Renovating your bathroom can be a great way to add value to your home, but it’s also a potentially huge headache if you make the wrong decisions. Luckily, there are a number of common bathroom remodeling mistakes you can avoid to ensure a smooth remodel.
Picking the wrong materials
It’s often tempting to choose the most beautiful tile or fixtures you can find, but it’s important to consider how each will affect the look and feel of the space. For example, a marble countertop might look stunning, but the maintenance might be difficult to manage. Or, a shower door that doesn’t fit well with the tile might ruin the look of the room.
Choosing the right materials is critical to creating a bathroom that lasts and performs effectively for years to come. It’s especially important to get the correct type of material for your bathtub or shower pan, since these areas are prone to water damage and mold and mildew growth, warns Charmaine Wynter, design principal at Charmaine Wynter Interiors in Southlake, Texas.
Too much or too little lighting
You’ll likely want to install layered lighting in your bathroom. That means installing dimmable fixtures and additional sets of lights around the mirrors that can be turned on or off as needed.
But you’ll also need to think about where the light fixtures will be placed, ideally with enough room between them to allow for easy movement in and out of the bathroom.
This is particularly important if you’re changing the layout of your bathroom, notes J.R. Moorhead, a contractor who specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations. A plan that includes precise measurements, anticipated costs, and all materials will help you avoid any potential surprises down the road.
Mistakes with ventilation
A humid environment makes a bathroom a breeding ground for mold and mildew, so it’s essential to ensure your bathroom has adequate ventilation. To do this, you’ll need a fan that can move plenty of air, while being quiet at the same time.
It’s important to remember that fans don’t just reduce humidity, they also help move steam and odor away from the walls. Ultimately, this will protect your paint and grout from the buildup of harmful chemicals like chlorine and other disinfectants.
Hiring a professional
Whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor, don’t hire anyone without asking for references and checking reviews. Ask friends and family members for recommendations, look up the company’s online reviews, and trust your gut.
Then, you’ll know if the person you hired is trustworthy and can deliver on the quality you deserve.
Too little storage
One of the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes is skimping on storage for toiletries and towels. A small cabinet linked to the sink or medicine cabinet behind mirrors is a great solution for this problem, says Lovato.
It’s also a good idea to have shelves for decorative items and smaller toiletries. Not only does this save space, but it can be a great way to add some flair and personality to your bathroom.