5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes

While a bathroom remodel may be a fresh opportunity to change the feel of your bathroom, it also comes with a variety of different problems and challenges that you need to know how to overcome.

If you have been turning down the pages of magazines with pictures of beautiful bathrooms that you love, you may be considering a bathroom remodel.  Whether your bathroom is out of date or you just need a change or want to update the look or fixtures, a bathroom remodel can give your bathroom a fresh start.    A bathroom remodel is a fun opportunity to completely change the look and feel of your bathroom, but, it presents a number of challenges as well.  For someone who is not experienced in remodeling projects or bathroom design, a bathroom remodel can quickly turn into a problem because mistakes are easy to make.  Below, we discuss the 5 most common bathroom remodel mistakes, and, how to avoid them.    If you can avoid these common mistakes, you will have a wonderful, functional and luxurious bathroom to enjoy after your remodel.

1. Incorrect Budgeting
   • Everyone wants to save money wherever possible when remodeling, but, it is important to set a realistic budget.  Bathroom remodels can be expensive so you need to budget appropriately and even give yourself a little wiggle room if possible.  You never know if something unforeseen will arise and you want to have room to breathe if it does.  Don’t try to overextend your budget, plan for what you do have so that you can have a successful and stress-free bathroom remodel.
2. Do It Yourself
   • These days, everyone wants to “DIY” remodeling projects but, some things are best left to the professionals.  There is a reason they have taken the time to train and learn techniques and skills that the average person does not have.  If you do not feel comfortable installing plumbing, do not make the very common mistake of trying to do it yourself.  Not only can it lead to major headaches, but major (and expensive) problems.  When it comes to cabinetry, plumbing and electrical, be sure you know what you are doing or hire someone who does.
3. Too Trendy
   • Have you seen the latest trends in bathroom design?  There are a lot of great trends but do not make the mistake of incorporating every trend into your bathroom.  It will be an expensive mistake you will either have to live with or replace when you tire of the trend.  Sure, everyone loved pink tile in the 1950s, but do you really want wall to wall pink tile anymore?  No!  Keep your bathroom remodel classic and incorporate trends in decor that is easily replaceable so that you are not married to the trends.
4. Under-Spending on Materials
   • You have set your budget, and as you see each penny being spent, you start cringing a little more.  You start clasping that wallet a little tighter and tighter with each purchase.  But, when it comes to materials for a remodel job, the last thing you want to do is try to cut corners to save a few bucks.  Consumer Reports explains why you should not skimp on quality materials for your remodel project, “Another common mistake is cheaping out on those items that get the most use. Lifetime warranties that cover leaks and stains have become more common on all but the cheapest faucets. PVD (physical vapor deposition) finishes resisted our best attempts at scratching them, but drain cleaners can stain them slightly. Chrome was also pretty durable in our tests, but can be scratched if you rub it with a heavy-duty scouring pad.
     Tile is another material that you touch and feel each day. While you can find quality options for $5 per square foot, super cut-rate tiles may have slight size inconsistencies. The results will be crooked lines that make a bathroom look shoddy.  So where can you save? Light fixtures tend to perform the same across most price points—it’s the high design that costs more. You might also find that opting for a basic finish on faucets and fixtures saves you hundreds of dollars without compromising quality. And you definitely don’t need to blow your budget on a luxury toilet, like Kohler’s $6,390 Numi, with its motion-activated lid and built-in bidet. Those are cool features, but toilets costing as little as $300 delivered the best flush in our tests.”
5. Overcrowding
   • You may be tempted to put in every bathroom design element and luxury you have always dreamed of, but, you need to work with the space you have.  If you have room to have that large soaking tub, huge shower, double vanity and more, by all means you should go for it.  But, if you have a smaller bathroom, do not try to cram everything into it.  You can still have a wonderful and luxurious bathroom and, when you work with the space that you do have, you will not feel claustrophobic and cramped because you tried to put too much into the space.  This is where working with an experienced contractor is important because they will be able to offer you their expertise and guidance as to what is appropriate for the space that you have.