Bathroom renovations are often among the most exciting projects for homeowners to take on, and for good reason! In many ways, a bathroom can make or break a space. To make things a bit easier, we’ve compiled a few of the most common mistakes that home renovation shows and magazines don’t touch on.
Below, the NeighborBuild team breaks down some of the most overlooked mistakes that homeowners make during their bathroom renovations. Let’s dive in.
#1: Overlooking the Planning Phase
Never underestimate the value of planning your bathroom layout and design. When it comes down to it, an extra week of planning can be the difference between a bathroom renovation you like and one that you’ll truly love for 15+ years.
At NeighborBuild, planning is a non-negotiable. Detailed planning allows issues to be resolved before any construction actually begins. Over the years, our process has been refined into two key stages of collaborative planning. First, our team will work with you to discover your current situation and what you aspire to build. Then, we’ll work together to develop a clear, in-depth design plan and projected timelines. For substantial renovations, we also use additional design resources such as 2D/3D concept renders to assist.
#2: Not Hiring a Professional
If there’s one place in the home not to cut corners, it’s the bathroom. Bathrooms hide many critical inner systems behind walls, all of which are responsible for keeping the space functional. Plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems all must work together to support daily usage for years to come.
That said, homeowners can still safely take on simple renovation tasks such as painting cabinets or replacing hardware. Larger or more complex tasks, such as structural demolitions, electrical work, or appliance upgrades, are best left to a professional crew. Tasks like tiling and flooring are commonly viewed as DIY-friendly projects, but in reality, they often require more expertise than originally expected. Small mistakes on these projects can quickly go poorly.
#3: Leaving Storage as an Afterthought
While you may not be storing car tires, baby clothes, or dinnerware in your bathroom, storage is still essential.Bathrooms are unique in that they have multiple purposes in the home. Planned, organized storage is something that every family member will appreciate. Think extra towel storage for bath time or hidden spots for toiletries when guests come over. A tidy, clutter-free space goes a long way in making a bathroom more comfortable every day.
Fortunately, there are many different ways to create truly functional storage during bathroom renovations. Built-in storage shelves are perfect for creating seamless, yet intentional storage on otherwise empty walls. Deeper mirror cabinets can also give further functionality above sinks, while creating a sculptural, modern appearance.
#4: Not Preparing for Hidden Costs
More than other areas of the home, what you see isn’t always what you necessarily get with bathrooms. Once the tile and flooring are stripped away, issues that were originally hidden often make themselves known. From water damage to outdated plumbing, unexpected repairs aren’t uncommon in bathroom renovations.
The truth is, while everyone always wants a clean and timely renovation, that doesn’t always happen in reality. The best thing homeowners can do is remain flexible when it comes to their bathroom renovations and work with their team to find solutions that fit their needs, space, and budget.
#5: Valuing Trends Over Functionality
Trends don’t always age well. While interior design magazines often showcase the latest trends, that doesn’t mean they will age well over the decades. Design longevity is especially important if you plan to sell or rent your home in the future.
At NeighborBuild, we wholeheartedly believe that your bathroom should reflect your personality and suit your personal needs. We’re passionate about helping you create a bathroom that is personal to your style, which you’ll love for years to come.
Out with the Old with NeighborBuild
Well-built bathrooms leave no room for shortcuts. From tiles to finishes, every decision should be carefully designed to support your vision. If you’re interested in or planning to renovate your bathroom, NeighborBuild is your go-to renovation contractor in the Ottawa Valley region. Contact us today to get started on building a bathroom you don’t just love, but love living in.
