If you have never undertaken a bathroom renovation before, it’s only natural to make mistakes. Those mistakes could be minor or significant, depending on how much planning you did before getting the renovation process underway.
Fortunately, the more homework you do before you renovate, the fewer mistakes you can make. Here are some of the most common bathroom renovation mistakes that are important to avoid.
Not Investing in Appropriate Ventilation
As you likely know, a bathroom is a hot and steamy environment. As a result, it’s a breeding ground for mould and mildew that can eventually lead to paint, metal, and grout deterioration.
To prevent such problems, make sure you have factored ventilation into your bathroom renovation. Don’t skimp on a bathroom fan – and make sure it suits the bathroom size. Doing so could save you thousands of dollars of repairs at a later date.
Not Considering Bathroom-Appropriate Materials
Your heart might be set on beautiful textured wallpaper for your bathroom, but is it the wisest decision? Given the moist environment of a bathroom, some materials are better suited than others. In fact, some bathroom materials are required by law.
During the design stage of your bathroom renovation, make sure that from the paint to the tiles and everything in between is of a bathroom grade for durability.
Not Having a Plan
Many people see bathroom features they like and purchase them without any real plan or guidance. You may have found the perfect tub, the perfect tiles, and the most beautiful vanity to sit in place. But did you measure? Is your bathroom within your budget?
It’s crucial to measure the space you have to work with. It’s just as vital to ensure that each feature you add will be both within the realms of what you can afford and suitable for the space.
Not Factoring in Functionality
It can be easy to get caught up in the beauty of bathtubs, showers, and vanities you see for sale. You may have even measured them to allow for a perfect fit within the bathroom’s dimensions. But have you considered how functional the space might be when you put everything in place?
It’s far too easy to end up with a toilet too close to a sink or a vanity drawer that won’t open because it hits the shower wall.
Not Having a Budget
Unless you have unlimited money to spare and no qualms about over-capitalising, not having a set bathroom budget is one of the worst decisions you can make. You may have spent more than your bank is willing to lend, or you may have pushed the cost of the house beyond what it’s worth.
Set your budget early on and stick to it as close as possible. By doing so, you can ensure that there are no unexpected surprises when your renovation is complete.
Not Abiding By Building Codes and Council Compliance
Even though we are a nation of DIYers, bathroom renovations can require an expert’s input. Before you get started, find out from your local council what you must do to ensure your bathroom abides by local laws.
Council consents might be required for installing new showers, toilets, and sinks, and you will also need a licensed plumber to carry out these jobs. Ignorance is not enough to prevent this from being a problem in the future. You may even find that selling your home later on can be complicated by unlawful renovations.
As eager as you may be to jump head-first into a bathroom renovation, take your time. Plan, plan, and plan some more. You can then increase your chances of your entire renovation going off without a hitch.
