Select early, avoid surprises later 🚽

Bathrooms are one of the biggest variables in your build cost.

~ 💰 An $8,000 allowance (estimate) might look good on paper... but most finished bathrooms sit much higher once real selections are made.

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Tiles (tiling height differences), tapware quality, Custom vs prefab vanities, and layout all influence the final cost.

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The key isn’t choosing less. It’s understanding what your selections actually cost.

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🤔 So what can I expect from my builder if they are being transparent about allowances? An example for tiles could be... Instead of: “Tiles included” This would be communicated as:

• m² rate (e.g. $40/m² supply)

• Areas included (floor only vs full height walls)

• Tile size allowance (standard vs large format)

• Whether labour is included 👉 Clear version: “Tiles allowed at $40/m² supply, floor and 2.1m wall height in showers only.” 🚿 An example for shower screens could be... Instead of: “Shower screen included” This would be communicated as:

• Framed vs semi-frameless vs frameless

• Thickness of glass

• Size assumptions 👉 Clear version: “Allowance includes semi-frameless shower screen up to 1200mm.”

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A real life example for how small selections change cost is the Floor-Mounted bath tap vs Wall-Mounted bath tap. A floor-mounted tap isn’t just a fixture, it’s a structural and plumbing decision. 🚰 Typical cost for a wall-mounted bath tap = Tapware: $200 – $600 Installation: Standard plumbing (included in most builds) 👉 Total: ~$200 – $600 (within normal allowance) 🚰 Typical cost for a floor-mounted bath tap = Tapware: $800 – $2,500+ Installation: More complex (floor penetration, bracing, positioning) 👉 Total: $1,200 – $3,500 ~ 🤔 What is the biggest mistake homeowners can make?

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Focusing on the total price and not what’s behind it. 🤑

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A cheaper quote isn’t always a cheaper build. ~ If allowances aren’t realistic, the price will change later. Allowances matter.

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