Bathroom Renovations – Must-Do’s and the Debate Over the Bathroom Ramp

Bathrooms are often underestimated in the architecture of a home. Yet for many M2 Haus clients - those building with intent, clarity, and longevity in mind - the bathroom becomes a defining space: a daily retreat, a functional masterpiece, and a subtle expression of design philosophy.

As renovation inquiries rise across Port Macquarie, particularly from sustainability-focused renovators, there’s renewed interest in getting bathroom design right—from performance and materiality, to layout and accessibility. Here’s our perspective on what truly matters—and why the “bathroom ramp” continues to stir design debate.

My list of ‘dos’ for all bathrooms

1. Prioritise functionality over beauty when designing

Many people would want a beautiful bathroom and that’s a given. However, aesthetics should never compromise usability. Function should always go first, then beauty. A well-renovated bathroom begins with movement logic: where do you dry off, store, sit, and transition? Consider zone planning to separate wet and dry areas, reduce water migration, and enhance day-to-day experience.

2. Invest in materials that last

While ceramic tiles may offer visual variety, large-format porcelain or natural stone delivers both elegance and lifecycle resilience. Opt for tapware and fittings that are known to be repairable, particularly in houses that are meant to last for many generations.

3. Increase natural light and ventilation

Daylight and air movement are essential for comfort and durability. To prevent mould and maintain indoor air quality, use operable windows (preferable) or mechanical ventilation as a last resort. This is particularly crucial to thermally control homes.

4. Waterproof from floor to ceiling

A key standard in German construction, and one we carry into every M2 Haus project, is continuous, high-spec waterproofing. This mitigates future structural issues and maintains the integrity of adjacent finishes.

Water leaks and the possibility of broken pipes or pipe joints are common, especially in ageing homes, so it’s best to reduce repair costs and not have to re-do your whole bathroom a second time.

5. Consider the lifecycle, not the trend cycle

Steer away from fads and lean into enduring design language: muted palettes, textural layering, and custom joinery. These aren’t just beautiful—they age with dignity and allow homeowners to grow into the space, make your home more sustainable and reduce waste in the long term.

The Debate: To Ramp or Not to Ramp?

The concept of a bathroom ramp—typically used to describe a gentle slope toward a shower drain in lieu of a step-down—has become a point of contention in high-end residential renovations. Its benefits are clear: seamless movement, wheelchair accessibility, and visual continuity. Yet, for some design-conscious clients, it raises concerns around aesthetic disruption and practicality in smaller spaces.

At M2 Haus, we believe this is not a question of right or wrong—but rather of intent.

When a Ramp Makes Sense:

• For ageing-in-place strategies: Many of our clients are planning homes that will adapt with them over time. Zero-threshold showers with ramped gradients are ideal in these cases.

• For wellness-oriented bathrooms: Open, spa-like layouts often benefit from a seamless shower entry that doesn’t interrupt visual flow.

• For tiled-on-slab renovations: When site conditions allow, ramps are a discreet way to enhance function without reconfiguring levels.

When to Rethink It:

• Where site constraints or structural levels prevent subtle gradients

• In compact ensuites where floor space is at a premium

• If execution will compromise waterproofing integrity—a common issue with poorly detailed ramps

Ultimately, the decision to include a ramp should be guided by use-case, not trend. At M2 Haus, every bathroom renovation begins with a forensic look at context, client needs, and future proofing— not a Pinterest board.

A Final Note on Value

Bathroom renovations are an investment, not a cosmetic exercise. They affect resale, liveability, and in homes like ours—thermal and moisture performance. M2 Haus clients understand that value isn’t just in the fit-off, but in how the space performs ten, twenty, even thirty years down the track.

If you're planning a bathroom renovation and value performance, sustainability, and design integrity, let’s talk. It’s these details that turn a good renovation into a generational one.