Bathroom renovations can be one of the most stressful experiences you can go through. However there are some simple things you can do to minimise the anxiety, and improve your chances of getting the bathroom you want at the end of the project.
It is always important to consider common problems you may encounter before undertaking your next bathroom renovation. Best to be fully prepared up-front, than to be caught-out unexpectedly by things you could’ve avoided with a bit of planning & preparation!
Bathroom remodelling projects also tend to be rather expensive, which is why you need to ensure that you have everything covered before you pump your hard-earned money into them. Here are 9 of the most common mistakes we’ve seen people make with Sydney bathroom renovations, which we’re sure area also made in all major cities around the world.
1. Failure to Set and Stick to a Budget
One of the biggest mistakes you can ever make with your bathroom remodelling project is failing to set a budget and sticking to it. It might be easier said than done since there are always unforeseen hurdles along the way of your project.
Fortunately, you can easily get around this by factoring in an additional amount in your budget for dealing with unforeseen issues. Typically this would be around 10% of your expected budget. Most people can’t afford to go over their set budget, despite how tempting it may be – for most people, this means having to cut corners in other parts of the renovation (or acquiring debt).
2. Failure to Install a Bathroom Fan
It is easy to assume that you can get away with not installing a bathroom fan, but you still need to have one even if you have a window. Proper ventilation is needed in your bathroom since without it, moisture and humidity will build up and this will destroy your paint, tiles, and grout.
If those elements remain damp for extended periods of time, you might start seeing the development of unsightly mildew. Put simply, be sure you install a fan and maintain it by regularly cleaning the blades & surrounding areas, to allow safe and reliable performance. In return, your fan will protect your bathroom and keep it in great condition for longer.
3. Failure to Check the Bathroom Measurements
Failure to check the bathroom measurements is perhaps one of the most common bathroom renovation mistakes people make. When it comes to renovating bathrooms, maximizing your space is vital. This requires accurate and well-documented measurements for all key areas such as the bath, basin, lights, taps and other fixtures, and the drainage.
This is an activity where you will want to invest your time. “Measure twice, cut once” was probably coined during a bathroom renovation project! Any time spent getting your measurements right will save you time, cost and heartache down the track.
Nothing is as bad as an overcrowded bathroom or buying a toilet only to find that it’s too large for your space. Checking the measurements is important since buying fixtures of the wrong sizes will also cost you money and time. Ensure that you have space for accessories such as towel rails, toilet roll holder, shelving, and other features.
4. Incorrect Positioning of the Toilet
The positioning of the toilet is one thing that you should always keep in mind while undertaking a bathroom remodel. Unfortunately, this is one common bathroom remodelling mistake that many people end up making.
You should avoid placing the toilet where everybody can see it. Simply put, you should avoid putting it directly opposite the door, so that it isn’t the first thing that people see when they get into your bathroom. If you are unable to do that (for example, if the bathroom already has plumbing for the toilet) try to detract from it using either an attractive shelf or mirror above.
5. Trying the DIY Model
A bathroom remodel is not a project you want to perform yourself, project unless you know exactly what you are doing. You need to consider many different things such as the layout, plumbing, fitting, tiling, etc. The bathroom is a complicated room and unlike redecorating and painting, it requires a professional to do the work.
From plumbing to electrical work and everything in between, bathroom renovation projects can be extremely complicated. As a result, they may end up costing you far more for a professional to come in and correct your mistakes, than you would’ve spent the first time on qualified professionals.
6. Hiring the Wrong Renovations Company
When it comes to hiring a professional, you must ensure that they are capable of handling bathroom renovations from start to finish.
Find a reputable and reliable renovations company by performing online research, asking your friends & family, and reading any reviews you can find. Take your time with this so you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve selected the best option for your location and budget.
Once you find a bathroom renovations company you’re comfortable with, be sure that you get all the details of the project in writing. That way, if mistakes are made, the plumber or builder working on your project will be responsible for rectifying them, and you have something in writing to refer back to in the event of confusion.
This is one area where “cheap” should not be your objective!
Always ask to see portfolios and hear from multiple references whose projects the professional has previously worked on. You will find professionals that exclusively handle such projects and will be best placed to handle any problems that may arise.
7. Investing in Cheap Fittings
You might be tempted to buy cheap fittings, but it is always advisable to buy good quality fittings such as frameless shower screens, vanities, and tapware. Cheap quality fittings tend to become more expensive in the long-run, since they will deteriorate or break sooner quickly and won’t function as well as good quality fittings.
You should always invest in high-quality products if you would like your bathroom to last at least 20 years. You may choose to purchase cheaper paint or other minor components, since you can more easily replace them at a lower cost later on. But in general, it’s best to think long term benefits vs short term savings for a bathroom renovation.
8. Overlooking Minor Mistakes
Mistakes such as a gap in the bathroom vanity can seem minor, but even the smallest of errors have the potential to turn into major eyesores later on. Make a point of fixing any mistakes as your renovation progresses, rather than putting them off for later. Avoid the temptation to overlook faults or gaps in the work – if you are noticing them now, you will be noticing them every time you use the space.
9. Incorrect Spacing
There’s no point in your bathroom looking amazing, if it’s not functional. Cupboard doors with insufficient clearance; placing the mirrors in awkward positions… or placing doors in inconvenient spaces can all impact the quality of the bathroom. Remember that you you and your family will be spending many hours the bathroom every month – so be sure you’re giving due consideration to the function of the bathroom, and not just the appearance.
Before any construction work begins, considerable thought should be placed upon the bathroom design. Again, this is not something for the amateur handyman and best left to the professionals!
Final Thoughts
Bathroom renovations can be wonderful projects for improving your family’s lifestyle now, while increasing the value of your property when you choose to put it on the market. However, as you can see, there are many pitfalls you can fall victim to along the way. Fortunately, most of the mistakes we’ve shared here are completely avoidable with a bit of planning & consideration. One of the best ways to avoid all 9 mistakes discussed here (and many others) is to simply hire a competent and professional bathroom renovation company from the outset.
