So you've decided to revamp your bathroom. Not here to burst your bubble, it's an exciting project! But amidst all the Pinterest boards and collection of inspiration videos, it's easy to overlook potential pitfalls. Here are 4 common bathroom remodel mistakes (and how to avoid them) to ensure your dream bathroom has the best chance at becoming a reality - not a reno regret:
1. Underestimating the Budget: Bathroom remodels can quickly snowball into oblivion if you're not careful. Factor in the forgettable costs like removing old fixtures, drywall repairs, and those sweet, splurge-worthy upgrades. Solution: Set a realistic budget and allocate an extra 10-20% cushion for unexpected expenses. Get detailed quotes from contractors outlining all potential costs, so you're not stuck with any surprise add-ons.
2. Ignoring Functionality for Looks: Yes, the marble floors are a crowd pleaser, but are they practical in a wet space? Also, who's inviting a crowd to their bathroom? Keep a functionality-first mentality when it comes to planning. Solution: Might we suggest some practical details, such as slip-resistant tiles, ample storage solutions, and well-placed fixtures that make sense for your lifestyle?
3. Forgetting the Importance of Ventilation: Big fan of this tip. A powerful bathroom fan is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth and it's an oft-forgotten detail in bathroom renos. Solution: Factor in a high-quality ventilation fan during the planning stage. You know you're going to need it, so go ahead and earmark the funds for it.
4. Ballpark Measurements: Double (even triple) check all measurements before finalizing layouts or ordering fixtures. A minor miscalculation can lead to major headaches. Solution: Measure like a maniac! Sketch out your bathroom lay it out to scale, accounting for clearances around fixtures, especially doorways.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll set yourself up for a smooth and successful bathroom remodel. Planning on the front end can feel like overkill, especially when you're excited to get started. But the time will literally be worth the investment - trust us.