Whether you are seeking a quick update or considering a complete bathroom remodel, there are some design mistakes that can add time, money, (and stress) to your renovation. Here are seven common bathroom remodel design mistakes you can avoid to keep your home renovation project moving smoothly.
1. Starting Without a Plan
When it comes to any home remodeling project—planning is everything. But because bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in the home, preparation is particularly important to prevent costly design problems.
Bathroom remodeling happens in stages. And if you don’t plan ahead, you are likely to encounter unnecessary delays. For example, if the materials aren’t available for the plumbing, the electrical projects will have to wait. Working without a timeline can disrupt the workflow and delay your bathroom remodel by days or even weeks.
Solution: To ensure every detail has been considered, hire a company like Re-Bath that offers start-to-finish remodeling services. From your in-home consultation to your custom design, and removal and installation, our team handles every aspect of your bathroom remodel. Because bathrooms are all we do, we have the skills and experience to manage your project efficiently.
2. Not Allowing Proper Clearance
Proper measurements and a functional layout are essential to ensure your space flows. Your bathroom layout should allow for easy navigation and convenient access to storage, outlets, and light switches.
Showers, tubs, and vanities that are too big for the space can impede foot traffic and overwhelm the room. And they may prevent you from opening and closing doors and drawers. Don’t forget to leave room for towel bars, toilet paper holders, and other accessories.
If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair or walker, you will need additional clearance to move and turn, so consider installing a shower or tub with wider doors to accommodate these mobility aids.
Solution: If you have never tackled an extensive home renovation project, leave the details to a professional bathroom design consultant. Because they have experience managing projects of all sizes and scales, they can recommend bathtubs, showers, and vanities that are ideally suited for the proportions of the room.
3. Choosing Impractical Materials
Bathrooms undergo considerable wear and tear from high moisture to frequent temperature changes. It is important to select durable, water-resistant materials that are made specifically for bathrooms.
The bathroom is one room where you don’t necessarily want to cut corners. Certain fixtures and surfaces may be cheaper up front, but can cost you more in the end if they become damaged or cause a leak.
Solution: Do your research on practical, bathroom-friendly materials. Look for surfaces that are attractive, non-porous, and easy to clean. DuraBath™ acrylic and natural stone waterproof wall surrounds resist mold and mildew.
Our tub liners are manufactured to fit your tub perfectly, eliminating gaps and cracks. We don’t use grout to seal our products which allows us to create a seamless look that prevents leaks.
4. Forgetting About Storage
It’s fun to shop for tile, vanities, tubs, and fixtures—but don’t forget to add practical storage solutions to your list. If you don’t incorporate storage into your bathroom remodel design, you’ll end up with cluttered countertops and messy, overstuffed drawers. We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms. They should be beautiful and functional.
Solution: don’t have to be bulky or take up too much “real estate.” Opt for a vanity with plenty of drawer space to keep cosmetics, medications, toiletries, linens close but out of sight.
There are a wide range of budget-friendly and attractive shelving and storage products to store soaps, shampoos, and body washes in the shower or tub area. You can also place hooks on the wall or over the door to keep robes and towels off the floor.
5. Hiring Too Many Contractors
Have you heard the expression, “Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth?” Well the same can be said for too many contractors and your home remodeling project. Farming out various aspects of your remodel to several different companies can complicate your timelines and add to your budget. Scheduling and communicating with multiple contractors can also be a time-consuming headache.
Solution: Consider hiring a company that offers top-to-bottom bathroom remodeling solutions. When you work with a company that provides design, removal, and installation, your project is more likely to stay on time and budget.
When it comes to an investment like a bathroom renovation, the last thing you want are unexpected expenses. Of course, no company can guarantee there won’t be issues hiding “behind the walls.”
But when you have a single company like Re-Bath overseeing your partial or complete bathroom remodel, navigating these hiccups is much easier. If a project or issues comes up that is beyond their scope, they notify the consumer immediately and assist them in resolving it quickly and efficiently.
6. Overlooking Accessibility Features
A bathroom remodel is an investment. And while you may update paint and accessories fairly frequently, well-designed, high quality vanities, tubs, toilets, and showers are built to last for years to come.
For that reason, when planning your bathroom refresh, it’s smart to consider how your needs may change in the future. Today’s aging and accessibility bathroom features are designed to help mature adults and those with limited mobility utilize the bathroom as safely and as independently as possible.
Solution: While many mobility and accessibility products can be installed as needed, you can also choose Re-Bath ADA-compliant walk-in bathtubs, low edge shower bases, and built-in seating for comfort and safety from day one. Slip-resistant flooring and grab bars in attractive styles and finishes add another layer of support and fall-protection for individuals of all ages.
7. DIY-ing a Job for the Professionals
Tackling home DIY projects can be enjoyable and rewarding. But if you are new to remodeling, it may be best to leave your bathroom update to the professionals. Bathroom remodels require interior design experience and technical skills—not to mention a licensed plumber and electrician.
Sure you can save some money tackling the project on your own, but mistakes in the bathroom can be incredibly costly in the long run and require remediation. Hiring the right contractor can give you the bathroom of your dreams—on time and on budget.
Solution: Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be stressful. Hand over the tools to a professional bathroom design company like Re-Bath. We are committed to completing your project within days, not weeks.
And we provide everything you need for the perfect bathroom, from design to installation. Before you know it, you’ll be soaking your cares away in your gorgeous new bathroom!
You don’t have to make these bathroom remodel mistakes. Let the experts at Re-Bath oversee handle every detail of your project. Call 800-216-8526 or connect online to schedule a free design consultation today.