Renovations, you will be personally taken to our supplier showrooms (dependant on your requirements) like Reece to feel and choose the materials you want/need for your renovation – you’ll also receive advice from our project manager along the way to ensure you’re choosing the correct fittings/products that fits your space.
For more information about Reece, visit https://www.reece.co.nz/
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
When it comes to renovating your bathroom, most people cannot make up their mind on whether they want a walk in shower or a bathtub. A bathtub is great for a nice relaxing bath but a shower is a blessing when you are getting late for work in the morning.
Choosing between a walk-in shower renovation and bathtub installation could be a daunting task when it comes to getting a bathroom renovation. Weighing features, pros, and cons can make things complicated. We’ve put together a guide on how to choose between bathtub and walk-in showers, and how one of them can be a value adding element to have a renovated bathroom.
Do You Have an existing Bathtub?
Walk-in showers are trendy and look beautiful but ripping out tubs will isolate couples having small children. So if you want to sell your home, you need to consider this factor. It’s important to know that houses with one fully equipped bathroom are the best for having multiple combination shower/tub bathrooms in your home.
Superior Renovations
Remember:
If you have a tub installed in the small guest room’s bathroom, then you should replace it with a walk-in shower so that one can have enough space to change.
But if you have a bathtub in your master suite, then you can keep it or update it for resale purpose. Moreover, if it is in your forever lovely home, and you never use it, then maybe you can replace it with a luxury sauna.
Who Is Going To Use This Bathroom The Most?
Bathroom renovation in Auckland is costly. So it is always best to go for a bathroom renovation option which is budget-friendly but also serves a purpose/function. Which is why the best way to start a bathroom renovation is to determine how you’re going to use it. Like, if someone elderly or disabled person in your home will use it, then it is better to go with walk-in shower. The benefit is it is convenient for them to take a shower. It is super-easy, fast, and efficient. Many mothers with young kids prefer tubs so that they can give a proper bath.
Are You Selling The House?
According to various real estate agents, it’s always recommended to have one bathroom with attached bathtub. Sellers show interest in those houses who have at least one bathroom with a beautiful bathtub. So if you have a plan of selling your house, then it is recommended to consider this option. Check out our article when we sat down with Linda from Loan market – If you’re looking atfinancing your renovation through a home loan.
Always check your budget before making a crucial decision
Yes, this is very important. Always check if your needs and requirements are aligned with your specified budget, or you need to hold off on your bathroom renovation.
Does Your Bathroom Have Enough Space?
How much space does your bathroom have? Will it be easy to install a bathtub? If your bathroom has enough space, then it’s fine to go with the tub option. But if it is not, then it’s advisable not to make your space weighty.
Do You Need to Make an Eco-Friendly Choice?
Nowadays, people are concerned about the eco-friendly environment. They are opting for every possible option that could support the eco-friendly environment. Below are some benefits of installing walk-in showers.
It saves electricity and water bills.
A bathtub is not an energy-efficient solution, and it doubles the water wastage ratio.
In an average estimate, the walk-in the shower takes 20 gallons water while tubs demand 30 gallons.
Quick and Convenient Access
A walk-in shower is super convenient and super easy to use, especially if you don’t have enough time for taking a tub bath. You can have instant hot and cold water.
Other than this, bathtubs are not convenient. Firstly, you need to wait for it to fill up; you need to sit in and rinse off yourself. But if you are a person with a busy schedule, then surely this option is not for you.
Is Relaxation High On Your Priority List?
Having a bathtubs can be a blessing for many people, it’s a nice option to relax, and destress. It gives a spiritual experience and study also shows tha warm water bath relaxes your muscles and softens your skin. So yes, if relaxation is high on your priority list, then we recommend you to have a bathtub.
New Bathroom Renovation and Design
Pros & Cons of Having A Walk-In Shower
Undoubtedly, walk-in showers are the symbol of class and trendy. But it comes with pros and cons. Many times, unique designs can compromise the functionality of a bathroom. So now have a look on the pros and cons and then decide.
Pros
Walk-in showers are made with glass, and so the continuous design without moving parts eliminates the chances for anything to break.
These showers are easy to clean. These don’t get rushed. Moreover, you even don’t need to clean them all the time expect the corners where water can gather.
It adds to the beauty of bathroom décor. As these are purely made of glass, without rails, so no element will distract others intention from your bathroom décor.
Cons
A #1 disadvantage of having a walk-in shower is a slip hazard. Yes, when water comes out and gathers, it can make floor slippers, and anyone can get hurt when getting out of a shower.
It is an open shower, so hot air is free to circulate into your bathroom, which however makes the environment less relaxing while taking a bath. It can create humidity in the whole bathroom.
Walk-in showers are more expensive than regular ones due to needing for tiling and custom shower glass.
When Is The Last Time You Actually Took A Bath?
If you are a one who rarely takes a bath in a tub, then this option is not a worthy option for you. According to 2014, Houzz Poll indicates 39% of people aged 23-34 years skip tub bath anywhere in the house.
However, if you are going to sell your home, then tubs removal can affect the worth of it.
Bathtub Guidelines:
If your home has multiple bathrooms, then any of them should have one tub installed in it.
If you have cute little kids, then it’s a must to have a tub.
If you like soaking up yourself in the water, then a tub is a must.
The resale value of a house can be affected with tub-less bathroom. Because usually, buyers like to have a bathroom with a tub. But it is up to you. It’s better not to consider future predictions and trends, and should never compromise on your comfort and preferences.
Walk-in Shower Cost
A normal walk-in shower costs $750 to $6850, and it mostly depends on the style, material, size, and features you look for. You can pay $750 for a simple stall with new faucets.
What Are Average Bathtub Prices?
A new bathtub can cost between $300, for fiberglass tubs, to almost $3,000 for marble tubs. However, the cost depends on the style, type, and size you choose; however, material like steel, acrylic, cast iron, all these costs differently.
We hope this guide has somewhat helped you with your decision between bath tub or walk-in shower. There isn’t really a wrong or right decision and it all comes down to personal preference and circumstance. It is not always necessary to follow trends which make you feel uncomfortable or which can be heavy on your pocket; so think about it carefully and make an informed decision that you won’t regret later on.
What Are Average Bathtub Prices?
A new bathtub can cost between $300, for fiberglass tubs, to almost $3,000 for marble tubs. However, the cost depends on the style, type, and size you choose; however, material like steel, acrylic, cast iron, all these costs differently.
What is the cost of a walk-in shower?
A normal walk-in shower costs $750 to $6850, and it mostly depends on the style, material, size, and features you look for. You can pay $750 for a simple stall with new faucets.
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
“These guys are very very professional, every single one of them. They came around, they’re courteous, they put down drop sheets on the vinyl floor and put down sticky carpet covering through to the bathroom to make sure there was no mess and they’re just hard-working.
When you have people working in the house, that can be kind of annoying you know but with these guys it wasn’t annoying because you really didn’t know they were there, there was no upheaval, there was no chaos for weeks, it was just so smooth and that’s the bit that impressed me…”
Glen Eden, Auckland
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
“As I have seen them with dealing with their client, I have seen their professionalism in their work, so we can recommend them confidently to people to deal with them – very confidently because we have seen how hard working they are, and as I mentioned the word patience they do have….”
Albany, Auckland
www.bathandtile.co.nz
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Are you faced with the question of choosing between Epoxy Grouting or Cement Grouting for tiling?
No doubt, kitchen and bathroom tiling can look dull and begrimed when grout begins to flake or discolored. Over time due to wear and tear, some surfaces require an excellent type of sealing between dissimilar surfaces like countertops, and underneath basins and sinks. For these areas, we need to choose the best grout for tiling. Do you know the difference between cement grout and epoxy grout? If not, then continue reading this article because we will compare both these options, and help you choose the best one.
No doubt, Epoxy grout has become the most widely used option for grouting. Various renovation companies around the world, especially in New Zealand are using Epoxy grouting in tiled showers, and floors. However, there must be a reason for it. Are you interested in knowing what that is? Then continue reading this article, we have a lot to share with you.
Why Do Bathroom or Kitchen Grout Crack?
No doubt, grout crack is common and happens mainly due to movement between two surfaces. Homes are continually moving in tiny increments as a result of humidity, foundation settling, temperature, and many other factors. However, if the grout in the kitchen or bathroom is a rigid material, then it results in cracks when a bathtub moves on the way while the installed tile wall moves another way.
There are various ways in which installation can doom grout to failure, so it is vital to give your bathroom tile project in the professional hands. For instance, if the grout is indecorously mixed with too much water concentration or additives, then it could leave air pockets after the grout has fully dried. That could make the grout frail and extremely weak, and eventually lead to cracks.
Grout can also be cracked if too little adhesive is used in tiles installation. If a tile pulls away from the wall after the adhesive dries, then it is up to the grout to hold in the right place, and that stress is likely to cause cracks.
Even old or damaged grout can make the most beautiful looking tiles ugly. It also causes structural damage to your home. However, re-grouting is a process of removing the old and poorly installed grout with the new one for better results.
So now you know the main reasons why you may need re-grouting, here are two forms of grouting you may need to know. However, if you are looking for the professional grouting services, then we are here to help you. We have been in this industry for the past many years, and has helped thousands of residential and commercial buildings with the best services.
Epoxy Grout
Unlike cement grout, Epoxy grout is made from two-part epoxy resins. These two are mixed with filler powder. This grouting option has been used for renovation companies for many years because of its durability, non-porous, and stain-resistance nature.
Cement Grout
Cement grout is a mixture of sand and water and often comes in un-sanded varieties. It is the injection under pressure of cement to fill fractures or voids in the soil or concrete structure. It is a process used to fill voids with cement injected under pressure.
So, What Is The Main Difference Between Epoxy Grout and Cement Grout?
As we know, cement grout is made up of some cementitious powder mixture. While epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins, and a filler powder, which however makes epoxy grout extremely durable, non-porous and stain proof. When it comes to cement grout, then this is the cheap grouting option as compared to epoxy grout because of its porous nature. It can easily absorb water and so stain that results in discoloration over time.
Most people ask a question about epoxy grout, whether it is waterproof or not, so here is the answer.
Is Epoxy Grout Waterproof?
The answer is yes, it is waterproof.Its non-porous nature makes it waterproof. It is resistant to staining, which makes it the first choice of many people. However, it is not recommended to combine it with cement grout as it can result in stain non-resistance.
Now you have the basic idea of cement and epoxy grout; now we will discuss each one in more detail to help you decide the best grout for tiling.
Detailed Overview
What Is Cement Grout?
Portland cement is the most common type of cement, manufactured from clay and chalk which hardens when undergoes water, and upon getting harden resembles Portland stone in color. Cement grout contains filler particles of various sizes and water-retention additive. No doubt, cement grout has been used for residential and commercial applications because of its multiple properties.
It comes in various colors to let the users match it with the tile color. For applying cement grout on a surface, it is first mixed with water and then applied with a trowel. However, the presence of a water-absorbent agent in it impedes the drying, and let the cement set and dry slowly for maximum hardness. Drying time is one of the main reasons why people don’t like cement grout.
It is formed by mixing cement powder with water in the same ratio. No doubt, setting, and hardening are the two main features always to consider while looking for grout for tiling. Cement grouting is more time consuming and so it affects its performance. Its efficiency also gets decrease because of excessive voids that hit its stiffness, porousness. But anyway, it is still used as an excellent traditional option to fill voids and gaps in the structures. It is not recommended to use cement grout with porous tiles like natural stone, quarry, and many more because this combination can stain the surfaces.
Cement grouting has various variations, like sanded and unsanded. Let’s discuss what these are.
Sanded vs. Unsanded
The main difference between sanded and unsanded is sanded one contains more sand particles, while the other one has a smooth texture with less fine powder particles.
The big sand particles of sanded cement grouts look and feel resolute. Sanded cement is recommended where the voids are about 1/8 inch wide, and especially for its durability and power to prevent cracking. One needs to be careful while applying this type of cement as it can scratch the surfaces
Unsanded grouts don’t have visible grit. These are the best for filling 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide voids in the structures. It is not recommended to use it with more full seams because it can result in cracks due to lack of binding power of sanded grouts.
Latex-Modified Grout
Formulation of sanded grouts can be done with a latex polymer additive. This process can be made possible by including latex polymer additive in the dry mix or by adding it while mixing grout with water. This additive plays an essential role in enhancing the grout’s water-proof nature and increasing its strength.
Maintenance of Cement Grout
Cement grouts are the most popular grouts for tiling, and it works best in any area where there’s a need for title installation. However, the latex additives grouts can stain and feature the porous properties. Therefore, it is essential to seal all the cementitious grouts. This sealing can be done with a penetrating sealer once or twice in a year. This step is the right choice since it keeps the cement grout free from stains and ensures that it’s fully waterproof.
What is Epoxy Grout?
Epoxy grout is a unique and popular grout for tiling that does not use Portland cement or water in the mixing process. It features a hardener, pigments, epoxy resin, and silica fillers. Epoxy grout is less porous compared to the cementitious grout. Also, epoxy grouts work best in areas containing greases and acids such as kitchens.
The construction sector applies a variety of epoxy resins such as polyurethane, epoxy, and many more. Yes, epoxy has a name that implies the presence of cement material, but it does not feature any cement percentage. For the epoxy hardener, it plays an essential role in initiating epoxy grout’s hardening process. Also, the epoxy hardener is vital in repairing cavities and hairline cracks in concrete structures. Other than this, this element can work best as a primer or bonding agent.
There are two primary forms of epoxy grouts
Which include sanded and unsanded epoxy grouts. However, a vast difference exists between the sand used for these forms and the one used for the cementitious grouts. Also, epoxy grouts give a little challenge to the amateurs since they set up reasonably fast. Other than this, epoxy grouts go at a relatively high price compared to the cement grouts. They cost around $12 per kg as the cement grouts cost between $2 and $4 per kg. But epoxy grout is the right choice in any place where there’s a need for maximum stain resistance.
However, there are high chances for epoxy grout to stain the unglazed and porous surfaces badly. Examples of these surfaces include the limestone and quarry tiles. It is essential to seal the epoxy grout before grouting if there’s a need to use them on these tiles.
Epoxy grout is a product of two different resins that contain a filler in their mixer. This feature is the main behind epoxy grout’s waterproof nature. Also, this is the reason why epoxy grout works best with the harsher cleaning products. Other than this, the thin sets property of epoxy grout gives higher chemical resistance and bond strength compared to cementitious grouts.
Maintenance of Epoxy Grout
The main benefit of epoxy grouts is that they don’t have to get sealed as for the case of cementitious grouts. But, there are high chances for them to get stained. Scrubbing epoxy grouts with a mixture of water and vinegar, or bleach and water is the right way to clean them. It is important to take care the epoxy grout, as it can easily be stained due to various factors.
Modified Epoxy Grouts
Epoxy grout modified with Portland cement is another hybrid grout available for tiling. This grout shares the same characteristics with the standard Portland cement. Therefore, this means that this grout requires regular sealing. However, this hybrid grout is more stain-resistant, harder, and stronger compared to the standard cementitious grouts.
Why Use Epoxy Grout?
Yes, epoxy grout features a variety of benefits, but it’s more challenging to work with compared to the regular grout for tiling. Also, epoxy grout tends to feature a plastic look, which a certain percentage of homeowners who are renovating their home don’t like. Other than this, epoxy grout goes at a high cost, and most tilers charge more for using it as opposed to the regular grout.
Regular grout is the most preferred for other individuals since it’s easy to design in outside corners. These include the places where the tile wraps around the shower niche, wall, or kerb. Some people don’t like epoxy grout since they find it hard to achieve the same effect with it. Epoxy takes much time to set up in a grout joint. Also, epoxy grout consumes less time and requires a smaller mix to work with since it sets quicker compared to the regular grout.
Other than this, epoxy grout needs an acid wash, which is essential in removing any excess resin residue from the tile surfaces. Also, some epoxy grouts work well only with glass. Here, most brands feature a unique glass epoxy and regular epoxy. The filler used in the mixture is the only thing that creates a difference between these two. For the glass tiles, they have a smoother filler, meaning it will not scratch the delicate tiles.
What Are The Key Differences?
The cleaning and installation time is the primary thing that creates a big difference between regular grout and epoxy grout. Also, the cost is another factor that separates the two. For epoxy grout, its price can be three to four times higher compared to the regular grout. This cost explains the main reason why some installers don’t prefer epoxy grout.
Which Are The Places To Use Epoxy Grout Versus Cement Grout?
Epoxy grout is the choice for tiled floors and showers. It is the most preferred option for these areas since adds a second layer of protection for the moisture that’s under the tile. The first protection layer is the waterproofing section. Also, epoxy grout works best for splashback tiling over vanities.
Color is another essential thing that attracts most people to epoxy grout. This color originates from epoxy grout’s filler and remains constant throughout. For the regular grout, it is possible to remove its pigment during the cleaning process.
There is a vast difference between using epoxy grout and regular cement grout. The main difference is that the two feature unique processes. This uniqueness covers everything from mixing up to cleaning.
For the case of bathroom tiling, it is essential to bathroom professionals who possess the right experience. Ensure that they have a deep understanding of either epoxy grout or regular cement grout and their applications. Also, don’t forget to note the cost difference between regular cement grout and epoxy grout. Yes, epoxy grout goes at a relatively high cost but is the right choice for most people because of its durability, waterproofing, and staining features.
Why No One Loves Regular Cement Grout
Yes, most people use cement grout in tile work, but it is not the right option. They prefer cement-based grout products because of their thinner properties compared to the mortar and building cement. This feature makes it possible for this regular grout to flow better into cracks and any other area. However, their porous nature is one thing that destroys the impression of all these benefits. The cement grout mixture features several undetectable openings, which becomes evident even after it dries.
Through these pores, dirt and other elements from the outside find access to the grout, making it embedded. They result in staining and gives a chance for the embedding of mold and mildew into the cement grout. Cement-based grout act as the conduit for stains. Also, cement makes it possible for the stains to adhere to the grout lines. Therefore, there are high chances for the new grout lines to start taking on discoloration whenever they get exposed to the staining materials.
Other than this, cement-based products do not feature waterproof properties. Therefore, there are high chances for excess water and moisture found in tiled showers to cause damage to this type of grout for filing. Also, this explains the main reason sealing is an essential requirement for all projects using the cement-based grout.
Features That Make Epoxy Grout The Right Choice
Most people prefer epoxy grout because it’s sturdy and durable. It’s a grout for tiling that’s highly resistant to climatic changes, stains, harsh weather conditions, cracks, and stains. These features make epoxy grout the right choice for those individuals looking for the efficient and most durable way to do tile work. Its strength is the main reason it works perfectly for outdoors, indoors or tile job.
Also, it is an excellent option for areas with high traffic because of its chemical, stain, and crack-resistant properties. Other than this, resistance to climatic changes and harsh weather conditions makes epoxy grout the right choice. Therefore, it’s the most preferred option in areas where it’s likely to get subjected to severe cold or excessive amounts of humidity.
It’s common to come across people talking about how it’s challenging to work with epoxy grout
Yes, epoxy products were so complicated in the past, but now that’s history. Nowadays, it’s easy to work with epoxy because of changes in its formulation. Advancement in various products such as Litokol Starlike Grout makes using epoxy grout a more manageable task compared to when using other grouts for tilling. The establishment of Starlike Grout is essential for easy clean-up. Other than this, Starlike Grout is 100% safe and non-toxic. Therefore, it is the right choice for the installers, environment, people, and pets.
Yes, epoxy grout costs more than cement-based grout, but that’s not a big issue in the long run. Also, there are several reasons why you need to go for the epoxy grout as opposed to the traditional grout. It’s not expensive to upgrade from the cement-based grout to epoxy grout. A good example is the 20SQM bathroom renovation project. Here, tile and professional installation cost go at $1,500. The same job can get upgraded from cement-based grout to epoxy grout with an additional fee of 5%, which is less than $75. Therefore, this shows why everyone needs to go for epoxy grout.
Epoxy grout is more durable compared to the traditional grout. Therefore, this means that epoxy grout is worth the higher expense. There are minimal to zero chances for this grout to crumble and start falling apart over time. For the case of cement grout, it tends to weaken. Thus, this means that there are high chances to incur additional expenses while redoing the tile. Epoxy grout requires only light maintenance, and it can last a lifetime.
Is It Possible To Put Epoxy Grout Over Cement-Based Grout?
Yes, it is possible to put epoxy grout over cement-based grout. However, it is essential to dig the existing cement out of the joints until its halfway the tile’s depth before doing this process. Scraper or the grout saw is the most appropriate tool to use for this case. This depth is vital for the new epoxy grout so it can adhere to the tile edges and the remaining sanded grout. For overhead installation, it is crucial to leave the epoxy in the bucket for a few minutes after mixing so it can set up. Through this, the epoxy mixture becomes stiffer and tackier.
Summary – Pros vs Cons
Cement Grout
Pros
It’s easier to work with
It works perfectly for any width grout joint
Cement grout is a better choice for DIY as it’s every forgiving
It takes only a few to set up as opposed to epoxy grout
It’s much cheaper as compared to epoxy grout
Cement grout seals to protect from bacteria, water, mildew, chemicals, and mold
It works best for most applications such as submerged indoors, outdoors, wet, residential, dry and commercial areas
It features a few slump cases on vertical surfaces. Cement grout has a thicker consistency, meaning it can hold up well on any wall installation, even in the cases with wider gaps
Cement grout is easy to clean
It works best for joints that are greater than 1/8-inch. Cement grout is the right choice for the broader joints since it shrinks less and bonds well.
Cons
It can get vulnerable whenever exposed to high-traffic environments or high impact
Most of the cement grouts get deteriorated whenever subjected to alkali or acid compounds
There are high chances for it to feature inconsistent color because of inconsistent drying
It features a salty look
It is not highly resistant to chemicals or stain
Always need a variety of equipment such as tools and sponges since the grout is hard on them
Presence of porous features which makes it possible for water to seep down into the cement grout. Therefore, the material is not good since it can cause the growth of bacteria, mold, or mildew under the grout’s surface
It cannot work best in narrow joints.
Epoxy Grout
Pros
Low porosity features, meaning it is not possible for bacteria, mildew or mold access the area beneath the surface
It’s highly resistant to breakage, stains, and abrasions
It is the right option for light-colored grouts since it is easy to clean
Epoxy grout is highly resistant to chemicals, hence the right choice for substantial commercial, industrial and commercial
It is the best option for harsh locations where there’s regular use of harsh chemicals such as schools, healthcare, and commercial kitchens
It features consistent color
Epoxy grout is a waterproof grout for tiling because of its impermeable nature of plastic. Therefore, this explains why it’s not recommended to seal epoxy grout
It is the right choice since it cannot scratch the delicate metal, marble, or glass tiles
It has an excellent bond strength
Epoxy needs low maintenance compared to cement grout.
Cons
It goes at a relatively high cost compared to cement grouts
It’s not useful sealing epoxy grout since this process can compromise its safety and effectiveness
The epoxy grout need to be mixed in small batches, and there’s limited working after mixing this grout
There are high chances for light colors to turn yellow whenever exposed to sunlight
It’s more challenging to work with
It consumes much time to apply compared to cement grouts
There are high chances for it to degrade whenever it interacts with chemical substances
It looks the same even after setting it up. It features a shiny, plastic look, which most of the clients cannot appreciate over a large span
There are high chances for it to ruin porous tiles such as natural stones. The epoxy resins are likely to soak into the unglazed tiles or natural stones’ pores, and it’s hard to remove them
It’s possible for the epoxy grout to slump down through the vertical joints in the absence of the thicker viscosity and if they are too wide.
Quick overview
Why Do Bathroom or Kitchen Grout Crack?
No doubt, grout crack is common and happens mainly due to movement between two surfaces. Homes are continually moving in tiny increments as a result of humidity, foundation settling, temperature, and many other factors. However, if the grout in the kitchen or bathroom is a rigid material, then it results in cracks when a bathtub moves on the way while the installed tile wall moves another way.
What Is The Main Difference Between Epoxy Grout and Cement Grout?
As we know, cement grout is made up of some cementitious powder mixture. While epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins, and a filler powder, which however makes epoxy grout extremely durable, non-porous and stain proof. When it comes to cement grout, then this is the cheap grouting option as compared to epoxy grout because of its porous nature. It can easily absorb water and so stain that results in discoloration over time.
Is Epoxy Grout Waterproof?
The answer is yes, it is waterproof. Its non-porous nature makes it waterproof. It is resistant to staining, which makes it the first choice of many people. However, it is not recommended to combine it with cement grout as it can result in stain non-resistance.
What Is Cement Grout?
Portland cement is the most common type of cement, manufactured from clay and chalk which hardens when undergoes water, and upon getting harden resembles Portland stone in color. Cement grout contains filler particles of various sizes and water-retention additive. No doubt, cement grout has been used for residential and commercial applications because of its multiple properties.
What is Epoxy Grout?
Epoxy grout is a unique and popular grout for tiling that does not use Portland cement or water in the mixing process. It features a hardener, pigments, epoxy resin, and silica fillers. Epoxy grout is less porous compared to the cementitious grout. Also, epoxy grouts work best in areas containing greases and acids such as kitchens.
Why Use Epoxy Grout?
Yes, epoxy grout features a variety of benefits, but it’s more challenging to work with compared to the regular grout for tiling. Also, epoxy grout tends to feature a plastic look, which a certain percentage of homeowners who are renovating their home don’t like. Other than this, epoxy grout goes at a high cost, and most tilers charge more for using it as opposed to the regular grout.
Which Are The Places To Use Epoxy Grout Versus Cement Grout?
Epoxy grout is the choice for tiled floors and showers. It is the most preferred option for these areas since adds a second layer of protection for the moisture that’s under the tile. The first protection layer is the waterproofing section. Also, epoxy grout works best for splashback tiling over vanities.
Is It Possible To Put Epoxy Grout Over Cement-Based Grout?
Yes, it is possible to put epoxy grout over cement-based grout. However, it is essential to dig the existing cement out of the joints until its halfway the tile’s depth before doing this process. Scraper or the grout saw is the most appropriate tool to use for this case. This depth is vital for the new epoxy grout so it can adhere to the tile edges and the remaining sanded grout. For overhead installation, it is crucial to leave the epoxy in the bucket for a few minutes after mixing so it can set up. Through this, the epoxy mixture becomes stiffer and tackier.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed guide on epoxy grout VS cement grout for tiling will help you understand the use of right form grouting for your home and office. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you whatever you want to choose for your property. We are always here to help you.
Recommended suppliers for grout
Bunnings – https://www.bunnings.co.nz/
Mitre10 – https://www.mitre10.co.nz/
Ardex – https://www.ardex.co.nz/
Cemix – https://www.cemix.co.nz/
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“It now feels like a big, simple, inspiring space, whereas before it was a big space but it was very dated and there was a lot of distractions around – now it’s quite a nice clean, modern, minimalist feel to it. It felt like before, it was a 1980’s home, but now when you walk in, the house is impressive, it’s a lovely space to be in, it feels impressive and everyone who comes here are impressed and enjoys it – but it still feels like a home..”
Glendowie, Auckland
Todd’s Full House Renovation Project included:
☑️ Renovation of the toilet
☑️ Bathroom Renovation x 2
☑️ Laundry Renovation
☑️ Full Interior Painting
☑️ Desk Renovation
☑️ Interior door replacements
☑️ Interior Stairs and Balustrade Installation (Glass)
☑️ Wallpaper Removal and Plaster
☑️ Exterior Painting and installation of Balustrade
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
“I think it’s to his nature, he takes everything on-board and fixes it, and thats what you want to see; you don’t want to be mucked around with just being told what you wanted to hear, you want action and he was pretty good at it…”
Glenfield, Auckland
Donny’s Full House Renovation Project included: New Floors, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, Full Interior Painting, Remove in Bathroom Wall to Open Up Space, Carpet Flooring, New LED Lights throughout the house, Custom Bathroom Design and Custom Kitchen Design.
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
“To me it just seems like he just slotted in like he’s always known us, there was no awkward moments…he was just a part of the family…very personable, easy to talk to and always calm all the time and thats what we really liked..”
Wattle Downs, Auckland
Stephanie and Kieran Eades have a young family and basically needed to upgrade their bathroom and kitchen. They had heard a lot of horror stories about companies that blew their budget or did not finish within the timeline. They decided to test the waters of the renovation industry and decided to renovate their bathroom first.
The talking point of this case study is not a bathroom or kitchen renovation but the relationship that our project manager Jimmy forged with the family. “He slotted right in and it was like he had always known us. There was no awkwardness at all” explains Kieran. Jimmy is one of our main project managers who specialises in managing kitchen + Bathroom renovations and Full home renovations.
His sunny disposition, ability to talk frankly, and more importantly his calm demeaner gets our clients through even the most stressful of situations. Stephanie felt that his calm attitude made her feel calm throughout the renovation process which can become overwhelming.
Budget was another aspect of the renovation that the client was worried about as they were weary of renovations costs blowing up during the process. She was happy to know that we give our clients a fixed contract which means that the quote that you have accepted is what you will be paying. You will only find discrepancies in what you pay if we find something like a leakage or rotting floor bases during the renovation.
In Stephanie’s words “because of the bathroom we have come to trust him and are confident that we will have the same calm experience. And that we will remain within the budget”.
We completed Stephanie’s kitchen renovation after the bathroom renovation was completed.
“it is much better than we thought” – Stephanie
Bathroom renovation
Stephanie’s aim was to make her bathroom look bigger so she went for white tiles and white walls to give an illusion of space.
Custom made shower box and glass door
Custom white tiles in shower
Kitchen renovation
Blum soft close door hinges – very popular in contemporary and modern kitchens
Maier slim fit soft closing drawers
Top mount Blanco Black Silgranit sink
30mm engineered stone benchtop with waterfall end – Marble look
Melteca cupboards – popular for easy maintenance and textures
Custom made wine rack
Transcription I just wanted to give a lift to this house, renovated and make it look nicer and to use it we always had old vanities and everything, so I just wanted something new and something modern. We were just looking for someone that does everything – that’s what we needed.
When I called Superior Renovations, the lady said Jimmy will come and see you. So they gave us a time and a date. When he came, we told him what we wanted and he took it down on his paper and it was easy peesy – he made everything look easy.
The project was done quickly too, so Jimmy was very easy to talk to too and to understand. I wanted a bit like pale colors to make it look spacey – like I think dark colors make it look smaller and thats the idea we had so Jimmy allowed us to pick the tiles and fittings and everything – so that was quite nice, he didn’t just put what he wanted to put.
He asked us to come to the showroom and pick the tiles, the vanities, the fittings which was really good thing to do. So we picked all the pale/whiter tiles – it looks smaller before and now it looks a little bit bigger now I think because of the tiles and the white paint Jimmy and the team has put.
Yes I have already spoke to Jimmy and Kevin about Superior Renovations to do the kitchen. What you guys did with the bathroom – was so impressed, so so impressed. I think the kitchen, once we’re ready, we’ll have Superior Renovations, Jimmy and his team to come and do it. Because of the bathrooms, we’ve come to trust him, we’ve come to like his work and the trust is a big thing. And to keep everything in the budget was very important to us, and Jimmy/Kevin and with all the renovation team I think, with the kitchen we won’t be going over budget, I think it will be the same experience we had with the bathroom.
Thats the reason why I even told Kevin and Jimmy I won’t go looking for any other renovation company for the kitchen, because I like you guys. I wasn’t here during when he was doing it so, I just saw the end result which was really good. I mean we told him what we wanted and he just put it in and he did it, and the end result was what we wanted. It just looks nice and better then we thought, it was really nice dealing with Jimmy.
To me it’s just like he just slotted in like he’s always known us, there was no sort of awkward moments or any thing like that, just a part of the family – part of the family almost He was very personable, easy to talk to, and was calm all the time, that’s what The way they were calm about everything, I think is also important, it helps keep us calm, because doing a renovation can always be scary but with you guys, working with you guys it’s been very peaceful, it was fantastic.
Are you faced with the question of choosing between Epoxy Grouting or Cement Grouting for tiling?
What is Epoxy Grout? 
