Your bathroom is one of the most critical places in your house—it’s where you start and end your day, so it should be a comfortable, safe, and clean space. But all too often, people make common mistakes when renovating their bathrooms that can lead to big problems down the line. To help you avoid making any costly errors, we’ve put together a handy checklist of things to keep in mind during your renovation. From choosing the wrong materials to skimping on ventilation, read on to learn more about the most common bathroom renovation mistakes—and how to avoid them.

Not Planning for the Future

When it comes to bathroom renovations, one of the most common mistakes is not planning for the future. This can lead to several problems down the line, such as your new bathroom not being able to accommodate your needs as you age or having to spend more money than necessary to make changes later on.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to think about what you want from your bathroom now and in the future. Do you plan on aging in place? Do you have any special needs that need to be considered? Taking the time to prepare will save you a lot of headaches (and money).

Not Prioritizing Your Budget

Not prioritizing your budget is one of the homeowners’ most common mistakes when renovating their bathrooms. Without a clear idea of what you can and cannot afford, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a renovation and overspend. Before you begin any work on your bathroom, sit down and create a realistic budget. Include all materials, labor, and other costs that may come up during the project. Once you have a budget in place, stick to it as closely as possible to avoid going over budget and putting yourself in financial difficulty.

Not Hiring a Professional

There are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re thinking about tackling a bathroom renovation yourself. First and foremost, unless you have experience with plumbing and electrical work, it’s best to leave those aspects of the refurbishment to a professional. Not only could you damage your home if you try to do these things yourself, but you could also injure yourself.

In addition to hiring a professional for the plumbing and electrical work, you should also consider hiring someone to help design your new bathroom. Even if you have a clear idea of what you want your bathroom to look like, a professional can help make sure that everything comes together seamlessly. They can also help you choose materials that stand up to everyday use’s wear and tear.

Finally, remember to budget for unexpected costs. No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something will come up that you didn’t anticipate. Hiring a professional and planning for unexpected costs ensures that your bathroom renovation will go smoothly from start to finish.

Not Getting Permits

One of the most common mistakes during a bathroom renovation is needing the proper permits. This can lead to several problems, including code violations and delays in your renovation.

To avoid these problems, check with your local building department to see what permits are required for your project. Once you have the necessary licenses, follow all code requirements during your renovation.

Not Checking for Lead

One of the most common mistakes during bathroom renovations is not checking for lead. Lead paint was used in many homes built before 1978, and it can be dangerous if not properly removed. If you’re planning to do any work that will disturb paint, such as sanding or removal, be sure to have your home tested for lead first. You can also hire a certified lead inspector or risk assessor to test your home and identify potential hazards.

Skimping on Materials

When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, it’s essential to factor in the quality of materials you’ll need to complete the project. Skimping on materials may save you money in the short term, but it will likely result in a defective finished product that will only stand the test of time. Use this checklist to make sure you’re using high-quality materials in your bathroom renovation:

-Tiles: Make sure you’re using high-quality tiles that are correctly sealed and grouted. Cheap tiles can crack and break easily and won’t look as nice as more expensive options.

-Fixtures: Choose durable fixtures made from quality materials. Avoid plastic fixtures, as they can turn yellow and crack over time.

-Paint: Use good quality paint resistant to mold and mildew. Bathrooms are often humid, so cheaper paints may hold up poorly in these conditions.

-Cabinets: If you’re installing new cabinets, make sure they’re made from solid wood or another durable material. Avoid particle board cabinets, as they’ll likely warp and fall apart over time.

Not Soundproofing

There are many things to consider when renovating your bathroom, but soundproofing should not be one. Unless you live in a boisterous environment, your bathroom will not likely be the source of any significant noise pollution. So don’t waste your time and money on soundproofing materials – focus on other aspects of your renovation instead.

Tags: Bathroom Renovation, Bathroom Renovation Mistakes