8 Mistakes You Must Avoid in a Bathroom Renovation

The fear that homeowners have is spending money on a bathroom renovation only for everything to turn out poorly. Regardless of how big or small your bathroom renovation project is, you must plan everything carefully to avoid costly mistakes. One of the key things you should do is to hire a professional to help with the project. An experienced bathroom contractor will help minimize mistakes before, during and after the renovation. Find a contractor that has completed projects that are similar to what you want. Away from that, here are a few common mistakes you should avoid during a bathroom renovation.

DIY waterproofing 

In a bathroom renovation, there are a couple of steps that cannot be DIY. This is more so when it comes to waterproofing. The bathroom is a room prone to high moisture as well as lots of water. This means waterproofing is vital to avoid problems. Attempting DIY waterproofing or not working with a certified professional will only force you to redo the entire renovation. The last thing you want is for your bathroom to have a weird smell because water is leaking into inaccessible places and causing mould growth. You also don’t want to pay high water bills due to leaking toilets and showers.

To avoid repeat work or headaches down the line, you must always work with a certified contractor to help with waterproofing. Their work will ensure you get everything installed right the first time and prevent issues in the future.

Poor ventilation 

Even with proper waterproofing, the lack of adequate ventilation will lead to problems. The key to preventing the growth of mould is to install proper ventilation. The last thing you want to see after a complete renovation is black speckles growing or paint bubbling due to high moisture levels in the bathroom.

While saving money is everyone’s goal, you don’t want to invest in low budget fans in your bathroom. You need to invest in proper fans. It is suggested that bathroom fans run for at least 15 minutes after you take a shower to reduce condensation.

Installing trendy fixtures 

In a home renovation, it is common for homeowners to research what is trending for the specific space they want to renovate. While this is okay in some aspects, in the bathroom, you should stay away from the trending fixtures. The classic options are the best way to go. This is because you never renovate your bathroom as often. Installing trending vanities may cause your bathroom to be outdated two years from now. To avoid having to renovate your bathroom every few years, stick with simple or classic fixtures.

If you wish to remain up-to-date with the times, you should consider decorating your bathroom with trendy fixtures and not installing them. There are so many trendy items you can buy to achieve an up-to-date look.

Using the wrong materials 

Bearing in mind that the bathroom is prone to high moisture levels, when choosing materials for the bathroom you must stick to the waterproof ones. Non-waterproof materials will swell, rot or discolour over time. You will also have to deal with a mould problem when you use non-waterproof materials for your bathroom.

If you plan on using porous stone or hardwood, you must make sure that the material is sealed properly to keep it from collecting moisture. Even when working with a professional, you must always double-check to make sure all the materials being used in your bathroom are waterproof. This includes the wall paint, fixtures and flooring.

Unsuitable lighting 

The bathroom is a small space; thus, lighting it can be somewhat tricky. For one, you don’t want to over-light the space or have it too dim. You should install proper lighting that helps you tend to your daily pampering. A good trick is to install a pot light in the shower. These lights offer great lighting in the area without taking up a lot of space. Wall sconce lights on either side of the mirror will cast fewer shadows on your face. The rule of thumb is to plan where you want to place the bathroom lights to get the best results.

Not committing to a theme

When you want to renovate your bathroom, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the many options available. The options range from stand-up showers and copper tubs to pedestal sinks and floating vanities. To keep yourself from being overwhelmed with the options, it is good to commit to a theme. The key is to start with a wide search, then narrow your options down to a single theme that impresses you the most.

Rushing the process 

A bathroom renovation takes time. It will take between 4 and 6 weeks for the project to be completed. It may even take longer depending on the materials and design you want. While renovating the home can be inconvenient for you and your household, you must never rush the process. Rushing your contractor will only lead to more problems. You should give the contractor ample time to handle the renovation. To keep the project from lagging on for weeks, always ask for a timeframe before the contractor starts working.

Having an unrealistic budget 

Last but not least, you have to be honest about your budget. It is good to stick with what you can afford. When you overspend, you will find yourself cutting corners, and you will not be happy with the final results. Moreover, to be on the safe side, budget an extra 10 to 20 percent for surprise expenditures.

The bathroom is the space you spend a fair amount of time in. You want to make sure it is as welcoming and functional as possible. You also don’t want to keep updating it every few months. Hiring the right bathroom professional and avoiding the above mistakes during a renovation will help you get everything right the first time.