The Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling a Bathroom

Bathroom remodels are not something you do every year. Sure, you can make some smaller updates but a big renovation project requires a larger budget and more time. With that in mind, you want to ensure this endeavor is done right. To make sure you are not faced with an even bigger problem that you have to fix, you want to avoid the following mistakes.

Not knowing why you want to remodel

A mistake many people make when remodeling their bathroom is not knowing why they want to do such a thing. So, start by thinking about what you are hoping to achieve with this project. Do you need more space? Are you looking to add more features? Do you want to improve the functionality or the aesthetics of the room? Are there any structural issues or is it only the look of the bathroom that you don’t like? Is your goal to boost the value of your home because you are putting it on the market in the near future? Answering these questions and discussing them with your family members and contractors should ensure you are not rushing into this headfirst.

Being unrealistic about the funds at your disposal

Once you have a better understanding of what you want to do with your bathroom, you need to pay attention to your budget. It might be interesting to come up with a plan for a luxurious bathroom that you always dreamed of but you have to be realistic about your budget. As ambitious as you might be, that dream is not becoming a reality if you don’t have the necessary funds. Therefore, make a list of things you need and want, see how much they would cost, and then see what doesn’t fit into your budget. It’s not uncommon for people to overspend in one area and then not have enough money to cover other aspects of the renovation. That often leads to them cutting corners and having a subpar end product. Moreover, you want to budget around 20 percent for unplanned expenses.

If you are on a leash budget-wise, opting for a concrete sink for your bathroom will make a huge difference. They can also be customized to your heart’s will and can spice up your bathroom interior.

Not shopping around

Whether you choose to hire contractors or do this on your own, you should not settle for the first thing you stumble upon. For example, builders’ quotes are various. Some might be very affordable while others might be out of your price range. So, look into each builder, find some reviews and references, and see which one would be able to build you your dream bathroom. What is more, know that there is no guarantee that the most expensive contractor will give you the best results and vice versa. The same approach goes for purchasing wall and floor tiles, fixtures, cabinets, and all other items you will need for the bathroom. Check out a few stores to see which ones have the biggest offer and the best prices.

Missing out on sales and discounts

While looking for the best offers when it comes to supplies, you want to keep an eye out for various sales and discounts. For example, if there is no need for the renovation to happen straight away, you can wait a couple of months and get a great deal for Black Friday. Check a supplier’s website on a regular basis to see whether there is a sale coming up. Furthermore, many builders get trade discounts so perhaps you and the contractor you’ve hired can come to an agreement so that you get a certain piece for a lower price.

Falling in love with a showroom bathroom

Exploring all options is always recommended but you have to be wary of not being seduced by a showroom. A statement freestanding tub and eye-catching couples’ sinks can always draw attention to themselves. But, these displays are always carefully put together so that they never seem cramped. The bathroom might look perfect but keep in mind that your home most likely doesn’t have the same dimensions and it will feel either overstuffed or too empty if you purchase every single thing from the showroom. Plan according to the room you are working with in order to get the best results.

Overestimating your skills

Many people think that just because they can fix some small issues around the house or because they’ve watched hundreds of home renovations shows, they can tackle a bathroom remodel on their own. Sure, there are some tasks like changing the faucets and even retiling the bathroom that you can probably do on your own or with some help from a YouTube tutorial. However, bigger projects like changing the layout or changing the pipes should be handled by professionals. Fortunately, if you live in Australia’s capital, you can always rely on trustworthy Canberra plumbers to ensure everything is done properly. That way, you will not have to do everything all over again once you discover a leak because you failed to install the pipes correctly.

Unnecessarily changing the layout

Speaking of changing the layout, you have to be sure that this is the right move. This project typically requires new plumbing, new electrical work, and moving all the fixtures around, which can be very pricey. Moreover, if done improperly, it can only cause you more problems down the line, whether it’s due to improper spacing or poor plumbing. Before you start knocking down and ripping out fixtures, check with a plumber and builder whether your plan makes sense. Of course, if the current layout simply isn’t working, changing things up will make it more functional but only if you consult with professionals that will ensure you are not making any crucial mistakes.

Choosing the wrong elements

Purchasing everything you see in a showroom is not the only way how you can get the wrong elements. There are many other things to keep in mind. For example, you don’t want to switch up floor and wall tiles. Make sure you check with the supplier that you are getting the right ones. Then, the sanitaryware you choose is also important as you can purchase a tub that is too big for the space you are working with, forget about the bath tap positioning, or get a showerhead without a hand shower. Lastly, don’t try to make your bathroom too trendy. It’s best to go for a classic look that you will not have to redo the following year. Opt for neutral shades and add some personality with accessories that are easy to swap out, like towels, mats, and plants.

Overlooking wood finishes

Besides getting the wrong type of tile, a mistake you could make is forgetting to treat the wood you use. Whether you opt for a hardwood floor, a statement wall with wood paneling, or a wooden vanity, you should apply a treatment that will protect them from water and humidity. If you overlook this step, you could be faced with wood rot and have to redo most of your bathroom.

Forgetting about storage

One of the most common mistakes people make when renovating their entire home, not just the bathroom, is allowing storage to slip their minds. It often seems like there are not that many things that go into the bathroom and that there is no special need to focus on storage. However, there are towels, toiletries, spare toilet paper rolls, and many more things that you will need to fit into the bathroom. You surely don’t want to have to improvise in terms of storage or have everything out in the open. That is why you need to include storage in your plans. Whether it’s in the form of vanity with several drawers, hooks, and racks, hidden compartments behind the mirror, or built-in shelves, you should make the most of the space you are working with.

Disregarding ventilation

As humidity makes the bathroom the ideal space for mold to grow, you cannot disregard the importance of ventilation. In some cases, having a window can be enough but adding an extractor is never a bad idea. If you don’t have a window in the bathroom, investing in a quality extractor is of the essence.

Improperly illuminating the space

Illumination is also something that is often overlooked in the bathroom but just thinks about it. You want lights that are bright enough so that you can put on your makeup or shave easily. You also want the ability to tone them down when taking a relaxing bubble bath. This means that layering the lights and adding a dimmer switch is vital. Add task lights around the mirror and a statement overhead piece like a pendant, for instance.

Not thinking about the future

Finally, if this is your forever home, you also have to think about the future. If you’re a young married couple that plans on having kids, a bathtub is essential. If you plan on growing old in this home, you have to ensure you can add grab handles, non-slip surfaces, and other features that will make it easier to use the bathroom.

While there are many mistakes you could make while remodeling your bathroom, don’t let that discourage you from taking this step. If you’re unsure about which move is the best, it’s always good to consult with the experts in the field who will ensure your bathroom is functional and timeless.