Remodeling the bathroom is a great way to freshen up your space and add value to your home, but it’s easy to get way over your head as you run into unexpected challenges along the way. With a little planning, prep, and outside help, however, you can have a smooth remodel that ends in a beautiful, functional new bathroom.
Today’s post will walk you through 10 common bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid—and the 10 things you should do instead.
1. Planning Poorly
Choose a theme and layout, select materials (including when and where you’ll get them), set a budget, establish deadlines, etc., so you can avoid unexpected delays, budget overruns, or a messy final look. Working with a professional contractor can help you streamline this planning process and make sure you don’t miss any key points.
2. Mismanaging the Budget
There’s nothing worse than having a half-finished bathroom because you ran out of money mid-project or needed to cut corners to stay within budget. Before you dive into your bathroom remodeling project, price out services and materials and set a realistic budget you know you can stick to. It’s also wise to set up a contingency fund in case you run into surprise expenses.
3. Skimping on Quality Materials
It can be tempting to opt for cheaper, lower-quality materials to reduce costs now, but they’re often less durable (and less pretty!). To avoid an unpolished look or increased spending on repairs or replacements down the road, invest in long-lasting materials now. Ask your contractor for recommendations of durable, moisture-resistant materials that match your theme.
4. Neglecting Proper Plumbing
Poorly installed or outdated plumbing can cause leaks, blockages, or inefficiencies that lead to frustrating plumbing and costly repairs. You can sidestep these issues by consulting a professional before making significant layout changes to check that your bathroom remodeling design is both functional and reliable.
5. Forgetting Accessibility
It may not come to the forefront of your mind when planning your remodel, but bathrooms are notorious for being difficult for older individuals or those with mobility difficulties to navigate. Features like grab bars, walk-in showers, and wider doorways can all make your bathroom more accessible and ensure it stays functional for your family for years to come.
6. Choosing Style Over Functionality
Choosing trendy lights or a unique layout is fun, but the excitement can wear off quickly when it turns out your bathroom looks great but is terrible to get ready in. Make a list of things you need for a functional bathroom, such as sufficient counter and storage space or accessible fixtures.
7. Ignoring Ventilation
Proper ventilation is an absolutely crucial aspect of bathroom remodeling. Without it, you’re likely to experience mold and mildew buildup, damage to fixtures, and poor air quality in your bathroom. Double-check with your contractor about local codes and make sure you install the right size and kind of exhaust fan and have sufficient ventilation throughout the space.
8. Choosing Bad Lighting
Selecting the right lighting goes beyond just picking pretty fixtures that match your decor. Try to layer lighting with ambient, task, and accent lights, and consider using dimmable fixtures so you can adjust light as needed. This will help you steer clear of the weird shadows, unflattering light, and uninviting atmosphere that can come from bad lighting.
9. Underestimating Storage Needs
There never seems to be enough room to store towels, makeup, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, cleaning supplies, etc., so don’t be stingy with the storage space—you’ll just end up with a cluttered countertop. As you plan your layout, find creative ways to include cupboards, shelves, and built-in vanity storage in your bathroom remodeling.
10. Skipping Help from Professional Contractors
Trying to do your entire remodel on your own or getting amateur help can be a recipe for delays, expensive mistakes, and overall poor craftsmanship. Plumbing, electrical, and other complex tasks all require skilled expertise to ensure both functionality and safety, making it worth it to pay a little more for experienced professionals who know how to do the job right.
Bring Your Bathroom Remodeling to Life with Bell Cow
At Bell Cow, we make sure all of your bases are covered. With us, you can always expect detailed planning and careful execution. You don’t have to worry about any of the classic mistakes—we’ll take good care of your property, use quality materials, and do everything we can to create the perfect bathroom for your home.
To chat with a team member or get started on your bathroom remodeling, just give us a call.