One thing worth considering is what happens if you update the bathroom now and decide to renovate properly a few years later.

A new vanity might look great, but if you eventually need to move the plumbing behind it, the work may need to be removed and redone.

The same applies to tiles, flooring and other finishes.

This doesn't mean you should always choose the most extensive renovation.

It means you should understand the likely direction of the bathroom before investing in individual improvements.

A cosmetic update can make sense when the fundamentals of the bathroom are still working well.

You might consider updating rather than fully renovating if:

• The layout works for your household.
• The plumbing is in good condition.
• There are no signs of water damage.
• Waterproofing is sound.
• Ventilation is adequate.
• The existing floor and walls are in good condition.
• Storage is sufficient.

The main problem is how the bathroom looks.

In this situation, you might replace the vanity, update tapware, improve lighting, repaint the room or replace selected fixtures.

You can sometimes achieve a surprisingly different result without changing everything.

A larger renovation becomes more worthwhile when the problems are connected to how the bathroom functions or the condition of the room.

For example, you may have:

• An awkward layout
• Poor ventilation
• Persistent moisture
• Inadequate storage
• Deteriorating surfaces
• Plumbing issues
• Waterproofing concerns
• Outdated electrical work
• A shower that no longer suits your needs
• A bathroom that no longer works for your household.

If several of these problems exist together, replacing one fixture at a time may not solve the underlying issue. 

A bathroom can look tired without having serious underlying problems.

It can also look reasonably good while hiding moisture, plumbing or waterproofing issues.

This is particularly worth considering in older Christchurch homes, where a bathroom may have been renovated previously and may contain several layers of work from different periods.

Before deciding how much work to do, understand what you're actually working with.

Your decision should come back to the reason you want to change the bathroom.

If you simply want the room to feel fresher and more current, an update may be enough.

If you want more storage, a better layout, improved accessibility or a solution to ongoing moisture or plumbing problems, a more substantial renovation may be appropriate.

There is no prize for doing more work than you need.

The goal is to spend your money where it will make the biggest difference.

Ask yourself these five questions:

• Does the current layout work?
• Are the plumbing and waterproofing in good condition?
• Is the bathroom comfortable and practical to use?
• Are the problems mainly cosmetic?
• Will an update solve the problems, or simply cover them up?

Your answers should give you a much clearer idea of whether you're looking at an update or a renovation.

You don't need to know the answer before talking to a renovation professional.

Sometimes the most useful first step is simply having someone experienced look at the existing bathroom and explain what options make sense.