Safe & Functional Bathroom Upgrade in New Plymouth

Project Overview

The homeowners reached out to Oncore New Plymouth with a very specific concern. A family member was finding it increasingly difficult to use the bathroom safely. The existing shower-over-bath setup had a high step, which created a real risk of slipping or falling.

Safety was the main priority. The goal was to create a bathroom that was easy to use, especially for aging family members, while also improving comfort and functionality.

The clients had been following Oncore New Plymouth’s work on social media for over six months. They had seen similar projects and already felt confident in choosing Oncore consultant Michelle Bowater and her team to handle the upgrade.

Along with improving safety, they also wanted to fix moisture-related issues and create a cleaner, more modern space that would last into the future.

Design & Planning

Michelle and her team focused on keeping the design simple, practical, and cost-effective.

The main change was removing the shower-over-bath setup and replacing it with a large, easy-access shower. This immediately reduced the risk of accidents and made daily use much easier.

The team also identified issues with the ceiling, which was softboard with cracked paint and moisture damage. This needed to be replaced to prevent further problems.

To improve air quality and moisture control, an extractor fan was added in the bathroom. In addition, a full heat-recovery and ventilation system was installed throughout the home. This helped create a healthier living environment overall.

The layout remained largely the same to keep costs under control, but every element was upgraded to improve usability and long-term performance.

Project Execution

The project was completed over five weeks and involved a full bathroom upgrade.

Michelle and her team coordinated all trades, including builders, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, painters and flooring specialists.

The work included:

• Full demolition of the bathroom (excluding the floor)
• Removal of the shower-over-bath
• Installation of a new large walk-in shower
• Replacement of the vanity and toilet
• Installation of new wall linings (GIB), plastering, and painting
• Replacement of the damaged ceiling
• Installation of a new extractor fan
• Installation of a full home ventilation and heat recovery system
• New heated towel rail
• Plumbing adjustments and reconnections
• New vinyl flooring in the bathroom and toilet
• Installation of insulation

Every step was planned to improve safety, comfort, and durability without unnecessary costs.

Challenges Overcome

One challenge came up during the project when the team discovered that the toilet walls were made of hardboard instead of GIB. This meant the walls could not be plastered as originally planned. Instead of removing all the walls, which would have increased costs, the team found a smarter solution.

They removed only what was necessary and used trims to match the existing structure. This approach maintained a clean finish while keeping the project within budget.

Client Experience

The clients were clear about what they needed from the beginning, a safe and functional bathroom for their family.

Working with Oncore consultant Michelle Bowater and her team, they were able to achieve exactly that. The new shower design has made a big difference in daily use. It is now much easier and safer to access, removing the stress that came with the previous setup.

The added ventilation system has also improved the overall comfort of the home, reducing moisture and helping maintain a healthier environment. Because the team kept the process simple and efficient, the project was completed smoothly within the expected timeframe.

Final Thoughts

This project shows how small, focused upgrades can make a big impact on everyday living.

By improving safety, fixing moisture issues, and upgrading key features, the bathroom is now practical, modern and future-ready.

With a clear plan and smart decision-making, Michelle and her team delivered a solution that meets the needs of the family while staying within budget.

The result is a space that is not only safer but also more comfortable and enjoyable to use every day.