Kitchen renovations are the main focus of this site. Ivan Bodnar also takes on bathroom and laundry renovations for St Kilda homeowners, using the same approach as in a kitchen: he checks what sits under the existing finishes before you choose new ones.
RELATED CAPABILITY
Reference: sealant applied at a joint.
CONDITION TO CHECK
A bathroom or laundry can look tired for purely cosmetic reasons, or because of what is happening behind the tiles. Loose tiles, failing grout, staining near the floor line, swollen skirting or flaking paint around a shower can all point to moisture, or to a substrate that no longer suits the finish.
If you replace the visible finishes before checking moisture, substrate suitability, service access and underlying damage, you can end up redoing work you could have avoided. More on this in Surface Preparation & Concealed Conditions.
CHECKLIST
SUBSTRATE
Whether the walls and floors under the current finish are sound and suitable for the tiles, linings or flooring you are considering.
MOISTURE
Signs of past or ongoing water damage around showers, baths, laundry tubs and appliance connections.
SERVICES
Where the existing plumbing and electrical points are, how they can be reached, and whether your plan would move any of them.
HOW IT NEEDS TO WORK
In a laundry especially: machines, sink, drying and storage. You will see what can stay, what needs replacing and which options are practical.
Ivan Bodnar is an independent sole trader. He does not claim trade licences or builder registration that have not been verified. Wet areas usually involve plumbing, drainage and electrical work, and these regulated components are carried out by appropriately licensed practitioners. Ivan never does them himself.
Ivan works within his lawful scope, coordinates the licensed specialists where they are needed, and remains your direct contact. Permits, registration, insurance and licensed trade requirements vary from project to project, so they are confirmed against each scope.
QUESTIONS
Can the existing tiles stay?
Sometimes. It depends on how well they are bonded, the condition of the substrate and whether there is moisture behind them. Tiling over a problem only hides it.
Can the laundry layout change?
Often, yes. Moving taps, drains or power points involves licensed trades, though, and can change the scope considerably.
What if something is found behind the walls?
An inspection cannot reveal every concealed issue. The written quotation reflects what was seen on site and the scope you agreed, and anything uncovered later is discussed with you directly.
Does it matter if it’s an apartment?
Yes. In a flat you need to plan for access, noise, waste removal, existing services, any owners corporation conditions and possible limits on changes to common property. See Apartment & Heritage Considerations in St Kilda.
Reference: kitchen cabinetry being installed.
Bathroom and laundry work sits alongside the main service, Kitchen Renovations in St Kilda. If you are planning a kitchen and also have a wet area that needs attention, raise it during the initial discussion. Both can be looked at during the free on-site assessment.
Related reading: On-Site Kitchen Assessment · Bathroom Tiling · Plasterboard Installation & Plastering · How a Kitchen Renovation Works with Ivan
