What should you not do when remodeling a bathroom?
Whether you are just replacing an outdated vanity or renovating the entire space, bathroom remodeling can be an expensive proposition. Read on to find out the most common mistakes made during a bathroom renovation and how you can avoid them in your own home.
Ignoring the Bathroom Fan
Don’t forget about this often-overlooked feature: an appropriately sized bathroom exhaust fan. Without proper ventilation, humidity gets trapped in the enclosed space. Over time, this moist environment becomes the perfect home for mold and mildew, and allows paint, grout, and metal to deteriorate. Whether you already have a fan or add one in your renovation, make sure to vacuum the vent clean of construction dust and debris before switching the fan on in your updated space.
Lacking a Clear Plan
Planning is everything! Instead of discovering your bathroom’s specific needs after you’ve already ripped out the toilet, make a plan that takes into account precise measurements, anticipated cost, all materials, and your own personal taste. Map out your plan for any family members or contractors who will be helping you with the remodel.
Improper Spacing
If your plan for your bathroom renovation focuses on looks rather than function, that’s a big problem. Leave the decorating for later and think about the layout and spacing first. If you’re breaking down walls and moving plumbing fixtures, you’ll not only want to make sure the new layout satisfies building codes for minimal spacing guidelines, but also be certain that the placement of fixtures and furnishings allows for comfortable everyday use.
Choosing the Wrong Materials
Bathrooms undergo some serious stress—from high moisture levels to quick temperature shifts. To prevent warped or mildewed floors, walls, or vanities, you’ll want to choose materials designed specifically for the bathroom. When you’re spending lots of money to redo your space, it’s important to know that your wallpaper can survive high humidity and your wood vanity will stand the test of time.
Ignoring Bathroom Ventilation
A bathroom fan is often the last on the list of priorities when remodeling a bathroom. But poor ventilation has a domino effect. Moisture-laden air in the bathroom can cause pervasive mold or mildew that can ruin other remodeling work. Newer bathroom ventilation fans are a vast improvement over old ones. They are quieter, more powerful, and more effective. Heat lamps are another way to reduce moisture in your bathroom.
Entirely Doing the Bathroom Remodel Yourself
If you are handy with common household tools, you can probably take on projects like installing bathroom flooring, laying ceramic tile, painting walls, installing a bathroom vanity, adding a GFCI outlet, and even running branch circuits.
But when it comes to advanced activities such as building an entirely new shower stall, installing whole-bathroom wiring, or doing a premium-quality tile surround job, consider whether you are truly up to the job. Many bathroom remodeling projects will, in the end, be less expensive and less frustrating if you call in the professionals from the start.
The Dos and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel
Undertaking a bathroom remodel is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. For many homeowners, it’s a status symbol and one of the first times they can bring a substantial personal touch to their home. However, it’s a sizable investment, one big enough to make most people think twice before diving in unprepared.If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom, but need some help figuring out how to do it right, we’re here to help. Use the tips in this post as a guide for pulling off a successful remodel and you’ll have all the tools you need to bring your vision to life.
Do
- Do choose the right surfaces for a bathroom. The surfaces you choose for your bathroom remodel should not only contribute to the overall aesthetic, they should be able to handle plenty of moisture. Porcelain tile is a favorite among bathroom designers when it comes to not only flooring, but walls and sinks because it resists staining, bacteria and odors, according to Build Direct. A tip: Opt for larger tiles to minimize grout lines and make upkeep easier.
- Do remember to follow all local building codes and have inspections done. If your bathroom remodel is a DIY project, you may be tempted to skip the often-pricey permits and inspections. However, this may result in some costly mishaps down the road (faulty wiring that results in a fire or leaking plumbing leaking through your ceiling). If you hire a contractor, they generally handle permits and inspections.
- Do remember to add storage. While you may be tempted to cut out storage to go for a larger walk-in shower or a longer vanity, you may regret this decision later. When planning your bathroom remodel, consider where you’ll keep bathroom essentials, linens and first-aid items.
DON’T: Forget to consider your budget
Once you have your inspiration in mind, it’s incredibly important to be realistic about your budget. Consider how much money you have to spend, as well as how much your ideal project would cost. Though it may not be the most pleasant task to undertake, looking at your finances will help you get a sense of which aspects of a renovation are most feasible for you.
That said, there are a few things you can do to help keep your project affordable. Get quotes from a variety of contractors before deciding who to hire, consider doing some of the work yourself to save on labor costs, and look for wholesale stores in your community that will let you buy the materials at a discount.
DON’T: Go without storage
If there’s one feature of a bathroom remodel that doesn’t get much attention, yet is still appreciated, it’s storage. Whether you want to store extra toiletries or a few sets of guest towels, having them on hand whenever they’re needed is an incredible benefit.
If you have the room, consider bumping out a wall to include an extra storage closet and built-in shelving. Even if moving walls is outside your budget, find an organization unit that fits in with your aesthetic. Doing so will give your space a polished quality that’s well worth the added effort and expense.
DON’T: Skimp on the vanity
The bathroom vanity is another feature where you can make a big statement. Options that feature double sinks, large mirrors and plenty of storage are on-trend. If possible, opt for one with a luxe top in a material such as granite or marble to add even more visual interest to the space.
Keep in mind that you can always change up the look of your existing vanity, if needed. Giving it a new coat of paint is a relatively simple DIY project that will change the room’s look. You could also switch out the drawer pulls or even buy a new topper from a home improvement store to freshen up the bathroom’s aesthetic.