How To Extend The Life Of Your Bathroom Renovation

So, you’ve just spent a pretty penny on a brand-new bathroom. There’s no more mould and mildew, issues with the sealer, tiles are shiny, and you’re excited to use the new bathtub. Exciting!

According to figures from the Housing Industry Association of Australia (HIA), the average cost of a bathroom reno is around $8,000 for basic renovations and up to $35,000 for more premium ones as of June 2023. No matter the amount spent, you’re going to want the bathroom to last.

The last thing you want is to see is structural damage from water and ongoing leaks, so this blog explores practical tips to help extend the life of your bathroom renovation and keep it looking fresh for years to come.

Maintaining Your New Bathroom

The new bathroom looks gorgeous, but how do you ensure it’s going to stay this way?

Pick Durable Flooring

Since a bathroom is constantly full of moisture and steam, the flooring needs to be able to handle it. Let’s look at some good options:

Natural stone tiles such as marble, granite or slate
Porcelain or ceramic
Luxury vinyl plank or tile
Engineered timber
Polished concrete

It is recommended to have a non-slip finish for bathroom flooring.

Sealing Grout and Stone Correctly

Grout doesn’t age well. Discoloured or worn-out grout tends to crack easy (water can seep through the tiling) so sealing it is non-negotiable!

What about silicone sealing as a barrier? Every 12 to 24 months, it is recommended to replace the silicone in wet areas by a licensed builder since it cracks and peels. A shower wet for longer than 48 hours makes it more prone to mould spores; once this happens it needs to be replaced.

Grout, on the other hand, should be cleaned if you’re noticing mould appearing. Scrub it with equal parts bi-carb soda and a non-citrus based dishwashing liquid.

Check for Leaks

When moving ahead with a bathroom renovation, double check for water leakage. Even if you only miss one area, cracks and mould form might surprise you.

For example, tapware leaks are common, so replacing old tapware and getting on top of leaks before a renovation saves yourself time and money.

Clean the bathroom

It’s a basic and common-sense task, but an important one for keeping your new reno looking its best. Clean away scum, dirt, grime, and avoid staining glass or other surfaces to increase the lifespan of the new bathroom.

Your new porcelain vanity, shower screen, toilet, or accessories (like ceramic tapware or rain shower heads) will stay beautiful for longer.

That said, be careful with cleaning products. Do not use citrus-based essential oils as the d-limonene compromises the water membrane and puts it at risk of water damage.

To clean the bathroom, use baking (bi-carb) soda and a non-citrus-based dishwashing liquid. Harsh chemicals like bleach doesn’t remove bacteria or mould, it only strips the melanin (colouring) and invites mould.

Reduce any condensation

Whenever you shower or bathe, it’s wiser to turn on the exhaust fan. Cutting back the amount of condensation prevents mould from growing, which causes health problems as well as wearing out your bathroom.

If possible, bath or shower with the door open or with windows slightly ajar. These tiny changes go a long way.

Dry wet areas

After each shower, dry up spaces with a microfibre cloth to dodge potential mould growth. Keeping it dry means you won’t be cleaning as often, either. It’s a win-win.

If it isn’t practical for you (you may need to attend an appointment in a hurry!) use a squeegee for a quick once-over.

How do you clean after a bathroom remodel?

Initially, you want to run through it with a clean bucket of water and some clean rags. Wipe everything down as best as you can and get rid of dust.

Wring out the rags-ideally, microfibre-so they’re a bit damp (not soaking wet), then move onto dry ones. Infold them into quarters and use the clean edge on a smaller section. Once that’s dirty, fold over for a clean edge, and repeat until it’s ready to be washed and reused.

If there is still film or grout haze left on tiles, you can purchase a grout haze remover with simple instructions on the bottle.

Considering colour and design consultations? Read more: Smart Ideas for a Small Bathroom Renovation.

How Can AAA Build Help You?

Planning a dream bathroom build takes time, and if you’re not up to the post-reno maintenance phase, we make it easier. Here’s how we work:

We start with a quick phone chat about your goals, budget and project scope. If it’s a good fit, we’ll arrange to visit your property.
One of our senior designers visits your home to take measurements, check existing plumbing and walls, and talk about your design ideas.
Visit our showroom to choose your tiles, tapware, fittings and finishes guided by our experienced design team.
Within 24–48 hours, we’ll provide a detailed quote based on your selections. Once approved, we issue a building contract (including a 7-year warranty) and take a deposit to get started.
We finalise your floor plans, elevations and fixture schedules.
A Site Manager oversees the build while our in-house trades and trusted contractors handle the work. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
Once complete, we conduct a walk-through and make sure you’re happy with everything. You’ll receive all warranties, compliance certificates and product guarantees.

Check out our recent projects for inspiration. Whenever you need help with a reno, book a consultation with us. We value our customers and genuinely enjoy helping you bring your vision to life. Our designers focus on creating spaces that are practical, comfortable and stylish. And we’ll help you do it without overspending.

Want a New Bathroom Renovation in Melbourne? Contact Us

Are you worried about extensive water damage, electrical work or plumbing? In the industry for over 35 years, AAA Build have your best interests in mind with in-house tradesmen to support you post-reno.

Whether you have ideas for bathroom tiles, a walk-in shower or specific glass shower door, AAA are professional bathroom builders and interior designers who love to create spaces that mean a lot to you.

Renovate now and pay later!

AAA Build are the proud winners of the Best of Houzz 2023, 2024, and 2025 Awards for Design & Service!