When you are remodeling your bathroom, it’s important to avoid bathroom remodeling mistakes as much as you can. It’s not only because you spend lots of money for it, also you’d spend a significant amount of time for remodeling your bathroom.
In this blog, we have listed a few bathroom renovation mistakes you should be careful about.
Key Takeaways: Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes You Should Avoid
- Budget Realistically:Always allocate a buffer of 15-20% to handle unexpected costs during the remodeling process.
- Avoid Over-Spending on Expensive Options:While premium features like frameless glass showers or marble countertops enhance aesthetics and value, evaluate if the extra cost aligns with your budget and goals.
- Consider Repairs Over Replacements:Replacing fixtures is often more expensive than repairing them, particularly for deeply embedded elements.
- Choose Flooring Wisely:Opt for water-resistant materials like ceramic or porcelain tiles. Avoid wood-based flooring, which is prone to decay despite its appeal.
- Plan Practical Bathroom Layouts:Position the toilet in a less visible spot for a better visual experience when entering the bathroom.
- Engage Professionals:Consult interior designers or bathroom experts for cost-effective solutions, optimal material selection, and layout advice.
- Timeline Awareness:Bathroom remodels typically take six weeks, covering demolition, plumbing, tiling, and painting. Plan for temporary bathroom alternatives.
- Consider Seasonal Timing:Early spring is the ideal season for remodeling due to mild weather and greater contractor availability.
- Upgrade Outdated Fixtures:Replace inefficient or old fixtures, such as 20-year-old toilets, to improve water efficiency and overall functionality.
- Reduce Costs Smartly:Mix and match materials, prioritize necessary updates, and work with experts to avoid unnecessary expenses.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother, more efficient bathroom remodeling experience while minimizing costly mistakes.
Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes Lack
Jumping into a bad bathroom remodels project without enough of experience and being unprepared would definitely cost you much more money than you think. Bathrooms usually has small interiors, so if you make a mistake or step into the next part of your project without good planning you’d probably regret about it.
For example, if you design a toilet and then decide to move it a little bit to the right, the cost will increase. That’s why you should have a clear plan and prepare well.
Therefore, you should make sure about the design you want and have a well prepared plan before you call an Interior Design Company.Elegant Kitchen And Bath
Having an Unrealistic Budget
An unrealistic budget is one of the most common bathroom remodel mistakes. Although it is common for remodelers to be under budget for their project, they always have a buffer of at least 15-20% for variations or surprises.
For example, if something goes wrong with demolition it might increase the planned time and cause lots of problems. That’s where your buffer eases the cost.
Choosing Expensive Options
It is true what they say that “You get what you pay for”. If you talk to an interior designer in our team, you’d probably be informed about some process details and range your cost by getting advices from a professional.
For example, attractive and solid frameless glass showers may take your home value much higher. If the framed shower option seems a good fit, you need to ask yourself whether spending extra for a frameless variant is worth it.
Further, the same goes for high-end paints, stone floors, marble countertops and any other premium products that might increase cost.
Replacing Instead of Repairing
If you talk to an experienced interior designer (especially a bathroom designer) they would probably tell you that replacing elements in interior usually costs much more than repairing them. For example, if the bathroom may be deeply embedded in the home then removing demolished material becomes much difficult process.
Overlooking the Bathroom Ventilation
Bathroom ventilation is the last thing in most people’s minds during bathroom remodeling. However, a vent fan is a necessary bathroom upgrade. Too much moisture in the bathroom can result in perilous mildew or mold capable of ruining other remodeling work. Therefore, one of the best ways to keep bathroom moisture under control is using heat lamps. Bathroom ventilation fans can further help scale down moisture in your bathroom. Talk to your bathroom remodeling contractor about the available options.
Installing the Wrong Flooring
As any bathroom remodeler/designer will tell you, not all flooring fits well for your bathroom installation. The best kind of bathroom floor is the one that sheds water, such as ceramic tile, porcelain tile or vinyl plank. Also solid hardwood, laminate flooring and engineered wood are not the best. This is because wood-based floors are likely to decay in spite of their enviable beauty.
You will notice that professional bathroom designers often use sealed stone. This is for a good reason because the sealing locks out moisture. Make sure to ask your bathroom designer about the best floor type suits for your bathroom to avoid problems you might have in the future.
Lackluster Lighting Design
Lighting should never be left as an afterthought in a bathroom design project. Besides elevating your bathroom’s appearance, a good lighting system also improves functionality. If your bathroom isn’t well-lit, it could give off a drab and dingy feel, something you don’t want in a convivial and clean environment.
Given how important good lighting is when residents shave, apply make-up, or cleanse, homeowners should give plenty of thought to create a layered lighting design.
Doors that Swing and Slam
Another common mistake concerning most bathroom remodeling mistakes solve projects in the early stages is being forgot the door swing clearance and the bathroom layout. If you open these doors and hear them slam against something, it tells you that you may not have been careful enough with your placement planning.
Sometimes, you can’t fix this problem if you have really small bathroom. As an option to traditional swinging doors, you can consider sliding or pocket doors.
Having a Toilet in Full View
Although the toilet is one of the most important things in a bathroom, it should not be the first and most noticeable thing you see when you enter the bathroom.
Because of that, you should consider placing toilet in a space that you can’t easily and clearly see when you enter the bathroom.
FAQs for Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes
What is the hardest part of a bathroom remodel?
The hardest parts of a bathroom remodel include planning, demolition, dust control, and visualizing the final result. Managing the project schedule and living without the bathroom during renovation can also be challenging. Proper planning, preparation, and realistic expectations are crucial for overcoming these difficulties.
What is the first thing to do in a bathroom remodel?
The first step in a bathroom remodel is thorough planning. This involves creating a detailed design, setting a realistic budget, and deciding on materials and fixtures. It’s essential to have a clear vision of the final result before starting any demolition or construction work.
How many days should it take to remodel a bathroom?
A typical bathroom renovation project takes around six weeks to complete. This timeframe includes demolition, plumbing, electrical work, plastering, tiling, and painting. However, the duration can vary depending on the scope of work and any unforeseen issues that may arise during the remodel.
Should I replace my toilet during a remodel?
Replacing your toilet during a remodel is often recommended, especially if it’s outdated or inefficient. New toilets can improve water efficiency, enhance aesthetics, and provide better comfort. If you’re already updating other bathroom fixtures, it’s an opportune time to upgrade your toilet as well.
Should I replace my 20-year-old toilet?
Replacing a 20-year-old toilet is generally advisable. Newer models are more water-efficient, using 1.6 gallons per flush or less compared to older models that use up to 7 gallons. Modern toilets also offer improved performance, comfort, and design options. However, if your current toilet functions well and meets your needs, replacement isn’t mandatory.
What is the best time of year to remodel a bathroom?
Early spring is generally considered the best time to remodel a bathroom. The weather is milder, allowing for easier material transport and less heat loss. Contractors are typically less busy than in summer, making scheduling easier. Completing the remodel before summer also allows you to enjoy your new bathroom during vacation season.
How can I reduce the cost of remodeling a bathroom?
To reduce bathroom remodeling costs, consider repurposing existing fixtures, opting for standard-sized items, and using budget-friendly alternatives to high-end materials. Plan efficiently by keeping the plumbing layout the same to avoid costly reconfigurations. A thorough plan and insisting on guaranteed pricing from contractors can also help avoid unexpected expenses.
How many years should a bathroom last?
Most experts agree that a bathroom typically lasts between seven to ten years before requiring an upgrade. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the quality of materials used, frequency of use, and maintenance. Regular upkeep can extend a bathroom’s lifespan, while neglect may necessitate earlier renovations.
Should I remodel kitchen and bathroom at same time?
Remodeling your kitchen and bathroom simultaneously can offer several benefits. It can save time and money in the long run, create a more cohesive design throughout your home, and take advantage of economies of scale in purchasing materials. Additionally, it minimizes disruption to your daily life by consolidating construction periods.
Should you use same countertop in kitchen and bathroom?
Using the same countertop in the kitchen and bathroom is not necessary, but it can create a sense of coherence and flow throughout your home. However, mixing countertops allows for greater personalization and can cater to the specific functional needs of each space. The decision ultimately depends on your personal style and practical considerations.
When remodeling a bathroom do you do the floor first?
The order of bathroom remodeling tasks can vary, but generally, it’s recommended to start with any structural or plumbing changes before moving on to flooring. This prevents potential damage to new floors during other renovation work. However, the specific order may depend on your project’s unique requirements and your contractor’s preferred approach.
Should all bathrooms look the same in a house?
Bathrooms in a house do not need to look the same. While some homeowners prefer a cohesive look, others enjoy giving each bathroom its own identity. Consider coordinating with nearby rooms for a more intentional design, but feel free to explore different styles in each bathroom. The master bath and powder room, in particular, can be great spaces to showcase your personal style.
Elegant Kitchen and Bath offers kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement remodeling and home addition remodeling services across a broad area, including
Herndon, Chantilly, Centreville,Reston, Sterling, GreatFalls, Ashburn, Fairfax, McLean, Manassas, Haymarket, Burke,
Vienna, Falls Church, Annandale, Springfield, Alexandria and Arlington.
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