Top 7 Common Mistakes in Bathroom Renovations and How to Avoid Them

Bathroom renovations provide amazing opportunities to transform an outdated bathroom, modernize your space, and enhance the home’s value. However, with so much to consider during renovations, from plumbing fixtures to tile selection, it’s easy to overlook essential details during the planning phase. These mistakes can lead to functional mishaps, costly repairs, and, eventually, a bathroom that doesn’t meet its purpose.

To steer clear of these pitfalls, this guide explores the common mistakes homeowners often make when renovating their bathrooms, along with how to avoid them.

What’s Bathroom Renovation?

Bathroom renovation can be defined as the process of remodeling or updating a bathroom with modern facilities, thereby improving its functionality. This usually includes different activities such as repainting the entire space, replacing fixtures, altering the washroom’s layout, installing new plumbing and electrical equipment, and updating the finishes, among others.

These renovations are done for various reasons, depending on the owner’s specific needs and budget. Below are some common reasons for renovating a bathroom, including:

Modernization: Upgrading outdated or worn-out bathroom materials, finishes, and fixtures to create a more stylish look.
Improved Functionality: This involves implementing a washroom layout to accommodate the owner’s needs better, e.g., adding features like a double vanity or a larger shower.
More Accessible: Making minor to major changes to the washroom to enhance its accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.
Increased Value: Renovating a bathroom is among the best investments one can make in a home, as it significantly skyrockets its market value.

While all of these benefits and reasons for restroom renovations seem fascinating, they come with potential pitfalls. Because bathroom renovations involve complex plumbing systems, careful design choices, and numerous fixtures, homeowners are likely to make costly mistakes.

7 Bathroom Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Poor Planning and Budgeting

Before attempting any form of renovation, especially washroom renovations, it’s essential to have a proper plan and budget. Jumping into demolition without first having a clear plan or a realistic budget can lead to costly change orders, mismatched finishes, and an outcome that fails to meet its purpose.

How To Avoid This: Focus on creating a detailed plan that portrays the bathroom’s potential layout and consider the movement flow within the space. Consider ideal functionalities, including a soaking tub, double vanity, and walk-in shower. Ensure to research diverse materials, fixtures, and finishes to determine their functionality and cost.

Meanwhile, after creating a detailed plan, develop a realistic budget that covers material prices, labor costs, permits, and extra funds to tackle unforeseen expenses.

Not Hiring a Professional

A complex renovation that involves plumbing and electrical work requires the involvement of a professional. Attempting such activities yourself can befutile. Getting a professional for bathroom renovations Brisbane ensures adherence to building codes, the conduct of complex plumbing configurations, and a safe and functional outcome. In addition, professional contractors possess the experience and expertise to identify potential problems.

How To Avoid This: Get a qualified contractor with a proven track record in bathroom renovations. Seek referrals from friends, family, and online platforms, and ensure to interview several contractors to discuss their experience, approach, and project timelines. Ensure they are licensed and insured and remember to obtain detailed quotes outlining the scope of work, labor prices, and materials involved.

Ignoring Plumbing Needs

Neglecting to evaluate existing plumbing infrastructure or not considering future needs is a common mistake made during renovations. Not accommodating your current plumbing needs could result in costly rerouting or an inability to support features such as a powerful showerhead or a bidet.

How To Avoid It: Link up with a licensed plumber during the planning stage. This allows you to fully assess your plumbing needs and get advice on any necessary upgrades or rerouting. Homeowners can also discover their desired layout and functionalities with the plumber.

Selecting Wrong or Unsuitable Materials

Choosing materials that are not suitable for the high-moisture nature of a bathroom is detrimental. While beautiful hardwood floors might seem appealing, they are more likely to rot from constant water exposure. Additionally, using non-waterproof grout can serve as a breeding space for mold and mildew.

How To Avoid It: Opt for durable, water-resistant materials designed to withstand the environment. Invest in porcelain or ceramic tiles as they are ideal for shower walls and floors. Also, choose stone countertops as they offer superior durability and are moisture resistant.

Click here to read more on porcelain or ceramic tiles.

Furthermore, opt for vinyl flooring meant specifically for bathrooms. They are easy to clean, water-resistant, and come in diverse styles. Remember, when selecting the materials, consider functionality alongside aesthetics. Select slip-resistant tiles for shower floors and bathroom entrances to eliminate the chances of an accident.

Not Considering Storage

Some homeowners tend to underestimate storage needs during these renovations. Understand that bathrooms also double as storage grounds, with towels, toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies. A restroom without proper storage facilities or sections will feel cluttered.

How To Avoid It: Maximize storage by utilizing facilities such as built-in vanities with ample drawers and cabinets. Also, install wall shelves for decorative items and frequently used toiletries. Consider storage units such as corner shelves or over-the-toilet storage to maximize every nook and cranny.

Ignoring Lighting and Ventilation

A dimly lit washroom can be frustrating, while poor ventilation stimulates moisture buildup and potential mold growth. Some homeowners fail to provide adequate lighting and ventilation facilities during their bathroom renovations.

How To Avoid It: Adding layered lighting to create a spa-like ambiance in the bathroom and also, installing a bright overhead fixture for general illumination in the bathroom. Incorporate task lighting near the vanity to create lighting for activities like makeup application or teeth brushing. Furthermore, prioritize ventilation by adding a bathroom exhaust fan with a timer function. This helps remove moisture-laden air and prevent mold growth.

To read more on how to prevent mold growth in your bathroom, visit:

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-prevent-mold-in-bathroom-326859.

Lack of Moisture Accounting

Failure to use a moisture barrier behind tiles and shower enclosures during restroom renovations can lead to costly repairs and even potential structural damage.

How To Avoid It: Ensure proper waterproofing by utilizing a high-quality moisture barrier behind all tiled areas around the bathtub and the shower. A qualified contractor is more likely to use proper waterproofing techniques.

Final Words

Bathroom renovation can be a satisfying activity, but neglecting crucial steps can result in stressful and costly outcomes. By carefully planning your layout and budget, consulting qualified professionals like plumbers and contractors, opting for durable and water-resistant materials, and prioritizing proper ventilation and lighting, you can transform your washroom into a beautiful and functional space.