A bathroom remodel is one of the most rewarding projects when it comes to home improvement, adding comfort, personalization, and even enhancing your property’s value. You can transform your plain and boring bathroom into anything from sleek and modern to extravagant and vintage. However, there are a handful of mistakes that most homeowners make, like neglecting ventilation, choosing the wrong materials, or even skipping permit acquisition, that can ruin their whole project. If you or someone you know is planning on renovating their bathrooms any time soon, this is the perfect blog for you.
Tips From Experts: 10 Things To Watch Out For When Renewing Your Bathroom
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing ideas for what your bathroom is going to look like in a few weeks, and you’re just about ready to get started. But did you do thorough research? Are you sure you know everything you need to do and what to avoid?
Here are ten common mistakes that you should watch out for during your remodeling project.
- An Unrealistic Budget
We understand that the economy is tough and you’re pinching pennies wherever you can. But doing that in your remodeling project is not the smartest idea. Consider this project an investment instead of an expense, and have enough finances to buy high-quality materials and fixtures so that you don’t need repairs and replacements sooner rather than later. Also, don’t skip that 10-15% contingency fund for emergencies.
- An Unrealistic Timeline
Remember, major remodeling work cannot be timed with complete accuracy. Several things can go wrong, like delivery delays, holidays, and inclement weather, which can add a few extra days or weeks to your project. Always take the lead time your contractors give you with a grain of salt and prepare yourself mentally for a few extra weeks of waiting and inconvenience.
- Choosing The Wrong Material
Another widely repeated mistake. You may think that hardwood floors look classy, but did you think about what would happen to the floors due to all that moisture? Always select materials that can withstand high moisture levels to protect the time and effort that you put into your renewed bathroom.
- Ignoring Ventilation
Ventilation considerations are non-negotiable. Similar to the previous point, a poorly ventilated bathroom won’t just damage your floors and cabinetry, but will also smell bad. Always ensure that you have the right size exhaust fans for your bathroom to keep it fresh, dry, and comfortable.
- Skipping Permits
Another thing that people seem to forget is to approach local authorities. If you’re expanding your bathroom, changing the lighting, updating plumbing, or fixing the ventilation, you need approvals from your local authorities for building code regulations and safety, or pay hefty fines in the future.
- Overlooking Storage
When planning your bathroom remodel, keep a sharp eye on the storage situation. You’ll need somewhere to store all your makeup products, skincare items, and haircare. Ignoring this crucial aspect can lead to disorganized clutter all over your bathroom that can completely ruin the look of your bathroom.
- Improper Lighting
Most people think: One overhead light is enough.” Not true. You need to properly layer your lighting. Go for task lighting like sconces on either side of your vanity mirror to make shaving and make-up application easier, add shower lighting for safety, and even consider dimmers to create the perfect ambiance.
- Only Focusing On Design
We know how much you like a beautiful bathroom, but let’s not forget that it’s a room that serves practical functions. If you go for a bathtub but have trouble stepping over the ledge, well…, it might look pretty, but it’s not very practical, is it?
- Ignoring Accessibility
If this is your forever home, you need to take this aspect more seriously. Consider how the remodel will serve you in about twenty years. If you’re planning to grow old in this house, consider opening up doorways, installing a shower bench, and adding additional light fixtures to keep your bathroom comfortable as you age.
- Overlooking Maintenance
Another small yet important thing that people tend to overlook. Smaller tiles may seem pretty to you, but the additional grout lines are going to be a pain to clean in a few weeks or months. Go for larger tiles that are easier to clean and maintain so that you enjoy your bathroom to the fullest.
Conclusion
Remodeling your bathroom is a great idea to raise the value and charm of your property. But there are things like selecting the wrong lighting, having unrealistic timelines, and ignoring the storage that can take away from the project’s success. If you’re remodeling your bathroom in the near future, here are ten things you shouldn’t do.
FAQs
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
Depending on the scope of your project, it can take anywhere from 3-8 weeks.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
For an average bathroom remodel, expect to pay anywhere from $6,600 to $18,000.
Can I DIY my bathroom remodeling project?
While you can handle painting or even flooring if you have any DIY skills, you should go for expert technicians to handle electrical and plumbing work.
