When you have a busy household, the family bathroom becomes one of the most important spaces in your home. From bath time chaos to school-morning traffic jams, it needs to work hard, look good and stand up to years of daily use.
At Farmer Constructions, we’ve built and renovated countless family bathrooms across the Sunshine Coast so we know what makes them work well (and what doesn’t). Here’s what to consider when planning yours.
A little planning goes a long way
Family bathroom renovations take more coordination than most people expect. Before demolition starts, think about:
- Timing: Avoid the school holidays if possible. It’s easier to manage when everyone’s out during the day.Access: Will you need to set up a temporary bathroom or can everyone use the ensuite for a few weeks?
- Lead times: Some tiles, vanities and fixtures can take weeks to arrive so build this into your schedule.
- Budget for contingencies: Family bathrooms often have hidden surprises like old plumbing or water damage, so it pays to allow a buffer.
- Power and water: Expect occasional interruptions while plumbing and electrical work are underway. Your builder will coordinate with licensed trades and keep you in the loop but it helps to know when water will be off and to plan around it.
- Builder access: Clear the area for easy entry and exit. Make sure there’s a safe path for tools and materials and keep pets or young kids out of work zones for safety.
“A little planning goes a long way with any major renovation,” says Dani Farmer, director of Farmer Constructions. “Making sure you’ve got another bathroom available or at least a backup shower keeps the household running smoothly and takes some of the stress out of the process.”
If you only have one bathroom, it’s worth chatting to us about the best approach or setting up temporary facilities such as a Port-a-loo to minimise disruption.
Choose robust surfaces that will survive family life
When multiple people use the same space daily, durability is everything. Porcelain or ceramic tiles, solid-surface benchtops and moisture-resistant cabinetry will all withstand heavy use and humidity. Avoid porous materials that stain or need constant resealing.
Matte finishes hide fingerprints and watermarks, while textured floor tiles provide better slip resistance, particularly if you have kids or elderly family members in the household.
Full-height tiling or waterproof wall panels around baths and basins make cleaning easier and protect against splashes.
“Tiles are one of the hardest-working surfaces in any bathroom,” says Dani. “We recommend high-quality porcelain or ceramic tiles because they’re incredibly resilient, easy to maintain and still look great years down the track. For a low-maintenance and contemporary look, consider large-format or oversized tiles and floor-to-ceiling tiling. Fewer grout lines mean less cleaning and a seamless finish that visually opens up the space.”
Storage you’ll actually use
Storage can make or break a family bathroom. A combination of drawers, cupboards and wall niches helps keep everything organised and minimises clutter.
- Under-vanity drawers are perfect for everyday items.
- Mirrored cabinets provide extra storage and bounce light around the room.
- Built-in shelving or shower niches keep products off the floor and reduce clutter.
- Laundry hampers integrated into the cabinetry can save space elsewhere in the house.
If your kids are young, consider adding a lower drawer for their items. If they’re teenagers, make sure there’s enough bench space for hairdryers, skincare and toothbrushes that somehow multiply overnight!
A wall-hung vanity not only gives the illusion of more space but also makes it easier to mop underneath.
The great bath debate
Whether to have a bath is one of the questions that comes up in almost every family bathroom renovation.
If you have young kids (or plan to) a bath is definitely worth considering. It’s practical for bathing little ones and can double as a relaxation zone for parents after bedtime. Even if you’re tight on space, a compact or back-to-wall bath option may work for your layout.
If your kids are older and no longer use the bath, or it’s just not your thing, you might decide to go for a generous walk-in shower instead.
“We’ve built many bathrooms where the bath was the main request – especially for families with toddlers,” says Dani. “But for others, a bathroom renovation is about reclaiming space. We’ll often replace a big, old bath with a large walk-in shower that feels more open and is more practical.”
Little details that make a big difference
Once you’ve sorted the essentials, the right finishing touches can make your bathroom more comfortable and family-friendly:
- Heated towel rails to keep towels dry year-round.
- Hooks or rails for every family member – no more fighting for towel space!
- Niches and shelving for storage.
- Soft-close drawers and doors to protect little fingers.
- Quality ventilation and natural light to prevent mould and keep the room fresh.
- Underfloor heating for added comfort.
- Focused, well-placed task lighting around mirrors and vanities that improves visibility for everyday grooming.
Preparing your family for a bathroom renovation
Renovations can be messy, noisy and sometimes a little inconvenient but with some forward planning and the right bathroom builder, they don’t have to be stressful.
Explain to kids what’s happening and set up alternative routines before work begins. If the renovation will take more than a couple of weeks, organise temporary shower access (at a relative’s house or even an outdoor setup for summer).
“We always keep families updated through every stage so everyone knows the timeline and what to expect,” says Dani.
Choose a family-friendly builder
A well-planned family bathroom renovation is more than just an upgrade – it’s an investment in the daily comfort of your family and your home’s future value.
Whether you’re dreaming of a fresh, modern look or need clever solutions for a growing family, the team at Farmer Constructions can help bring it to life.
“We’re a family-friendly local builder, and as parents ourselves, we know what it takes to make a renovation run smoothly around real family life. From start to finish, we treat your home and your family with the same care we’d give our own.”
Ready to get started on your bathroom renovation? Farmer Constructions is here to help. Get in touch with Dani for a quote today on 07 5492 9409, email [email protected] or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!
