Renovating your bathroom is a great experience. you can create your dream space for not only freshening up but also for relaxing. However, the process can easily get overwhelming without proper planning.
Many homeowners face unexpected expenses and needless anxiety when things go wrong due to poor planning, renovation errors, or poor choice of materials.
According to bathroom specialists completebathroomsolutions.com.au, one of the most important steps to a successful bathroom renovation is planning. A good plan helps you stay within budget, choose the right fixtures, and cater for any unexpected events.
In this post, we’ll share some of the common mistakes we see homeowners repeat during bathroom renovation projects. Hopefully, you’ll gain insight on what pitfalls to look out for on your next bathroom upgrade project.
Everything starts with a plan: the importance of proper planning
Any bathroom renovation project can have setbacks. You can minimize them by planning in advance.
Think about a moment when you’re brainstorming ideas for your ideal bathroom. You may have images in your mind, or you might have a mood board full of beautiful tiles and modern fixtures.
But in the absence of a clear strategy, these concepts are just mere illusions.
It is important to put those ideas into a plan while considering both the design you envision and your budget.
Having a budget and design on paper is just the first step in the planning phase though, and usually the shorter one.
What proceeds is what can really make or break your bathroom upgrade project.
The goal of our planning process is to provide accurate blueprints in advance. This guarantees that the likelihood of budget overruns is minimized.
Another major part of our planning process is creating a schedule that helps to keep everything on track. Along with budget miscalculations, schedule overruns are the other major pitfall of many renovation projects.
The common mistakes in bathroom renovation
Overlooking the budget: A costly error
There’s no doubt that renovating a bathroom is a costly affair. But you shouldn’t let this leave you broke after a project.
Some homeowners make the tragic mistake of taking shortcuts or underestimating costs. This can give you temporary wins but in the long term, the mistakes catch up and you end up paying more to fix the mistakes.
Tips to ensure you don’t overlook anything when making a budget for bathroom renovation:
Be realistic from the onset: You need to create a budget that is realistic from the start. Ensure that there is enough padding for unexpected expenses, as they will happen.
Set clear financial boundaries: Setting limits on money spent will prevent unforeseen expenses, and therefore unnecessary stress. It also ensures you have a smooth working relationship with your chosen contractor.
Save for the project in advance: It’s good to start planning for a renovation at least 12 months prior to start date. Invest a portion of your earnings for the project. Planning your finances well in time ensures less stress when you start the actual project.
Do price comparisons: To get the best deals on materials, fixtures, and labour, shop around and do price comparisons. You’ll find the best deals that suit your budget. You can get high quality fixtures at reasonable rates by shopping around.
Mistakes in bathroom design and layout
Neglecting bathroom functionality
Many times, we’ve seen homeowners getting so engrossed in aesthetics that they put functionality in the back seat. This can be a costly mistake afterwards when you need to make adjustments to make things work.
Your design (or redesign) and layout should focus on functionality and practicality first and foremost.
If you have children who need easier access to the bathroom, plan for that first. If you have elderly family members who need support to access and use the bathroom, put that in your design plan first.
Every scenario demands a layout that maximizes usability. Creating an inventory of essentials and optional items can help you maintain the focus on functionality during your renovation.
Also, take into account the storage requirements of your family. To achieve a well-designed bathroom, your redesign should account for ample space for storage of toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies.
Shelves or cabinets, for instance, make it easy to store bathroom essentials in a neat and organized way, so plan for these in your redesign.
Misjudging the amount of space: Size and proportion errors
The best bathroom fixtures can not make up for poor spatial planning.
It’s amazing how many homeowners don’t properly plan for the space they have.
Before you start your bathroom renovation project, take precise measurements of the available space.
You don’t want rooms filled with oversized fixtures or a design that creates confined spaces for walking.
Take into account the size of every element in your design. Toilets, bathtubs, and vanity units all come in different sizes. It makes sense to spend time on a design that allows ample ventilation and mobility.
Ensure that each element enhances the others, instead of overpowering the available space. Also, consider the visual impact of the fixtures in the bathroom.
In relation to space, plan for colours too. Bright colours and reflective elements give the impression of a more spacious room, while darker colours can make the bathroom feel more confined.
Add big mirrors if the space is small so that they create a sense of openness to your bathroom. Considering the placement of fixtures can greatly impact the overall design and functionality of the room.
Common plumbing mistakes during renovation
Ignoring the need for expert help
When it comes to a bathroom renovation project that will provide long-lasting results, it’s important to hire professional experts for quality and safety. Experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in plumbing, electrical work, and waterproofing.
DIY enthusiasts may neglect or perform these tasks incorrectly, which can result in expensive repairs or safety issues, despite the need for precision and compliance with building codes. This is dangerous work.
Additionally, professionals can offer valuable insights into design, layout, and material selection, enabling homeowners to strike the perfect balance between functionality and style. They can suggest solutions that are tailored to the space, such as maximizing storage or improving ventilation. This is something that an outside professional may not be aware of.
In addition, specialists have access to specialized tools and techniques that ensure the renovation is executed efficiently and with high-quality materials. They also help avoid common mistakes such as poorly aligned tiles, inadequate waterproofing or poor drainage systems…. with their expertise.
While doing it yourself seems reasonable and cheaper at first, you’re bound to make costly errors. When you let experts work for you, it gives peace of mind since professional services are typically covered by warranties and guarantees.
Finally, leaving professionals to do your bathroom renovation ensures a safe, durable, and attractive bathroom made to your desires.
Inadequate waterproofing: A hidden disaster
Imagine doing renovation works on your bathroom for several weeks, only to find a wet spot on the ceiling after many weeks.
Poor waterproofing can cause serious problems, including mould and structural damage, according to the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
Tips to avoid waterproofing disasters:
Ensure that the materials used for wet areas are appropriate and that proper waterproofing is carried out before finishing touches are installed.
You may want to consider investing in high-quality waterproof membranes, as well as letting experts do the work to ensure that your bathroom remains water-resistant. It’s much cheaper to prevent it than to deal with the aftermath.
Consider the long-term implications of choosing waterproofing. To illustrate, selecting a trustworthy brand with an enduring reputation can offer comfort and boost the durability of your renovation.
Keep in mind that even the slightest gaps can result in significant leakages over time, making careful consideration during waterproofing.
Routine maintenance assessments after the renovation can detect possible issues before they become costly repairs.
Poor choices in materials and fixtures
The lure of trendy, impractical designs
It’s good to pick inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest for your design but don’t get too carried away. Those pretty, trendy designs may not be practical for everyday use.
For example, a sink that is minimalist and lacks any storage space is incredibly attractive. The appearance is impressive, but the functionality it offers is minimal.
When selecting materials and fixtures, consider their durability and ease of cleaning. Gel tiles are fashionable, but they’re not as easy to clean.
In the same way, ensure that the fixtures you choose are robust and appropriate for bathroom usage. Always prioritise practicality. While trends will eventually fade, your bathroom’s functionality will make your experience there always smooth.
The trend of open shelving in bathrooms is particularly misleading. While this design creates a sense of openness, it frequently results in an atmosphere of disorder and disorganization. Dust easily accumulates on the open surfaces as well.
Built-in cabinets that contain toiletries and towels are a great option for keeping your space organized.
In all, a bathroom’s design should not only be stylish but also practical, as it should also offer a peaceful retreat, not just causing you to spend your day in frustration.
Skimping on quality: The long-term impact
Everyone wants to save as much as possible when it comes to renovating part of your house, but it doesn’t mean you should always opt for the cheapest materials.
Poor quality materials can cause cracking, fading or staining to occur much faster than you expected, according to Choice Australia.
While it may be more expensive to purchase high-quality materials initially, investing in their quality and style pays off in the end.
High quality materials ensure that you don’t get unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
The quality of the fixtures in your bathroom is crucial to its overall appearance.
Poorly made shower heads and taps can lead to water leaks, which have adverse environmental effects and impact on your water bill.
Trustworthy companies that offer warranties will ease your mind, and your bathroom will remain functional and beautiful for years to come.
Mistakes in lighting and ventilation
Underestimating the importance of good lighting
If the bathroom is well lit, it can add color and texture, but if not, poor lighting will make it look unsuitable for any design.
Insufficient lighting results in a congested and unpleasantly uncomfortable atmosphere. Rather than having a single overhead fixture, combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create ambiance.
Don’t ignore the power of natural light
There are many ways to experiment with lighting to get the most out of your investment. For instance, use task lighting near mirrors for routines like shaving and applying makeup.
Remember, you can use dimmable options to adjust your mood and time of day. Your lighting’s colour temperature plays a significant role in shaping the atmosphere.
Warmer and relaxing tones can create a cozy atmosphere that lasts all day, while cooler colours provide energized morning activities.
Overlooking proper ventilation: The mould risk
Finally, let’s focus on the importance of ventilation in a functioning bathroom, which is often overlooked.
The absence of ventilation can result in the retention of moisture, which can lead to mould and mildew formation. Not only does this damage your bathroom fixtures, but it also has negative effects on your health, according to Your Home, Australia.
To keep your bathroom dry, consider having an exhaust fan that is proportional to the size of your bathroom space. Ensure that the doors and windows are open for ventilation.
It’s a simple fact that you need to keep your bathroom ventilated, but it makes countless differences.
In addition, features such as humidity sensors can automate ventilation, turning on the fan when moisture increases, ensuring always dry conditions.[A].
Taking an extra step not only to ensure the safety of your toilet fittings but also to promote a healthier living by preventing respiratory problems that may be caused by dampness.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, bathroom renovations can be a rewarding experience. But you need to stay aware of these common pitfalls that have befallen a lot of homeowners.
Good planning and the use of expert services will ensure a smooth renovation experience overall.
FAQ
1. What’s a common mistake made when renovating a bathroom?
One major mistake homeowners make is not establishing a specific budget and schedule for the project.
2. What are the potential consequences of inadequate ventilation during bathroom renovation?
Moisture can accumulate and cause mould and fixture damage.
3. Can functionality outweigh style?
Yes, functionality should come first before aesthetics. A chic bathroom is useless if it does not function well.
4. Why do I need to hire plumbers and electricians?
Home-based DIY projects may pose safety risks and expensive repairs. Accredited specialists guarantee the task is executed with accuracy and safety.
5. What are some ways to save money on my bathroom renovation project?
Stick to a reasonable budget, prioritize crucial items while comparing bids from various contractors.
