Renovating your bathroom is exciting, but there are a few common pitfalls that can turn your dream space into a source of frustration. All of us can get caught in these common mistakes in the bathroom remodeling process. Knowing what to watch out for can help you avoid these errors and keep your project on track.
1. Poor Layout Planning
It’s easy to get caught up in choosing tiles and fixtures, but if the layout doesn’t make sense, your bathroom won’t function well. For example, placing the toilet too close to the shower is the most common bathroom remodeling mistake. Having the sink in an awkward spot is another mistake which can make daily routines feel cramped. Avoid these by thinking through the flow of the space early on. A well-planned layout should make everything within easy reach while allowing enough room to move comfortably.
2. Neglect Storage in your Bathroom
A beautifully designed bathroom can quickly lose its appeal if there’s nowhere to store your essentials. Without sufficient storage, your countertops become cluttered with your skin care products, hair styling products, and things like towels and toiletries end up scattered everywhere. So don’t forget the importance of the storage from the beginning in your bathroom renovation project and consider how much storage you need in relation to your stuff.
The key is to build smart storage solutions in your bathroom’s limited space. You can achieve this by incorporating cabinetry, floating shelves, or shower niches.
3. Inadequate Ventilation
Bathrooms are naturally humid spaces, and without proper ventilation, that moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and even structural damage over time. Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook the importance of a good exhaust fan or assume a small window will do the job. If you want to protect your walls and prevent long-term damage in your bathroom, consider a high-quality exhaust fan that’s appropriately sized for your bathroom to ensure it removes all moisture efficiently.
4. Choosing the Wrong Materials
Bathrooms are exposed to constant moisture. For instance, some types of wood or porous stones might warp or crack over time in a moist environment. Renovating or remodeling bathrooms is something that might happen once every 10 years, so try to choose high-quality material and go with material that is durable against water, like porcelain tiles, quartz countertops, or moisture-resistant paint. These choices will help your bathroom stand up to humidity while maintaining its look over the years.
5. Underestimating the Budget
One of the biggest surprises in a renovation is unexpected costs. You might run into plumbing issues, discover hidden water damage, or realize that your dream fixtures are more expensive than planned. Always set aside extra room—about 10-15% of your total budget—for these unexpected expenses. That way, when surprises arise, you’ll be prepared to deal with them without going over budget.
6. Poor Lighting Choices
Bad lighting can make even the most beautiful bathroom feel gloomy. Using overhead lights exclusively can often result in shadows, which is not functional for some tasks like shaving or applying makeup. Layering is the only way that you can add ambient where needed and create functional lighting. By placing sconce lights on the side of the bathroom mirror and accent lights, you remove the dark and murky look and get more control over the level of ambience, which ensures your bathroom is functional for all your needs, no matter the time of day.
7. Following Trends Too Closely
Trendy design elements might look great at first, but they can quickly feel dated. Diving into the latest fad could be a big mistake in bathroom remodeling. Instead, choose timeless fixtures and designs that smartly fit day trends and also your style. To add trendy touches, you can use accents like paint colors, textiles, or accessories. This way, you can easily update your bathroom without committing to a full remodel every few years.
8. Taking on DIY Tasks Without Expertise
You may tempting to do some parts of the renovation to save money, but some tasks, like plumbing and electrical work, are better left to the experts. Trying to handle these jobs on your own can lead to costly mistakes or, even worse, safety hazards.
Although working with too many different contractors can be a big NO in your projects, in some cases, it should be entrusted to experienced hands to get the job done right the first time.
By staying aware of these common bathroom renovation mistakes and addressing them during the planning phase, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and money down the road. Thoughtful choices around layout, materials, and budget will set you up for a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but functions perfectly for years to come.
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