Hi There,

bigreader has made some great suggestions.

If you were really hoping to update the vanity a bit more, I'm not an expert but I don't think it would be necessary to re-tile the entire bathroom. If the splash back is only one tile high around the vanity you could use a white tile, (or off white, if that's a better fit) probably a small mosaic would work well as it would look more intentional.

I agree with Michelle, I don't really see why you would need to re-tile if removing the vanity. I like bigreaders suggestion about local handyperson. Maybe have someone local with some reno experience come look at the vanity and see how if can be removed without disturbing tile.

I would not replace vanities and spend thousands of dollars doing half a job. Either just do a few cosmetic changes or do it all properly (a complete retile, vanity shower screen, taps etc). Tiles need to go to do a proper update.

Basically, i think it worth asking some other tradie types, not just the tiler. There are some updates that can be done without ripping out tiles.For example, wall panels stuck directly over existing tile. They come in various types of materials. Worth taking a look to compare costs to painting tile or complete re tile.

We updated our rental bathroom by painting the tiles with White Knight tile paint 7 years ago, it's still going strong. As long as you follow the instructions, especially the cleaning, tiles in good condition will come up a treat for very little cost, go for plain old white. Paint the tiles around the vanity, bath, shower and wall. White Knight also do a laminate paint which we used on the cupboard doors, they came up amazing. There are some amazing products on the market for DIY resurfacing, have a go, prep well and take your time. A new paint job on the roof and walls with good quality paint, white again to lighten and freshen up the room. I would spend some money on the tap ware and shower rose in a modern chrome. I agree some greenery would look great. Remember good preparation of your surfaces is the key to a great job, don't rush. Good luck and have some fun experimenting.

There is great tile paint on the market that would help add freshness to the previous suggestions. https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/paint/how-to-paint/how-to-paint-tiles

The new taps, (1/4 turn, 1/2 turn) that don't need of a washer have a ceramic valve. The are often referred to as "ceramic taps" even though it's a small portion that is actually ceramic.

Similarly to other comments, start with basics that you can afford: replace vanity top (leave tiles for a later date or paint tiles), paint cabinets, new hardware, towel hooks/bars (no plastic anything if you can help it). Post after pix!

OMG lisainmelbourne - I thought somebody had put up pictures of MY bathroom!

We are about a week off finishing the reno of both of our 80's main bathroom and ensuite.

Over the last few years, I changed the taps, handles and toilets, but at one point a few months ago, the shower wall buckled behind me (eek!) and the 18 months of stalking Houzz quickly became a plan.

I will post finished pics soon, but yours still looks in pretty good nick?

Yes - I ended up going for custom fit, wall-to-wall cabinetry with 3 banks of drawers, as well as inset shaving cabinets above the sink. I think the top we got with the basin was Manooga - 1800 single bowl which was then cut to size by the cabinet maker.

Complete wall and ceiling ripout, with floor to ceiling tiling (which we had in our last house and REALLY missed!)

I'm so excited that it's almost finished, just purchasing all the little odds and sods now!

Hi Lisa,

Your 1980's bathroom does look to be in good condition. However, the first thing to do before you spend any money is to check that the shower waterproofing is still working. A moisture meter will help tell the story.

Assuming the house is timber framed, keep in mind that the wet area linings of that era will most likely contain asbestos (i.e. Villaboard wall sheeting and compressed cement sheet flooring).

We were luck to find that the villaboard did not contain asbestos!

You were fortunate Donnae68, did you get it tested? I believe that you can get a sample tested for about $100 or so. Here is an excerpt on it's history:

In Australia, asbestos cement materials were first manufactured in the 1920s and were
commonly used in the manufacture of residential building materials from the mid-1940s until
the late 1980s. During the 1980s asbestos cement materials were phased out in favour of
asbestos-free products. From 31 December 2003, the total ban on manufacture, use, reuse,
import, transport, storage or sale of all forms of asbestos came into force.

Many houses built before 1990 therefore contain asbestos cement materials, especially
in the eaves, internal and external wall cladding, ceilings (particularly in wet areas such as
bathrooms and laundries) and fences.

No - unfortunately I had already gone through the wall :[

This video was shared to me today on a professional tiler's forum. Worth watching.

Try this address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWal4kxZBFg

Thanks Efflock, really interesting to know (and agree it's worth watching)

You're welcome Lisa. It's unfortunate that the home renovating television shows don't broadcast a brief warning at the start of each episode. it's a fact that most houses that are in want of renovation contain asbestos. Indeed, many tradespeople are ill-informed.