10 Bathroom Remodel Errors You Should Avoid

Bathroom remodel errors come in many sizes, colors, and shapes. Many of the worst bathroom designs are not necessarily outdated but tend to occur when function is not considered as important as style. A bathroom is meant to serve a specific purpose which is achievable with a pleasant ambience as well as an attractive aesthetic.

Having a clear plan and a trusted partner at the beginning of your bathroom remodel project can assist you in foreseeing and preventing the usual bathroom remodeling mistakes. Although textures, style, and colors are mostly subjective, we have listed 10 of the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes below and all should be avoided.

1.     Lack of a Clear Plan
2.     Improper Layout and Spacing
3.     Not Considering Storage
4.     Not Paying Attention to Direction of Water Flow
5.     Neglecting Futureproofing
6.     Poor/Inadequate Ventilation
7.     Improper Materials
8.     Lifeless Lighting
9.     Improperly Installed Bars
10.   Budget Underestimation

Lack of a Clear Plan

It is acceptable to dream big during your first meeting with a professional design team. However, if your incredible dream cannot be interpreted into a clear, actionable plan, you will be destined for failure from the beginning. This bathroom remodel error will likely cause you added time, stress, and money.

Look on the bright side, you should not embark upon creating a plan by yourself. Working with a crew of design experts that utilize a particular bathroom remodeling process is best. If you share your initial vision, it is then a team effort from that point forward.

Ultimately, if you are modifying the footprint of your bathroom, or you are moving the plumbing around, it’s crucial to have this information from the start. When determined in the middle of a project, these changes will result in major expenses and delays.

Improper Layout and Spacing

Bathroom designs that only prioritize looks and do not consider function are the worst. This bathroom design error can cause building code issues in addition to major functional issues. Maintain appropriate layout and spacing, especially if you are demolishing walls or relocating plumbing fixtures. Keep the distance of each element from the other in mind.

Inadequate spacing does not only apply to your fixtures but also to your furnishings. One bathroom trend most frequently enlisted that of an uncluttered space. If you are dealing with a small space to begin with, there are manners in which to achieve your perfect remodel while simultaneously maximizing storage and space in tiny bathrooms.

Not Considering Storage

If you wish to preserve the same footprint (and it is a smaller one), check with your design professional about how to maximize your storage space. While a minimalist design may be trendy, you may wish to include space for personal item and linen storage.

If you cannot live without a pedestal sink, be sure to make plans for arrangement and storage of items that previously sat on or in your cabinetry.

Neglecting Water Flow Direction

This specific bathroom remodeling error may take many forms and it is crucial to pay it attention during the planning process. Poorly designed bathrooms may lead to a variety of water problems.

Inadequate layout and spacing may impact the drainage system of your bathroom. It is essential to pay attention to the flow direction of used water.  Think about shower tile. Is it properly angled to flow towards the drain?

How about your shower head and glass shower door placement? Is it necessary to get into the shower physically (and get wet) in order to turn it on? If your shower is a large walk-in, have you included a hand-shower as well? Handheld shower heads are a convenience when showering as well as when cleaning the shower walls.

Neglecting Future proofing

The very worst bathroom designs are those designs that are not functional nor safe for bathroom users. The inclusion of flat walk-in showers, grab handles, and non-slip surfaces are merely a few remodeling ideas to create a more accessible bathroom.

If the immediate incorporation of these features does not seem important, you may still leave space to include these elements at a later date. Collaborate with your design expert and bathroom remodeling contractors to transform your dream bathroom into a reality for both the present you as well as the future one.

Poor/Inadequate Ventilation

If this bathroom design mistake is not avoided, you might be suffering through another one in the relatively near future thanks to the extreme moisture and potential mold growth. An adequately-sized exhaust fan is crucial. In the absence of proper ventilation, you trap in humidity and spur the possible growth of mildew and mold.

Not only is the air quality impacted but paint, grout, and metal fixtures tend to deteriorate in excessive humidity.

Improper Materials

One large part of a bathroom remodel is material selection. This is a bathroom remodel mistake that has nothing to do with bathroom trends to avoid, and all to do with the quality and content of the actual materials not being correct for a bathroom.

Rapid temperature changes and higher moisture levels call for specific materials. Collaborate with your design professional and bathroom remodeling contractors to select materials that will not end up mildewed or warped.

Lifeless Lighting

One commonly encounters smart light fixtures along the sides of a mirror. Pay close attention to the light that actually shines through your elegant sconce. The wrong lighting might even cast strong shadows when you are looking at yourself in the mirror.

Take the positioning of your light fixtures and the size of your vanity into consideration. Are you forfeiting more light fixtures in order to have a fancy mirror? Consider and compare the pros and cons with your design expert, and you will straighten out this common bathroom remodeling error.

Improperly Installed Bars

Inadequately installed grab bars and towel bars are a common bathroom design mistake that can not only be annoying, they can also be hazardous. Properly anchoring grab bars and towel bars is crucial. When possible, design the bars placement prior to installing new drywall in order for extra reinforcement to be included. This way, they will have necessary added support, maintaining your safety as well as the beauty of the walls.

Budget Underestimation

There is a reason this one is last. Perhaps you made your way through the common bathroom remodeling mistakes and they prompted an element or consideration you had not considered. These unanticipated expenses may add up quickly. Be honest about your budget when you are starting your bathroom remodeling process. It is crucial to comprehend your baseline as you move forward with discussions with bathroom remodeling contractors in order for you to make necessary adjustments.

A family-owned business that meets your requirements

Avoid these common bathroom remodeling mistakes by collaborating with a team of professionals. Seek a bathroom remodeling contractor with the knowledge and skill built only through vast experience over decades, a reputation for quality, and real values.  Identifying them is important, even before you get started.  The more professional input, the better the value and function of your bathroom remodeling project.